Chapter 9

Rock Creek, Nebraska

May 1872

As the dance floor swirled with laughter and jovial music, Kid's gaze lingered on his wife, her beauty illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. With a smile, he twirled her around the floor, his heart filled with warmth at the sight of her blushing cheeks.

"Lou, you look so beautiful tonight," Kid remarked, his voice tender with affection as they danced.

Lou's cheeks flushed with color, her eyes sparkling with delight at his compliment. "Well, thank you, Kid," she replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "Lara convinced me to buy this dress."

"Hmmm" He grunted as his eyes darted across the room, his attention drawn to the deputy who seemed entranced by Lara's every word. "He's supposed to be watching her, not flirtin," he muttered under his breath, a hint of annoyance tinging his voice.

"Take it easy, Kid. He can't help that he's smitten." Lou placed a gentle hand on Kid's arm.

Kid's expression softened, his concern momentarily forgotten as he held his wife closer. "She said anything to you?" he inquired.

"No. She ain't mentioned him once," she replied.

"Well, McGregor says he saw a man who looked like Vasquez in town today." Kid's thoughts drifted to the rumors swirling through town, his brow furrowing.

Lou's eyes softened with empathy, her fingers gently caressing his cheek. "Kid, you promised me," she reminded him sternly. "You promised, no work tonight."

"Sorry," Kid murmured, his gaze lingering on his wife as he guided her gracefully across the dance floor.

"Now that's more like it," Lou giggled.

Kid watched as from across the room Buck was seemingly captivated in his conversation with Lara. He shook his head in disbelief as Buck took the woman's hand and led her to the dance floor.

"Well, what's Buck up to?" Kid scowled, quickly turning Lou around to get a better view.

"I think it's called dancing, Kid," Lou replied, suppressing a giggle that threatened to burst from her lips.

"Buck's got no sense when it comes to women," Kid remarked, a hint of concern in his voice.

"Why's that?"

"A girl like that," Kid explained.

"Like what?" She pressed further.

"She's trouble, Lou," Kid replied solemnly, his gaze fixed on Buck and Lara as they danced together.

"I didn't think you were coming tonight." Lara remarked, her voice playful as she met Buck's gaze. "Deputy Peterson assured me he's never seen you at any town dances."

"Is that so?" Buck pulled her closer and twirled her around dramatically.

In that moment, a rush of heat flooded through her as his hand descended to her waist, drawing her nearer to him. She knew, deep down, that the timing wasn't ideal, that there were pressing matters at hand. Yet, being enveloped in his embrace felt undeniably right.

"I'm glad you came tonight." She murmured, exhaling a soft breath to steady her racing heart.

"So am I." He leaned over and whispered in her ear, his lips just grazing her lobe.

"What is it that you do, Mr. Cross?" She pulled back slightly and collected herself.

"It's Buck," he corrected her, a smile on his lips.

"Well then, Buck," she said, a playful tone saturating her words. It had been a while since she felt like this—playful, flirty. She was out of practice. "What do you do?"

"I have a small ranch, just outside town," Buck replied, taking a deep breath. She smelled wonderful—fresh and sweet—but he couldn't quite place the scent.

"Lou told me you use to be a deputy in town."

"Mhmm," he mulled over whether to ask her or not. Finally, curiosity got the better of him, and he quietly inquired, "Why are you here?"

"The whole town is here." she replied with a smile, hoping he wouldn't press her further. "It's a beautiful night don't you think?"

"I mean in Rock Creek." Buck persisted.

"I know what you meant," she replied softly.

He watched as her natural cadence was quickly masked by her well-honed facade. He recognized it because he wore a similar mask, one used to conceal, to protect himself. He hated seeing her eyes like this though, hard and piercing. He slowly lead her closer to the corner of the room to afford them more privacy.

She glanced up and held his gaze momentarily. In that moment, she realized the depth of her desire to be truthful with him. The thought of deceiving him, even in the smallest way, pricked her conscience. She took a breath, gathering her courage to be as honest as she could. "I'm looking for a man." she confessed the partial truth.

"Oh," Buck remarked the look of surprise written clearly in his arched eyebrow. "You're pretty forward,"

"No," Lara laughed lightly realizing how that statement sounded. "No, nothing like that. I'm looking for someone I once knew."

"Someone in town? Maybe I know them." Buck's expression softened, his embarrassment evident as he looked away.

"No, not in town," Lara replied quickly, eager to change the subject. "Are you dancing with me to get information for your Marshal friend?"

"No." Buck shook his head.

"Then why are you?" Lara's suspicions began to rise, along with her voice.

"I wasn't aware a man needed a reason to dance with a beautiful woman," Buck replied sincerely.

"Oh." Lara felt her breath hitch.

"I understand your suspicion," Buck said gently, tilting her head towards him. "That's not my intention."

"What is your intention?" Lara raised her eyes to meet his gaze, her smile retaining its flirtatious edge as she awaited his response. "Mr. Cross?"

"Miss Alba, my name is Matthew Densby," he introduced himself, extending his hand as the music slowed into the next song.

"Mr. Densby," Lara curtsied gracefully, still holding Buck's hand tightly in hers as she acknowledged the man standing next to her.

"May I trouble you for the next dance?" Matthew's inquiry was polite, his demeanor respectful.

"No trouble at all." Lara lightly squeezed Buck's hand before relinquishing it, a silent acknowledgment passing between them despite the interruption.

Though Lara had hoped for another dance with Buck, fate had other plans. After a rather lengthy dance with the talkative Matthew Densby, she excused herself from the crowded dance hall, craving a moment of solitude under the night sky.

"May I walk you back to the hotel?" Buck's deep voice broke through her reverie.

"Buck!" Lara turned abruptly, surprised by his sudden appearance.

"Sorry." He extended his arm, a gesture of chivalry.

"You're lucky I'm not armed." She smiled and linked her arm through his.

"I'll have to be more careful in the future." Buck smiled, his hand resting gently over hers.

"Rock Creek is a lovely town. Have you lived here your whole life?" Lara inquired, engaging him in conversation as they strolled.

"No." Buck cleared his throat. "I lived here before the war. When I came back, I put down roots."

"You fought in the war?" her eyes opened widely.

She didn't recall much of the war; being just a child, her memories were fleeting. But the image of her father's departure lingered. The tales she overheard in the hushed whispers of the adults painted a somber picture of the world outside their home. She knew her father hadn't left solely for the reason of war; it had coincided with the murder of her aunt. The night they were sworn to secrecy.

"I did some fighting, mostly scouting."

"Deputy Peterson told me you used to ride with the old Pony Express."

"That was a long time ago." Buck smiled fondly at the memories.

"Sounds as though you have led a very exciting life."

"Maybe I'll tell you about it someday." Buck paused as they reached the steps to the hotel.

"I'd like that." Lara turned towards him, her gaze warm with sincerity, and she softly bit her lip as her heart jumped in her chest. "I had a wonderful evening."

"May I call on you?" Buck's blurted out the question before his nerves got the best of him.

"I look forward to it."

"Good night, Lara." Buck grinned eagerly.

"Buck." She gently pulled him towards her, brushing her lips against his cool cheek. "Good night."

Her soft, warm lips left a burning sensation on his cheek as Buck felt his heart quicken. Glancing back at her once, he waved before watching her shut the door. Despite his best efforts to resist, thoughts of Lara consumed his mind. She was unlike any other woman he'd ever met, and he couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter was just the beginning.