Chapter 2

Kitty counted the cash for the day. She sighed at the loss of money. She had to stop passing out free beer. She smiled to herself as she placed the cash in the safe and shut it up tight. She walked back to her desk and sat down. Sam knocked on the door, "Miss Kitty?"

"It's open, Sam." Kitty called out and continued writing down numbers.

Sam opened the door, "I'm heading out. All the glasses are dry, and bottles are refilled."

"The Marshal and Doc still out there?" Kitty turned in his direction.

Putting his jacket on, Sam nodded, "Well, I think Doc may have just left. Marshal Dillon said he would lock up the front for me. I'm going to go home the back way and wanted to say goodnight before I left."

Kitty smiled, "Sounds good. Thanks for staying, Sam."

"Anything for you, Miss Kitty." Sam smiled, "See you in the morning."

"Have a good night, Sam." Kitty rose from her chair, "I'll lock the door behind you."

"Night, Miss Kitty." Sam walked out as Kitty shut the door and locked it.

Kitty turned to the barroom. She walked out and looked around but didn't see anyone. She let out a sigh and decided to go check the front doors. As she walked through the threshold of her office, Matt grabbed her from behind. Kitty let out a surprised yelp, "Matt!" Kitty grasped as he back her against the wall.

He kissed her neck, "God, I've missed you…" He looked into her eyes.

Kitty chuckled, as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "Not as much as I've missed you, Cowboy…" She pulled him down for a sweet kiss.

He growled in response. His hands began to explore as they entered their world. He continued to work his way down her neck and Kitty reached for his belt.

"Russell!" A voice called out from the front door.

Both Matt and Kitty stopped in their tracks. Panting, Kitty looked at Matt and called out, "Who is it?" No immediate response. A knock followed, "We're closed!" Kitty yelled as she walked around Matt. He buckled his belt and ran his fingers through his hair.

"It's me, Miss Russell. Mitch Malone." The cowboy called from the other side of the door.

Kitty rolled her eyes. She unlocked the door, "What do you want? It's late." She said dryly and placed a hand on her hip.

Mitch smiled that saucy smile of his and propped his frame against the door. He didn't see Matt. He crossed his arms and push his hat back, "I thought we could have that talk and get to know each a little better…" He stepped forward, Kitty stepped back… and Matt stepped in… Mitch jumped and placed his hand on his gun out of reflex, "Whoa, mister." He removed his hand and placed it on his chest, "I didn't see ya there."

"I think the lady is asking you to leave." Matt walked up behind Kitty.

Mitch chuckled, "This 'lady' and I have business to attend that doesn't involve you, mister."

Matt stepped a bit closer, "I'm the marshal around here… everything is my business, son." The men never blinked as they sized up one another.

Kitty placed her hand on Matt's chest to call him off, "Matt." He looked down. She continued, "This is the cowboy that wants to rent The Long Branch for the birthday party."

"That's right, marshal." Mitch said almost in a petulant manner…

Kitty looked to Mitch, "Mr. Malone, I appreciate you coming back by… but it is late." She suggested, "Can you come back tomorrow? I'll even throw a beer in for good measure."

Mitch stared at Matt for another moment. He did not like not getting his way, but his eyes soften a bit when he turned back to Kitty, "Make it whiskey, and I'll be here."

"Fine." Kitty answered.

Mitch tipped his hat, "Miss Russell."

Kitty forced a grin and shut the door. She locked it and turned to face Matt. Matt was still staring over her. Kitty placed her hand on his check to break the gaze. He looked down at her. She smiled, "There he is…"

"I don't like that cowboy, Kitty." Matt reminded her.

"I know. I don't like him either, but I like his money." Matt grunted and rolled his eyes. She rubbed her thumb across his lips, "I know one cowboy I like an awful lot…" Matt smiled knowingly. Kitty took his hand and lead him upstairs. Matt followed willingly behind.

It was a little after midnight and they lay wrapped in each other's arms. Matt loosen his grip around Kitty's waist and brushed her hair back to expose her neck. He leaned in and kissed her shoulder.

"Kitty?" Matt whispered.

"Mmmm?" Kitty stirred a bit.

"You awake?" Matt asked innocently.

"I can be." She smiled.

"I need to tell you something." Matt let out a breath.

She sighed, opened her eyes, and looked off into the lightly dimmed room, "What's wrong, Cowboy?" Kitty could hear something in his voice.

He rolled over onto his back, "Nothing's wrong." He put his hands behind his head, "I just have to leave tomorrow, Kitty."

"What?" She rolled over and turned up the lamp. She popped herself up on her elbow and looked down at Matt, "What do you mean, you have to leave… you just got back."

He blew out another breath, "I know." He looked away from her, "I have another trial in St. Louis."

"Missouri? Really?" Kitty was aggravated but couldn't be upset, "When did you find out?"

"Shortly after I got back." He looked her in the eye, "I had received a telegram two days ago and Festus had it with my mail." Matt admitted, "I just missed you and didn't want to say anything yet."

Reluctantly, Kitty asked, "When do you leave tomorrow?"

Matt thought about it, "Probably around noon." Kitty sat in silence. She nodded and lay back down beside him. He wrapped his arm around her as she took her spot next to him. Matt broke the silence, "I'm not sure about this birthday party…" He ran his finger's through his hair, "Especially, with me not being here."

Kitty never looked up, "I know, Matt."

They sat in silence for another moment. Matt spoke first again. He didn't want any trouble, "Is there any way I can get you to change your mind?" He knew Kitty had already made her mind up. She was a little slow this time of year and welcomed the extra income.

"Is there any way I can change yours?" Kitty countered. Matt didn't answer. Kitty looked up at him, "Festus will be here, Doc and Newly. I'll be fine, Matt."

"I don't like that cowboy, Kitty." Matt repeated and shook his head, "There's just something about him."

"To you, he looks like a gunslinger." Kitty told him.

"He looks like danger." Matt agreed.

She paused before continuing, "I meet with him in the morning." She snuggled in a bit closer, "If you happen to come by for a beer, you can listen in… or join…"

"I think a beer might sound good." Matt kissed her hair.

"That's settled then." Kitty smiled, "Goodnight." She placed her hand on his chest.

"Night, sweetie." Matt placed his and over hers.

TBC