The Golden Rules of Love: Western Romance Read online

  Her father had always seemed to find his only daughter a burden. In her heart of hearts, she worried that Garrett had felt the same. And if she didn’t push Mack away, he would also decide she was more trouble than she was worth. Seemed like he had already.

  Tears slipped down her cheeks. Tomorrow, she would pack her things, and she would strike out on her own. She would find Jasper and then maybe she could put these demons to rest.

  It was a long time before Annie fell asleep. She woke with the first rays of the sun. It was quiet and peaceful. She headed to the nearby river to rinse her face. She was tired and the water would help her clear her head and help with her eyes made puffy from crying a lot and sleeping little.

  There was a cluster of rocks just up river that provided some privacy. Annie needed a few minutes to collect her thoughts. A few hours of sleep had changed her attitude. Now that her anger had cooled, she wondered if she should really leave. While she didn’t like to compromise and she desperately wanted to complete her mission, she did not want to be alone in this lawless land. If she were honest, Annie knew she would miss Mack and Mary Beth. Collin Mackinnon…she tried the name on her tongue again. She liked it. Even his name made her insides warm.

  Her mother had always loved her and tried to help her rebellious daughter curb her temper. What would her mother want her to do? Annie smiled. Her mother would want her to stay with Mack. Frankly, her mother would want her to marry him.

  That made her brow crease. What if Mack rejected her the way Garrett had?

  Annie’s head snapped up at a movement off to her left. She saw several shadowy figures moving silently through the early dawn light. As they moved closer she could see the outline of several male natives. They each carried a weapon and they were heading directly for the wagons.

  Annie caught her breath. She knew more and more attacks had been happening. These miners were on Indian land, using up the resources. The Indians attacked out of anger and out of need.

  Whatever their reasons, she had to stop them. They might hurt the people she cared about. She let them pass and then stepped out from behind the rocks. She drew her pistol and gripped it tightly in her hand. There had to be ten men and she only had six bullets.

  Her goal was to follow them without being noticed. Then, when they were close to camp, she would fire a shot in the air to alert everyone of trouble. But she had to be prepared to be discovered.

  She moved quickly and quietly, watching them. They were nearing the camp and Annie sped up to make sure her shot was heard. The man at the back of the group suddenly turned and looked back. His eyes met hers and Annie stopped short in fear. He uttered a single word and four other men turned to look at her.

  Trembling, Annie stopped her progress. Her hand seemed to rise in slow motion as he aimed a bow and arrow directly at her. She actually saw him release the quiver as she fired the weapon into the group of men while diving to the ground. She heard the arrow as it whistled just over her head.

  Her chin hit the ground and scraped the rocks but she hardly noticed. Her head snapped up, and she saw two men running towards her. She raised the gun again and fired at one of them. She aimed for his chest and he stumbled as the bullet made contact with his shoulder.

  Annie cocked the gun again but the other man was bearing down on her. She tried to aim the weapon but her hand was shaking.

  She squeezed her eyes shut preparing for the worst. Suddenly the sound of another shot filled the air and then another. She clearly saw Tom and Mack on the edge of the camp, firing at the Indians.

  Annie scrambled to her hands and knees and then to her feet as the natives who hadn’t fallen sprinted towards the circled wagons. They seemed hell bent on attack. She ran towards the fray; she had to help her friends. She circled around to come into the back side of the camp. As she passed by the small grouping of wagons, she saw two Indians coming out of her wagon with their arms full. She raised her gun to fire when she saw another Indian dragging Mary Beth. Her arm swung around as she pulled the trigger. The bullet missed its mark but he let go of Mary Beth and started for her.

  Mary Beth reached out her arm and tripped the man, sending him crashing to the ground. Suddenly Tom was there. With one swift blow, he knocked the Indian out.

  A few lay dead on the ground while the rest had disappeared back into the forest. She forgot all about their argument from the previous night. She raced toward them as Mack appeared next to Tom. Not stopping to think, she launched herself into his arms.

