"I'm sorry you had to get stuck with me tonight." she said sweetly.
"I'd do it everytime...if it meant being stuck with you." His comment made her blush.
"James Hickok, you better watch out." she thought.
***************
They arrived at the hall. Jimmy could see the look of nervousness in Victoria's eyes. Her breathing becoming more labored. "Are you all right?"
"I'm so scared." she responded, holding on tightly to his hand. Jimmy felt the icy coldness of them.
"You'll be okay, trust me." He helped her off the wagon. "Ready?" he asked offering his arm.
She took a deep breath. "I don't know. How do I look?" she asked, turning to him again.
He smiled and said, "Beautiful." as he found pleasure in her elegance.
"Do you think my dress it too revealing?" she asked putting her hand on her chest.
"Looks good to me." he answered mischieviously. "C'mon." he said pulling her by the hand.
They walked into the beautifully ornate building. The theme of Black and White ran through he entire edifice. It was elegant. It almost reminded Victoria of the dances back home.
As they walked, many of the guests in attendance stared and whispered. "Why are they staring at us?" she nervously asked. "It must be the dress." she said worriedly.
"No, it's not that."
"Why then?" she whispered.
"I think they're staring at the most beautiful woman here tonight." His reassuring words made her smile.
"Jimmy, Ms. Sutton. I'm so glad you were able to make it." greeted Charlotte, who at the sight of them rushed over to welcome them. "Everyone is so anxious to meet you. Come; I must introduce you to my parents. They've been talking about nothing else."
Victoria looked at Jimmy. "Go on." he encouraged. At that she was quickly whisked away.
Jimmy walked over to the punch table and stood there looking at her as she was introduced not only to the Mayor and his wife but also to others who had been waiting to meet the newest addition to the Rock Creek family.
"She sure draws a lot of attention doesn't she?" commented Kid, joining his friend.
"Why wouldn't she?" he responded, not taking his eyes off her.
"Hickok you lucky dog! How'd you get your hands on such a fine thing?" asked an acquaintance of the boys.
"In Jimmy's case he just opened the door." joked Kid.
"Whatever you did, she's an angel from heaven. I'm gonna have to steal me a dance."
***************
"Phillip, who is that?" asked Kate noticing the woman engaged in lively conversation with Charlotte, Buck and the Mayor.
"I have no idea." he said rather uninterested.
"Well why don't you go find out."
"Tell you what dear sister, why don't we go find out."
Kate and Phillip walked over to greet them. "Ah Phillip, my boy!" exclaimed the Mayor shaking his hand.
"How are you all tonight?" he said with a slight bow.
"Fine, fine. Wonderful turnout isn't it?"
"You sure know how to throw a party Mayor."
"Not my doing son, even though I'd like to take the credit but these ladies here in our midst are all responsible."
Phillip looked at the one person unfamiliar to him. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure Ms...?"
"Victoria Sutton."
Kate couldn't believe her ears. She tried to maintain a polite smile to cover her shock.
Phillip Wescott." he kissed her hand. "My sister Kate." he said, directing her attention to the woman at his side.
"How do you do?" asked Victoria who immediately recognized Kate as the one outside the shop the other day. Kate had the same feeling of deja vu at the sight of Victoria, who looked extraordinarily elegant unlike the plainly dressed woman whom she stared at through the dress shop window.
"Nice to meet you finally Ms. Sutton. Let me welcome you to our humble little town." greeted Kate.
"Thank you. I do look forward to staying for a while."
"Glad to hear it Ms. Sutton. We certainly could use people of your caliber to help us grow into a fine city." said the Mayor.
"I believe I'd better leave the politics to a fine man as yourself Mr. Mayor. I could only offer my support."
"Then that's good enough for me Ms. Sutton." he responded gleefully.
The tune of the first dance resonated through the hall. Phillip who could appreciate the sight of a pretty woman, seized the opportunity and asked Victoria for the pleasure of this dance.
"I'm sorry, but I feel it only proper for me to reserve the first dance for my escort." she said looking for Jimmy who was nowhere in sight.
After she failed to locate him he said, "Seeing your escort is unavailable at the present, it would be my honor." He offered his hand and she conceded as he led her to the dance floor where they began their waltz.
"Well Charlotte dear, how did you ever manage to become such good friends with Ms. Sutton seeing she's only been here a short while." Kate said with a wry smile as she looked at Victoria dance with Phillip.
"I wouldn't say good friends-yet. But it does pay to have the right connections." she responded taking Buck's hand who at once twirled her around and led her off to the dance floor.
