Chapter 13 #2
I am stunned, and I know he can clearly see that on my face.
“You would wait that long? I have no idea what it takes to open a mine, let alone the timeframe in which it would start producing. I do have the money to pay for this Tyberius, but not with me. However, I could wire it to you once we are off the train.”
“Reggie, I can honestly tell you that time means very little to me, and since my Victoria is getting quite attached to your Jessica, I have a feeling we will always simply be a telegram away. As I said, I am in no hurry, and I’ll even pay to have the silver shipped to my home in South Carolina when you notify me it’s ready.
Then once the ring is paid for, hopefully afterward, we can work out a deal for more silver. ”
Tyberius sticks out his hand, and I grasp it with mine, instantly noticing how odd his skin feels.
“Thank you, Tyberius. I never saw this partnership coming, but I look forward to seeing what beauties you form with the silver I send you. Who knows, this may be the first of many exchanges we make due to trying to keep the ladies happy.”
He reaches for the bottle, pouring both of us another shot of some of the best whiskey I have ever had and sits back with a small smile on his face. He raises his glass before taking a drink.
“To new friends, unique adventures, and the happiness of our better halves.”
He hands me a beautiful gold ring box, and I slide the ring into it before carefully shutting the lid.
“Do you know how you are going to give it to her?”
“Not a clue!”
His laughter can be heard throughout the train. Shockingly enough, as heavy as my thoughts were when I came in here, I suddenly find that things don’t seem so bad. Finishing my drink I stand up, weary and desperately in need of sleep.
“Tyberius, my friend, I will see you tomorrow sometime, as Jessica was already disappointed this afternoon that she did not get to talk to Victoria. The last couple of days seem to be crashing down on me hard, and I am ready for bed.”
“Go enjoy snuggling up to your wife, Reggie. We will reconvene at a later time next rising.”
I can’t help the laugh that leaves my lips. “You say the oddest things sometimes.”
I tilt my hat and make my way back out of the car, glad that mine is only a few away.
Once in front of our door, I slip the key in and turn the handle gently so that the noise doesn’t wake Jessica, only to hear her whimpering.
Suddenly, I am wide awake as I pull my pistol out of the holster at my hip, practically tearing the curtain down that separates our rooms. My eyes search for the cause only to realize she is caught in a nightmare.
Holstering my pistol, I sit down, my weight on the side of the bed pulling her smaller body toward mine.
“No! Don’t … pleaseee … Reggie! …. Nooo don’t leave me here!”
Her words are broken up, but I can tell she is literally fighting with me in her sleep. I grab her shoulders and gently shake her.
“Jessica. Honey, you need to wake up.”
Tears flow down her cheeks, and the sight of them tugs on my heart.
“Jess … you are having a nightmare!”
My voice gets a little louder, but she still has not opened her eyes, so without thinking about it further, I sling off my jacket and the holster hidden inside, then pull her up against my chest.
“Jess … come on, come back to me… It’s just a bad dream.”
This time, I feel her breathing change, and her body relaxes as her arms circle around me. I lean back slightly, only to find her eyes open but still a little dazed. Taking my sleeve, I wipe away the tears on her cheeks.
“Hey, you with me now?”
Her words are so low I can barely hear her.
“You left me. You wouldn’t listen, and you just left me. I was so scared, and no matter what I said, you didn’t believe me.”
“I’m right here, Jess. It was just a dream. No matter how mad or upset I ever get, I promise I’ll never leave you stranded somewhere where you are scared. Yes, I am a stubborn bastard, but I am not heartless.”
“It felt so real. I am sorry if I woke you.”
She tries to pull away, but my arms only tighten as I don’t know who needs who right this minute.
“Actually, I had just come in and heard you. Scared the hell out of me, I thought someone was assaulting you.” I slide my arms under her, “Scoot over, I am practically hanging onto this side of the bed with my teeth.”
Lying beside her, I pull her into my chest, tucking the blanket between us so she doesn’t feel any more uncomfortable than she already does.
Tucking her head under my chin, I rub her back gently, and it’s not long before her entire body relaxes and her breathing settles.
I know I should get up and go back to my own bed, but damn, she feels good in my arms, and I hate to wake her by moving.
I must have closed my eyes at some point because sunlight coming through the window wakes me up.