  “What happened?” he mumbled as his arms wrapped around her, catching her up in a hug. Her hair was in a loose braid and his fingers found their way into her hair to massage her scalp.

  “I was up by the river when I saw them coming. I followed to warn you but then they saw me. I fired and―“

  “You followed a pack of natives to the camp?”

  “I had to warn you. I couldn’t―“

  His lips came crashing down on hers. It was a brief intense kiss that curled Annie’s toes. “You are the bravest woman I know.”

  “And the most stubborn?” she asked ruefully.

  “That too. I know you can take care of yourself, Annie, but please come with us today. I’m asking.”

  She nodded her head. “You were right and I was wrong. This is a dangerous place and we are only going to make it together.”

  He gave her the most stunning smile causing Annie to blink twice. It nearly blinded her. “I’ve got to get this mess cleaned up. You check the damage to your supplies.” He slowly set her back on the ground and unwound his arms from around her.

  Annie scowled. His arms had felt so good. She was starting to realize that walking the world alone was a lonely proposition. She had also forgotten that some of the Indians had made off with her goods. She didn’t have very much money left. Certainly not enough to pay Mack for the return trip home. If she had to buy more food now, she didn’t know how she would return.

  She knew Mack would take her back anyway but he was working hard for his money. She didn’t want to be a burden on him.

  Grabbing Mary Beth’s hand, the two walked over to their wagon and climbed in. As they searched around, Annie’s heart sank. All their food was gone. So was her small money purse.

  She climbed back out of the wagon and leaned against the back. Mary Beth followed her. Her voice trembled, “What are we gonna do, Annie?”

  Annie shook her head. “We’ll figure something out.”

  Mary Beth wrapped her arms around Annie, “I don’t know what that could possibly be.”

  “Do you think Mack will hire us?”

  Mary Beth laughed, shaking her head. “I don’t know if he’d hire you but he’d marry you, I bet. That seems easier.”

  Anne made a face, “Maybe to you.” She dropped her head closing her eyes.

  Mary Beth squeezed her a little harder. “Mack would never do what Garrett did.”

  “I know Mack is a good man. Everything he does shows me that. But I don’t know if I am lovable. Maybe it was me, not Garrett.”

  “Oh honey. How can you think that?”

  “Mack told me to leave yesterday. I drive everybody away.”

  “Annie.” Mack’s voice came from nearby. It sounded raw and scratchy.

  Annie still didn’t look up. She felt Mary Beth’s arms unwrap from around her. Her friend gave her a squeeze and then disappeared around the other side of the wagon. She took a deep breath. She didn’t want to talk about her feelings with Mack. “All of our money and our food are gone.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not going to let you starve.” He had moved closer, so his body was nearly touching hers. She could feel his heat.

  “I know but you’ve got your own problems and goals. You don’t need to take on mine.” She kept her head down, but his hand softly came to her cheek. He tilted her head up till she was looking at his face.

  “I didn’t tell you to go away because you’re not lovable. I told you to go away because I care about you and I can�
��t watch you get hurt. It would tear me to pieces. There is a big difference, Annie, and I need you to see it.”

  She nodded her head. His face drifted closer to hers. His nose gently rubbed the tip of hers. A soft smile curved her lips. “Thank you for saying that, Collin.”

  He returned the smile, another hand coming around her waist. “I like it when you use my given name.” Their bodies just touched. “I’m not going to lie, you drive me a little crazy but in a way that is exciting. No one is ever going to be perfect. I’ll drive you crazy too, if you’ll let me.”

  “I don’t know.” Annie bit her lip, uncertainty filling her eyes. He grinned. “Well that’s a good deal better than what you’ve been saying.” He pressed her closer. “We’ve got to head down to the harbor in a few minutes. Then we’ll figure out how to replace your goods.”