Kate's envy was beginning to swell. How in the world could Charlotte have such luck? Just by chance it was that Victoria knew Buck, who led her directly to her hated rival. Her opportunity for gaining support to become President of the club were all but gone. Her chance to finally raise her status, her name apart from her brother had been shot down. Seeing her brother dance with the popular Ms. Sutton, gave her though a small sense of victory. Maybe it would be through that channel she would be able to obtain the backing she needed to claim the coveted prize she sought; that is until she would receive the shock of her life. Something more valuable was at stake in connection with Ms. Sutton.
***************
Jimmy returned to find Phillip Wescott dancing with Victoria. He thought it best not to leave her alone seeing that a man as sly as Phillip would show no signs of hesitation to make a move on her. The dance ended soon after and Victoria curtsied returning Phillip's
gentlemanly bow, and thanked him for the dance. Phillip at once, made his way back to his sister who was standing by the dessert table watching the couples dance.
"She is a radiant being isn't she?" Phillip noted, a smile indicating his pleasure.
"A radiant being?! That's a first coming from you." said Kate.
"Oh my dear sister; the spells some women cast on us unsuspecting men, can leave one to lose all sense of reason."
"And am I to believe that you of all men has been mesmerized by such a witchly spell?"
"I won't admit to that but for a certainty I wouldn't mind seeing Ms. Sutton on a more intimate basis."
"Then I would strongly encourage you to do so my brother. She would be an excellent catch." Kate's comment was not meant with much concern for her brother's happiness but for her own ambitious agenda.
"You don't seem to be having such a great time." he noticed.
"Why would I? There is no reason for me to be enjoying myself." she noted directly.
"Are you sure about that?" he said nodding behind her.
Kate turned around to see Jimmy standing across the room. Her heart skipped a beat.
"I guess things are starting to look up." she said.
Kate started to make her way through the crowd of people, trying to reach the man she had once called her own. As she neared her feet became as two blocks of cement anchored to the floor. She felt as though everything was moving in slow motion around her. What she saw left her paralyzed.
Victoria Sutton approaching Jimmy, coupling her arms in his, a broad smile on her face, whispering in his ear as a smile appeared on his face. Jimmy, returning the whisper as they both shared a laugh.
She couldn't move, much less breathe. Kate's eyes became filled with tears but she resolved not to let one of them fall.
"Come on Kate, let's go." said Phillip who had witnessed the sight.
She didn't budge. "I'm not leaving." she sternly said not taking her eyes off them.
"Why torture yourself?" he said sympathetically.
"It's my pain Phillip, my torture if you'd like. But she's just another challenger in the game; a game which I am not about to lose." Her words were cold and expressionless. She walked away leaving Phillip in the middle of the floor.
***************
"You two seem to be having a ball." commented Rachel as she joined Jimmy and Victoria.
"Actually, I would be having a better time if my date were to dance with me."
"Ms. Sutton." called a voice from behind. It was Pierre. "Let me look at you." he said holding both her hands, admiring the finished product. "You look splendid." he added, a smile vividly displayed on his face.
"All thanks to you." she said gratefully.
"It was all my pleasure." Pierre was more than well pleased. He had accomplished his goal...she was the Queen. "Would you please do me the honor of this dance?"
"If it's okay with Mr. Hickok." she said as she turned to him. Jimmy nodded and once again Victoria was off.
"You better keep a tight hold on her or you won't have a chance."
"Tell me about it." agreed Jimmy.
"Thanks for bringing her." Rachel added softly.
Jimmy smiled at her. "Thanks for telling me."
Jimmy caught sight of Kid and Lou and joined them after Rachel left to tend to some more punch. "So Jimmy how do you feel?" she asked smiling at him.
Jimmy knew that smile all too well. "You told her didn't you?"
"You know me, I can't keep a secret from Lou." Jimmy shook his head agreeing with the truthfulness of Kid's words.
"Thank you both."
The three friends admired Jimmy's new found love. "It's good to see you smilin'."
"Feels good to smile Lou."
"You boys and ladies having a good time?" asked the familiar voice of the Marshal.
"Glad you made it Teaspoon." said Kid.
"Well I can't stay too long. Still got a job to do you know." the handsomely dressed Marshal said. "I have to tell you boys, you done me proud. How you handled yourselves with that McBride fella tells me you're growing up into fine, good men."
The compliment left Kid and Jimmy somewhat embarrassed. They knew Teaspoon still looked at them as boys most of the time. But to hear the Marshal express such feelings towards them made them feel like he was the father they never had. It made their bond even that much closer.
