The crisp morning air felt good against her face. Victoria closed her eyes, taking in the relaxing effects of the cool breeze. She enjoyed standing at the corral watching the horses. How their beautiful manes flowed as they galloped from here to there. How their powerful muscles defined their sturdy bodies. It was a much pleasant sight than the four walls of her room. She had confined herself to them after their arrival from town yesterday. She felt disappointed in the way she had just fallen apart after her confrontation with the Adams' boys. 'How could I be so weak?' she thought. Her father would have reacted differently; afterall the threats, the barbarianism of it all, came with the territory. She just hoped she hadn't put the lives of her new friends in any danger because of her facade.

Her thoughts quickly turned to Hickok. She had been so upset with him. How could he take her plight so lightly? She just wanted to scream at him to care more about her than he showed. Little did she know how he felt when he saw her with Cody. How it tore at him. Jimmy knew exactly the feelings Cody had for Victoria; the problem was, he was starting to feel the same way, though he would constantly deny it to himself.

He remembered the hurt he had experienced regarding the brake up with Lou. He sorely hoped Lou hadn't been the one and only chance he had had to be happy. He wasn't expecting his heart to bounce back already, so soon. But Victoria had awakened in him something he wasn't ready for...Love.

***************

"That sure is a beautiful sight." Victoria recognized the voice from behind. It was Cody.

"They sure are beautiful aren't they?" she said, not taking her eyes off the horses.

"I wasn't talking about the horses."

Victoria felt a hot flash run through her face accompanied by an embarrassed smile. She turned to look over her shoulder and saw him standing there, a smile across his face. "Cody." she said extending her hand to him which he readily took. "You flatter me too much. You're going to spoil me."

"If making you smile that way is spoilin' ya, then I'll be guilty every time."

"You're too sweet." she said as she brushed his blonde hair from his face. Realizing the intimacy of her touch, she withdrew her hand, turning her attention back to the horses.

Cody felt the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her the way he'd daydreamed about so many times. Victoria could feel the same tension in the air. Her body seemed to stiffen, not knowing what would take place in the next seconds. Ready? She wasn't sure if she was; she was hoping not to find out now.

"You're up mighty early." he said breaking the brief silence.

"I couldn't stand being in that room anymore. The walls were closing in on me." She felt relieved that he had chosen to resume their conversation instead of attempting to kiss her.

"We all missed you last night."

"I'm sorry. I know it was pretty childish of me to lock myself in my room but I needed time to think things through."

"I understand. Now you understand this..." he said turning her towards him. "I care about you; we all do. You're part of us now. Whatever affects you, affects us."

"That's what I'm afraid of Cody. I may have put your lives in danger for no good reason. If anything were to happen to any of you, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself." her feelings of guilt came straight through her words.

"Listen to me. You had to do what you thought was right. We understand that. Chet Adams can be a very dangerous man. If you hadn't played your cards right, we'd all be in worse trouble than we're in now. As long as he thinks you're protected, he won't bother you. So you see...you did do the right thing."

"How can you be so sure?" she turned back to lean on the fence. He joined her.

"I just am. Trust me." He opened his hand, invitingly extending it to her, a motion which told Victoria she could trust him. His voice had been soft, gentle and comforting. Responding to his invitation, she gave him her hand. "I do trust you."

***************

"Has anyone seen Victoria?" Rachel asked concerned at the girl's unusual absence. "She's not in her room." "Maybe she's at he corral." said Lou, trying to ease Rachel's obvious concern. "No, she isn't there, I checked already."

"I'm sure she'll turn up Rachel; she's probably in the barn somewhere." added Kid.

"You're right...I mean she hasn't done anything foolish like leave." she said half-smiling.

"Speaking of missing persons, where is Cody?"

"Hmm, that's a good question." said Noah.

"Yeah, he's never late for a meal." added Buck.

"Especially the first one of the day." said Lou smiling.

Jimmy sat silently at the table, not enjoying the thought of Victoria and Cody missing...together.

"Well from what ya'll told me, if Cody's carrying such a big torch for this Victoria, maybe they ran off and got hitched." joked Noah.

Jimmy grimaced slightly at the thought, but couldn't let his real uneasiness show, for fear his own affections for her would be unveiled.

"Stop your joking Noah." Rachel said as she put food on their plates. "They wouldn't do such-a-thing...would they?" The thought wasn't incomprehensible. The sound of voices broke everyone's train of thought as Cody, Victoria and Teaspoon entered. All those at the table sat there looking at them in silence.

