Chapter VIII Juarez and Green Chile

Promises and Dreams

By: tk421beth

Just updated this chapter 12/28/05...I had Jessie's journal date worng! Duh!

A/N: This chapter is in tribute to GREEN CHILE! For those of you that don't live in Arizona or New Mexico…let me explain the facts about green chile. It is a specialty in the Southwest…green chilies chopped up into little pieces, it's a wet sauce with bits of pork in it, and spread over everything! My favorite is a green chile cheeseburger with fries… green chile with eggs…green chile chicken burrito…yum! Now I'm hungry! I grew up in California, used to Baja style Mexican food. In New Mexico/N.E. Arizona Mexican food is so much better…THE BEST EVER!

Also: I love all of my reviewers! Thank you so much for sticking with my story! I know it takes me forever to update, thanks for understanding! You all mean so much to me! Special thanks to my betas, Sue and Tom! You both ROCK!

Tiff…Hope you like this chapter! This one's for you!

Chapter Summary: Escaping from John Kinney and his men, Jessie and the Regulators find themselves in old Mexico…

We arrived in Juarez, old Mexico, safe and sound. The townspeople appear excited to see us, just like in Fort Sumner. I sigh as I dismount my horse; I'm parched, hungry and dirty. All I was want is drink, food and a hot bath.

As tired as I felt, I smiled, noticing the town is decorated for a big celebration. Colorful ribbons, piñatas, flowers and candles were everywhere, as well as local people bustling around, getting everything ready. Children were playing in the street, as Mariachis' were strolling around, making sure their instruments and voices were in tune. Maybe later I will join the party. Right now, I just need to unwind!

I unfastened my saddle bags quickly rushed into the nearest hotel and paid for a room and a hot bath. Some peace and quiet is what I need right now.

"I can have your bath ready right away." The old man at the desk told me in Spanish, handing me the key to my room He also informed me that the whole town was starting their siesta shortly, and that I would have to wait for food and drink until the fiesta later tonight. He offered me a glass of tequila, though.

"Thanks!" I replied in Spanish, drinking it. "This is good!" Food could wait until later, after my bath.

"The maid will attend to you shortly." The clerk smiled back at me, as I paid for everything, and signed the hotel register.

The hotel room was small, with a huge bed near the window, overlooking the street. A single chair sat next to a small table against the wall. A single dresser with a mirror on top held a water basin and some towels. I laid my shotgun and my gun belt over the chair. Waiting for the maid to arrive and ready my hot bath, I lay on the bed and pulled out my diary.

March/April 1878

Not sure what the date is…that does not seem important at this time. We're in Juarez, old Mexico hiding out once again. We got John Kinney off our trail, hopefully for good.

I wonder if Alex has contacted the legal authorities, or anyone that could help us. The Santa Fe Ring needs to be stopped…I just hope one day, this will be over and done with. I cannot believe what has happened in the last few months. We are now wanted outlaws and I hope to get my revenge before I get caught, or killed. As always, Doc, Charlie, Chavez and Steve all care about my overall welfare, but Billy's the only one who in every way understands me. I love Billy…

I gasped in surprise at how easily it was to write that last sentence. I hardly knew Billy, how could I be in love with him? I frowned, perplexed about my feelings for Billy as I closed my diary, and packed it away.

The maid finally arrived, and began to fill the tub with hot water. After the tub was filled, she handed me a bar of lavender soap, a sponge and a large towel. When she left, I quickly undressed, and relaxed in the tub, enjoying the feel of the hot water. I closed my eyes and sighed with content. Nothing could make me happier.

I sighed, and dipped my head into the water. I could feel my muscles relaxing as I soaked in the hot water. Grabbing the soap, I washed my hair, making sure it was squeaky clean. My thoughts drifted to Billy as I sat back and closed my eyes once more. What we have is special. I know you feel it too...don't doubt what you feel.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Why is the maid back? Did she forget to leave me something? Without opening my eyes, I told her in Spanish to come in, as I picked up the soap again, and started to slowly lather my arms.

