A Westward Adventure by Kristy McCaffrey - February #blogabookscene #PrairieRosePub @PrairieRosePub

By Kristy McCaffrey

Blog-A-Book-Scene is a monthly themed blogging endeavor from a group of authors who love to share excerpts from their stories. Find us on Twitter with the hashtag #blogabookscene or #PrairieRosePub.

The theme for February is ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE. The following is an excerpt from my short novella A Westward Adventure, a sweet historical western romance.

Excerpt
In near darkness, Amelia washed Riggs in a tub of water behind Aunt Teddy's house. The dog was uncommonly good-mannered about it, panting in happiness and swinging his head to her every few seconds to plant a wet kiss on her face. Her dress was soaked as she scrubbed the dog's fur.

Aunt Teddy wasn't put out by the arrival of Riggs, of which Amelia was glad. Her aunt had told Ned that he needed a dog if he planned to live in the Parker house all by himself. Amelia couldn't help but feel that Teddy wasn't just talking about a pet, but about the fact that Ned needed a wife, too.

"What's that smell?" Ned's voice startled Amelia from her thoughts. "Are you drinking?"

"No." She scooped water with a bucket and dumped it over Riggs. "I'm washing him with rum."

"What on earth for?"

"It's wonderful for cleansing the hair--I've used it myself--and it can defer disease. Riggs was filthy, and I'd wager housing unwanted critters in his fur."

"Smart, except he'll smell like he was just at Laramy's. I'll bet he needs a double-washing."

"He's certainly dirty, but he's a happy fella." She let Riggs lick her face. "And maybe just a bit into his cups."

"Where'd you get the rum?"

"Teddy had a bottle and said I could use it."

"Do you need help?"

"No. I'm almost done." It's now or never. She shored up her courage, since she had no idea if Ned would be here come morning. "Ned, I wondered if I might ask you something." She became breathless as her nerves kicked up a notch.

"Sure."

She cleared her throat and was glad for the darkness that blanketed them. From where he stood on the back porch, he couldn't see her hands shake. Setting down the bucket, she buried them into Riggs' wet, liquor-infused fur. "I wondered if, well, I wanted to ask you if, well...if you happened to be looking for companionship, then I'd be interested."

"I beg pardon?" He sounded confused, but it was too late to turn back now.

"I like you, Ned. You're very handsome, and I'm impressed by your rugged occupation. I don't think I'm a bad-looking woman, and I'm seeking the company of a man." She chanced a glance at him and even in the darkness she felt his stillness, his rapt attention on her words. She really had no idea how this was going.

"You want me to court you?" he asked.

"Well, that would be nice of you, but that's not necessary. I'm willing...to be your woman without it."

He slowly took the steps and came to the tub. Riggs wagged his tail, sending water flying into Amelia's face. She stood, wiping her eyes, and hoped for a favorable reaction from Ned. Maybe he'd even kiss her. In hopeful anticipation, she waited.

"Amelia, I guess it's no secret what's between us. It's crept up rather fast, I'll admit. However, I never thought I'd say this, but I take offense by your assumption that all I'm good for is taking advantage of a woman, that I'd think nothing of ruining your reputation."

"But you're a renegade, you're a man who doesn't stay put anywhere. You ride with the wind."

He stood close enough that she could see his frown.

"I'll admit I haven't set down roots," he said, "but, as I told you, I'm changing that with my purchase of the Parker place. And, one of these days, I'm lookin' to get married."

"I don't want to get married."

"Well, good, 'cuz I'm not asking you."

"Oh." Now she felt foolish. "Well, of course."

"Why in tarnation are you throwing yourself at me?" he asked.

"I'm not. I just thought to speed up the romance. Isn't that what men like you expect?"

"You seem to think you know a lot about me." His voice held an edge of anger to it, fueling an equal indignation in herself. "Amelia, I think quite a lot of Teddy. I'd never dishonor her by taking up with her niece, treating you like nothing more than a lady at Laramy's."

Riggs jumped out of the tub and shook, forcing Amelia close to Ned. His hands settled on her shoulders. The dog began running around, spraying water in all directions. Amelia moved toward the mutt, but Ned held her in place and leaned his face near. She forgot to breathe, and knew she was in over her head. A man like Ned would likely overwhelm her.