  She nodded and they both moved toward the campfire, Mack taking her hand. Annie made to pull it away but then she changed her mind. Everyone thought they were engaged anyway. After this morning, it felt good to hold his strong hand.

  “Did they take anything of yours?”

  “They tried. But Tom met them with a shot gun.” He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Besides, I’ve got the money and gold hidden.”

  Annie cocked one eyebrow. She wondered if that was where he disappeared to some days. She should have hidden her money better. Collin Mackinnon was smart. She gave his hand a squeeze.

  Annie and Mack joined the circle who had gathered together after the attack. They were now a small group. The reverend was still there, along with a few other settlers who had yet to purchase land. Mack had four men with him. Finally, Annie and Mary Beth rounded out the party.

  Mack looked around the circle. “We have to thank Annie for warning us. Not all of us would be sitting here if she hadn’t.”

  A murmur of thanks rose from the group and Annie nodded to show her understanding.

  Mack continued, “I’ll be off for the day. Cookie and Finnigan will stay back to guard the camp. Tom and Rake are coming with me. For those of you who are staying in San Francisco, you should start making your plans. I’ll only be here for a few more weeks.”

  Annie felt a flutter in her stomach. She knew it was smart to leave the Sacramento Valley with Mack but she hated to come this far and leave emptyhanded.

  The group disassembled. Tom went to get his horse and Mary Beth followed. Mack pulled her to join him. Annie felt a small tingle of excitement. She loved riding a horse with Mack. Her softer body fit perfectly against his hard frame. She was trying to decide if she liked riding behind him or in front of him better when he pulled her close. “I can’t wait to show you this.”

  “Show me what?”

  He only wiggled his eyebrows as he swung into the saddle pulling her up in front of him. One of his arms wrapped around her. He felt hard and strong in a way that made a woman feel safe. Annie snuggled in. She turned to jelly in his arms every time danger was near. What did that say, she wondered. She pushed those thoughts aside and just enjoyed the feel of his body as he kicked the horse into motion.

  THE GOLDEN RULES OF LOVE

  CHAPTER FIVE

  They headed down towards the oceanfront but Annie wasn’t paying attention. Laying her head on his broad shoulder, she sighed softly.

  “You all right?” His voice rumbled underneath her ear.

  “Mhmm,” she rubbed her cheek against his shirt. She had that feeling again that she wanted to feel his skin.

  Tom pulled up next to them before she could slide her hand into the opening of his shirt. Annie stiffened slightly at the intrusion but Mack squeezed her tighter.

  They passed a half-constructed building and Annie shook her head. Everyone had abandoned whatever they were working on to chase gold.

  “Where are we going?” The water loomed in front of them.

  “To the harbor.”

  “Why?” She turned to look at him.

  “We’re looking at a boat.”

  “A boat?” Annie sat up straighter to look at him.

  “Yep, take a look. There are people out there.” He pointed towards the ships.

  “Why?”

  “As you can see, the buildings aren’t finished. You’re not going to believe this, but people are living in the ships. Running businesses out of them. And most of them are still sea worthy. They’re just sitting there, waiting.”

  “The boat we’re going to look at…do you want to live in it? It would keep the Indians from attacking.”

  “Yes. But I think I want to sell the wagons and sail it back East.”

  “Can you do that?”

  “Sure Annie, I told you I want to build ships. I grew up on the water. I grew up in boats. My father was a shipbuilder.”

  “Where is he now?”

  “He and my mother passed away. They were sailing a small vessel and got caught in a storm.”

  “How old were you?” This time, she let her hand drift to the opening of his shirt. She lightly stroked the skin that was exposed by the opening of his shirt. The feel of his coarse hair sent shivers racing down her back.

  “I was sixteen.” His eyebrows drew together.

  “I’m sorry, Mack.”

  “Collin. I like it when you call me Collin.” He gave her a small smile.

  “Collin, is it dangerous to sail?” She curled her fingers into his shirt.

