CHAPTER NINE

AUTHOR'S NOTE: The last half of this chapter contains an extremely graphic adult scene. It's nicely separated by XOXOXO. If such is not your cup of tea, you can skip the scene and move on to Chapter 10. Courtesy prevails.

XOXOXO

Buck had been on hay and water more than 24 hours, and he looked good when Matt saddled him at four that morning. Ashland was dead quiet as he rode out and headed North. Figured he could make Dodge just after sundown if everything went right. It'd be easy to decide when he got to Bluff Creek.

His mind replayed the supper with John Finch and Gabe Barlowe the night before. Both men were full of praise for Matt's speech. But he hadn't rehearsed the speech, he just knew people. He knew each man in the room had an agenda; a personal agenda. None of the speakers that morning had appealed to those individual sensibilities. All he did was seize an opportunity. It seemed so simple to an experienced lawman. Then he took another opportunity. He'd given Finch three different weeks that worked real well for a meeting with Osborn in Topeka, and John was only too eager to promise he'd wire confirmation. He knew the governor would be pleased about the mood in Ashland. As much as he cared about Ashland's success, Dodge City was his priority.

The prairie was Matt's favorite thinking place, and it was easy to get lost in his thoughts. It wasn't just Dodge that was growing, it was all of Western Kansas. The odds of Ashland's growth going smoothly without his intervention weren't great. He knew the enthusiasm would hit snags, just like it had in Dodge. He needed another full-time deputy. Festus was a good friend and a darned good deputy but he was a hill man, not an arbiter. It was time to ask the governor to go to bat for him with the War Department. The prairie gave him ample time to rehearse his speech for the governor about the growth coming to Dodge, the need for a bigger jail, and the need for another deputy.

Then there was Rose Ellen. What were the odds he'd run into another woman like this from his past! He replayed the scene he remembered so vividly from Ashland five years ago. Loy Bishop and his boys were vicious outlaws. If Rose Ellen hadn't sneaked his gun to him, he probably wouldn't be riding the prairie today. How could she have turned out so different from Belle? If only he could have gotten there sooner, Sheriff Hale would probably have enjoyed retirement. Death by ambush was all too often the reward for a lifetime of defending the law. Five years ago. Long time. Better to think about the next five years. Nothing he could do about the past. Would've been nice to have Festus along for the rest of the ride. The crusty deputy's constant babble about absolutely nothing always let him clear his mind. He kept up with his scan on the horizon, and noticed the clouds starting to roll in from the West. He'd join Bluff Creek just ahead, a good place to stop for water and some grass for Buck.

The snow picked up by mid-afternoon. Matt took time to button up his big coat, grab a heavier pair of gloves, and cover himself with the canvas poncho he had his roll wrapped in. Buck trudged willingly on toward home, even though the light snow stung as the wind drove it horizontally out of the West. There wasn't any good source of water between here and Dodge. They were committed to making it home. Four hours later, in a steady snowfall, they jogged into Dodge. Home looked mighty good to Matt Dillon.

He tied Buck, then walked into the office to find Doc and Festus playing checkers, and thankfully tending an empty jail.

"Well, you look like a snowman there, Marshal!" Doc giggled from the warmth of his chair by the stove while he watched Matt stomp and shake snow off like a shaggy dog.

Matt went straight to the stove to try to get some feeling back in his hands.

"Festus, sorry to send you out in the cold, but put Buck away for me, will you? Tell Moss he needs to be watered all he'll drink, then extra grain with extra hay. Been a long cold day."

"Matthew, I gotcher back on that. You jes warm up a bit."

While Festus was piling his heavy coat and gloves on, he turned back toward his boss.

"Matthew, day 'fore yesterday that there woman you was a-talkin' about, well she showed up in Dodge. Thought ya' outta know that."

"Any trouble?" Matt looked at him.

"Nary a thing, Matthew. She done tried to get a job at the Long Branch but Miss Kitty done run 'er off. We none of us seen her for two days since. But she's still got a room at the Dodge House, Dobie says."

"Thanks, Festus."

"And Matthew, I'm a-sleepin' right here tonight." Just like that, Festus was out the door.

Matt turned to Doc. "Why would he say that, I wonder?"

"Oh," Doc replied, giving his mustache a scrub. "Cause he's been sleeping in your parlor the last couple nights. Seems like he said he promised you."

"Yeah. He thinks like that. Well, good for him. Quint in the bunkhouse, Festus in the parlor. Kitty's had a regular army watchin' over her. You hungry?"

"Yes I am, and I'll bet you're more like starved. Let's head over to the Long Branch and get Kitty."

XOXOXO

"Good evening, Kathleen!" Matt met Kitty's big smile with a soft kiss on the cheek while she squeezed his hand.

"Why, good evening, Marshal, good evening Doc! So good to see you."

Doc laughed. "Yep. One more so than the other." He looked around the room. "Business here looks like it might be cold and snowy outside."