"What's the matter? Ain't ya'll seen the likes of us before?" asked Teaspoon noticing the strange silence that had greeted them.

"Where have you been young lady. You had me worried sick." said Rachel taking her by the hand away from her two companions.

"I-I went for a walk with Cody. I didn't want to disturb you so early."

"Never mind that now, just don't run off without letting someone know."

"Well I was safe; I was with Cody."

"Yeah Rachel, you didn't have to worry, she couldn't have been in better hands."

"I bet." said Noah under his breath.

Victoria barely hearing the comment from Noah turned to the unknown rider. "And you are?"

"I'm Noah; Noah Dixon." he replied rising politely.

"Yes, I've heard about you."

"Good things I hope."

"Nothing but. Cody's been kind enough to fill me in. I'm Victoria Sutton." she said shaking his hand.

"Nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you too." he said sitting down.

"No doubt you have."

"Actually right before ya'll came in, we were wonderin' if you and Co..." his sentence was abruptly cut off when Lou punched his side with her elbow. "Aouh!" he yelled.

"If Cody and I what?"

"Oh nothing, you don't know Noah, he's such a big kidder, right?" Lou said raising her brows at him.

"Yeah," he responded still holding his side, "more than I thought."

"So how was your ride to Fort Laramie?" asked Teaspoon as he sat.

"Long and hard and it's as far East as I'd like to go right now."

"What do you mean?" asked Kid.

"While I was there, there was some big commotion about an attack on some Southern soldiers that tried to recapture some runaways heading North with the help of some abolitionists. They were all killed so the North retaliated and killed the ones responsible.

"How terrible." said Rachel.

"War is a terrible thing; don't let nobody tell you boys different. They like to fill young heads with stories and glamour about donning a uniform. What they don't tell ya is the hurt and pain that goes along with it. The pain in the faces of your friends, their families and the pain inside that'll follow you for the rest of your days."

"I'm just glad its goin' on over there and not here." commented Rachel.

"You know that ain't gonna last. We've seen the army recruiters out here already." added Jimmy.

"Just remember what I told you; war ain't a pretty thing, no matter how they try to dress it up and I want you boys to stay clear from it, you understand?" They all agreed.

"Could we talk about something else? I hate starting my day feeling like a have a big knot in my stomach." encouraged Lou who perished the thought of anyone of them fighting in a war.

"That reminds me. Don't forget this Saturday is the big night." said Rachel excitedly. "The black and white dance and I expect all of you," she said looking at Jimmy "to be prepared to go. It's the biggest thing happenin' in this town and I want all of us to be part of it."

"I love black and white balls, they're so much fun." recalled Victoria with longing.

"I already told you Rachel, I ain't goin' " retorted Jimmy.

"Why? Aren't you taking Kate?" teased Rachel knowing full well what the answer would be.

"Rachel, I wouldn't take that woman to my own funeral if I could." Jimmy's words enduced laughter from his friends. Victoria smiled not getting the sense of such a comment and wondered who was Kate?

"I already have a date." voiced Buck.

"Anyone in particular?" asked Teaspoon.

"You all know Charlotte."

"You two make such a cute couple." added Rachel.

"The Mayor's daughter. Moving up in the world huh Buck?" teased Noah.

"I already have mine right here." said Kid putting his arm around Lou.

"What about you and Cassie Noah?" asked Rachel.

"She wouldn't miss it for the world so I better not either."

"Cody?" she called. He looked up from his plate. "What? I already have a date." he said raising his brows at Victoria. They all turned to look at her as she sat down next to him.

"It's me." she said as he put his arm around her.

"Of course, why'd we bother asking?" pointed out Teaspoon.

Victoria felt a little uncomfortable with Cody's amorous embrace. The last thing she wanted to do was give anyone the wrong impression about her and Cody. Still, not wanting to hurt his feelings, she did nothing. Jimmy couldn't stand the sight in front of him so he excused himself from their presence by saying he had to tend to some chores. The rest of the boys followed suit after gulping down the last bits of eggs and bacon on their plates.

***************

Rachel explained to Lou, that Victoria would need some help learning some of the work around the homestead. Today she would help Lou with the horses in the barn. Needing proper clothing for such work, she followed Lou to the bunkhouse where she had an extra pair of trousers, shirt and old boots. Victoria had never been in the bunkhouse, and was awed by the thought that Louise slept with all those beautiful men.