  “No more dangerous than crossing the country in a wagon. Probably less so.”

  “Being attacked by Indians.” She wrinkled her nose. He dropped a light kiss on it.

  “That’s right. Though the ocean has dangers of its own. But I think it would be an easier trip home. Most people travel here by water and not by land.”

  The group tied up their horses and climbed into a dingy that was tied to the dock. “Mack” was painted on the side. Mack turned to Tom. “You named the dingy after me?”

  “You’re our fearless leader.” Tom grinned as he spoke.

  They started rowing. Annie caught a glimpse of an island up ahead, but tucked in between it and the mainland must have been a hundred ships. The first one they passed was full of people.

  A harassed-looking man was dumping a bucket of food scraps over the side. “If you’re comin’ to eat, there’s no room.”

  “Just passing by,” Mack called back.

  The man stopped and assessed them. His eyes lingered on Annie and Mary Beth. “Either of you ladies need any work, you let me know. I could use some more hands.”

  “How much will you pay?” Mary Beth shouted before Annie could say anything.

  “Five dollars a day, each. That’s a fair price.”

  Annie and Mary Beth looked at each other. While the money wasn’t enough to pay for a return trip home, they would be able to buy their own food and contribute to the supplies needed for the journey.

  The man seemed to take their hesitation as a sign they would say no, because he added, “Free meal a day too.”

  “We’ll start tomorrow,” Annie called back. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mack frown but he said nothing.

  As Tom and Rake continued rowing the skiff, Annie glanced at Mack. The sun glinted off his chocolate brown curls, his face set in determined lines. He was staring straight ahead, at a boat closest to the island.

  Annie looked out at it. It was larger than many of the ships, with three masts rising from its deck. It looked magnificent. She caught her breath and craned her neck up to get a better look.

  Mack chuckled behind her. “I know. Ships do that to me too.”

  She couldn’t help it; she turned back to him and grinned. “Are you going to buy it?”

  Mack shrugged, “Tom has been watching it for the last week. No one has stepped foot on its deck. More than half of these boats are just abandoned. If no one comes for it, I’m going to sail it away.”

  Annie nodded. That only made sense here in San Francisco. They would be doing a public service. To clear an abandoned boat out of the harbor meant much need
ed supplies could come in. “I understand.”

  “We’ll empty the wagons, sell everything we don’t need. Then we’ll use the money we make to purchase all the food for the trip home. It’ll take us a few more weeks.”

  Annie sucked in her breath. “We won’t be able to earn our passage back and I…”

  “You’ll cook and clean on the boat to earn your keep.”

  Annie bit her lip. “What do I do when I get back East?”

  “That’s for you to decide.”

  Annie shrugged as she nibbled on her lip. If she were honest some part of her wanted him to say stay with me. But he didn’t. At this point she normally got angry and pushed him away. Her pride got in the way of sound decisions. She refused to make that mistake again.

  Their skiff pulled up to the side of the boat. A rope ladder hung down almost to the water. Tom grabbed the rope and began scaling the side of the boat to the deck. Rake tied the skiff off to the side of the ship, then followed and signaled to Mary Beth to come up behind him. Annie watched as her friend climbed the ladder. Tom reached down and grabbed her up in his arms. One of Annie’s eyebrows quirked.

  Mack nodded for her to go next. A small shudder passed through her. She didn’t like being out over the water. She never had. Annie started up the ladder on shaky legs. It was very loose and swayed as she moved. She was relieved when she finally reached the top and was able to grab the rail with both hands. Resting for a moment, she took a deep breath. There was a break in the rail to step onto the deck. One more step and she would be standing safely on the hard wood planks.

  A hand touched her hip and a jolt travelled through her body. She didn’t need to look to know it was Mack. “I’m almost there.”

  “Take your time, sweetheart. I just wanted you to know I would catch you if you fell.”

  A tiny smile touched her lips. “I knew that already.” Annie took the last step and reached the safety of the deck.