"Oh don't I know it! Sam's going to close up at eight and go home. You gentlemen hungry?"

"If one more person mentions food . . ." Doc cut Matt off.

"Pity the poor public servant here, been riding the prairie all day, nobody to get his food, nobody to talk to but his horse."

Kitty gave Doc a swat on the arm.

"Let's just head home. I've got brandy and I've got stew. And it's not catfish stew, either. It's lamb stew!"

"By gosh my dear, you've got a deal there," Doc grinned.

"That all you've got for a coat Mrs. Dillon?" Matt was watching Kitty put a cape on. "That won't do tonight."

He put his heavy coat around her shoulders, then threw his poncho on himself, slinging his saddlebags over his shoulder.

Doc let his mind wander for the briefest of moments while he watched Matt bundle Kitty up. How long ago was it that Kitty lived upstairs and Matt used every excuse in the book to sneak back into her rooms late at night? A warm smile crept across his face as he followed them out the door.

Doc and Matt had finished second helpings and Kitty her first when they heard Festus pounding on the front door. Matt greeted him.

"Come in, Festus, get out of the snow. What's wrong?"

Festus looked past Matt to Doc. He was sputtering.

"Doc! Tom Frederick's boy jes' came by the office. Been lookin' fer ya'. His baby girl's in a bad way on account-a caint breathe with the croup and they need you out there jes' as quick as you can!"

"Festus, hitch my buggy . . ."

"Nah, nah, nah, don't you make no never mind about that. I got 'er all ready ta' go out front."

Matt jumped up from the table and went for his coat.

"I'll drive you, Doc. No sense being out in this weather alone."

"Nah, Matthew, I got this here deal!" Festus was waving his hand. "You'll be a-stayin' here with Miss Kitty. I'm a-fixin' ta go with Doc. I got me all these warm duds on and I been cooped up in town so many days, jes' you don't worry, I got this!"

"Doc, you take this poncho of mine, it'll keep you dry." Doc nodded at Matt and donned the oversized poncho. It looked more like a tent on the small man.

"Festus, let's head over to my office. Got to get my bag and some supplies." Doc was halfway out the door when he turned quickly back.

"Kitty, thank you for the wonderful meal!" And just like that, he was gone into the snowy night.

"I'm gonna' tell Quint I'm home, Kit. And I'll bring more firewood in. Be right back."

XOXOXO

The house was warm and quiet. All the responsibilities of the day done, Matt finally took Kitty into his arms.

"Missed you like crazy!"

"So glad to have you here. Such a perfect night to be together. Can't wait to hear all about Ashland."

"And you will, sweetie. Tomorrow, I promise. I heard that Belle showed up while I was gone."

"Really. You heard, huh?"

"You weren't going to tell me about it?"

"Tomorrow, I promise," she replied curtly.

Kitty pulled away from Matt's embrace and headed off to the bedroom. All the while she got ready for bed, she was unusually quiet. Matt was uncomfortable with the silence as he puttered around filling the stove, snuffing lanterns and finishing the day. He hung his gun belt on the bed. But instead of crawling under the covers, he waited for Kitty. He confronted her standing, his favorite position of authority. He may have been wearing nothing but a union suit, but he was an imposing man.

"You didn't think it was important to tell me about Belle showing up?"

Kitty tossed her hairbrush onto the vanity and looked him directly in the eye with a determination that was anything but soft. Tension filled the room.

"I did not!" She said.

She walked briskly past him back into the parlor. Matt Dillon was left standing there confronting no one. Even more important, he found no one ready to join him in the big brass bed. He had two choices, and he never would have chosen the one of crawling into bed alone. He found Kitty standing in front of the stove, just staring at the flame that flickered through the small glass window. He put his hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. She came around quietly, with no attempt to resist. Even in the dim light, her eyes sparkled.

"For a reason?"

She studied the middle of his chest, right where her eyes fell when she looked straight ahead. She was quiet for a long time, composing her thoughts. Finally she looked up into his eyes. The big man looked confused. He'd been taken to task by the redhead.

"Because I'm selfish. Because I had other plans for tonight, Marshal. Because business can damn well wait. Because I wanted to crawl in that bed and get lost in your love. Because I wanted to roll around in that bed and get all tangled up with you. I wanted to feel you on me and in me, and just be full of you! I did NOT want to share my husband's thoughts with some deranged woman. There is no room for two women in that bed. Only me, Marshal. You need to take off that badge at bedtime, mister. I do not need a lawman. I need my husband. I hope that's enough reason. And I'm sorry for being so selfish."

Matt reached out and took her hand. He was overwhelmed to feel her respond. He took the chance of putting her hand to his mouth for a kiss. It was no chance at all. She put her other hand on his chest and stroked softly. And she decided to rescue him, so she spoke first.

"Could we go to bed now, my love?"