"Where's Victoria?" he asked, noticing the girl was not in their company. They pointed to the dance floor. "How come you're not out there with her Hickok?" he reprimanded mildly.
"He hasn't gotten a chance." teased Kid.
A minute later, Pierre returned with Victoria, handing her to Mr. Hickok, who was glad for her prompt return.
Victoria admired Teaspoon's change in appearance and commented on his handsome look and he was also well taken by her beautiful form, giving Jimmy an encouraging nudge with his elbow.
"Since I've only a couple hours on my hands before returning to my post, Hickok uhh, you don't mind do ya?" said Teaspoon requesting the dance as he held out his hand to her.
Jimmy conceded once again, realizing it was harder to keep a grip on Victoria than a slippery fish. "Only for you Teaspoon." she said. "But you Mr. Hickok must promise me the next dance." "It's yours." he said.
Jimmy stood back and watched Victoria. Her beautiful smile beamed as she twirled around the dance floor. Everyone in the room had become invisible except for her. He longed to hold her in his arms. To finally have her close enough to taste her. The floor cleared as she danced with the Marshal. Her eyes made contact with Jimmy's and she could see he had been focused on her all along. She blushed uncontrollably and anxiously awaited her turn with him.
**************
The musicians took an intermidiary break which gave the group of friends time to converse and share some laughs. Lou, Victoria, Charlotte and Cassie excused themselves to go powder their noses. In actuality they wanted time alone to talk about the boys.
"So I guess you've met the the infamous Kate Wescott." said Cassie.
"Infamous indeed." added Charlotte.
"I gathered she used to be with Jimmy at one point...should I be concerned?"
"You better be." warned Charlotte.
"That woman's been tryin' to get her hands on Jimmy since they broke up." informed Lou retouching her lips with some rouge.
"She's almost made his life a total hell. I mean if any woman was caught even looking at him and she got wind of it, mmm...mmm." said Cassie shaking her head. "Terrible."
"Remember Suzanne? She practically ran her outta town, the poor girl." said Lou.
"I tell you she's worst than a poisonous snake." finished Charlotte.
"Poisonous snake or not, I've dealt with worse than her. She won't intimidate me."
"Then I wish you all the luck because you're gonna need it." advised Cassie.
***************
"The girls sure are taking long." noticed Kid.
"That's because they're busy talking about us."
"And how would you reckon that to be Mr. Dixon?" asked Cassie taking hold of Noah.
"Say it's just a wild guess." he responded with his beautiful white smile.
The sound of a square dancing jig began to play. "Square dance anyone?" Noah asked as the boys found their girls and headed to the floor.
"Wait!" cried Victoria holding Jimmy back. "I don't know this type of dance."
"Now Ms. Sutton I know you can't be telling me the truth. I heard something about you takin' lessons?"
"How did you know about that?"
"Let's just say...inside information." he said with a smile as he took her hand and led her to the floor.
Victoria's first attempt at square dancing didn't fare too bad. Although she lost her partner twice between hand-offs, Jimmy guided her through the ritual with flying colors. She couldn't remember having such a good time at any other such function she formerly attended.
The faster paced number led nicely into a slow dancing tune. Victoria and Jimmy stood there looking at each other nervously. Jimmy took her hand and gave her one smooth twirl and at once she found herself close in his arms. His hand rested gently on her slender waist as he took command of her. He moved her around so effortlessly she felt as though she were dancing on a cloud. Her thoughts focused on this man that had captivated her. She was afraid to look into his eyes for she knew she wouldn't be able to contain what she was feeling.
Jimmy enjoyed the feel of her body. Her small hand tucked snughly in his, her other resting firmly on his shoulder. Having her this close wasn't close enough. He leaned his face against the side of her head absorbing her sweet aroma and instinctively pulled her closer to him, his hand now resting on the small of her back. Victoria's heart raced wickedly as her body gave off sensations she never knew she possessed. Her hand slowly crawled up the back of his neck tenderly caressing the hair at the base of his head. Jimmy closed his eyes at her tender touch. They looked at each other long and deep both feeling the irresistable attraction between them. He focused on her full lips as she leaned in waiting for his sumptuous taste. He leaned in closer, closer as she closed her eyes, their mouths about to make the long awaited contact...
"Mr. Hickok." said a man's voice. They were both broken out of their trance, a little embarrassed, Victoria's face turning all shades of red. "Yes?" he asked trying to hide his embarrassment.
"The Marshal would like to have a word with you outside."
"Tell him I'll be right there."
"Hurry back." she said as he let go of her hand. He simply nodded and was on his way.
