To Touch Ice

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To Touch Ice

by

PJ Port

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Copyright 2006 Peggy Jane

a.k.a. PJ Port

all rights reserved

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published by

UnicornPanther Books

Smashwords Edition

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Smashwords Edition, License Statement

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This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.

If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please go to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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dedicated to

my husband

and family

who put up with me through it

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contents

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To Touch Ice

author's notes

sample of Novan

chapter list

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disclaimer

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This author is a fanciful soul with a casual-talk ear who prefers imagination over fact, and normal flow-of-thought over being grammatically correct.

Therefore, she makes no claims of historical, social, fashionable, grammatical, or scientific accuracy.

This story and these characters are purely fictitious products of said author's off-beat imagination, and in no way represent any actual events, situations, or persons — living or dead.

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~C-1: The Seductress~

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Dave stretched out on his back, slowed his breathing to a deep cleansing pace, and released his mind.

'Speak to me, Wind!'

His body still tingled with that wonderful, satisfied exhaustion he was blessed to feel after a good day's hard work ended with a tin of hot beans, and coffee. His buckskin hat balanced on his face, giving his head the sensation of sinking into the ground, as his booted ankles crossed automatically out at the end of his long legs.

He relished the Earth, cool and solid beneath him. Even the grass stubble pricking through his cotton shirt felt good as his mind drifted — lazily, floating off on a breeze caressing him from the west. Soon his entire being waltzed away, leaving him only slightly aware of the campfire some three feet to his left.

The fire no longer blazed, but its coals glowed red and white under a coffeepot rack. They crackled and hissed softly, allowing the breeze to mingle their warmth and smoke with smells and sounds already carried from the cattle, and the creek.

A sighing noise escaped a man near Dave's head. It was Paul finishing his last gulp of coffee. He sighed again, with a big, Aaahh, and snuggled his lean body to the ground. His beige hat soon hid his face.

To Paul's left, Big Jake's spoon scraped his tin every few seconds on its way to his mouth. His big green eyes, like cat eyes, surveyed the crew around their fire.

Tim's plate, to Jake's left, was still half full. He sat bareheaded, exposing bushy black hair and brows to glare in the darkness. Tim was so tall and skinny strangers often thought themselves able to push him about. It proved a dangerous mistake to make, though. He was a heap stronger than he looked — ornery and stubborn, too. The ornery showed at present.

Dave's feet were directly across the fire from Jake, with all six feet of him extending out away from them. There lay a hard worker in that one. Moreover, he was always pleasant, always easygoing, and smart as they come. Not even those eerie blue eyes of his could keep Jake from liking him.

Paul was the one that fancied himself a ladies' man. Being boyishly handsome with long sandy-blond hair and dark brown eyes, he often passed for one, too. He made a good hand, though.

Mac perched on a water keg near Dave's feet. His coffee tin held its second cup of brew. Mac was fond of his coffee. He passed, after all, for the cook. Brown haired and bearded, he stood only about five-foot-six, but with bulging muscles on his arms, shoulders and legs. That was a mean cuss when he took a notion — like now.

Jake, himself, loomed biggest, burliest of the lot. Gray hair frizzed over his ears and framed his brow, matching the gray feathers wound about his equally gray hat. He was the boss, and he looked it.

The fairest of his crew sat between Mac and Tim. Jake's green eyes twinkled when they rested on that one. He barely resisted the grin threatening to curl his lips.

Sighing heavily, Tess chose that moment to set down an empty tin cup. Well? she wondered aloud.

Her brown eyes twinkling back at Jake looked black in the firelight. A black hat hung between her shoulders, its string encircling her slender throat. The breeze fluffed straight blond hair that draped under the hat and down a graceful, feminine spine to the slight curve of her hips.

Jake thought her a stunning sight. He set aside his plate, empty now, and nodded before pouring himself coffee.

She stood, stretched like a feline, and swayed off into the night.

Tim scowled as he poured his coffee, but Mac spoke first. You don't really spect us ta work all summer with thet thang, do ya, Jake?

She pull 'er share?

Mac's jaw twitched. Ya know damned well she does, he grumbled through his teeth, and threw more wood on the fire.

It ain't like ya had ta hire 'er, Jake, complained Tim. "Not like we HAD ta put up with anothern."

It's bad anuff with thet Ice Princess aroun', Mac added. Her we cain't do nuthin about, an' et the least she mostly stays outta our way. But thet there ...

Complainin 'bout lil' ole me, are they, Jake? The woman swayed back into sight to prop her hip against a boulder near the fire. "I gather ya still ain't splained our ... 'arrangemunt'?"

Thought I'd let cha sa'prise 'um.

