Tempted: Part II

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.

She was beautiful. Her olive skin was perfectly complimented by raven hair and cocoa brown eyes; eyes that could be as soft as dying embers or as hot as sparks from a raging inferno. Jarrod came to visit her every time he was in San Francisco, which of late, seemed to be quite frequently.

She had told Jarrod her name was Carmella. She said she was born and raised in a little town in Mexico. Her parents had run a small General Store, before they died from the plague. She had packed her meager possessions and moved to San Francisco after her parents died; the plague had taken all those she loved in Mexico. Being familiar with retail, she was able to get a job in one of San Francisco’s mercantiles as a sales clerk.

The first time Jarrod saw Carmella was in that mercantile. He had been purchasing a cameo for Audra’s birthday. Carmella had helped him pick it out, teasing him gently about the lucky woman to receive such an expensive gift. Jarrod had laughed and said he hoped his sister would think so too. Carmella had filed that away, thinking that perhaps she had finally found what she was looking for.

Somehow that single casual conversation over the purchase, became a series of conversations, lunch dates, dinner dates, dancing, and trips to the theatre. Jarrod, the logical, cool-headed lawyer found himself intrigued by this tantalizing woman.

When they first started seeing each other, Jarrod had thought Carmella was shy and reserve; quite genteel. However, every now and then she showed a spark of fire in her eyes that hinted that there was much more to this demure woman than met the eye. A spirit, Jarrod thought, which might be as hot and as uncontrollable as a wild fire. Jarrod found this dual nature intriguing, alluring, dangerous even. When they were together, Carmella made him feel alive. She was half kitten, half tigress and very, very exciting.

Carmella lived in Mother Brown’s boarding house, a well-known and respectable establishment. It was where working girls from good families stayed. Carmella was lucky to have gotten a room there. Mrs. Brown didn’t just let in anyone.

When Jarrod came to call on Carmella, Mrs. Brown would make him wait in the parlor. She would quiz him on their plans for the evening until she was satisfied they were well thought out and proper. She also never failed to remind him that her doors were locked at 11:00 p.m. sharp and she expected her girls in by then. Jarrod always complied. You didn’t mess around with Mother Brown as the girls called her. Jarrod would use his best gentlemanly manners on Mother. Brown who would eventually succumb to his charms and hurry Carmella along. Jarrod hoped he was wining Carmella over too; he was sure he’d won Mrs. Brown.

Usually, it is the woman who is swept off her feet by the man, but in this case, Jarrod couldn’t help wondering who swept whom. It didn’t matter. He had grown increasingly fond of Carmella and if he was really honest with himself, he found his feelings for her ran deep; deep and strong. Jarrod, the logical lawyer, said slow-down. Jarrod, with the soul of a poet, said full speed ahead. Once or twice in the last week, the idea of marriage had crept into his thoughts during tranquil moments of contemplation. Jarrod decided it was time to bring her home and meet the family.

That night at dinner, he asked her to come to Stockton for the weekend. He assured Carmella and later Mother Brown, that she would be well chaperoned by his mother and sister. Both had agreed she could go. And though he didn’t say it, his voice and eyes suggested to Carmella that there might be more to it than just a casual visit and she was thrilled. She had chosen well and everything was going smoothly.

Victoria and Audra bustled about the house preparing for Carmella’s first visit. Fresh flowers abounded on every table; the crystal sparkled like diamonds; the silver had been polished within an inch of its life. Victoria knew Jarrod was very taken by this girl and she wanted her first visit to be special. Call it mother’s intuition, but Victoria couldn’t help wondering if she was about to meet her future daughter-in-law.

Victoria had to admit, she’d been surprised at the speed in which the relationship between Jarrod and Carmella had progressed. Had it been Nick or Heath she would have been more concerned and probably had said something. Nick always jumped first and then looked, after it was too late, to see where he would land. Heath was never far behind his older brother, though he would at least look before he jumped, but then do it anyway. But Jarrod, no Jarrod was the sensible one. He lived his life like he played chess, deliberate, always thinking a few moves ahead. He looked before he leapt, long and hard. This Carmella must be a very special girl to capture her eldest son’s heart in such a short time.

