The Mavericks by Leigh Greenwood Page B

ready?”
    â€œI’ll see.”
    Josie left without a backward glance. What was wrong with this woman? Did she think apologizing would show a fatal weakness?
    Josie returned moments later. “I don’t see Suzette.”
    â€œShe offered to help Hawk with the horses. She’s riding my horse since I’ll be driving the wagon.”
    It was clear from Josie’s expression that Suzette hadn’t told her of this change in plans. It was equally clear that she didn’t like it.
    â€œYou might as well get it off your chest,” Zeke said. “You look like you’re about to bust.”
    Much to his surprise, his words appeared to defuse her anger. “I thought you were staying with us so Hawk could take care of Laurie.”
    â€œWe are, but Hawk’s better with horses and I’m better with wagons. We’re depending on you to keep an eye on Laurie and let us know if she starts getting worse.”
    â€œSuzette knows more about nursing than I do.”
    â€œShe also knows more about horses, and Hawk could use some help. Anything else you need to know before we can get started?”
    Zeke only realized how rude he sounded when surprise flashed across Josie’s face before being replaced by anger.
    â€œI didn’t mean that the way it sounded,” Zeke said.“I guess Suzette should have told you she was riding with Hawk.”
    â€œIt’s okay,” Josie said, making an obvious effort to rein in her temper. But even after she’d schooled her expression into a rigid smile, her eyes remained stormy.
    â€œYou need a hand up?” Zeke asked.
    â€œNo. I can do it myself.”
    He didn’t argue. Once she was in, he closed up the back, went around, climbed into the driver’s seat, and untied the reins. “Ready?” he called out.
    â€œReady.”
    â€œGiddyaup!” Zeke called as he snapped the reins. The mules leaned into their collars, and the wagon bumped and lurched as it began the day’s journey.
    Hawk wasn’t used to being around attractive women. He was even less used to being alone with one for the better part of a day. Being forced to watch Suzette in the saddle ahead of him had caused him to feel completely off balance all morning. Not to mention being so worked up, he was uncomfortable. He’d hoped that growing older would make his monklike existence easier. Apparently all he needed was a woman like Suzette to stoke the coals until they were red hot once more.
    Since horses could travel over rough terrain more easily than a wagon, he hadn’t pushed the mares. Yet even at their leisurely pace, they’d outstripped Zeke and the wagon. Much to his surprise, Suzette had been very good at finding the best path for the horses to follow. Only once had they had to backtrack.
    â€œHold up,” he called to Suzette. “Pull over to thatcottonwood,” he told her when she stopped and turned in the saddle toward him. “It’s time to let the wagon catch up.”
    Once Hawk staked Dusky Lady, the mares started to graze. Suzette had already dismounted by the time he reached the shade of the ancient cottonwood. Its trunk was about five feet in diameter, its branches reaching more than fifty feet to the river’s edge. He judged it to be at least two hundred years old. It was incredible that the tree had managed to survive so many years of flash floods capable of carrying large boulders downstream. He brought his horse to a stop under the tree, grateful to be out of the glare of the intense Arizona sun.
    His aroused condition made him so self-conscious, he was undecided whether to stay in the saddle or dismount. He realized it was ridiculous to consider staying in the saddle. His horse needed the break even if he didn’t. Suzette must have seen a lot of lovesick men, but being on a stage in a crowded saloon was very different from being alone with one in the middle of the desert. It made things