"Room service for the Sweetheart Shooter!" Billy's voice rang out with a loud snicker.

My eyes flew open, as the soap flew from my hand. What the hell-! My head whipped around to see Billy kick the door closed behind him. Billy was carrying a tray with some delicious smelling food, and some tequila. He also carried a large rectangular box. "What in the bloody hell are you doing here, Billy? You scared the shit out of me!" I yelled at him. "And quit calling me that!"

Billy cackled, as he placed the tray of food and drinks on the small table and sat on the edge of the bed, the box in next to him.

"How did you know I was here?" I demanded. Billy just smiled yet again. I then noticed he had taken a bath and put on new garments. He looked very handsome. "Going to the fiesta later?" I asked, trying hard not to stare.

"You're coming with me, sweetheart." My heart pounded with excitement. I was going with him! He asked me to accompany him!

I gave him a small smile, not wanting Billy to know how happy I really was. "Where did you get the food? Hasn't the siesta started yet?"

"Yes it has…but I persuaded a young gal to make this. I brought this for you an' me, Jessie."

I looked over at the plate. Tortillas, beans, rice and two juicy steaks with green chile…oh, it looked good! My mouth watered. "That looks wonderful!" I told him, licking my lips. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome!" He laughed, pouring the tequila, and walking over to me, holding two glasses. He had that notorious smirk on his face, as he handed me a glass.

"What shall we drink to?"

"A hot bath…and tequila!" He laughed again, downing his drink.

"To green chile!" I giggled, swallowing the tequila.

Taking my glass, he squatted down next to the tub. A devilish light glittered in his blue eyes, as he rolled up his sleeves. "Need help with your back?" He grinned, picking up the cake of soap that went airborne out of my hand a minute ago.

My face reddened in response to his provocative offer. "…Uh…" It seemed that I was at a loss for words. I can't believe I just said that! This whole time, for days I had wished that Billy and I had some time together. Now that we are alone…I don't know what to do…how to feel…Oh, God!

Billy chuckled as if he knew what I was thinking. He grabbed the sponge and dipped it in the tub. He then rubbed the soap into it, making a generous lather. "Lean forward, Jessie."

I did as he requested. "What's in the box?" I questioned, as he slowly moved the sponge over my back. It took all of my self-control not to groan out loud in pleasure.

"A gift for you, sweetheart."

"For me?" Billy bought me something? Why did he do that? Wait a second…to hell with why, that's so sweet! I glanced over at him. "What is it?"

Billy laughed, and stood up. "Get out and you'll find out soon enough." He held out the towel for me. I gingerly stepped out of the tub, and took the towel from Billy, wrapping it around myself.

"Open it." He said, laughing, as I hurried over to the bed, like a child on Christmas. I opened the box and gasped. Inside was a dark green dress, similar to the one Father presented to me on New Year's Eve…also the eve of my sixteenth birthday. I loved that dress, but I couldn't take it with me. I held it up, marveling over the delicate fabric. Tiny beads were sewn throughout the dress, I noticed. The dress had cap sleeves and low-cut bodice.

"There's more!" I looked over to see Billy grinning. I was taken aback to see at the bottom of the box lay undergarments, a brush, and other various feminine accoutrements.

I felt the tears swell up, as I looked over at Billy, who was now sitting next to me. This was some gift. "Thank you!" I told him, hugging him. My arms went around his neck as my body pressed close to him.

"Do you like it?" He asked, hugging me back.

"Yes, I do…very much so, Billy. I love it!" I kissed him on the cheek. "You made me very happy."

Billy smiled. "Good! I wanted to get you a green dress, to match your pretty eyes. I tried to find you one like the dress you wore on your birthday." He then cupped my face with his hands. "You deserve it, Jess. You deserve to be happy." Billy whispered, kissing me.

I kiss him back, enjoying the fact that no one would interrupt us this time. I gasped in delight as Billy's lips traveled from my lips to my neck, leaving a trail of wet kisses. With a muttered curse, he quickly took my towel off, and threw it to the floor.