"Not you too," Nick exclaimed as he brought out the freshly curried team from the stable. Their bay coats and black points gleamed in the bright sunlight; their matching rear socks were so white it looked as if they had been bleached. Even their dark manes and tails were neatly plaited.

Heath grinned ruefully, giving the buggy a final swipe with the rag. "I didn’t plan to but somehow that smooth talkin’ brother of ours maneuvered me into a corner. Next thing I knew I had volunteered to clean and shiny the buggy."

Nick chuckled; he knew exactly how Heath felt. He’d been maneuvered by the same conniving Jarrod to curry the carriage team within an inch of their life. He’d even braided their manes and tails per his brother’s request. Heck, he thought, I’d probably woven ribbons in next if Jarrod had stayed around the barn any longer. Lucky for him, Jarrod had noticed the lateness of the time and had rushed into the house to change. Wouldn’t due to have the best looking carriage and team in California only to spoil it by being late for the train.

When Jarrod emerged from the house again he was dressed to the nines. Heath tilted his hat back on his head and whistled at his oldest brother. "I do declare Nick. Doesn’t he look as purty as those fancy models from Audra’s picture magazines?" Heath asked in an exaggerated drawl.

Nick came around the horses and looked his brother. He circled around him once, strictly for the dramatic effect. Finally, he came to a halt in front of Jarrod where he theatrically sniffed the air. "And he smells better then all the girl’s at Big Annie combined." Heath chortled behind Nick’s back.

Jarrod ignored his brothers’ raillery as he climbed into the buggy. Heath bent low at the waist as he entered. He proceeded to grab the rag he’d been using to shine the buggy and started polishing Jarrod's boots. Nick, not to be out done by his brother removed his hat and clutched it tight to his chest. "Master sir," he said in a whinny voice, "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Jarrod joined in the spirit of the game, answering in a stuffy British tone with a nonchalant wave of his hand. "That will be all for now. Be gone."

Nick and Heath broke in thigh-slapping laughter and Jarrod joined them.

"And don’t forget you two," Jarrod scolded. "I expect you both to be on your best behavior tonight at dinner. Heath, I’d be much obliged if you changed your clothes."

Heath looked at himself and grinned ruefully. He thought he’d put tan pants on this morning but it was kind of difficult to tell now under all the grime.

"And Nick, for God’s sake take a bath. These horses smell better than you do," Jarrod concluded as he clucked to the team and headed off to meet the train.

"Well, if the horses curried me all afternoon instead vice-a-versa I’d bet I would smell a whole lot better too," Nick muttered under his breath.

"Well?" Nick said as Jarrod rode out of sight. "Are you gonna change for our dear brother’s coming out party? Maybe put on something other than that blue shirt of yours?"

Heath cocked an eyebrow at Nick, then looked down at his blue shirt. It was one of his favorite ones, though to be perfectly accurate, it was one of his four favorite blue shirts…all identical. It made dressing easier; no coordination required.

"As tempting as it might be, I think if I showed up at the table looking like this, Mother would grab me by the ear and drag me up the stairs with Audra trailing behind lecturing," Heath replied chuckling. "Those two are near as bad as Jarrod in their preparations for this big shindig," Heath pronounced as they started for the house. "And, I haven’t been dragged around by a woman," Heath paused to reflect a moment, "least-wise a mother-type woman, since I was 8 years old."

"Oh, and have you been dragged around by many non-mother type women?" Nick asked slapping his brother on the back.

Heath put a conspiratorial arm around his brother’s shoulder. "Let me tell you about this wild cat I once knew in Mexico. She could…" Heath went on as the two brothers walked into the house. As the front door was shutting, Nick exclaimed "She did what! Impossible!"

As it turned out, Heath didn’t change for dinner. Madison, the foreman came in and said there was a cow in the North Meadow having trouble birthing her calf. Heath told Nick there was no sense in both of them missing dinner and he’d volunteered to go. Coward, had been Nick’s response. By the time Heath got back, it was well into the wee hours of the morning and he went straight to bed, grime and all.

"Guess you’ll have to wait until tonight to meet the last of my brothers. Seems the cow must have worn him out," Jarrod said in a teasing tone to Carmella when Heath didn’t show up for breakfast. He turned to his Mother. "Perhaps Heath would like to meet us for lunch in town."