Mac and Tim sat scowling at him. They'd yet to catch on. The tension had built all day, increasing with each glance at the young, extremely attractive, woman. She pulled her share all right. But she was still a female, still a complication for them to deal with, and still a reminder of what they'd be doing without on those long days, and nights, ahead. No, they saw no humor in it at all.

Tess lifted the hat string from her throat and over her head, shaking her hair completely loose about seemingly delicate shoulders. She lay the hat behind her on the boulder, and lifted a boot to her hand.

Ya see, she began, as she pulled feet from her boots, Jake, there, knows whut a fun-lovin gal I am. She spoke slowly, smiling as she placed the boots beside the hat, and stood. "An' 'e thought cha'll might like a little cump'ny on these long, lonely nights. Ain't thet right, Jake huney?"

Her hands had been gloved during the day. Now her slender, almost elegant, fingers tugged the shirttail from its knot near her belt. Like the men, she wore denim, but she transformed into a seductive cat as she loosened it.

No one else spoke, though Paul moved the hat back from over his tired eyes.

Her fingers parted shirt buttons as she continued. "Hard work's mighty good fer ya, but hard play's lots more fun. Her grin widened at their silent responses to her firm, yet feminine, chest. The shirt slid down her arms and onto the boulder then her fingers toyed with her belt. I ain't a wantin ta put chew fellas ta any troubles. She lifted her feet to clear them from the jeans. But if any a ya'll men wanna snuggle up fer awhile, I'll be a waitin." She purred, and her jeans dropped onto the boulder.

The only feminine garment she'd worn was the pair of lacy bloomers exposed now about her lower body. Transformation complete, she stretched invitingly before sauntering around behind the boulder where she'd tossed her bedroll a few moments earlier.

Then the bloomers flew up onto the boulder to join her other clothes discarded there. Jake's men stared at them, speechless. He nearly burst, but sat quietly, waiting to see his fun through. Jake loved a good joke almost as much as a good woman.

Tim loosened his eyes from their trance to turn them on Jake. Well, what-da-ya-know?! Jake, you ole snake-n-the-grass! And his scrawny body rattled with a burst of laughter, to which Paul and Mac added volume.

Only Jake's expression reflected sober and solemn in the firelight. You dum cowpokes'd let thet little filly freeze over there all by 'er lonesome. But his green eyes twinkled. Since ya've been doin the most complainin, mebbe you should go warm 'er up fer us, Mac.

Without a word, Mac was on his feet and out of sight. His friends laughed with cheer. Especially Jake, who roared now, slapping his knee with the pleasure of a joke well played. No, he'd hear no further complaints about having hired that female.

Their laughter soon passed as moans from behind the boulder sobered them back to earth, and another round of coffee. His attention no longer on his prank, Jake noticed Dave still stretched out, unaware of their antics.

Hey, wake the kid, Paul. I'd hate fer 'im ta miss out alltagether.

Paul nudged Dave's shoulder with a foot.

Dave's hand lifted the hat from his face and his body turned to question the boot.

Yer sleepin through our fun, Kid! boomed Jake.

Huh?

Dave had yet to fall asleep, far from it, but all his senses had been dancing with the wind, not noticing the 'fun' going on around him either. Mating sounds from behind a boulder and the obvious state of the three men before him were easily recognized, though. He grinned at his own distractedness.

Sorry, Boss. Reckon I was a bit tired.

Tired? Dave? Was he sick?! Ya did wanna join in, didn't-ya?!

Dave sat up, folding his long legs before him. He tossed his hat onto the saddle behind him and thought a bit before answering. Thanks just the same, Jake, but I don't think I'm in much of a mood for it tanight.

Humph! snorted Tim. Don't care fer used honey, eh?

Didn't seem ta mind at Betsy's Place last munth, Paul volunteered with a wink in Dave's direction.

Dave grinned, remembering. No. It's not that I mind sharin. I just don't feel up to a romp at the moment. Don't wanna dampin ya'lls fun, though. He looked up at the stars and observed simply, Shore is a beautiful night! Think I'll go fer a walk. Then his legs unfolded and he stood, stretched, and drifted out of sight.

~chapter list~

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~C-2: The Awareness~

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Laughter and cheers sounded in the distance as Mac returned to the fire and Tim was chosen to leave it. Dave took a deep breath, and released it, but continued to move further away. The stars were beautiful. The moon was full, the sky clear, so the night drifted — not at all dark before his eyes ... eyes that could see their way even in pitch blackness.

It puzzled him that he held no interest in frolicking with Tess. She was a beauty all right. And come to think of it, he'd gone nearly a month now without touching a woman. —Nearly a month!? Maybe he should go back?

No. He was just not that interested. So uninterested, in fact, he'd even missed her invitation! Well, it was certainly nothing to dwell on. The night beckoned.

