THE DEPUTY: CHAPTER 7

XOXOXO

A/N: You guessed it: This first section features Matt and Kitty's most personal time. Just mentioning it because I want to be polite. Matt and Kitty just never seem to get tired of each other, and when they get going I can't do much to stop 'em!

XOXOXO

Matt pulled Kitty into his arms in the comfort of their bed.

"Sorry I'm so slow."

"Slow?" She was beyond confused at where this was going.

He sighed deeply. "I said I'd find a deputy. You've got the Long Branch all set and it's busier than ever. You bought the stock for us. You just did everything in our little plan."

Kitty reached up and ran her fingers through his curls.

"I love you, Matt. We're a team. You're the one who found Lily, remember? We take this a step at a time. The right guy'll come along you'll see."

"Frank's the right guy. I messed it up. My fault."

"If he's the right guy he'll come around. You came around for me, remember?"

She traced his nipples with the lightest fingertip touch.

"You want to lay here in bed and beat yourself up over Frank, or you want to play with me? Your choice. No pressure."

He answered her, but without words, tracing her nipples with the same touch she'd used. It became a game, two lovers following each other's lead with the softest of fingertips. Up, down, all around each other's bodies and not a word said. But Kitty had the advantage. When she ran her fingertips around his swollen sex, he grunted. When she tapped gently, the grunt became a loud groan. He needed to talk to her. It drove him wild to talk to her when they were making love. And now with all his troubles forgotten, he wanted to just lose himself in her.

"Do that some more," he whispered.

"Do what? You can tell me about it."

"Your fingers on me there. Your fingers are on fire!"

"Good fire?" She was smiling coyly, tapping gently.

"Mmmm," he grunted. "More like great. Your feet are moving again."

"I'm lost in thought."

"I'm thinkin' about being lost in you."

"And why do you suppose my feet are moving?"

Gently but deliberately, she wrapped her entire hand around him and began a rhythm. Squeeze, stroke twice, release. He tolerated it several times, while a grimace claimed his face. Finally, he took her by the wrist and put her hand away and up to his lips, kissing then sucking on each fingertip.

"You can't do that. I'll blow up."

"You seemed to be enjoying it."

"Yeah. Been enjoying it long enough. Need new territory."

He rolled on top of her, gently pushing one leg then the other apart with practiced knees. She raised her hips to meet him, then took him in her hand again to guide him. He entered slowly, then withdrew.

"Can't." His eyes were shut tight.

"Why?"

"Because if I move . . ." He didn't have to finish the thought.

She guided him again, pausing to rub him at her entrance.

"So wet."

"Yes you are."

"I meant you."

"Yes we are."

"Matt, please!"

She exhaled deeply when he entered her, then gyrated on him, matching the rhythm of her feet. The pleasure of feeling him was overwhelming. He was allowing it now, allowing her to join him, headed for that pinnacle they both wanted. Waiting for her, afraid to move, letting her have all the control. Wanting her, wanting to take her, but wanting to wait, to enjoy, anticipate. She wrapped her legs around his waist, trying to lock her ankles behind him. He thrusted once tentatively and survived. Then he tried again and survived. This time she pushed hard against him. Time to get serious. They rocked together, breathing coming in fits and spurts. Too late to stop. No need to stop! She felt that last surge and then his swelling. He'd let go. When he buried his head in her neck, the pulses came and she felt the heat of him. Involuntarily, her body throbbed, squeezing him in her own ecstasy. Very much aware of what had happened, he struggled to thrust again and again to prolong her pleasure, even though they were both hopelessly spent in the effort. Finally there was nothing left but to rest as lightly as he could on top of her while they both fought to get air. He didn't want to withdraw. He wanted to stay in this magnificent place for the rest of his life. How could it be so good?

Ultimately, his arms began to tremble from the effort of allowing his wife enough relief that she could breathe normally. It gave her a sense of loss when he finally rolled off, spilling the last traces of his lovemaking onto her legs.

"I love you, Kitten. Promise you'll never leave me."

"You know I'd never do that. What in the world would make you say that?"

He was quiet for a while.

"Stuff I don't expect till it blindsides me."

She knew he meant Frank again. Damn. Who was this guy? Why did he have such a hold on him?

XOXOXO

Festus charged into the jail with the telegram in his hand.

"Barney said this here's urgent Matthew! They's trouble a brewin!"

Matt gave a brief thought to Barney's indiscretion. Festus couldn't read. The only way he'd know about "trouble a brewin" was that Barney had spilled the beans. It was pointless concern, so he tore into the envelope.

"Festus, this is from the sheriff down at Ashland. He's got some railroad trouble down there he can't handle. I'll have to leave today."

He gave some thought to what else he should add.

"Don't know how long I'll be gone. It's a two day ride. Depends on what the trouble is. I'll send a telegram when I'm headed home. You're gonna have to handle the trailhands for a while."