Nick grumbled something about slackards but Victoria cut him off.

"I’ll mention it to him when he gets up," Victoria replied agreeably. "He could ride in with Audra and I."

"Sounds like a grand idea. Carmella and I will meet you at the hotel around 12:30."

Jarrod spent the morning showing Carmella around Stockton. If he’d care to admit it to himself, he was trying to convince her it was a nice town and a good place to live. They finished their tour a tad before noon and headed for the hotel to wait for the rest of the family. Jarrod procured them each a glass of tart lemonade and they sat companionably in the lobby enjoying each other’s company.

When Heath finally put in an appearance, Victoria told him of his Jarrod’s request to join them for lunch and to meet Carmella. Heath thought it was odd that the meeting couldn’t wait until dinner tonight, but he complied with his brother’s wishes. Besides, after spending all night with that cow, he could use an easy day. He wasn’t all that anxious to join Nick in digging fence holes. Eating lunch in town sounded a whole lot better. He could also pick up that new rig at the blacksmith’s so it wouldn’t really be like he was goofing off. He told Audra and Victoria he’d meet them at the hotel and set out on Charger for Stockton.

"Jarrod," the Sheriff said removing his hat. "Ma’am".

"Sheriff," Jarrod said rising. ‘What can I do for you?"

"I hate to disturb you but I need you to come over to my office for a few minutes," the sheriff said urgently. "It is very important."

Jarrod sighed and looked down at his pretty raven-hair beauty sitting on the settee. He didn’t want to leave her alone and at the same time he didn’t want to drag her to the Sheriff’s office.

Carmella laid a gentle hand on his arm. He suppressed a shudder at the electrifying effect her touch had on him.

"Go ahead dear. I’m sure your mother and sister will be along anytime now. I will be fine sitting here waiting for them. I promise I won’t run away," she added coyly gently stroking his forearm.

Jarrod groaned inwardly and contented himself with chastely kissing her on the cheek . He chivalrously replied, "I’ll be but a moment, fair lady," as he rose and left the hotel with the Sheriff.

It was rather stuffy in the lobby so Carmella decided to step outside on the hotel’s porch in search of an errant breeze. As she stood there, the noon stage drew abreast of her. It came to a stop and its passengers disembarked. To the casual observer, it would have seen like she too had just stepped off the stage as she stood there, the stage passengers milling about her.

Heath rode into town right behind the stage. He slowed Charger to let some of the passengers cross the street. He gave quick glance at the lobby of hotel to see if Jarrod and his lady friend had arrived yet. As his eyes sought their way past the milling people, they came to a halt on one face. A face Heath couldn’t believe he was seeing. He quickly moved Charger to the side, dismounted and looped the reins over the hitching rail. His eyes never left the dark beauty of the face his eyes had sought out. He spoke her name as he approached from behind her.

"Lupe?" Heath questioned with awe. "Is it really you?" As she turned to face him there was no doubt in his mind. It was Lupe. She must have gotten his letter and took the stage here to see him. That could only mean one thing his excited heart reasoned, it must mean she still cares and is willing to give me a second chance.

Lupe eyes widened with shock at the man standing before her. It couldn’t be. "Heath," she replied her voice rough with emotion.

Heath took her two hands in his and then folded her in a passionate embrace. As his lips sought hers, she closed her eyes. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She told her self to push him away but her body betrayed her as she melted deeper into his arms. Finally, she came to her senses and broke the embrace. What was she doing taking such a chance; to chance ruining her carefully crafted plans. Lupe chided herself and steeled her resolve.

"Let me look at you. You look wonderful," Heath said ardently. Carmella extracted her hands from his grip and smoothed her dress and hair.

Without giving her a chance to speak Heath eagerly continued. "You got my letter and came," he said embracing her again. This time she immediately struggled to break free. Heath let her go and stepped back, a puzzled look on his face. "You did get my letter?" he asked.

