Soiled Dove: Calico Brides, #3

By Ellie Lynn

Life in Calico is ripe with opportunity for an industrious gal. Ginnie Roberts enjoys the party life, drinking and entertaining in the upstairs rooms over the saloon where she works. When she runs into a handsome cowboy who would rather talk than have a tussle under the sheets, she's intrigued,if not disappointed.

Totally smitten and determined to woo her, Clint is up for the challenge of trying to sweet talk Ginnie away from her life as a saloon girl, and he's got less than a week to do it. But can he? Since he's wagered his money, why not bet it all? If he can withstand her charms for one week, she'll give up her profession and marry him. However, if Ginnie wins the bet, Joe must give up all talk about a future together and give her what she wants most: a wild ride with her sexy cowboy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Deslisle Publications
• Release date: Dec 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781989276082

Ellie Lynn

They always say 'write what you know', so Ellie Lynn started out writing romantic comedy. She's since discovered a love of historical western romances as she channels Gunsmoke and Bonanza, but still writes the occasional contemporary. These days she calls rural Saskatchewan home with her husband, two incredibly spoiled dogs and Horatio the salamander.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Ginnie Roberts squinted and surveyed the heat rising in waves from the dusty desert. Sweat trickled down the side of her face as she sat on a buckboard’s bouncing seat. She fanned her face with a stiff paper fan. How much further before they reached the Davis Ranch? Reaching down, she grasped the folds of her cotton dress and petticoat and lifted them onto her lap. She rested her boot-clad feet on the rim of the wood frame as she spread her bare legs wide.

Always a lady, Lil Bowman said sarcastically.

Ginnie shifted a glance. Lil was more than a friend; she was the only family a saloon gal could ever hope to have. The saloon owner, bartender and sometimes madam of Lil’s Saloon was a blessing to all her girls. In the years Ginnie lived and worked with Lil, she had taught her to cipher, read, and write.

Don’t fuss with me, Ginnie said, shrugging off the comment. Refinement comes easier for you. She fidgeted with the tight neckline of her dress. I’d like to take this damn dress off. I’ve never worn this much clothing.

You’d stand as maid of honor at Sherry’s wedding in your usual attire? Tsk tsk. I will not soil Jack Davis’ bride’s reputation by showing up dressed as anything less than a lady. If his guests don’t know his fiancée’s former occupation, we shall not be the ones to enlighten them.

It isn’t as if she worked upstairs, Ginnie said. Sherry took care of us. Cleaning up after working gals doesn’t make you one. The girl would’ve starved if we hadn’t taken her in.

Some of us were born for the work, some of us inherited the work. Lil swatted at a horsefly. Sherry was bred to be a wife and mother.

Ginnie reached behind and undid the buttons of her dress giving air to her soaked décolletage. I won’t say anything. I have more grace than that. She groaned as she leaned back. Dear Lord, deliver us from this heat. Taking her handkerchief, she wiped the perspiration from between her breasts. Hell couldn’t be this hot.

It isn’t much further. Lil flicked the reins.

Ginnie glanced at her friend. A river of sweat followed her hairline. "How are you feeling?" A rut in the road bounced them around on the seat.

Don’t fret over me. I’m fine. Doc Witmer says I am the picture of health.

Ginnie tossed a black ringlet and raised an eyebrow. Is that so? You seem to have developed quite the relationship with the good doctor these days.

Oh, Ginnie, it isn’t like that at all. After what we went through, we formed an alliance of sorts. A friendship. Actually, he’s almost like a father to me now. Besides, I’m a happily married woman.

She glanced sideways at Ginnie and added, Don’t tell anyone. It would be bad for business.

That’s not much of a secret. Everyone knows how you dote over Chet, and he dotes over you. Ginnie laughed as she leaned her head back. How I’d love to find someone like Jack, though. Not an ounce of fat on that frame of his. Seems like everyone I’ve seen lately has more gut than goods.

Jack is going to be married to our Sherry. Believe me, you don’t want carnal knowledge of your best friend’s husband. She was quiet for a moment. In fact, I worry Sherry’s going to have a hard time knowing Jack used to be a regular patron in the upstairs rooms at the saloon. At least he isn’t like his father. We won’t see Jack upstairs once he’s married.

"I wish I could find a man who wants to pleasure me for a change. I’m tired of sweaty, sour smelling miners. I want what Sherry found."

Money, looks, and love?

A cowboy who knows how to use his weapon, Ginnie giggled. We’re going to a ranch. Maybe I’ll find one.

Flirt if you like, Ginnie, nothing else. You’re not open for business today. Advertising only.

Don’t worry, I know how to behave. She looked ahead and gave a slight nod. Sherry thinks of you like a mother, which makes me her sister. She knows Jack loves her.