"You are so lucky." she said. "Me?, Why?" Lou asked puzzled.

"Honestly Lou! I mean I never met a woman who slept with a roomful of handsome looking men and it be all right. I'm telling you Louise...you are blessed."

"Well if you can handle Buck's snoring, Cody's talking in his sleep, and all the talk they do about women in here, you're more than welcome to stay."

"I can imagine."

"No you can't" said Lou as they both laughed.

"So who sleeps where?" she asked curiously.

"Noah and Buck are over there. Kid sleeps here."

"How nice, right under you. How do you ever manage?"

"Some nights better than others; but sometimes when the urge is too much, we sneak out; but don't you dare tell Rachel."

"I understand perfectly, believe me. I won't say a word."

"Cody and Jimmy have the bunks over there. Cody has the bottom one if you want to know." she added teasingly.

Actually Victoria's attention was drawn to Jimmy's bunk and for a moment, she thought of him laying there peacefully; bare chested; thinking only of her. She realized she had just experienced an erotic moment thinking of him in that way and wished in that split second she was Louise. "Here we are." Lou's voice snapped her back to reality. She handed Victoria the clothes.

"Can I just change here instead of going back to the house? It would save us some time."

"I suppose you could. All the boys seem to be outta sight, but I'll guard the door just in case." Victoria changed quickly, not wanting to be caught in a compromising position. She left her dress hanging from the post of Lou's bunk.

"So, how do I look?"

"Like a Pony Express rider."

"Not in your life." she laughed.

"I'm glad you're here." started Lou shyly. "I'm real good friends with Rachel and all but to have another girl closer to my age here with me...it feels good. I mean I could tell you things I would never imagine telling Rachel about."

"Thanks Lou. That really means a lot to me." They hugged.

"We better get going. I told Jimmy we'd be needing his help moving some of that hay later."

"Okay, lead the way." The two girls left hurriedly to the barn to accomplish their chore.

***************

"Can you believe this?" asked Kate reading the newspaper. "What?" asked a handsome young man seated in the chair across from her. "It says here that the Sutton family of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania yesterday acquired the rights to the 100 acre property up on Murphy's Canyon."

The young man looked up, impressed. "Must be some pretty rich folk. Last I heard, it was selling for a very hefty 6,000 dollars. That property is prime soil."

"That's exactly my point dear brother. It seems that the heiress of the Sutton estate, a Victoria Sutton," she said glancing at the name in the paper, "is staying right here in our humble little town of Rock Creek."

"So?" he asked puzzled at the irrelevance of the comment.

"Oh Phillip! Do I have to break everything down for you?!" she retorted frustrated. "Think about this...If I could only recruit Ms. Sutton into the ladies social club, it would definetaly raise my chances of becoming the next President of the club, thereby bumping drab little Charlotte Wilson right off the map."

"Charlotte's not bad. A lot of people like her and besides, her idea for the Black & White ball was a good one. Look at how many people are excited about it."

"Oh please Phillip, don't be stupid! That was my idea remember?, and it was like pulling teeth just to get her to go along with it. The only reason why she is sitting as head of the club is because her father is Mayor of this town."

"Do I sense a bit of jealousy my sister?" Kate gave no response but just rolled her eyes.

"Besides my dear brother, this could work to both of our advantage. With Ms. Sutton in town, it could further my social status is this community and maybe you could set your sights on someone with lady-like class that could make you a suitable wife. It would no doubt help your reputation."

"I appreciate the suggestion little sister but, don't try to fix my love life. This bronco is still wild and not ready to be tamed, so until then, I need to share myself with as many fillies as I can get my hands on."

"That is so chauvanistic."

"I know, but see here sis, this is the thing; I love women and women love me, but they love me because I make them feel good. So why not live it up while I'm still young and rich and very available." he said as he stood from the table, getting his jacket.

"Where are you going? Aren't you going to finish breakfast?"

"I have a date."

"This early in the morning?!" she cried.

"Yeap. I tell you I am one hot commodity, so I aim to please in anyway I can."

"And may I ask who is this date with?"

"Charlotte." he said with a smile as he left the room.

"Phillip!" she cried.

"Just kidding." he yelled back. "Don't wait up."

