Free The Officer and the Southerner (Historical Western Romance) (Fort Gibson Officers Series, Book 2) by Rose Gordon Page A

her body against the soft mattress and barely heard the quiet noises he made and his boot falls leading to the door.  A quick click indicated he'd shut and locked her door, but that was the last thing she'd heard.
     

 
     
    ~Chapter Nine~
     
     
    Jack held his chin high as he walked into the large room all of the officers shared, fifteen minutes late. Around him, the air filled with low whispers, snickers and even a whistle or two. Jack ignored it all. Let them think what they wanted. It was better that way.
    Not wanting any of the men to know Ella was in their room alone, he’d waited until eight before leaving and walking to Mrs. Lewis’ house to let her, Mrs. Ridgley and Allison know that Ella was tired and wouldn’t be joining them today. He didn’t dare tell them she was sick or they’d be hovering over her until they all got sick. Then their husbands would kill him. Not to mention them traipsing back and forth across the barracks all day to check on her and bring her soup, which would only put them in danger and draw attention to the fact that Ella was there alone. He didn’t want that. Sick or not, some man might still harm her.
    Jack forced his best grin but avoided Wes’ gaze as he sat down across from his friend and picked up the stack of papers Colonel Lewis had left on his desk. He read over the lines and cringed.
    “Don’t like your orders?” Wes mused with a lifted eyebrow.
    “ No.” Jack set his papers down and sighed. “There isn’t much worse than having to inventory the ammunition shed.”
    “ At least we’re not in July.”
    That was true. July and August were two of the hottest months he’d ever experienced living here. The weather had grown warm in the summertime where he grew up in West Virginia, but never as sweltering hot as he’d experienced here.
    “Perhaps if you’d gotten here on time, you could have already started and would be finished before the sun gets too high.” He shrugged. “But I suppose since it’s the day after your wedding, you’re entitled to a late morning.”
    “ I imagine that I was out of bed before you.”
    A grin split Wes’ face. “I’d wager you’re right about that.”
    Jack shook his head ruefully. “Thank you, I don’t need to know anything more.”
    “ That’s good to hear. I hadn’t planned to tell you anything more.” He shuffled some papers on his desk and signed one of them. “But if you’re ever in need of an explanation when it comes to what exactly happens between a man and woman when they go to bed together, I’m sure Gray would be delighted to fill in the blanks for you.”
    Jack was sure that Gray would be delighted to do that very thing. Though there weren’t many ladies who passed through, there was a caravan of saloon girls who came through several times each year accompanied by a few protectors and offering their wares for the right price. The young and inexperienced boys always flocked to them, craving the pleasure they promised. Most of the men who’d been around for a time stayed away, however, deciding it was more important to keep all of their parts firmly and healthily attached rather than take a chance on a disease that would take their very state of manhood away. Except Gray. Gray seemed interested in the girls. All of them no matter their physical appearance. He never could resist a scantily clad lady with painted cheeks and a near toothless smile. The thought made Jack shudder.
    He stood, pushed in his chair and righted his coat so he could leave and be about his day. “By the way, just so that you’re aware, I have no need for any explanation. I’ve heard more than enough to satisfy any curiosity I might have had coming from your bedroom.”
    ***
    Nearly four hours later and Jack could still hardly contain his laughter at the look on Wes’ face after he’d delivered his parting statement. He’d known Wes for about two years now. Vaguely, he’d been aware of him at West Point, and then they’d