Chapter 9

Rock Creek, Nebraska 1872

The dance hall buzzed with life, awash in the warm glow of candlelight. Couples twirled across the floor, their laughter mingling with the jovial music that filled the air. Amidst the whirling skirts and polished boots, Kid's eyes found Lou, her beauty captivating him anew.

As he guided her across the floor, Kid's heart swelled with affection. "Lou, you look so beautiful tonight," he murmured, his voice tender.

Lou's cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Well, thank you, Kid," she replied, her gratitude evident. "Lara convinced me to buy this dress."

At the mention of Lara's name, Kid's attention wavered. His gaze drifted across the room, landing on his deputy who seemed entranced by Lara's every word. "He's supposed to be watching her, not flirtin'," Kid muttered, annoyance creeping into his voice.

Lou's gentle hand on his arm brought his focus back. "Take it easy, Kid. He can't help that he's smitten."

Kid's expression softened as he held Lou closer. "She said anything to you?" he inquired, unable to fully set aside his concerns.

"No. She ain't mentioned him once," Lou replied, her tone reassuring.

As they continued to dance, Kid's thoughts drifted to the rumors swirling through town. "Well, McGregor says he saw a man who looked like Vasquez in town today."

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, her joy infectious.

Across the room, another pair caught Kid's attention. Buck, typically indifferent at such gatherings, was leading Lara to the dance floor. Kid shook his head in disbelief.

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

Lou suppressed a giggle. "I think it's called dancing, Kid."

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

"Why's that?" Lou pressed.

"A girl like that," Kid began to explain.

"Like what?" Lou urged him on.

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

Meanwhile, on the other side of the dance floor, Buck and Lara were lost in their own world. Their bodies moved in perfect synchronization, as if they'd been dancing together for years rather than minutes.

"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, twirling her around dramatically. His hand descended to her waist, drawing her nearer, sending a rush of heat through her body.

"I'm glad you came tonight," she murmured, exhaling softly to steady her racing heart.

"So am I," Buck whispered, his lips grazing her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

As they danced, their conversation flowed easily, touching on Buck's past and present. With each revelation, Lara found herself more intrigued, drawn deeper into Buck's world.

"Why are you here?" Buck finally asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Lara paused, weighing her words carefully. "I'm looking for a man," she confessed, immediately realizing how it sounded.

Buck's eyebrow arched in surprise. "You're pretty forward," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Lara laughed lightly, eager to clarify. "No, nothing like that. I'm looking for someone I once knew."

As their dance continued, the attraction between them grew palpable. Their bodies moved closer, their words became softer, more intimate. The rest of the room seemed to fade away, leaving only Buck and Lara in their own private world.

The night progressed, filled with stolen glances, gentle touches, and shared laughter. As the dance came to an end, Buck offered to walk Lara back to her hotel, extending his arm in a gesture of chivalry. Under the starlit sky, their conversation continued, touching on Buck's past, the war, and his time with the Pony Express. Lara found herself captivated by every word, every story.

As they reached the hotel steps, a moment of tension hung in the air. "May I call on you?" Buck blurted out, his usual composure momentarily slipping.

Lara's heart leapt at his words. "I look forward to it," she replied, her voice soft and sincere.

In a moment of boldness, Lara leaned in, brushing her lips against Buck's cool cheek. "Good night, Buck," she whispered, her breath warm against his skin.

As Lara disappeared into the hotel, Buck stood rooted to the spot, his cheek burning where her lips had touched. Despite his best efforts to resist, thoughts of Lara consumed his mind.