"I don’t know what letter you are talking about. I’m here…" Carmella never finished her sentence as Jarrod came up behind her saying teasingly, "Leave it to my brother to try to corral the prettiest gal in Stockton. Well you just keep your hands off her dear brother. She is spoken for." Heath jerked his eyes from Lupe’s face to Jarrod’s; he been so focused on Lupe he hadn’t seen Jarrod coming up the street. His mind reeled. Lupe was Jarrod’s lady friend?

Jarrod didn’t notice Heath’s confusion and went right on with his introductions. "To make it official, Carmella this is my younger brother Heath."

Carmella nodded her head slightly at Heath and said, "Nice to make your acquaintance Heath."

Heath stood there, shocked, staring at Lupe.

Jarrod chuckled. "I do believe you’ve left my brother speechless. Ah… here comes Mother and Audra now," Jarrod said as he took Carmella’s arm and guided her towards them.

Heath didn’t move. He was trying to sort out what was going on. Lupe? Jarrod’s girlfriend Carmella? How could that be? And why was she calling herself Carmella and why was she living in San Francisco and why… Jarrod’s voice interrupted his wild train of thoughts.

"Are you planning on joining us Heath?" Jarrod probed in a teasing manner.

Heath shook himself out of his reverie and trailed after them into the hotel. Apparently, Jarrod did not see him kissing Lupe; the stage must have blocked his view. Heath didn’t know what was going on but his good sense told him now was not the time or place to try to straighten it out.

He sat through the lunch, nearly silent, though the rest of the party didn’t notice. Audra and Victoria were to busy quizzing Carmella on her first impressions of Stockton. Jarrod paid rapt attention to Carmella, occasionally reaching out and touching her hand or arm. And every time Jarrod's hand touched Carmella’s body, Heath felt a stab of pain through his heart.

After lunch the party spilt up; Jarrod and Carmella took the long road home so as to see more of the ranch. Victoria and Audra stayed in town and went to the dressmakers to see about a new outfit. Heath had waited awhile to accompany them back to the ranch and then left when he heard they would have to stay for a fitting. He was just as happy to ride back alone as he tried to sort though the events of the afternoon. He had to figure out a way to see Lupe alone and find out what was going on.

An opportunity to speak to Lupe alone never presented itself to Heath during the rest of her weekend stay. Soon it was Sunday and Jarrod and Carmella returned to San Francisco on the train. There was a cheerful parting at the house between Carmella and everyone, but Heath who hung out quietly in the background. Carmella promised to come back and visit again some day, that was if Jarrod wanted her too, she added coyly. Jarrod gathered her in his arms and kissed her so there was no doubt that he’d want her to come back. Heath turned and walked away in silence; his fist clenched at his side.

That night Heath couldn’t sleep. Every time he drifted off he started to dream of Carmella/Lupe; Jarrod kissing Carmella; Lupe doing things with Heath that, well, things a nice girl like Carmella wouldn’t dream of. At one point in his dreams, or maybe more accurately nightmares, Jarrod walked in on him and Lupe. Heath woke up in a sweat, his heart pounding. Even though he had done nothing, well not recently at any rate, he felt like he had betrayed Jarrod. He had to resolve this situation and the sooner the better.

He thought about talking to Jarrod but what was he going to say? By the way Jarrod, that girl your seeing, well her real name is Lupe and let me tell you she is one hot number in bed. Heath shook his head and placed his hands over his face. No. he had to talk to Lupe first, even if it meant chasing her down in San Francisco.

Heath brooded the next morning while working with Nick to replace a fence line. Nick shook his head impatiently at Heath when he addressed him and again his brother seemed to ignore him.

"I said, are you going to lift that higher or are we building a fence for midgets," Nick repeated his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Heath made a decision. If he hurried, he could catch the last train to Frisco. "Nick, I gotta go," he said as he dropped the rail narrowly missing Nick’s foot. Heath picked up his shirt and slid it on.

Nick dropped the hammer and advanced on Heath, hands on his hips. "What’d ya mean you gotta go. We’re not through building this fence here in case you haven’t noticed."

Heath walked over, grabbed Charger’s reins and mounted. "I gotta go," he repeated. "Sorry," he added as he laid his heels into Charger’s side and galloped off.

Nick bellowed after him to no avail. Just wait ‘til he got his hands on that boy, Nick fumed. He angrily called another ranch hand over to help him finish. He took out his frustrations by viciously hammering the planks to the posts.

