Free Lonesome Rider and Wilde Imaginings by Heather Graham

get yourself established in that time, young woman, you hear me? We’re willing to do all we can from town here, you know.”
    She smiled. “Thank you.”
    â€œYou go on and have your breakfast at Mrs. Peabody’s. I’ll have McKenna’s horse saddled and ready when you are. Smart girl. I couldn’t imagine how you could have forgotten how wild and lawless this land can be.”
    â€œNo, I was really good, Mr. Delaney,” she said wryly. “I was careful. I’ve bought—and paid for—everything.” Including McKenna, she added silently. She offered Mr. Delaney her hand. “Thank you. Thank you for everything.”
    â€œThank you. It’s not often we’re paid in gold by such beautiful young women out here,” Delaney told her with a wink.
    She smiled. “Thanks again.” She turned and walked around the dusty corner to the wooden sidewalk, then hurried into Mrs. Peabody’s. She found Blade already seated at the dining room table. There was a huge plate of ham and eggs and sausages and biscuits set before him, and he seemed to be enjoying them tremendously. Jessica sat across the table from him while Mrs. Peabody served her some coffee.
    â€œThank you,” Jessica said.
    â€œEverything all set?” Mrs. Peabody asked cheerfully.
    â€œYes, Mr. Delaney was wonderful, he pulled everything together.”
    Blade chewed on his biscuit, arching a black brow as he stared at her.
    â€œMr. Delaney said I ordered very well, and that I have everything I need.”
    â€œI hope so,” Blade told her.
    â€œThis pot is empty,” Mrs. Peabody said with a tsk. “Let me run out to the back, I’ll be back shortly.” She exited the room with a bustle.
    â€œYou’re damned sure you’ve got everything?” Blade asked Jessica.
    â€œWell, I had been,” she murmured, “but now that I see how you eat …”
    He grinned at her, unperturbed. “Spent a lot of energy last night. Made me really hungry this morning.”
    She blushed, picking up a biscuit.
    â€œDon’t you dare throw one of those!” he warned her.
    She couldn’t resist the temptation. She gritted her teeth and threw.
    He caught it. Mrs. Peabody walked in. He started to butter the biscuit.
    â€œHere’s more coffee—” she began, but Blade was up, smiling, taking the pot from her.
    â€œYou sit down, Mrs. Peabody. I’m going to the buffet to get Mrs. Dylan a plate. She’s going to have to learn to have a hearty breakfast like a Westerner, right? If she didn’t acquire a good appetite last night, I’ll just have to see that she does in the future. Of course, we’ll have to hope that she can learn to be as good a cook as you, my dear Rose! ”
    He was at the buffet, heaping her plate with eggs and ham. She could never eat it all, even though she was starving. He set the plate before her.
    She met his black eyes. “Thank you!”
    â€œGrits! I’ll get you a bowl.”
    â€œNo, that’s fine. Really, I’ve never eaten them—”
    â€œThis may be Indian territory, but it’s damned close to Texas. Grits are a staple, you’d best get used to them. Easterners!” he said, black eyes on her. Then he added very softly, “Northeasterners!” He turned away from her suddenly, his tone changing. “Mrs. Peabody, this was delightful, as usual.”
    â€œHave more coffee, Mr. McK—er, Blade.”
    He picked up his cup, walking with it to the rear window of the room, from where he could see Mr. Delaney’s stables.
    â€œThings look about ready,” he said.
    Jessica sat back, sipping her coffee, studying him. She felt warm tremors assailing her once again. There was so much she liked about him. He was exceedingly handsome this morning in fitted dark trousers, a black cavalry-styled shirt and riding boots. His dark hair, cut to his nape, seemed