Sunflower by Jill Marie Landis

Author:Jill Marie Landis [Landis, Jill Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 9780425111710
Google: eeVmZ26rUTYC
Amazon: 0425111717
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 1988-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“Fine. If you won’t take me, I’ll find someone who will,”

“Can you ride?” Zach peered up at Analisa, a skeptical look in his one eye. He didn’t bother to stand when she approached, just sat where he was, perched on the edge of the stoop that led to the back door of the trader’s store. The twisted cutting of wood in his hand was as thin as the gnarled fingers that clutched it. He continued to scrutinize her as he reached into the deerskin sheath hanging from his belt to pull out a razor-sharp ivory-handled knife.

Refusing to let his unwavering stare unnerve her, Analisa waited, hands on hips, harnessing her temper before she answered him. She pulled aside a lock of hair driven across her lips by the incessant wind. “Of course I can ride.”

It was nearly the truth, she assured herself. It had been true five years ago, for Analisa had learned to ride on the journey west. Why should she tell him she hadn’t ridden since?

“I ain’t takin’ no buckboard, and there ain’t no fancy sidesaddles.” He spat as if to emphasize his distaste.

She wondered what a sidesaddle was. “I don’t mind.”

Analisa pulled her sweater tight against the wind and watched him squint at the sky from beneath the brim of the battered hat that looked as if it single-handedly won the war.

“Don’t look like the weather’s done actin’ up yet.”

Exasperated, but aware that Zach was her only hope of visiting the reservation, Analisa held her tongue. He seemed content to let her stand awkwardly awaiting his answer. She decided to quit begging and try a new tack.

“The wind has blown the storm out. Even now it seems calmer than when I walked over here. I’ll be ready about noon, Mr. Elliot. I’ll fix you dinner before we go.”

Zach settled back against the wall of the building, tossed aside the wood he had been holding, and used the knife point to flick a chunk of dried mud off the side of his boot. Unexpected fear gripped Analisa the moment she noticed a long rawhide thong ornamented with colored trade beads dangling from the carved handle. Her eyes traveled from Zach’s knife to his face. Analisa thought she saw him staring at her curiously.

“You wouldn’t be tryin’ to bribe me, would you now, Miz de la Vega?”

“If I have to, I will.” She raised her chin a notch and saw his stern lower lip twitch with a smile. His mustache hid his expressions well, but she sensed a crack in his reserve.

“Then I guess I’ll have to get to your house a little before noon so’s I can collect my bribe.”

“Fine.” Thinking the exchange over, she started to turn away. His next words stopped her.

“What does Señor de la Vega think about your wantin’ to trek out and stare at the curiosities?”

“He does not dictate to me, Mr. Elliot.”

“Nope. I imagine not.”

“What do you mean ... curiosities?”

“Oh, jest wonderin’ why a nice, clean city lady such as yourself wants to ride into a Sioux agency.

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