Thunder on the Plains by Rosanne Bittner Page A

wishing he would look at her, but he seemed to be deliberately averting his eyes. She turned her attention to the lieutenant. “Yes,” she answered. “Colt saved my life more than once. I’ll be forever grateful to him. My leg is healing beautifully, and I don’t even limp now.”
    Colt finally glanced at her while a private walked around the wooden table pouring everyone a glass of wine. A rush of something wonderful and unexplainable pulsated through Sunny when Colt’s eyes met hers, making her feel too warm.
    Colt directed his gaze at Lieutenant Amber then. “All part of the job,” he told the man. He felt almost guilty enjoying the fine meal the commander had served them while the rest of Bo’s men camped outside, eating their own cooking around a campfire. He knew Amber would never have done this for the ordinary traveler, but the soldier had discovered that Bo Landers was one of the richest men in the country, and the man had catered to Landers ever since, following him around, ordering his men to see to their every need, ogling Sunny.
    Colt could not imagine having people lick after a man just because of his money. He couldn’t stand such fakes, and he decided it was probably a good thing he would never be rich. He would probably be landing a fist into people every day for their stupid groveling. He was getting a headache watching the lieutenant kowtow to Landers’s every wish, but Landers was eating it up. He was used to such treatment and enjoying every minute of it. Colt was getting a good idea of what life was like for the man back in Chicago, everyone jumping at his every command, people impressed by his money and power.
    â€œWell, if you ever want to do some scouting for the army,” the lieutenant was telling Colt, “just let me know. You’re pretty young, Travis, but apparently very skilled. I’m sorry about your friend getting killed.” The man took a sip of wine. “By the way, which way do you think those Cheyenne went?” he asked casually. “They can’t be too far from here if you had your run-in with them only a couple of days ago.”
    Colt downed his own wine in two gulps, setting his glass down and giving the lieutenant a look of disdain. “You offered me a job as a scout, but I didn’t take it, Lieutenant Amber, which means I don’t have to tell you which way they went. Besides, I wouldn’t have any idea where they were headed. I think all they want right now is to be left alone.” He looked around the table and rose. “If you’ll all excuse me, I intend to turn in early tonight. I’ll be leaving for Colorado at sunup.”
    â€œAlready?” Bo asked him. “We haven’t even settled up yet.”
    â€œI’ve got some things to get in order, some repacking to do. I’ll be camped over near the livery. You can come there when you’re finished. Go ahead and visit awhile.” He turned his eyes to Sunny, and he saw her own eyes were starting to tear. “I—I’m glad you’re all right, Sunny. It was real nice knowing you.” Sunny felt on fire when his gaze moved to her bosom for a moment before moving to Bo and Stuart. “All of you,” he added.
    Sunny thought he seemed a little defensive when he shook her father’s hand, then Stuart’s. “It was a hell of a trip, wasn’t it? Thanks for hiring me, Stuart. I’m sorry things didn’t turn out quite like we had planned. Good luck on your return trip. I’m sure things will work out for you.” He looked at Bo again. “And for your railroad. It sounds like one hell of an impossibility, but I have a feeling if anybody can get the thing built, it’s you.” He glanced at Sunny again. “You and your daughter.”
    Sunny could not take her eyes from his. Finally, it was Colt who looked away first, turning to the lieutenant. “Thanks again for the fine