He wandered aimlessly for some time before leaning against a stubby old prickly pine to grasp his thoughts, to remember what had preoccupied him by the fire. Except the wind, nothing in particular came to mind ... just warm, wonderful, satisfied feelings. He'd been lying there, tired and ... content, yes — content!

The sensations washed over him again. Sliding down to the ground, he closed his eyes to indulge his senses. Yes. Satisfied, and BLISSfully content. He groaned from the sheer joy of it.

After awhile, he ran his fingers over the new blades of grass creeping up through winter stubble and looked up at the stars, absorbing their mystery with all the others swirling around him. How sad to be earthbound! But, the feeling passed quickly. Such a night was far too beautiful.

A fresh breeze caressed his skin, teasing his senses with its scents and sounds. It now carried a slow harmonica tune among its captive charms. Dave lifted himself up to wander toward its source.

There was a break in the rhythm as he drew nearer. His approach had been detected.

Leaning against another pine, he gazed up the sloping hill to where it arched, ever so gracefully, and listened to its music. The scene almost took his breath away: moonlight cascading down on a slightly grassy hill; cows dozing to the east; and on that hill, on a nicely located boulder, sat the player whose tune lulled both cattle, and Dave. The creek was out of sight to the north, but its very existence added a comforting effect to this scene before him.

Another soft melody flowed forth as he ascended towards the watch-site. Only when Dave was at a distance of some three yards, did the harmonica cease its hum.

Thought Paul was ta relieve me at ten.

He will, Dave confirmed.

Then what brings you about?

He towered over the boulder, bent his head slightly, and kissed her ... slowly, allowing his arms to slide about her, to linger there beyond his kiss.

For some strange reason, I just couldn't stay away, he decided. And grinned at her bewildered expression, realizing only then that his direction had been far from aimless. And now he was hungrier for her than he'd expected.

Her silky straight hair was of deep brown, many shades darker than his own, and so long she could sit on the ends. It gleamed only slightly darker now in the moonlight, though it seemed more like a scarf when clasped tight at the back of her neck this way.

Her eyes, the same rich shade of brown as her hair, were always enchanting. He floated for some time in their charm before tasting her kiss again.

She smiled shyly when he loosened her hair to the breeze and placed its barrette with the rifle and suede hat beside her.

That's better, he whispered. I like ta know, fer sure, I'm not kissin another fella. Then he dared hug her to his chest, trailing delicate kisses from her ear to the lower curve of a graceful neck. He heard her breath catch, felt her fingers grip the muscles of his arm, and muffled a laugh in her hair.

"What's so funny, might I ask?!"

Uncharacteristically passionate response, for an icy cold woman, wouldn't-ya-say?

Ahh. They mustta been bad-mouthin the 'Ice' Princess agin.

You know they call ya that? Of course she would. Very little went on without her catching wind of it.

She laughed softly in his arms, gripping his shoulders playfully now. "I earned it, when I flattened my first fresh cowboy."

Like Paul?

Why-da-ya-ask?

Noticed a rather neat little bruise on 'is jaw this mornin.

Yeah. She giggled. Like Paul.

Why not me?

She surveyed his chest, looked thoughtful. "You ain't said why you found me so magnetic tanight."

Yer changin the subject, Princess.

Does it fit?

What?

"'Ice' Princess?"

Maybe. He smiled and caressed her back. Why not me?

Shouldn't you be sleepin by now?

He kissed her fully, deeply, delighting in the way she moved against him in response to his touch. But feeling their passion swirl up to possess him, soon forced himself back.

Better cut this out. Lifting her chin encouraged her to return his gaze. Her eyes were already glassy, her breathing heavy. She was so incredibly beautiful, so deliciously enticing, he struggled to resist an urge to kiss her again. I won't be able ta behave maself, if we don't.

Not that I'd mind, she whispered, her voice hoarse, tempting.

It'll soon be ten.

A smile made her mood almost light and airy again. Sure ya ain't jest a puttin me off?

He did allow himself to nuzzle her neck, to rest his face in her warmth ... and the subtle sweet-grass scent of her. I want you pretty damned bad, Princess. He groaned, fighting down his instincts, and breathed in through clenched teeth. But I don't think I want an audience.

He forced himself to release her then — despite the ache it brought. Stepping away, he sat on a lower ledge of the boulder just out of reach of her. Propped back on his arms, looking up at her smile, he persisted, Why not me?

She eyed him for a moment. What's got inta you?

Why-da-ya-ask?

You seem, 'different' tanight.

Oh? In what way?

Yer mood I reckon. Ya ain't norm'ly sa blamed serious. She smiled her shy way. Or is this jest a side a ya the full moon draws out?

He laughed up at her, flashing his teeth, straight, white and perfect, in response to her tease, then folded his arms across his chest in thought. I realized somethin a bit ago.

What? She'd meant to say it out loud, but it caught in her throat.