Part Three

Heath realized after he boarded the train that he hadn’t thought this all the way through. He didn’t know for sure where Carmella lived in San Francisco. He sat back and closed his eyes trying to remember everything Jarrod ever said about Lupe hoping to discover a clue about her whereabouts. He knew she worked at a store, but there were lots of stores in Frisco; that wasn’t helpful. He groaned and thought harder. He remembered Jarrod joking about a Mother’s Brown Boarding house. Yes, he was sure that was it. There couldn’t be too many boarding house in Frisco run by a Mother Brown. He’d start there first.

Heath departed the train at the station. He figured the best way to find Mrs. Brown’s boarding house was to ask around. On his fourth try he hit pay dirt. He had gone into his spiel about looking for his sister who was staying at Mrs. Brown’s Boarding House, how he had come into town to surprise her but had left the address of the establishment at home by mistake. The fourth lady with whom he spoke assured him his sister couldn’t be in a finer place and gave him detailed instructions on how to find it. Thanking her kindly, he set off.

Finding the place wasn’t hard, when you knew where to look. He knocked on the door and Mrs. Brown, he assumed, answered it. He polished his manners and took off his hat before speaking.

"Afternoon Ma’am. I’m looking for a lady who I believe is staying with you. A Miss Carmella."

Mrs. Brown looked him up and down, like she was sizing up a steer.

"And what would you be wantin’ with her," she asked with a slightly Irish brogue.

"I’m a friend of hers, up from Stockton and I’d thought I’d drop by and pay my respects," Heath said in what he hoped was an earnest tone. He flashed a small smile at Mrs. Brown to show he was sincere and meant to harm.

"I don’t allow my girls to talk to any old Tom, Dick or Harry off the streets," Mrs. Brown cornered.

"Yes Ma’am, I’m sure you don’t. But I’m no Tom, Dick or Harry. I’m actually a Heath, Heath Barkley," Heath said in his sincerest voice.

"Barkley, hmmmm, Barkley. That name sounds familiar. No just hold it a spell whiles I try to recollect where I’d heard that name before," Mrs. Brown said as she absently-mindedly scratch her head..

Heath stood there trying not to look as impatient as he felt.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "Yes, Barkley. That’s the name of the nice young lawyer who be courtin’ Carmella. Such a good looking man and quite the gentlemen too. Always has her home at a suitable hour."

"He’s my brother Ma’am," Heath replied taking a new tack. "And he asked me to get a message to her, him being sick and all," Heath said wistfully. "I’d me much obliged if you’d let me speak with her for a few moments."

"He’s sick? The poor boy, nothin’ serious I hope," she replied.

"No Ma’am," Heath said lying through his teeth. "He should recover, but it would make him feel a whole lot better to know I was able to deliver his message to Lupe I mean Carmella," Heath said catching himself on the name slip.

Mrs. Brown didn’t he notice. She was too busy telling Heath what a nice man Jarrod was, how polite he was, how good-looking he was and so on and so on. Obviously, his brother had managed to charm this lady as well as Carmella. Finally, Heath couldn’t stand it any more.

"I don’t mean to interrupt, but please Ma’am, may I see her?"

"Silly me, rattling on like that. Well of course you can see her. Problem is she is not here. She is at work," Mrs. Brown said.

"And she would work at…" Heath prompted.

"The mercantile over on 4^th, you can’t miss it," Mrs. Brown replied.

Heath thanked her and beat a hasty retreat before she could get going again on how wonderful Jarrod was.

Heath found the store without incident and went inside. Spotting Lupe behind one of the counter, he strode over to her.

"I want to talk to you," Heath demanded.

Lupe looked up in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Heath reached over the counter and roughly grabbed her wrist. "We need to talk, now."

Lupe pulled her wrist from his grasp and rubbed it. "I can’t talk now, I’m working. Are you trying to get me fired? Go away."

In desperation, Heath seized her shoulder roughly causing her to cry out in pain. He immediately released his hold as people turned to look in their direction

"You are causing a commotion," Lupe hissed. "I get off at five p.m. Meet me in front of the store and we’ll talk then."