***************
Jimmy went to the designated spot where the Marshal supposedly waited. He called for Teaspoon seeing no one was visible in the darkness of the night, but his calls went unanswered. Getting the feeling he might've been lured away, he hurriedly returned to Victoria just to see Phillip in the middle of a dance with his lady. The sight upset him. He figured Phillip to be a preying vulture which he certainly turned out to be. He determined to get his girl out of his grasp but was immediately caught by the one person he cared the least to speak to.
"Well Jimmy, what a pleasant surprise."
"Kate. You look beautiful as always." he commended trying to be civil.
"Thank you. I must say I didn't dream of seeing you here tonight being that when I asked you to be my escort you said you wouldn't be attending; but do I see that Ms. Sutton has secured the priviledge of your company this evening?"
"I had a change of plans."
"I see...I mean what man in his right mind wouldn't want to have her draped on his arm. I just never figured her to be your type."
"And what type is that?" he asked somewhat annoyed.
"Oh you know, the high-class, socialite, rich little girl type. Are you seriously interested in her? Is that why you rushed her by me the other day?" she asked smugly.
"First of all Kate, I wasn't coming to the dance. Second, I'm doing Cody a favor by escorting Ms. Sutton. Third, if I were interested in Victoria it wouldn't be any of your business."
Victoria scanned the room for any sign of Jimmy as she danced with Phillip. Whatever he said to her fell on deaf ears. She finally saw him speaking with Kate and a hoard of red flags went up in her head. Kate was moving in fast and she had to put a stop to it right away. "I'm sorry but I must go."
"But the dance isn't over yet." he objected.
"I realize it but my escort has returned." she said impatiently looking over at Jimmy.
"Well then will you join us for lunch on Tuesday?" he asked as she walked away.
"Yes, of course...Tuesday." she answered without thinking twice about the date she just agreed to. All she wanted was to get to Jimmy and him away from Kate.
Victoria quickly approached and at once engaged her arm around Jimmy's. "There you are." she said smiling at him. "Ms. Wescott, I see you've met my escort Mr. Hikcok."
"Indeed. We are very well acquainted aren't we Jimmy?" Kate informed directly as she drew the battle lines.
Jimmy felt uneasy as though he were the prize in a shooting contest and the bullets had just begun to be fired, so he resorted not to add any fuel to the fire.
"Mr. Hickok was initially crossed off our guest list, seeing he wouldn't be in attendance. But I hear since Mr. Cody was unavailable he did you a favor by escorting you tonight."
Kate's comment was meant to communicate to Victoria that Jimmy's intentions were only noble and nothing else.
"That's what I find so wonderful about Mr. Hickok, he's always putting others ahead of himself. I certainly do not know what I would've done if he hadn't come to my rescue." she said snuggling against his arm.
"I'm sure it wasn't any skin off his back."
"Oh no, he was a most willing volunteer." Kate raised her brow at Victoria's words. "I wish I could stay and chat with you Ms. Wescott but, Mr. Hickok here owes me a dance."
Victoria walked off with Jimmy leaving Kate fuming from their mild, subtle confrontation.
"What was that all about?" he asked.
"I couldn't let her think she had a shot at you now could I?"
***************
The evening seemed to go by swiftly. All the dancing, the laughing, the memories being made were a source of exultation for Victoria. She felt alive again. She wished this night could go on forever but as do all things, they must come to an end.
Jimmy and Victoria stepped out into the beautiful evening. The air was cool and crisp; the mellow breeze playing softly through their hair. Both felt a sense of sadness, knowing this night would soon be a thing of the past. There were feelings they had begun to uncover yet neither had the courage or the right words to express what those were.
They boarded the buckboard and started on their way. There was little conversation between them. Victoria's thoughts ran from one direction to the next, trying to figure out what he was thinking...what he was feeling. Jimmy pondered the same. He couldn't let this night end, not yet. "Where are you going? This is not the way home." she noted, seeing he had taken a wrong turn.
"I know. I want to show you something." They traveled along an isolated road down to the lake. They parked the wagon and headed up on foot to the rocks-Jimmy guiding her by the hand through the moon-lit darkness. "Here. Sit right here." he told her. The spot overlooked the lake.
The waters glistened like a glassy sea under the light of the moon. It seemed as though every star in the heavens was visible, each one twinkling in its own rhythmic pattern. Crickets joined in a soulful chorus of chirps as the moon basked the willows in the distance. "This is beautiful Jimmy."
"I thought you'd like it."
"Is that the usual response you get from the ladies you bring up here?"
"I've never brought anyone up here." he said slightly annoyed at her assumption.