Kate couldn't understand the nature of her brother. Even though he was known as a womanizer and she agreed with that 100 percent, he was a loving, kind, gentle soul. She worried he would wind up in an early grave, due to the fact that he didn't care who he slept with. Married or unmarried women, they were all fair game to him. He was very skillful in the art of seduction and rumors of his many rendez-vous with the numerous wealthy women in the territory, who were often left alone, for weeks, by their business loving husbands, spread like wildfire.

Yes, a cassanova Phillip was, but he made sure his family was well taken care of. He was a very good business man and kept the family business afloat as his father became advanced in age and wasn't able to do as much. Kate never went without the comforts she had grown up with, and as long as his sister was happy, he was satisfied.

Kate possessed many of life's comforts. A beautiful home, many fancy things and of course money. But the one thing she craved most of all was James Hickok. She wanted him. She needed him. Getting used to the fact that they were no longer together was dramatically unfathomable for her. She had had big plans for their lives together. Her ambitious nature though, got in the way and almost got him killed when a deal for a gold mine went a wry and he was shot being mistaken as a claim jumper.

Regrets, she had many. Never knowing what it was like to make love to Jimmy was a heartbreaking thought. It cut her to the heart every time she thought of it. What would it feel to share a deep intimate moment with him? To have him shower her with his soft kisses all over? Yes, she regreted not having any of those special moments, yet she never felt pessimistic. In her heart, she knew that whatever she wanted, she got; no matter who or what stood in her way. One way or the other, Jimmy would be hers once again.

***************

Lou and Victoria were busy in the stable, brushing down the horses and engaged in conversation about the boys. "So Cody actually convinced you to go with him to the dance?"

"Well you know I wasn't really in the mood for any kind of celebrating especially with all that happened yesterday. I was just feeling horrible but Cody reassured me that you all supported me, which I really appreciate Lou, and it made me feel a bit better. Before I knew it, he had me laughing and having a good time that I forgot all about my problems. Then I found myself saying "yes I would love to go." I don't know how he did it, but he has a way with people that I think is just magical. He reminds me a lot of my brother."

"Oh boy, that does not sound good."

"What do you mean?"

"Victoria, if you haven't noticed, Cody is in love with you, and I don't think he would like to be compared to your brother."

"I know Louise. That's the problem. I know Cody cares for me and I care for Cody as a dear friend but...I don't feel the same way about him as he does for me."

"When are you gonna let him know that?"

"I don't know. Soon. I'm sure the opportunity will present itself soon." she said recalling their moment at the corral. "I can't believe I agreed to go to this dance with him. I don't want to give him any false hopes. Am I a terrible person for saying yes?"

"No you're not. You're still sorting things out. Just look at it as two friends going to a dance together. No strings attached. Just don't let it go on too far. Let him know where he stands."

"I will. I promise. Please don't say anything to anyone, not even Kid."

"Don't worry, I won't."

"Whoever said love was an easy thing sure didn't know what they were talking about."

"It'll work out." said Lou. "I hope you're right."

"Hey Lou! Rachel wants you up at the house." shouted Noah.

"I'll be right there." she yelled back.

"Go ahead, I'll finish up." Victoria continued brushing the horse she had started during her conversation with Lou. She loved talking to them as she groomed them. It recalled to mind the days she spent at the stables when she was a young girl.

"There you go boy. Did you like that?" she asked rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I bet you did. Guess what I've got for you?" she reached in her pocket and pulled out two sugar cubes. The horse eagerly took the treat from her palm. "That's for being such a good customer." she said as she kissed him.

"If you keep treating them like that, they won't want any of us to care for 'em." Jimmy's voice startled her.

"You scared me! Are you always sneaking around like that?" she asked trying to hide the embarrasment she felt as he'd caught her little scenario with the horse.

"Nah. I just have quiet feet."

"Well next time try to make a little more noise."

He walked over to where she was standing and started petting the horse. His back was towards her, but the closeness between them made Victoria's heart start to race. He looked so handsome with his long brown hair and black hat. All of a sudden she felt it get rather warm and an uncertain uneasiness came over her. Jimmy was having an affect on her that no other man had ever been able to produce.

"Do you like horses?" he asked.

"I love them. I haven't been this close to one since I was about 15."

"How come?"