"Foot, Matthew. It won't be no chore. We got a good jail now n' if any of 'em gits outta hand me n' th' Comanche kin corral 'em." It was Festus' standard answer. He didn't know the meaning of "can't." It was one of the many things that had endeared him to Matt. Reading just didn't seem to be something to worry about at times like these.

"You run into anything out of the ordinary, have Kitty send a telegram to me at Ashland, okay?"

"Count on it, Matthew. Jes' count on it."

Matt loaded a rifle and packed his saddlebags with extra ammunition. His first stop was the Long Branch to tell Kitty of his change in plans. The walk was short, but it gave him time to think about how much he wished he had one more guy. Just one more guy. Dodge was busier than it had ever been during the drives.

"Hello Matt!" Lily was the first to greet him when he walked in. "She's in her office." He tipped his hat, then touched her softly on the shoulder.

"Thanks, Lily. I'm not here to deliver the best of news."

Instinctively, Lily knew. She raised her eyebrows and sighed in understanding. The boss wouldn't be fun to deal with after Matt left.

He walked in the office without knocking and locked the door behind him. Bent over her ledgers as she was, she saw him lock the door and knew this wasn't a quick "how ya' doin" visit. She stood and met him halfway across the room.

"Got to ride to Ashland, Kit." He handed her the telegram.

"I know better than to ask how long."

Instead of answering, Matt pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her neck, stroking up and down her back. There wasn't a good answer. It was harder for him now, harder for both of them to be apart. It was the best and the worst part of having a wife, all rolled into one. He snorted into her neck and covered her with soft kisses. Finally, he pulled back and kissed her deeply on the lips.

"Love you, baby girl."

"Love you, Cowboy. Be careful."

Surprised to see him in the middle of the day, Buck greeted Matt with a friendly nicker and eagerly walked forward to be caught. He'd been on hay and water all morning. Didn't matter the adventure, he was ready. Matt saddled and bridled, then gave one afterthought to the trip. He went in the house and stuffed pork, eggs, biscuits and his flask into his saddlebags. Might have to camp along Bluff Creek. There were always rabbits, but still his house held treasures.

XOXOXO

When Kitty got home for supper, she found Matt's note on the kitchen table.

"Kitten,

Last night was amazing! No way to tell you how much I love you except what I tried to prove then. Hang onto that private thought. We'll be back together in no time.

Love You!

Matt"

She smiled, folded the note up, and put it in her reticule. She puttered restlessly around the house, trying to decide what to do next. It was always like this the first night he was gone. It never got better. She went to the barn, gave the horses a carrot and fed them so Quint wouldn't have to. Didn't help a bit looking at Buck's empty stall. Finally, she settled on a hot bath. The lavender soap always did the trick, and tonight was no exception, even if the tub was much too large for her alone. She tried her best to feel Matt underneath her, but it was only the first night.

The days were full-on long now, with dusk not coming for several more hours. It was a quick walk back to the Long Branch, and at least she could stay busy and be with friends. She decided on her blue dress, always appropriate for working up front.

Ollie was at his station, leaning against the wall behind Jenny's faro table. He may have been surprised to see Kitty walk in, but emotion was not his way, so he simply tipped his hat and smiled. Doc, on the other hand, abandoned his beer at the back table and met her halfway.

"What in thunder you doin' back here, you didn't get enough today?"

"Relax Curly. I own the place." She had a bright smile for her friend.

"Heard he left this afternoon. C'mon, sit with me while I drink my beer."

"You know, Kitty, strangest thing. I was back out at Owney Wilson's again today. That gelding of his is doing great. Already back to work." Doc took a pensive draw on his beer.

Kitty wasn't lost for long.

"You mean that horse with the bad leg?"

"Exactly. Used the Bear root on him. I was planning to tell Matt but looks like I won't get the chance for a while."

"So you think it works?"

"Nope. Nope, I didn't say that. It was probably just my keenly honed surgical skills. First rule of medicine is do no harm. Takes a lot more than one horse in a dirty barnyard to make a believer out of me. It just means I'll still keep an open mind."

Kitty smiled and gave Doc a wink. "Matt's still beating himself up over Frank. Do you remember anything about the guy?"

"No, only what Matt told me about them being like brothers before they went their separate ways. Frank was only here once, and that was a good ten years ago, maybe more. I wasn't even sure I liked Matt Dillon yet then, much less Frank. The guy didn't stay long enough for anybody to get to know him, and he and Matt kept to themselves."

Lily was at the table quickly when she saw Kitty.

"Kitty, let me get you something from the bar." She made sure to stand between the two, a hand resting on each shoulder. It wasn't lost on Doc.

"Just a cold tea, Lily. Thought I might work with Sam for a bit tonight."

"Such a pretty girl she is," Doc commented as Lily walked away. "Why if I was twenty years younger . . ."