His mouth came to hers in a gentle, yet firm, kiss, surprising her with its sweet restraint. His warm hands left her shoulders and framed her face, and his mouth shifted as he tasted her, giving of himself while exploring her lips. She'd been kissed before, but never like this. Maybe it was the fresh mountain air and the pine trees, or the wide blue skies and simple life so close to Mother Earth, but Ned's gesture intoxicated her, evoking freedom and passion and an unnamed yearning. She'd felt it when she made it past the Mississippi River on her journey here, and it flooded her now.

She sank into him and rose on her toes, a hunger unleashed for more.

Ned broke the kiss. "Amelia, you're a beautiful woman, and you should know that I want you. But I won't bed you unless you marry me."

"We hardly know each other."

"And yet you propose we become lovers?"

"Isn't that what independent-minded women do?" He released her, and she immediately missed his touch.

"I wouldn't know about that," he said. "Don't you want to marry one day? Surely you had opportunities back in New York."

"Yes." She attempted to compose herself. Riggs had run off. She needed to go after him. "But I don't want to be tied down. Aunt Teddy isn't. I plan to live like her."

"Sounds lonely."

"It doesn't have to be, and I thought you didn't want to marry me."

"I didn't think one kiss would change that, but it has."

Amelia started to speak but couldn't think of a response because he was right. His kiss had altered something, but she didn't have the peace of mind to sort it all out at the moment.

"I have to find Riggs," she said.

"I'll get the dog. Then, starting tomorrow, I'm gonna court you, Amelia Mercer."

"Why?"

"Because, if I don't, then you might throw yourself at some other fella."

She let out a snort of amusement. "Then you haven't looked in a mirror lately."

An amused gleam reached his eyes. He bent near again. "I think what we have here is love at first sight."

"That's ridiculous. It doesn't exist."

"I'll remind you of this conversation on our fiftieth wedding anniversary."

"You're a wild ruffian of the west. Men like you don't settle down." Why was he acting like this? He was ruining the image of the hero in her novel.

"Maybe not. But then I laid eyes on you."

"What does that have to do with it? Surely I'm not the first woman you've met."

"No. That's true." He gave a peck to her cheek and grinned at her as departed to find Riggs. "But I think you're gonna be the last."

She watched him disappear into the dark and tried to fathom what had just occurred. The conversation had gone nothing like she'd planned.

Copyright © 2015 K. McCaffrey LLC

A Westward Adventure is available as a single-sell short e-novella for 99 cents.

AMAZON

The story is also included in the western romance anthology Cowboy Kisses (digital and print).

AMAZON

Both books can be found in the Kindle Unlimited program.

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Release Day ~ COWBOY KISSES ~ Old West Romance Anthology

I'm pleased to share a new anthology just in time for Valentine's Day. COWBOY KISSES is a collection of eight Old West romances, including my short story A Westward Adventure.

Aspiring novelist Amelia Mercer travels from New York City to Colorado to aid an injured aunt. When the stage is robbed and her luggage stolen, bounty hunter Ned Waymire comes to her aid, acquainted with the harmless culprit and wanting to spare the boy. But Ned also seeks to impress the independent young woman. Amelia's wish to never marry, however, clashes with Ned's desire to keep her reputation intact. When a final bounty from Ned's past threatens their future, she knows that A Westward Adventure isn’t just the title of her novel but the new course of her life.

Available in Digital and Print

Kindle | Nook | Trade Paperback

What could be better on a cold Valentine’s Day than to sit down with a book chock full of stories about special cowboys and their ladies? COWBOY KISSES has just what you’re looking for! Eight stories by some fabulous authors who share with you their love stories of the old west!

In Lorrie Farrelly’s tale of love and fate, a tattered old diary sends a young woman into the arms of a long-ago Texas Ranger for A Kiss in Time.

Linda Carroll-Bradd’s When My Heart Knew is the story of young Maisie Treadwell, who has never been in love before, and handsome Dylan MacInnes, who might or might not be the one.

A Westward Adventure by Kristy McCaffrey is a story of aspiring novelist Amelia Mercer, who travels to Colorado, determined to find her own adventure to write about. When bounty hunter Ned Waymire comes to her aid, the true adventure begins!