Growling, he pounced on top of me, pinning me down on the bed. I squealed with delight, which in a split second, turned into a low moan of pleasure as his talented tongue recaptured my mouth. My entire body feels alive; all my senses are tingling, as he quickly shed his clothing.

"Hurry, Billy…I need you." I tell him, as his arms are now around me, holding me close to him. "I've waited so long for this!" I slowly kiss Billy's neck, as my hands travel the length of his body, pleased with his low groans of pleasure.

"We don't have to make an appearance until after the siesta." He whispers into my ear. I could feel the hunger in his hands as they roamed over me, caressing and fondling, making me burn. "That's at least two hours. Let's take pleasure in the time we have now."

"I love you, Billy." I suddenly burst out, looking into his eyes, my fingers curling in his hair. Why in the hell did I say that…and of all times right now?

His caresses abruptly stopped. "Do you, Jess?" He asks me, his expression serious; his blue eyes connecting with my green ones. "Do you mean that?"

"Ye-yes, I do." I stutter; horrified at what he would say next. My heart jumped as I stared up at Billy. Did I scare him off? Will he just up and leave? Oh, God damnit!

"Good." Billy slowly grins, as his index finger traces my lower lip. "But, right now, I'm gonna make love to you, until you can't take it any longer."

The soft caress of Billy's hands everywhere…his face in my neck…the smell of his musky scent…I feel like I could die right now of bliss…

"Wake up, sleepyhead…" Billy whispers into my ear. "C'mon, sweetheart…"

I mumble a curse, and snuggle closer to Billy, my face against his chest. I enjoy being in his arms, and do not want to get up. My eyes still closed, I smiled, reminiscing what we did in the last two hours…making love…drinking the tequila…eating a wonderful steak supper…making love over and over again…

"The siesta is over…time to get up." He chuckled, squeezing my behind. "Let's get dressed and go to the fiesta!"

Muttering another curse, I slowly opened my eyes, to see him smiling, as usual. "I'm hungry!" I yawn, stretching like a cat.

Billy laughs as he gets up, gathering his clothing, and begins to get dressed. "There's still a little bit of food left."

I wrap myself in the towel, and eat some of the leftover steak. After a few minutes, I start to get ready.

I finish dressing, and start to brush my hair. I see Billy is now fully dressed. He's leaning against the door, studying me through half-lowered lids. "Christ! You look damn beautiful!"

"You think so?" I ask him, standing up and peering into the mirror. I see nothing special.

Billy laughs, and in the mirror, I see him walk up behind me. "I know so." His arms slide around my waist, molding my body to his. Even though we just made love…twice…or was it three times? I want him again, right now! Billy's lips tickle the back of my neck, the touch of his warm lips send my head spinning.

"Billy!" I sway back into him, my hands grasping his forearms, which are still around my waist.

"I have one more present for you, sweetheart." He murmurs in my ear, as his hands fiddle with his vest pocket. "Close your eyes!"

I do as he requested, biting my lip in anticipation. "You already bought me too much!"

I feel something cold on my neck. "Open your eyes Jess." I do so, and gasp in surprise at the reflection in the mirror. He bought me a beautiful silver heart on a chain! A necklace!

"Oh my God, Billy!" I turn and hug him tight. "It's beautiful!" I kiss his face over and over again.

Billy laughs, pleased at my reaction, and pulls me close. "Read it."

I quickly hold it up. 'More than Pals' is on the front of the heart. I quickly turn it over to see S.S. + B.T.K. inscribed on the back. Sweetheart Shooter + Billy the Kid. I look up at him, my mouth agape. I can't speak.

Billy kisses me lightly on the lips. "You know I care for you, Jess." He steps back and offers me his arm. "Ready?"

I nod, taking his arm, as we head towards the festivity.

"Oh, sweetheart, I almost forgot to tell you…"

"What?"

"Charlie's gettin' married!"

Whew! That took me forever! I thank you all for being so patient! Hope you liked it! Please remember to review! Thanks!