Kitty patted his hand and smiled. "You never know, Curly."

"She sure adds some decoration here, Kitty. Pretty women everywhere now and only one of 'em married. How's Jenny Glover working out for you?"

"Look for yourself." Kitty gestured toward the faro table. "Just turned eight o'clock, the table's already full and they're lined up behind her. I wish I had two of her."

"Well, you DO you know. You could deal right next to her night after night and double the take. If I remember correctly you have all the skill she has and more. All you have to do is send that overgrown public servant packing. . ."

"Such memories you bring back!" She smiled. "Wow, do you remember how he always hated it when I dealt cards, even way before . . . well, way before anybody even had an idea we liked each other?"

"Tell you a little secret, sweetie. There was never a time I didn't know how you two felt about each other. Not from that very first year."

"I'm gonna go work the bar with Sam for a while. How long will you be here?"

It was a practiced routine between them when Matt was out of town.

"Only until you're ready for me to walk you home."

"And Lily?"

"Oh," he smiled and scrubbed his mustache. "I think she can make it up the stairs by herself."

XOXOXO

Matt rode up on the third herd of the day at sundown. The hands already had the cattle gathered in the meadow at Bluff Creek for the night, and camp was bustling. Three stock dogs announced his arrival, barking aggressively at the new rider they didn't recognize. The cook looked up from his work with a ragged expression.

"Boss is over in that first group, mister." He gestured with his big spoon toward a circle of cowboys sitting on the ground. "Don't have a lot extra to feed you unless you want work. We always feed them that wants to work."

"Thanks. I won't need to trouble you." And Matt led Buck over to find the boss, who immediately set his plate on the ground and stood to greet him.

"Matt Dillon! Damn!" Quickly wiping his mouth on his sleeve, he grinned and extended his hand for a hearty shake. "Boys, this here's Marshal Matt Dillon from Dodge come all the way down here to welcome us, I'm guessing."

Matt laughed. "Good to see you again Boyd. You haven't got too old for this yet, huh?"

"Look who's talkin. When you gonna give up that badge and find honest work?"

He turned back to his men. "Boys, this man's here to tell us to be on our good behavior in Dodge City. He runs everything there on the up and up."

"Not a chance Boyd. I'm actually looking to turn my horse in with yours and bed down for the night. I'm on my way to Ashland."

"Sure, sure! Welcome to camp! Get unsaddled. Dave'll water your horse and put him in the remuda. C'mon here now, Matt, get unsaddled and we'll get you some grub."

Matt pulled his gear from a grateful Buck and let Dave lead him away.

"I've got plenty of grub in my saddlebags here, Boyd. Sure would take some coffee though."

"By gosh, we got plenty. How 'bout a little whiskey beforehand?" He held up the last half-full bottle that had made the trip from Texas.

Matt knew whiskey was a precious treat on the trail. He had his flask in his saddlebags, the one Kitty always kept packed with her best. But he knew the code of the trail well. You never refused to have a drink with the boss, and you never EVER refused his stock.

"I'd sure enjoy that, thanks." Was his reply.

"How far ahead of us is the Two U herd, Matt?" News was hard to come by on the prairie. Matt's visit was more than welcome.

"I'm gonna say about four hours. They won't make Dodge till tomorrow afternoon. Broken Spoke was far enough ahead of them that they'll be holdin' herd just outside the Dodge yards by about now."

"Good, good. That should all work out. So, Ashland, eh? We just came through down there. Course we don't go anywhere near town, but there was plenty more people down around there than last year. Looked like a bunch a' damned pilgrims or some such. What takes you to Ashland?"

"Yeah, you called it right. They're homesteaders. I'm headed down there to help the sheriff with some problems he's got with them and the railroad. Any luck at all it'll go quick and I'll see you boys in Dodge, or at least run into you on your ride back south."

"Hey, Matt. That fancy redhead still own the Long Branch?"

"Yep." He grinned, even though Boyd misunderstood why.

"I told the new guys about her. She's one to remember. I suppose you're still ridin' herd on her like she belongs to you."

"Yep." The grin got even broader.

"Well, you oughta' ride north with us in the morning then, cause she'll be free for the takin' with you down in Ashland."

Matt knew it was all in jest. Boyd had been a friend for a long time. But there was something he'd heard once about "protecting your assets." And besides, his pride was at stake.

"Nope. Won't be any takin', Boyd. She's my wife now."

"You sorry ol' son of a blue-nosed gopher!" Boyd was grinning from ear to ear. "That beautiful girl married a beat up ol' cowboy like you?"

"Yep."

Boyd couldn't get over to Matt fast enough to pump his hand once again, still wearing his ear-to-ear grin.

"By gosh, congratulations! Yessir, by gosh! You did real good for yourself on that, Matt. You better keep her happy. That's one fine woman! By gosh, congratulations!"

tbc