He took note, and watched her as he explained. Tess was entertainin after chow. They thought I was sleepin'n roused me up so I wouldn't miss out.

And? She still sounded choked.

Fact is, I wasn't asleep. My mind was just somewhere else. But I wasn't much in'risted, anyway. Surprised me ta realize it maself. Plenty a fire in that one, from what little I've seen. He paused to gauge her reaction, noting she tensed. I went fer a walk ta think on it, but it didn't make any sense. Not till I found maself up here.

She was still — not even breathing.

"I'd thought I was just wunderin aroun'. But I'd been headin straight fer you."

Stillness.

Ya must be getting inta my blood, Princess.

They both heard Paul's approach and faced his direction. No sight of him, yet. With alert senses, an approaching man can be detected from some distance away, and even further when he sings as Paul was doing. His tune had drifted up against the soft wind.

Dave grinned back at the girl. Sounds revived, wouldn't-ya-say?

Mustta been good en'ertainment Tess was dishin out. She seemed relieved to know Paul was on his way.

It was.

An amused shake of that pretty head and she was her usual self again.

Dave leaned back to study the stars once more. His tone was casual, but low, when he spoke — to himself and the sky. Moon in Taurus, Venus smiling.

What?

Shifting his attention, returning her gaze, he decided to tease her mind with his thoughts. The planet Venus, named for the Roman Goddess of Love, is said to impose special influence when the moon moves through Taurus. He pointed toward the moon. Bull days. Then he spoke even more softly, his voice caressive. Should make it a doubly good night fer lovin — if Venus has 'er way.

Veenus? She giggled with another shake of her head. Yer a strange un, my friend.

"Have ya never heard a mythology, 'legends of the gods!,' Princess?"

And where-da 'you' hear a things like thet?

Oh, I just pick'em up here'n there.

She eyed him, unconvinced.

Paul was ascending the hill now, his hat slid back on his head, his sandy hair waving about it in the moonlight.

She glanced down the hill and back at Dave to whisper, "There's a lot about you thet don't add up, Dave ole boy."

He shrugged.

They watched Paul cover the last few yards.

Evenin, Melynda, ma'am, he boomed.

She nodded.

So, Dave! Is this why ya left our little party, ta try'n start one a yer own? He eyed the girl with half interest and slurred, Melted any a the ice off it, yet?

An' ruin her fascination!? Not a chance!

Well, I reckon I can get my sleep now, the girl remarked irritably.

Dave arched a brow at her. Mind if I walk along fer cump'ny?

She met his eyes. But, Cain't stop ya, was her tired reply, before she lifted the barrette to a pocket, her hat to its place, and pitched the harmonica at Paul, who caught it easily. Then she jumped down from her seat and walked off down the hill — without so much as a wave goodnight.

Dave stood to stretch. Reckon that's my answer. Did I miss out on a good time?

Paul grinned with zeal. "Damn good time! She was still warm when I left, though. An' she asked about 'thet hansum mess-a-muscle.' Seemed right disappointed et yer leavin."

Dave chuckled, recalling the heat she emitted. Maybe.

But as he strolled off down the hill, it was Melynda he ached for.

~chapter list~

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~C-3: The Binding~

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Out of Paul's range of vision, she was waiting. Dave gathered her under his arm and continued on in silence. They circled out, around the now quiet camp to a place east of it where a series of large rocks surfaced above the water forming stepping-stones across the creek.

She crossed the creek behind him, leaping easily to him on the other bank, and allowed herself to be led a hundred yards or so further downstream. He was fond of a spot there where the creek ran through a hill.

Centuries had carved twelve-foot walls along the sides of the creek, with five-yard banks on each side of the water. Here, the rock sides were weatherworn into smooth boulders that could be sat or leaned on comfortably. Dave considered this a sculptured garden, a wonder of nature, a perfect place to be.

Backing her into a stony alcove, he eased off her hat before surrendering himself to her — and the night — in an urgent, demanding, kiss. No longer desiring control, he pressed her roughly against the wall of rock, relishing the way she clung to him, ignited by his touch.

Their passion soared them to oneness, in the moonlight, against the stone, caressed by the wind! He gladly stifled her cries with fierce, penetrating kisses ... lost in her fire.

When sensual calm finally overtook them, he held her even closer, savoring the magic glow, the timeless warmth, of their intimacy before lifting his gaze to search her face in the semi-darkness. He found her eyes unfocused, her lip swollen.

A fresh surge of warmth washed over him at the sight of her there in his arms. Did I hurt you, Princess?

Humn? The sound of her voice, throaty and soft like his own, pleased him when she spoke. Not that I noticed.

He breathed deeply of her. Good ta know you can handle me. And responded to a need to caress her slowly now, softly, with gentle lingering hands ... to claim her tenderly, with deep thorough kisses to muffle her cries.

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