I hope you’re right, Lil said as she tugged on the reins, bringing the horse to a stop. We’ll rest here and freshen up. She pointed to a Joshua tree beside a rock cropping not far off the trail. A rickety water well seemed out of place, but welcomed travelers, cow wranglers and anyone needing water in the hot, dry desert. Her husband was one of the few people adamant about keeping it functional for just this purpose.

After pulling up a bucket of water, Ginnie quickly removed her boots, then splashed the cool water up her legs. Lifting her dress higher around her thighs, she continued to splash This is better than sex, she said with a sigh.

Refilling the bucket, Lil cupped her hands in the water and splashed her face. A long sip of water soothed her parched throat. We want to make a statement when we arrive. Remember, we are ladies.

NESTLED AT THE BASE of the Calico Mountains, the wide, front porch of the two-story house of Davis Ranch welcomed family and friends alike. A porch swing invited leisurely evenings watching sunsets or snuggling under a blanket during a summer thunderstorm. Large Joshua trees had been strategically planted to allow for shade from the hot desert sun.

Lil waved at Jack Davis when they pulled the buckboard up to the house. We made it, she said, accepting his assistance to the ground.

Jack greeted Ginnie with a tilt of his head. She alighted without assistance and walked around the wagon. Several horses were tethered to the large stable off to the left. Cowboys paused in their duties to admire the two women who were first to arrive for the main event.

Ginnie squealed as Sherry sprinted across the grounds avoiding lace covered, rectangle tables, between them. Her long chestnut locks bounced in the breeze while her cheeks grew pink from the exertion.

Ginnie embraced Sherry tightly.

Sherry! Lil scolded. The groom is not supposed to see his bride before the wedding. She winked at Jack as he took their bags from the wagon.

I’ll put their bags in the room next to yours, Dollie.

Dollie? Ginnie teased.

Married folks often have pet names for each other, Lil said. Not all names have sexual meaning.

So, Sherry? Ginnie asked. How did you get yours?

Sherry blushed crimson. Don’t ask. Long story and not very flattering. I’m so glad you came. She pulled Lil into a hug.

Don’t mess my hair, Lil said, trying to keep Sherry at a distance. Using her palms, she smoothed her auburn hair back into her bonnet.

I better not touch you. Sherry laughed and pulled back. Come, I want to show you the house. She linked her arm with Ginnie’s.

It looks like plenty of male company around here for a girl like me, Ginnie teased.

You are not here to work, Lil said, a stern warning to her voice.

Oh, he’d be purely for pleasure. She smiled at a cowboy watching them walk toward the house.

That’s Jack’s best friend, Clint, Sherry said, looking over her shoulder. Clint stood an inch or two shorter than Jack, but his broad shoulders tapered into a narrow waist, making him look bigger than his friend. Although both men had chiseled features, a couple days’ worth of whiskers dusted Clint’s cheeks. Obviously, he spent a good deal of his time weathering the elements. Under his cowboy hat, his eyes squinted against the sun. Ginnie felt an instant attraction.

Mmm, Ginnie cooed. Mmm mmm mmm.

You girls can chat without me, Lil said. I need to find Chet. He’s supposed to meet me out here today.

I SEE SHERRY’S FRIENDS have arrived, Clint said as he continued to clear the area of large rocks for construction of a temporary wooden dance floor.

He couldn’t help staring at the woman with hair, black as onyx, piled high on her head. Pearl and abalone clips twinkled in the sun, and her almond-shaped eyes were touched only with a hint of makeup. However, even from a distance he could see her rose, red lips when she smiled.

Can you believe those two all dressed up like proud peacocks? Jack picked up his hammer.

Clint shrugged. They probably don’t get many opportunities to dress nicely.

Clint, you’ve never been to Lil’s with me. The saloon is real nice. The gals downstairs are real nice. But the ones that work upstairs... Well, painted ladies is good at two things. I don’t need to tell you about the first. The other thing is dressing up.

Painted or not, there’s more to women than sex and fancy clothes.

Jack smiled. After you get some experience we’ll talk about what inspires a woman. He held his hand up to stop Clint from giving another lecture. I’m about to be a married man. My only concern is Sherry. He looked toward the house. That dark haired beauty’s called Ginnie. She has a temper, but she can be a lot of fun. Lil’s married now and takes that very seriously.

I’m not looking for hour-long romances, and I’d never want a woman you’ve had.

Then Ginnie’s your girl. Lil’s been around for a long while but her fields haven’t been plowed much. Always was a bit particular, but now, she still runs the place, but she’s plum off the market.

Clint thought about the woman in the house with Sherry. He grinned. No harm in having a conversation with the lady. After all, she is Sherry’s best friend.

