Chapter 14
Rock Creek, Nebraska
June 1872
Buck's voice held a mixture of surprise and concern as he observed Lara bustling about the kitchen, her movements filled with a lively energy that belied her recent injury.
"What are you doing?" He asked curiously.
"Makin' breakfast," Lara replied with a cheerful grin, her eyes sparkling as she placed a steaming cup of coffee on the table where Buck usually sat. "Here you are."
"You should be in bed," Buck insisted gently, reaching out to take the plate from her hand, his touch firm yet tender as he gently held her wrist.
He wasn't entirely certain about the situation, but his familiarity with Lara gave him a sense that there was more to it than met the eye. This was her facade of charm. There had to be a catch lurking, just waiting to trap him.
"I'm fine. Really, besides I'm bored sitting up there," Lara protested, her determination evident as she wriggled out of his grasp, but her gaze was unwavering.
"Smells good," Buck relented with a sigh, acknowledging defeat as he surrendered to the enticing aromas wafting from the kitchen.
Despite her stubborn nature, Lara had made significant progress in the week since her fall. As Buck entered the kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the comforting scent of fresh coffee, bacon and eggs. The warmth of the room contrasted with the chill he had felt during his vigil by Lara's bedside.
"Well? What do you think?" Lara's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she awaited Buck's verdict.
"It's delicious," Buck admitted with genuine appreciation, savoring each mouthful.
"I'm feeling much better now," Lara announced with a radiant smile as she settled into the chair next to him.
"That's good," Buck replied, a hint of relief evident in his voice as he observed her improved condition.
"So much better, in fact, that I was thinking—" Lara began.
There it was, the trap!
Buck looked at her with a knowing grin, it was exactly as he had anticipated, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having seen through it.
"What?" She halted mid-sentence, catching sight of his Cheshire cat-like grin.
"No, you aren't riding out with Joaquin," Buck stated firmly, his eyebrow raised in admonishment as he met her gaze.
"How did you know?" Lara's lower lip jutted out in a playful pout.
"I see through your games, Lara," he remarked, taking another sip of his coffee.
"But why not?" Realizing he was avoiding her gaze, she made an effort to catch his eye.
"Eat," Buck insisted, pushing her plate toward her.
"Buck," Lara protested with playful defiance as she met his gaze head-on.
"You aren't well enough to go traipsing around all day," Buck reiterated.
"I'm going to go insane if I don't get out of this house," Lara declared dramatically.
"I'll take you out today." Buck arched an eyebrow at her as he shot her a playful glance. "As long as you don't pull a gun on me this time."