He smiled and nodded. Feeling comfortable now, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. She had her arms wrapped around his neck. Everything was right with the world. When he had her under the covers, he finally had the courage to speak.

"I'm sorry, Kitten. I treasure you. I worry about you. I know I'm too protective. I'm trying to learn all about this being married thing and sometimes I really mess up. I'm so used to telling people how it's going to be. I told you it wouldn't be easy being married to me. Just help me along, baby girl. I'll get better at it, I promise."

Kitty nodded her head and went in for a deep kiss, sealing their deal. The marshal was gone. The husband had arrived. She moved down to nibble his neck, the surest way to set him on fire. He was already stirring in his union suit. Fifteen hours on the trail today, the last part of it in a snowstorm, and he was stirring in his union suit.

"How do you do it, Matt?" She whispered.

"How do I do what?"

"Have the energy for this, after being out there on the trail all day."

"Sweetie, this is my reward. This is why I rode all day. It's my glass of brandy by the fire."

"You won't need that union suit for this glass of brandy."

It took Matt about ten seconds to pull his union suit off and toss it on the floor. He followed by sliding Kitty's chemise over her head. Two willing bodies under the covers explored each other eagerly. Matt wrapped his legs around Kitty's and thrusted repeatedly to nowhere. She was warm and soft against his eager sex. Just felt SO good!

"Your aim is off, mister."

"I'll keep trying till I get it right," he teased.

She wiggled and giggled, then rolled over under him, her legs still locked between his. He was pushing and prodding all along her thighs.

"Mmmm," she purred softly. "You're out of practice. You need more training." She tried to separate her legs, but he held her tight. So she rolled over again to face him.

"Good! You said you wanted to roll around and get all tangled up here." He went in for a deep kiss. The room was getting warmer and warmer. Such a joyful game!

He moved his legs away just enough to tease. When she followed, she could feel him touching her on the perfect spot. He pulled away.

"Damn you!" She gave him a neck bite. "You almost got it!"

"Still trying," he mumbled between kisses.

She reached down and grasped him. He wasn't just warm, he was red hot. She slid her hand softly along the big vessel on his underside, then stroked him slowly, and he groaned.

"You still want to do this? There could be consequences."

"Just help me, my beautiful wife! Help me find what I want. I'll face the consequences."

She pushed his legs away so she could open hers. It was easy when he was so ready. She rubbed him on her entrance, mixing their lubrication. He was guided, he was ready, and he entered. The minute he did, she convulsed in a climax.

"Oh gawwwd! She was panting. "Just like that!"

"Mmmm Hmmm. You still want to be full of me?"

"I already am."

"There's more."

Matt Dillon had forgotten everything else about the day. He was buried in pure rapture. Her hands on his butt, Kitty pushed him with each trust. Pushing, repeating, pushing until he found his mark. There was no turning back. He swelled, then stiffened. When it was over he strained and pushed again. Finally he collapsed on top of her. He was covered in sweat for the first time that snowy day. He laid there until he thought he'd crush her, then propped himself back up on his elbows. His arms were shaking.

"Gotta roll off, Kit. Feels like I'm gonna pass out."

Kitty held him quietly for a few moments while he caught his breath.

"You okay? I never heard you say that."

He stroked her hair.

"Yeah. Wow. Yeah, I'm okay. That was just like a bomb going off for me."

She returned his touches, but with two fingers to his face.

"That's what I was trying to tell you," she said softly.

They both laid quietly for a few minutes, lost in thought and in the love of each other. Matt finally found the strength to cover his girl with soft kisses. It was intoxicating to lay on his side and kiss her breasts over and over again. She responded into his hair and all along his forehead.

"I love you so much!" She panted. "I want this from you just over and over again!"

Didn't seem possible, but Kitty's feet were moving again.

"You didn't get enough? I tried so hard." He progressed from kissing to suckling, then to rubbing, kneading. It never failed.

"I got plenty enough. You did very well."

"Your feet are going. Can't hide that."

"And you're stirring again. I feel you. Can't hide that."

"Not trying to hide it. You drive me to it."

Kitty took the opportunity to crawl onto him. She tapped the tip of his steadily growing sex repeatedly with one finger, then went down on him for a deep kiss. He returned it, exploring her mouth with his tongue.

"Please, Matt. Just one more time. Please."

She sat up and carefully guided him. Even when she was so wet and relaxed, he was a challenge for her in this position. His urgency tempered, he was gentle. He went slowly. Soon they were rocking together in their practiced dance. Now there was time to bend over for a kiss, then sit back up, then bend over again. Kitty was in control and loving it. With each bend down for a kiss, his shaft rubbed her most sensitive of sensitive places. She lingered only long enough for the sensation to increase each time, slowly but surely. Rock, stroke, repeat. It was ecstasy! Her mind played with her. He was home. It was snowing. They were together in their warm bed. No thought of being careful. She increased her fervor. He was buried inside her when the throbbing began and they both went over the edge together.

tbc