When I open my eyes, I see a smiling face looking up at me, and I realize I have kept her close with an arm lying across her waist.
“Good morning … you snore.”
“Morning … well, it must not have been too bad, you’re still here.”
“You’re warm and quite comfortable, even if you do snore.”
Obviously, since I have no brains and I am fighting the urge to kiss her senseless, I start tickling her.
“Comfortable, comfortable?! What the hell, woman? I am not an old couch!”
“Stop, stop … you’re gonna make me pee myself.”
I don’t know who is laughing the hardest when she climbs over me, flashing those long, trim legs, and running toward the lavatory.
The moment I hear the door slide closed, I realize I’ve slept in the bed with her all night and literally woke up with a huge smile on my face, and I find myself craving more of this type of happiness.
I should get up and respect her privacy, but the bed is comfy, and I am in no hurry to go anywhere.
I hear her small feet walking through the room, and just as Jess steps next to the bed, I reach out, grabbing her with one arm around the waist, practically throwing her into the bed next to me.
Her laughter echoes throughout the room, and I can’t help but smile as I lean up on one elbow above her.
“Excuse me, sir, but I believe you have invaded my territory. This is my side of the room.”
“I was saving a damsel in distress.”
“Ohhh, really! Did you defeat the monster?”
“I came in sword swinging, ready to defeat the dragon that was going to consume her, only to find out she was fighting me in her dream.”
“Did you promise to make it all better when you woke her up?”
“I did, but I fear she doesn’t believe me. Maybe this will help prove I am the good guy here. Stay put, I need to get something out of my coat.”
Grabbing my jacket off the floor, I rummage around the inside pocket until my hand finds the ring box. Looking back over my shoulder, I contemplate what to do next.
“Okay, shut your eyes.”
Jessica throws her arm over her eyes, and I open the box, holding it in front of her.
“It’s safe to look now.”
When she opens her eyes, hers seek my own before she sees the gold box.
“Jess, I know we are doing everything backward, and you are still learning to trust my words and actions, but I want you to have this. Yes, this is two-fold. I am a selfish ass who wants to show the world that you belong to me, but I also want you to know this is yours. Yes, this is a wedding ring, and I did pick it out specifically for you, because it’s … you … in a ring.
In the last few days I have come to care for you, possibly more than I should, and in a way, I already consider you mine.
I know this was all just an act when this trip started, but …
Hell! I am tripping all over my own words here.
I want you to wear this and think of me every time you look at it. It is a gift.”
“You bought this for me?”
“I did, and I want you to know the story behind it, so everything is upfront. Tyberius asked me why a man of my caliber had not given his wife a ring. So yes, at first, I was buying it for all the wrong reasons, but not anymore. I truly care about you, Jess, and I would like to see where this goes. Either way, as I said before, the ring is yours.”
Picking up her small hand, I slide the ring on her finger.
Then, because I can’t stop myself, I tip her chin up and gently kiss her soft lips.
Her inexperience is instantly noticeable, but the thought of being the one to unlock the passion I know is hiding behind her innocence just about has me embarrassing myself.
When I lean back, her eyes are still closed, her cheeks flushed, and I can feel her trembling all over.
“Do you like it?
“What?”
“The ring?”
“Ohh sorry, I lost track of my thoughts there for a second.”
I bite my lip hard to keep from smiling smugly as I watch Jessica hold up her hand, twisting the ring one way then another.
“Reggie, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Thank you for thinking of me. I don’t know what to say.”
“All I ask is that you give me a chance to slay those dragons for real. I know you are worried about what happens when this trip is over and have even mentioned possibly leaving, but I want you … damn, I am not good at this …”
Those bright green eyes of hers seem to look right through me, and just as I am getting ready to spill my guts, Jess interrupts.
“Reggie, these last few days, I’ve felt like I was living someone else’s life. But you should know that you don’t have to buy me things. I am not that type of girl, never have been. Things go away and most of the time, people choose to do the same. All I want is someone who wants me for me.”
I kiss the top of her head and pull her into my side, simply enjoying the moment while her words replay in my head.
Wants me for me. I realize I have no idea who she really is.
So far, I know she was a maid in my cousin’s home, but she talks and walks like a lady with an innocent charm that most men, myself included, could not resist. I wonder, if this is what I know about her today … how much more will she reveal tomorrow?