Her First Love

FIVE

Caleb stood behind the bar as he washed and dried the glasses and mugs. His gaze had been pulled to the stage ten minutes ago as the girls were teaching Nicole how to dance the Can-Can. This dance that originally came from France was a big hit in the saloon.

His newest girl still seemed very innocent. Nicole blushed several times while the other girls showed her how to lift her skirts and kick her fishnet stockings gartered legs. The dance was truly indecent, which was probably one of the main reasons Caleb's patrons enjoyed it so much.

From what he'd seen so far since Nicole's arrival, Mary and Patsy were the two who had selflessly taken the new girl under their wing. He didn't know why Teresa and Amber weren't trying to get close to Nicole. He may have to keep close watch over those two.

He picked up another mug and proceeded to dry it with the cloth in his hand. Mary showed Nicole how to do the kick that the dance required. Caleb couldn't keep from admiring her shapely legs. It also surprised him how coordinated she was, and she caught on quickly. Nicole was still reluctant to lift her skirt very high, which he found amusing. She was so very different from her cousin.

Slowly, his smile left as he thought about the brief conversation by her room door yesterday. It hurt to think that she would suspect him and Brenda of having a relationship. Of course, it made sense as to why Nicole had felt that way. Yet, how could Caleb convince her that she was the first employee that he'd ever kissed?

Once again, he scolded himself for not having better control. Although he hadn't kissed Nicole yesterday during that moment at her door, he'd definitely thought of it. She had looked so lovely – like a true lady. Seeing her dressed this way and admiring the way her smoldering gaze watched him so intently, how could he not want to kiss her? She was so very different from the other women.

During the time he worked for his brother, he'd seen Michael go through so many women. Of course, it wasn't until later when Caleb discovered his brother was having his wives disposed of, but Caleb realized then that he wanted one woman to love. He didn't want to be like his brother. Caleb wanted a woman that would not only be his wife and the mother of their children, but he wanted someone who would be his best friend. Unfortunately, since he took ownership of the saloon, most respectable women didn't want to give him the time of day, let alone have him court them. Of course, Stumptown didn't have many women, anyway.

The front door to the saloon opened, and in walked the sheriff and Bryan Easton. Caleb nodded a greeting and reached for two clean mugs to fill with ale. Denton motioned his hand in a negative gesture.

"This isn't a social visit." Bryan frowned and leaned against the bar.

"What is going on?" Caleb moved closer toward the two men.

"Our mail-order bride threatener is at it again." Denton shook his head. "Henry Jacobs, one of the lumberjacks, had Hannah Easton arrange a mail-order bride for him. But before she could even arrive in town, her stagecoach was attacked, and the only person the masked bandit threatened was the bride. The other passengers were unharmed."

Caleb leaned on the counter. "How do you want me to help?"

"We need your ears," Bryan said. "You work at a place where men can't hold their tongue the more they drink. We're hoping that you and your girls will listen closely to conversations." He shook his head. "We need to find out who is doing this."

"I'll do all I can." Caleb nodded. "I'm wondering, though... do you think this has anything to do with Brenda's murder?"

Denton shook his head. "No. Now, if Brenda were a mail-order bride, then I would think the two cases were related."