Going Where the Wind Blows by Jan Christensen Page B

asked.
    “Um, Friday night.”
    “And what part do you play?”
    “Um, Petruchio. You know the plot?”
    She couldn’t hide her surprise. “The lead? Yes, I know the play. Petruchio marries Kate to tame her. It’s not clear whether he loves her or not, or just considers marriage a convenience.”
    “What do you think?”
    “Well, I’m a woman, so I think he loves her.”
    He nodded and signaled Jimmy for another drink. “And that’s the way we play it. We think the audience is more satisfied with that interpretation.”
    Maybe he really was an actor. Maybe he did better on the stage than in real life.
    The bar doors swung open and a huge man Rita Mae had never seen before walked in, his footsteps loud on the wooden floor. He stopped just behind Rita Mae and put his hands on her shoulders. “You’re new,” he said, his voice rumbling in her ear. “Let’s go upstairs.”
    She turned toward him. “Buy me a drink first?”
    “I don’t work that way,” he said. He took his hands off her shoulders and took her arm.
    Rita Mae slipped off the barstool. For some reason, she couldn’t look at the actor. I’m not ashamed , she told herself. She had to do this to survive.
    “I’m Jake,” the man said as they climbed the stairs. “Been out prospecting, but first thing I do when I get back to town is get a bath, a shave, and a haircut. Next thing I do is come to Miz Halley’s for one of her delightful women. Then I have a drink. If you’re nice, I’ll buy you one. After.”
    A man who had his own set of priorities. She was thankful he’d had a bath.
    She got a better look at him after they entered the room. Seductively, she began to remove her clothing. He stood, arms crossed, leaning against the door. A slow smile crossed his lips when she removed her corset. He was ruggedly handsome, and she suppressed the slight tingle she felt when he let his eyes roam over her body. When she was finished undressing, she sat on the edge of the bed and watched him undress. He placed his gun on the nightstand first, removed his boots and the rest of his clothes and got into bed, pulling her close.
    He surprised her when he took her gently, even trying for a bit to arouse her. He gave up soon enough when she didn’t respond. When he finished, he rolled off her to lie on his back. She eased herself off the bed and began to get dressed.
    “You promised me a drink,” she said. She felt thirsty and suddenly very tired.
    He grunted.
    When finished dressing she looked at him and saw he’d fallen asleep. She sighed and shook his shoulder.
    He came awake with a start and went for his gun on the nightstand. She took a step backward, then said, “It’s only me. How about that drink?”
    Jake looked at her with bleary eyes. “Sorry. Haven’t slept in a bed in so long, forgot how comfortable they are.”
    He stood up and stretched. He was one hunk of a man, even unaroused. She looked away and went to the vanity to comb her hair. Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.
    Quiet, Mother.
    She heard Bill’s faint laughter in her head, saw his smiling face.
    When they arrived downstairs, she was surprised to see the actor still at the bar. He wouldn’t look at her when she sat down next to him. His eyes were bloodshot, and his words slurred when he ordered another drink.
    She ordered a Martinez again. Jake sat on her other side, and she could feel his body heat.
    She turned to him. “Have much luck with the prospecting?” she asked.
    “Not lately. Did a couple of years ago, but blew it all on gambling and women. I can feel my luck’s about to turn anytime now, though.”
    That’s what they all say , Rita Mae thought.
    The sheriff came through the swinging doors, looked around, and approached Rita Mae. She stiffened on the bar stool.
    “Where’s Miz Halley?”
    “I…I don’t know. Around, I guess. I haven’t seen her in awhile.”
    The sheriff looked at Jimmy who shrugged. The sheriff walked down the