Heath left, reluctantly.

After Heath left, Lupe asked her manager if she might take a break. Upon receiving approval, she went into the stock room and perched on a barrel of dry goods to think. Of all the luck in the world she thought; Heath turning out to be Jarrod’s brother. Things had been going so well.

When she knew Heath, what was it three years ago, he wasn’t going by the name Barkley. How was she to know that Jarrod’s brother Heath was the same Heath that use to be her lover? This was awkward. Her relationship with Jarrod was progressing so well, she was sure he would propose to her very soon and, of course, she would accept. After all, it would achieve her goal, to marry a rich husband.

Jarrod was certainly handsome and would treat her well; she had no doubt about that. He was kind, gentle, refined …but …her thoughts drifted back to Heath and their earlier relationship. It had been one of passion and fire, so hot it had nearly consumed her. When the brash young man had asked her to marry him she almost had; anything to escape. Luckily, she came to her senses before it was too late.

When she knew Heath, he was a drifter, bitter and angry; searching for something he could never find. His passions consumed him and everyone around him. People had said he was brave, but it was the bravery born of a man who didn’t care what happened to him. Life with him would have been exciting, of that she was sure and passionate, oh so very passionate, but she wanted more from life than that. She wanted what he couldn’t offer her, security, money and power. She didn’t want to live the life of a drifter, or a poor rancher trying to eke out a living from the arid soil. She wanted to live in a fine house, like the rich gringos in Mexico, in their fine haciendas. So when Heath asked her to marry him she said no; and told him to leave. Besides, she was already married at the time; a fact she had neglected to tell him; a marriage she was desperate to escape;.

Now, though, she had to reevaluate her plans. If Heath was truly a Barkley, equal in all ways; well then didn’t that mean he stood to inherent as much money as Jarrod? Perhaps, thought Lupe, I can still have his passion and fire, plus the money. Oh Jarrod was fine, but if she could have Heath, and the money, well that would be the icing on the cake.

She had to play the situation very carefully. First, she had to establish Heath was indeed as rich as Jarrod. Nothing must get in the way of her quest to become wealth woman. Then, well, then she would have to decide what to do.

She twirled the end of her dark tresses as she thought. Yes. Judging by the kiss Heath had given her at the hotel, he still had strong feelings for her. She was sure she could cultivate those feelings if she wanted; she had always been good in dealing with men, ruling them by their emotions. After all, hadn’t she caught the rational and logical Jarrod in her web?

Lupe thought back to the first meeting with Heath outside the hotel. Hadn’t he mentioned something about a letter? About her coming in response to a letter? She’d have to learn more about that letter during their conversation this evening. Yes, she had a few more things she needed to learn about Senor Heath before she could decide how to best proceed.

Heath looked at his pocket watch impatiently for the fifth time in ten minutes. He shook it then held it to his ear. It felt like time was standing still, but the ticking of his watch said otherwise. He started pacing back and forth in front of the store again. If she didn’t come out soon he’d wear a trough in the planking. Finally, Lupe emerged from the store and Heath quickly moved to her side.

"I thought perhaps we could talk over dinner if you didn’t mind," Lupe said smiling congenially. "I am a bit famished after working all day. There is a nice restaurant on the next block over," she continued as she offered her arm to Heath.

He instinctually took it and they started to stroll down the street. He didn’t know what to make of Lupe’s actions. In the store she had treated him like a leper. Now, she was acting like they were sweethearts. His mind tried to rationalize the situation; his heart said who cares and to enjoy it; his conscience said what about Jarrod?

They arrived at the restaurant, a family type establishment, and were seated at a table with a pretty pink-checked cloth on it. Heath assisted Lupe with her chair and sat himself to her right.

Heath started to ask her a question when the waitress appeared at their table. He stopped and they spent the next few minutes concentrating on the menu and placing their order. After she left, Heath stared at Lupe again trying to fathom which of the hundreds of questions whirling through his mind to ask first.

Lupe made it easy and initiated the conversation. "I suppose your wondering how I ended up here in San Francisco?"

"That probably would be a good place to start," Heath said as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table.

"Let me see. I guess the last time you saw me was three years ago in Canton." Heath nodded his head as she continued. "I was heart-broken after you left."