MUSIC DRIFTED THROUGH the warm evening air. Ginnie watched Sherry float around the yard on the arm of her husband. The sparkle in her eye and the contagious smile on her lips affected her, too. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Tables brimmed with food. A large pig roasted on a spit in a pit away from the guests. Honey glaze dripped from the belly and smoldered in the fire sending mouth-watering aromas heavenward.

Nice evening, someone spoke from behind her. Sitting in her chair at one of the long tables, Ginnie turned her head to see who it was.

Clint, isn’t it? She motioned to the chair next to her. Sherry pointed you out earlier. Dimples and a slight tilt to his crooked grin made her stomach flip. Yes, he was handsome. In her line of work, men didn’t usually evoke an instant physical response in her. They held no mystery. Clint was different. He actually appeared nervous, making him even more appealing.

Clint sat in the chair she indicated. His black trousers tightened against muscled thighs as he rested his forearms on his knees. Jack told me you work for Mrs. Bowman. It must be nice to get out.

Ginnie laughed. You make it sound as if I’m a slave living a life of servitude. I come and go as I please. I do what I want. She sipped her coffee. "Don’t look so horrified. I’m probably not at all what you think I am. Well, maybe not all that you think I am. I work for Miss Lil. She runs a respectable saloon, and my job is to entertain the guests in the bar. I’m not required to do anything more than that. She thrust her chin toward the newly married couple. I’m not here to tarnish Sherry’s wedding with my wicked ways. I’m a guest just like you. She looked in the same direction as his stare and sighed. They look happy."

As they watched, Jack spun Sherry around the wooden dance floor erected for the reception. Sherry’s white wedding dress swirled around her like a cloud. Her head fell back, laughing at something Jack whispered in her ear.

Ginnie adjusted in her chair and opened a little oriental fan. Wearing her most seductive smile, and tilting her head, she gazed at the handsome cowboy as she fanned her neck. If you don’t want to have a conversation, is there something else I can do for you?

His head snapped around. His smoke colored eyes bore into hers. No ma’am.

Good, because I’m not here to work. She playfully slapped her fan closed and leaned in close. Did you know I can read a man’s thoughts?

It was true. Years of flirting, cajoling and teasing men had taught her to look into a man’s eyes to discern his intentions. Clint was transparent.

You like what you see, she continued, her eyes trailing down the length of his body and back up again. "But as I said, I’m here to support Sherry in her new life. We can have a good time, Clint. However, if you want to conduct business you’ll have to come to town. She stood. I’ll see you later?" How much later was up to Clint. She didn’t see him as the type to act on his impulses. Such a shame.

Ginnie found Lil sitting with Jack’s children.

Ginnie, this is Mitchell and Janey.

Sherry’s our mama now, Janey said with an air of authority. My mama died when Mitchell was a baby. She gave her two-year-old brother another bite of wedding cake.

I think it’s wonderful to have a new mama, Lil said, smoothing a hand over the little girl’s hair. Sherry will be such a good mama for you.

Yes, that’s nice. Ginnie didn’t relate to children. They made her so nervous, she didn’t even know how to speak to them. She understood men. I need to step away for a few minutes. She tilted her head toward the outhouses lined up across the yard. I didn’t want you to worry if you couldn’t find me.

Ginnie, my dear, if you need to use the facilities, then do so. She laughed and shooed her away with the wave of a hand.

Once safely on the other side of the stables, Ginnie took a deep breath. Her stomach felt sick, all knotted up from pretending to be someone she wasn’t. She could put up a good front when she had to, but she preferred life at the saloon where she could be herself. Truthfully, mingling with these people made her feel lower than even the lowest scullery maid. She saw their stares. No matter how hard she tried, she simply couldn’t resemble a lady. She thought of Sherry. Most would assume she was a woman of means. No one would fathom she had once pursued employment in a saloon.

Ginnie slipped open the top button of her dress. The new fabric was stiff and uncomfortable in her fingers. She preferred the lighter, more lived-in clothes she had at the hotel. Light and airy, they allowed a woman to breath. Corsets, bustles, and yards of useless fabric could make a woman feel darn right churlish. Perhaps that was why women in town never laughed and why their husbands kept the saloon full.

After a few deep breaths she almost felt like herself.

A noise to the left startled her. Someone stepped from the deep shadows of the stable. Are you following me? She put her hand over her heart to calm its racing.

Clint stuffed his hands into the front pockets of his trousers. I didn’t mean to offend you, Miss Roberts. I was enjoying your company until you up and left. Figured I owed you an apology for something I must have said.

She waved her hand, dismissing his apology. No apology needed. I’m not easily offended. She inclined her head, debating whether to say something. Actually, you could make it up to me if you’d go over there, she said, pointing to a group of men, and get me a glass of whiskey. Not a little glass, she said, using her thumb and index finger to demonstrate. She pointed to a woman drinking a tumbler