"I'm sorry." she responded, discerning this may be his way of sharing a part of himself with her; but why? "Do you come here often?" she asked, trying to ease back into the moment.
"Sometimes to think, to get away from reality." he said taking a seat next to her on the rock.
"It must be difficult." she empathized.
"What's that?"
"Being who you are, the things people say or write about you; must be hard to deal with."
"Well I've come to accept that. People think they know who I am or what I'm all about, but the only ones that really do are my friends, so apart from them I don't care what people think. They're gonna believe what they want to anyway."
"I know what you mean." He looked at her puzzled. "You may be wondering how could someone like me understand? But people don't see me as who I am either. They have this pre-conceived idea of who Victoria Sutton is. I'm expected to dress a certain way, talk a certain way, even act a certain way; it's like the real me is all bottled up inside but, tonight I felt free to be me. For the first time in a very long time. It was the most wonderful feeling. I guess we're both trapped in a world we didn't choose as our own." Her words touched him deeply. Yes, they were from entirely different worlds but they shared the same gnawing pain. They both sought freedom in the fullest sense of the word. Freedom from the lot that had been cast upon them. A lot that had brought more pain than happiness. Yes, they did share an understanding.
"I have a confession to make." she said, breaking their brief silence.
"A confession? I like the sound of that." he responded with a smile.
"I have to admit, I was one of those people who thought they knew James Hickok but you're nothing like what I imagined. You're a good man, don't let anybody tell you
different." His embarrassed smile was sign enough that he appreciated her confidence in him.
They sat there engaged in small talk. Neither addressed the kiss that almost happened. A romantic setting, a handsome Jimmy sitting next to her and the feeling of total isolation were the perfect ingredients for a second try at a kiss but Jimmy did not attempt it.
After draping her with his jacket due to the chill of the air, she cuffed her arm in his and rested her head on his shoulder. She figured maybe he needed some encouragement. Victoria was pushing her personal limit. She didn't want to appear desperate, easy and definetaly not unlady like. Short of speaking sweet nothings in his ear, she couldn't bring herself to take the next step, remembering her promise to Cody. Still Jimmy made no move.
Victoria felt confused. Had she misunderstood what happened during that dance? Did he feel merely attracted to her for that instant in time? She didn't know what to think. She had never made a move on a man before and wasn't going to take this any further. She wouldn't expose her heart to injury ever again; she promised herself. The wall that she had slowly started to let down was making its return. 'Maybe he's just content with us being friends.' she thought sadly.
Jimmy of course wanted more than friendship. He knew Cody and Victoria had gone their separate ways but didn't want her to feel preyed on or pressured to start another relationship so soon. He fought every cell in his body not to take her right there. The feel of her body next to his almost drove him over the edge. He suggested it was time to head home before Rachel got his head for keeping her out so late. Where would things go from here? Their future was uncertain but it hadn't been written in stone yet. Victoria knew she loved him, even more so after tonight. Could she just let things go and wait on Jimmy?
They finally arrived at the homestead. It was indeed late but to them the night still felt young. Victoria's heart sickened seeing their evening coming to an end. "Thank you so much for everything." she said standing before him, her features highlighted under the moonlight.
"It was my pleasure." he said, taking hold of her hands. "Victoria..." he started, as he clenched her hands softly, looking down on them, a wrinkle in his brow.
"What?" she asked anxiously, her eyes moving about, trying to get a glimpse of his face.
'There's something I need to tell you.' was the thought that shot through his mind.
"Nothing. I had a good time." he ended, smiling at her. "Me too."
They walked up to the door. "I guess this is goodnight." he said.
"I guess."
"Goodnight." he softly said, hating the sound of the word as he turned to leave.
"Wait." she called, grabbing his forearm. "I have something to give you." She took his hands in hers and leaned in slowly, laying a sweet gentle kiss on his cheek. The sensation of her lips on him drove her to the corner of his mouth where she offered another tender kiss. Victoria's unexpected display of affection surprised him, sending an embarrassed smile to his face and a hot streak through his body. He felt as though his very soul had been exposed for her to see.
"Goodnight Jimmy." she said, touching his face.
"Goodnight." he replied, feeling a lump in his throat.
Jimmy walked to the bunkhouse feeling like he could kick himself for letting reason dictate his emotions. He found solace in the evening he had shared with her; holding her close, having her all to himself and the thought that she had planted that sweet kiss; he still felt the tingle of her lips. She had spun her web and he was caught dead in the middle of it. Tomorrow he would make his feelings known. It was a time for love.
Love Stories