Valentine Angel by Gail L. Jenner is a poignant story of a determined young woman who rescues a wounded lawman and then must help him fight off his nemesis.

In Gil McDonald’s story, Hearts and Red Ribbons, a feisty young woman who dresses in men’s clothes and a drifter looking for—something—are thrown together by Fate on a wet February day.

Hunter’s Gamble, by C. Marie Bowen, is a gripping tale of lost love and determination. Life is a gamble, and Hunter knows he can’t always win. With true love in the mix, the odds are stacked in Hunter’s favor!

Her Thief of Hearts by Tanya Hanson is the tale of an outlaw, an orphan, and a socialite—is this a recipe for disaster or true love?

Beverly Wells will steal your heart in her story, Hopes and Dreams. A woman on the run, a sheriff sworn to uphold the law, and one little girl’s pleas to Mr. Cupid for a new daddy!

Settle in for some mighty fine Valentine’s Day reading from your favorite western romance authors!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Excerpt from A Westward Adventure

The front door opened and shut, and in the next instant Ned Waymire filled the parlor entryway. As soon as Amelia locked eyes with him, he froze.

“Ned, I’d like you to meet my niece, Amelia Mercer.” Teddy waved him into the room. “Amelia, this is Ned Waymire. He boards here. There’s also another gentleman, but he’s been away recently.”

Mister Waymire removed his hat, revealing dark hair, and cleared his throat. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, miss.” He stepped forward to take her hand.

The touch was warm and his sun-darkened fingers overwhelmed her pale ones. As she smiled and nodded, she tried to ignore the tingling sensation that crept up her arm. Up close, he exuded even more strength than was apparent in the marshal’s office.

A man who spent his days outdoors.

A man who called the earth his home.

Vivid blue eyes stood out on a sun- and whisker-darkened face.

He was the perfect western hero.

“I just saw you,” she said, glad her voice sounded calm considering how her insides quivered.

“That’s right.”

He stepped back from her.

“You’re not married, are you, Amelia?” Teddy asked.

“No, ma’am.”

“Why, neither is Ned.”

Heat suffused Amelia’s cheeks. “I don’t believe in marriage, much like you Aunt Teddy.” The words rushed out of Amelia. “Women don’t need men to make their way in the world. Why, look at you? You’ve done quite well on your own.”

“I’ve never been placed on a pillar,” Teddy said. “What do you think of that, Ned? I’m a woman of example.”

“I won’t argue with that,” Ned replied.

“Did you get Billings?” Teddy asked.

“Yep. You were right. He was in Old Man Hill’s abandoned mine.”

“I knew it.” Teddy chuckled under her breath.

“Are you a bounty hunter, too?” Amelia asked.

Teddy cackled. “No, but I could be. Don’t you think, Ned?”

“You’d outgun us all, Teddy.”

Amelia sensed an affection between the two, and it warmed her heart, although this entire reunion with her aunt was far different than anything she imagined. She knew she had the first chapter of her new novel.

“I’ll just be turning in now, ladies,” Ned said.

Amelia, her cheeks still warm from being in the same room with him, met his eyes briefly then looked away in embarrassment.

What if he thinks I like him?

She imagined the type of woman he fancied was far from the likes of her. Why, he probably thought her a silly city girl. And he’d be right. But her mama had long taught her to be an independent thinker, to believe that a woman’s mind was equal to a man’s. Most of Amelia’s writings had been social commentaries, addressing important issues such as the educational welfare of children, the plight of the homeless and less fortunate, and the lack of voice the average woman had within marriage. But in her heart, she longed to pen an adventurous tale of a woman who not only sees the world, but tames a man in the process, who finds love with an equal, inciting passion in her partner.

She hadn’t told her mother she planned to write such a novel—she’d likely think it beneath Amelia—but her heart burned with the desire to share the story singing in her heart. Coming to visit Aunt Theodora had offered the perfect blend of adventure and inspiration.

Ned Waymire departed the room and his footsteps could be heard climbing the staircase.

That man was the epitome of adventure and inspiration.

Copyright © 2015 K. McCaffrey LLC