Heath opened his mouth to correct her; it was she who told him to leave. Lupe started playing her game. She placed a finger to his lips and gently shook her head. "Please let me continue. I know it was I who sent you away. But you were too dangerous to be around. You were so angry and bitter. I guess part of me was afraid of you, what our life would be like if I married you, whether your anger would consume us both."

Heath winced at her words; he couldn’t deny what she said. He had been bitter and angry and she was right, it might have ruined any life they tried to establish. He could see that now, but back then…

"I worked in the cantina for awhile after you left. But what kind of life is that for a girl. I was smart; I wanted more from life. I made up my mind, packed my bags and came here to San Francisco to start anew." she finished almost defiantly.

Heath thought back to when he had met her, in the cantina. He had been working on some ranches in Mexico; been trying to run away from the sting of the rejection of Sarah. Beautiful, innocent Sarah who had decided she would rather devote herself to God then to him. He had thought of it as another cruel joke God had played on him; one in a series that started with the circumstances of his birth. He had tried to escape the sting of Sarah rejection by running, running to Mexico. He started to drink too much, fight too much and love too much in his efforts to forget her. He decided that if he wasn’t good enough for a pious girl like Sarah then by God he was going to be bad enough to marry the devil’s daughter.

He got a job on a ranch in Mexico. When the familiar urge to move on hit him again, he picked up his pay and left. He wandered about as was his custom, trying to decide what to do next. He had stopped in Cantoon, for a drink. That was where he had met Lupe. She was working there and had asked him to buy her a drink. Never one to turn down a pretty lady, Heath obliged. She was very sexy and aroused him; she was just the type of girl he was looking for, beautiful, bold and dangerous.

And boy howdy was she dangerous. She loved to flirt and then pretend it hadn’t been her doing. She spent a lot of time patching him up from the fights he’d get in "defending her honor". Heath knew she bought it on herself, but he didn’t care; he wanted an excuse to fight and she gave it to him. Besides, it was his bed she returned to every night.

After a while, as he got to know her better, he thought she had another side to her. Underneath that brash exterior, he believe she was just as lonely and scared as he; that she was fighting her own demons, as was he, each in their own way and he found himself falling in love with her. He had asked her to marry him, and she had flatly turned him down. He had ridden out of town at a all time low, thinking he wasn’t even good enough for the devil’s daughter.

"Sir, if you could move your elbows please," the waitress asked a second time. Heath started and complied, breaking his reverie. "Thank you," she said as she placed the steaming plate of food in front of him. Heath couldn’t even remember what he ordered but he knew it wouldn’t matter. He wouldn’t taste it anyway.

Lupe picked up her fork and began delicately eating her meal. Heath watched her in silence, drinking in her every movement. She was still lovely. He felt a familiar stirring in his loins. She’s Jarrod’s girlfriend he reminded himself. Still, he wanted her and he was ashamed at his weakness.

Shaking his head as if that would clear his thoughts, Heath asked about the name change.

Lupe laughed. "When I came to San Francisco, to become a lady," she said accenting lady, " I decided to change my name. Lupe sounded so, I don’t know harsh. Carmella sounded more sophisticated."

She stabbed a small piece of potato and seductively placed it in her mouth, at least to Heath it seemed very seductive.

Heath reminded himslef again she was Jarrod’s girl friend. "How did you become involved with my brother," he asked stumbling on the word brother.

Lupe told him of their first encounter in the mercantile and how things progressed. "He is a very special man, that brother of yours." Heath placed his fork back on the table. He gave up trying to pretend to eat his dinner.

"Now be fair, tell me about your life since I last saw you," Carmella asked in a husky voice, leaning forward in rapt attention.

Heath skipped over most of what he did after he left her; some things he didn’t want to remember himself, let alone tell her. He told her of his mother dying and finding out about his father and coming to live with the Barkley’s

"So your are a true Barkley now," she skillfully probed. "I mean, it is some change of circumstances from the man I knew, from a drifter to a wealthy man."

"I guess," Heath said hesitantly, "That I have settled down. Does Jarrod know about your past, about us," Heath blurted out.

