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"Did you ever hear from Priscilla?" she asked in a hushed voice.
"No, nothing yet." He told her.
She nodded.
He came closer, "Trudy, you don't have to be afraid of me."
"I'm not," she insisted.
But when his hands came up to cup her cheeks and his thumbs ran lightly over her, she couldn't stop the blush. He stared into her eyes, and slowly his head bent, and he kissed her on the forehead.
"Guess we should turn in now."
She swallowed hard not understanding the feelings running through her.
She was tongue tied. But as he was turning away, she tip-toed and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks for not sending me away." She whispered.
"Sending you away." He asked as she started for her room.
She turned and gave him a smile.
"You could have. I know that. I half expected you to. I never thought I'd get to cook for them all. And I so wanted this job."
"You've got the job." He chuckled.
"Well I—" but she rushed away before he could say anymore.
He stared after her and smiled. "Damn, it's gonna be mighty hard keeping my hands off the cook!"
Chapter Six
The next morning Trudy was up before dawn, she grimaced when she put the same dress on to go to work, but they'd get used to it. She had aprons with her, and that would disguise her dress to some extent. The sleeves were raveling, and it almost made her cry. It was one thing to look so ragged in St. Louis where people sort of expected it of her, but here, she so wanted to make a good impression.
She went into the kitchen and began making the coffee. After she got it going, she went to the smokehouse to cut some bacon, gathered eggs by the light of the lantern she found outside the smokehouse and all the things she'd need for breakfast, like fresh onions and tomatoes sliced.
She felt comfortable here, as strange as it seemed. She was able to find everything easily and being able to cook for all the men made her feel useful. The fact that they appreciated her being there, made her feel even better. Maybe if he thought she was a good enough cook, he'd keep her on, after Priscilla came.
A few minutes later, a few of the cowboys came in and helped themselves to the coffee. She was slowly learning their names and faces and was glad to see they were comfortable enough to help themselves.
"Mornin' ma'am," they greeted her with smiles.
"Morning. Breakfast is almost ready," she smiled.
The men stood around and asked if she needed any help.
She smiled, "No, I'm quite at home in the kitchen."
"Sure, smells good."
"Nothing like bacon to wake you up with a good cup of coffee." One of the young cowboys told her.
By the time they all came in, she had the table set and she served the food up quickly.
They were all eager to try her cooking.
"Would you look at those biscuits?" one of them said.
She put the butter on the table and salt and pepper and after a quick prayer they dug in. When they saw the fresh sliced tomatoes and green onions they smiled.