"I used to have a horse, azul was her name; it's spanish for blue. I picked that name because the day she was born, the sky was a perfect blue, not a cloud in sight. One day," she continued as she walked to the other side of the horse to face him, "I took her riding, and I didn't know what happened." A wrinkle appeared on her brow. "We had taken that trail so many times, she knew every dip, every jump, but she broke her leg and my father had to put her down. It was the hardest thing I ever had to go through. I blamed myself that maybe I was riding her too hard and she just gave out. It took me a long time to get over her. So since then, I've enjoyed watching them from a distance. I had forgotten how thrilling it was to care for them."

"I'm sorry."

"That's okay, but thanks."

"Do you ride?"

"I haven't in a long time." Jimmy was aching to ask her to go on a ride with him, but had to use all his strength to withold the urge he was feeling and the words in his mouth. He reminded himself that Cody and Victoria had something going and he didn't want to get in the way of his friend's romance. He made that mistake with Kid and Lou. He was not about to make it again.

"I'm sure Cody'll be more than happy to take you on some of the trails 'round here."

"Maybe." she said disappointed that he hadn't offered instead.

"I want to let you know I'm sorry about yesterday." he said as he walked over to her.

"I really didn't mean any harm by kidding you about your situation."

"It's okay. All's forgiven. Just promise me one thing?" she asked looking at him with her warm brown eyes and Jimmy felt he could've promised her the world if she'd ask it of him.

"And what's that?" he managed to say.

"That you'll be there for me whenever I need you." Her eyes searched his for an answer.

"I promise." he said softly. There they stood, looking into each other's eyes. Victoria's breathing became heavier.

"I wish I would've known you were here all along. It would've saved me a world of time." said the female entering the barn.

Jimmy was glad for Lou's unannounced arrival. He was being drawn in ever more by Victoria's sensuality; he would have kissed her right then, not caring about the repercusions that would ensue. He felt a sense of relief as he regained his senses and thought it best not to let himself alone with Victoria in the future.

***************

The three commenced the task of forking the hay that covered the other side of the barn, into three huge piles. Jimmy was done first then helped the girls finish up. Before they knew it, it was lunchtime. "I'm starved." said Lou. "Me too." agreed Victoria.

"Not bad for a day's work." Jimmy said inspecting the finished product. "Even for you." he teased Victoria.

"Ha, ha; very funny." she responded.

"We better wash up before Rachel has a fit." suggested Lou.

Jimmy went out first and washed seeing the girls were engaged in what he figured was girl talk, then decided to return to the bunkhouse for a change of shirt, knowing Rachel liked their appearance to be neat.

He noticed the dress hanging from Lou's bunk and recognized it as Victoria's. He approached the delicate attire and could smell the soft scent of Jasmin that eminated from it. As he closed his eyes taking in the sweet smell, he could vividly see the woman he was falling in love with. He traced the neckline of her dress with his fingers, then gently touched the buttons that ran down the middle. He felt as close to her as he'd ever been and wondered if this would be the closest he'd ever get to being with her.

The girls had finished freshening up and were headed to the house for lunch, when Victoria remembered she left her dress in the bunkhouse. She told Lou she wouldn't be long and ran off to retrieve her garment. She was almost out of breath by the time she got there. Not giving a second thought to the fact that the bunkhouse was mainly a male residence, she opened the door and walked right in. There, before her eyes, was one of the most exhilirating sights she'd ever laid eyes on. Jimmy had decided to lay down for a few minutes before heading for lunch. He had discarded the shirt he'd worn earlier and lay there, peaceful, bare-chested...what he was thinking or dreaming she didn't know, but there he was, the way she had pictured him earlier. She felt her heart almost leap out of her chest. The sound of the door caught his attention and he quickly realized it wasn't Lou standing there.

"Do you always barge into people's rooms without knocking?" he asked as he grabbed his clean shirt and quickly put it on.

"Sorry." she said with a smile. "I-I just came to get my dress." she continued, as she walked over to get it, tripping on her feet. He watched her as she headed back to the door not saying another word. "See you at lunch." she said smiling.

Jimmy fell back in his bunk not believing this was happening. He had been totally consumed with thoughts of her; the time they had just spent alone in the barn and the feelings he was having, trying desperately to fight them off. He felt as though he was being punished for secretly desiring her. He wanted her to be his, but every time he tried to convince himself to pursue her, the only thing he saw was the face of his friend. He couldn't bear the thought of betraying Cody, even if it meant sacrificing his love for Victoria.

On to Chapter 7...