Lupe paused for a moment; as much for effect as to give her time to consider how to best answer his question. "Heath, that is the past. When I moved to San Francisco, I wiped that slate clean. I decided to start fresh. I know," she said softly as she cast her eyes down, "that I have down some, well, unseemly things in the past."

Heath felt himself flush.

"But I am trying to put that all behind me. I am not that type of girl anymore. For the last two years I have been learning to be as a lady should, and," she said looking Heath directly in the face, "I have succeeded. The girl you once knew is no more."

Lupe remembered she still hadn’t found out anything about the letter. She had to rectify that. The waitress came and brought the check. Heath paid and they stepped out onto the porch.

"I would be grateful, if you would escort me back to my boarding house," Lupe said charmingly as she again, linked her arm through Heath’s. As they started down the street Lupe inquired, "I couldn’t help wondering, when we first met, you mentioned a letter you had sent me?"

Heath was glad it was dark out as he felt himself blush again.

"Since I didn’t receive it, would you perhaps be kind enough to share what you wrote?" she asked in a breathy voice as she pressed her body closer to him as they walked.

Heath’s body trembled; she felt it. Knowing she was on the right track she pushed harder. "Perhaps, we could sit on the bench for a moment while you tell me about the letter. It is such a nice night out, I’d enjoy a bit of fresh air before returning to my stuffy room."

Heath settled her on the bench and then joined her. Lupe deliberately moved closer, her thigh pressing against his muscular one. She laid a hand on his arm as she smoothly prodded "The letter."

Heath was even more unnerved. He could feel her leg touching his and her warm, soft, hand gently stroking his arm. She was staring directly at him with those dark pools and he felt like he was drowning in her eyes. Her perfume swirled around him like a cloud; seductive, tantalizing. Again he tried to remind himself that she was Jarrod’s girlfriend.

Lupe, sensing his vulnerability, pressed against him harder, tilting her head slightly and subtly running her tongue across her lips. Yes, she knew how to control men. She removed her hand from his arm and placed it on his cheek, lightly stroking it. "The letter," she asked breathlessly, her face inches from his.

Heath lost control. He placed a hand on the back of her head forcing her lips to meet his. He kissed her with passion and pent-up frustration. Lupe let him kiss her for a few seconds, then broke it off, struggling, a little, to free herself.

Heath, lost in the moment blurted out, "Lupe, in the letter, I asked if you still had feelings for me. I said that I had settled down and asked if maybe, you could still find it in your heart to love me."

Lupe crowed inside. She had been right. He did still have feelings for her. However, she warned herself. Jarrod was a sure thing, she knew he was rich. The Barkley family had adopted Heath, but she just couldn’t be sure they wouldn’t turn him out on the street, penniless, if he took up with his brother’s girl friend. She had to be sure first. Making up her mind, she pretended to be flustered and shocked by Heath’s kiss.

"Heath, must I remind you I’m dating your brother and your behavior is most inappropriate," she said harshly.

Heath stood up turning his back to her. His voice was raw with emotion. "Don’t you think I know that. I didn’t want that to happen. I mean I did, oh Lupe…" He turned back and faced her. "That never should have happened. I was digging up the past, a past long gone. Your Jarrod’s now and I swear I won’t bother you again." He looked up at the street sign. "You’re only a block away from your home. I think it best if I left you here" Heath took one long last look at her, trying to commit her face to memory then with a look of pure anguish, he abruptly left her.

Lupe allowed herself a small smile. Yes, the ball was in her court, she was still in control of the game and it was progressing nicely.

Heath returned to the ranch as mysteriously as he left, refusing to say where he’d been. Nick cornered him and gave him a sharp dressing down for taking off. Heath had said nothing. He stood there letting Nick berate him. When Nick had finally calmed down from his tirade, Heath had simply said "Sorry" and stood there waiting to be dismissed. Afterwards, Nick felt like he would have gotten about as much satisfaction if he had addressed his comments to a wall.

Victoria also wondered where Heath had gone and what had happened. However, she believed he had the right to live his own life; keep his own counsel and if he didn’t want to talk about something, well that was his right too. She had approached him one night, just to let him know that if he wanted to talk she was ready to listen. He had politely put her off; leaving her none the wiser.

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