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."

Caleb released a frustrated sigh. "Darn. I was hoping we were only dealing with one crazed person."

"Wouldn't that be nice?" Bryan shrugged. "But if you'll have your girls eavesdrop, I'm sure we'll find the killer soon."

Caleb noticed. "I'll make sure the girls know."

"And until then," Denton added, "maybe you should have them learn how to shoot a gun for their protection."

"Good idea, sheriff. I'll get that done today before we open for business."

Bryan's attention moved toward the stage, watching the girls. His mouth stretched into a grin. "Let me know if you need any help."

Caleb chuckled. "You are more than welcome to help."

Bryan glanced at Caleb and winked. "It's just not right to have that many women friends, West."

Denton laughed and slapped Bryan on the shoulder. "You need a woman, my friend. Why don't you let Hannah—"

"No," Bryan snapped. "I'm not ready to settle down yet."

Denton arched an eyebrow. "But what about your grandfather's threat?"

"I don't want to think about that yet if you don't mind." Bryan rolled his eyes. "When my grandfather is ready to make good on his threat, then – and only then – will I find a bride."

Caleb felt sorry for his friend. Bryan had been in love once, but things were just not meant to be for some reason. However, Bryan hadn't wanted to think about marrying since that situation. Caleb wished he could find the right woman for his friend. Then again, Caleb wished he could find the right woman for himself. Perhaps he would consider talking to Hannah Easton and having her find him a mail-order bride.

Bryan and Denton moved away from the bar, and Caleb snapped out of his thoughts. "Bryan, as soon as I find a spot to teach the girls how to shoot, I'll let you know."

"Let's do it out at my place."

Caleb's thoughts spun in a different direction when he realized Nicole had no idea where he lived. "Actually, let's have it at my ranch. I know the perfect spot. Meet me there in thirty minutes."

Bryan nodded before he and Denton walked out of the saloon. Caleb moved toward the stage. The girls were in full swing of the dance, and he was happy to see Nicole keeping up. He stopped to the side of the stage and watched the one woman who had captured his attention since she first walked in the saloon looking like a southern belle. Nicole glanced his way a few times but then quickly looked away when her face bloomed with color.

Caleb wanted to laugh, but he was nice and held himself back. Although, he was certain Nicole could see his enthralled expression, nonetheless.

When the dance ended, Caleb clapped. "Very good ladies." He winked. "And Nicole, I'm happy to see you learned the dance quickly. Well done."

Her cheeks brightened again.

"But now it's time for a break," he added. "If you want to go get changed, we're going to ride out to my ranch so that I can teach you how to shoot a gun." Teresa and Amber giggled, but the other three girls appeared excited to learn. "Meet back here in twenty minutes, and I'll take you all to the ranch."

As the girls scattered, Caleb realized he was probably more excited than they were. The thoughts filling his head were of those with his arms around Nicole, teaching her to use a gun. He'd better have more willpower this time than in the past, or he was in big trouble.

* * * *

Caleb is rich?

Nicole couldn't believe her eyes as the small group entered his ranch. The main house was spectacular. Each window of the two-story, red-bricked house was tripped in blue as well as the doorway. The steeply gabled roof also made her gasp in surprise. A beautiful wrap-around porch was so very welcoming as two wicker chairs and a porch swing were out in front. A balcony was on the second story, and lovely green vines were the window decorations.

However, he'd mentioned this had been his brother's house. But it was sweet that Caleb would keep it in the family and have the place taken care of so well.

She tore her gaze away from the house to look at Caleb. He'd been watching her. The rhythm of her heart sped up slightly. "Caleb, you have a beautiful home."

He smiled. "Thank you. I'm glad you like it."

A man on a horse came riding toward him. Caleb waved in greeting. "Thanks for coming, Bryan." Caleb glanced at the girls. "You remember Bryan Easton, don't you?"

Mary sat up in the back of the wagon and leaned over, closer to Bryan. "How could we forget someone so charming?" She gave the man a big smile as she batted her eyelashes.

Bryan grinned, and even his cheeks darkened. Nicole wanted to laugh. It wasn't very often she saw men blushing.

Caleb took them to a spot a way out on his land before stopping the wagon. He set the brake and hopped down. As he started helping the girls out, Bryan dismounted and hurried over to assist. Mary waited for Bryan's hand and hurried to take it first.

Caleb was finished and turned to reach up to Nicole. She really should wait for Bryan, only because she knows what happens to her when Caleb touches her. Yet, she willingly gave him her hand.

He helped her move closer to the edge before he wrapped an arm around her waist. Immediately, she leaned against him, resting her hands on his shoulders. As he lifted her down, their gazes met. His eyes sparkled with awareness, and she prayed nobody else noticed.

It seemed like time stood still as he slowly set her down until her feet touched the ground. She didn't want to let go of him, and he seemed hesitant to release his arm around her waist.

The other girls' giggling brought Nicole out of her thoughts, and she stepped back, releasing his arm around her waist. When she looked at the other girls, they were too busy flirting with Bryan to notice that Nicole's breathing had accelerated.

Caleb reached in the wagon and pulled out some pistols. Bryan stepped beside him, and the two men loaded bullets into the guns.

"We're going to shoot at those tree stumps." Caleb handed each girl a gun before moving back to the wagon and collecting empty bottles. He carried them to the stumps and placed one on each.

"Before you can pull the trigger," Bryan took over, "each of you needs to get the feel of holding the gun. If you're righthanded, then the gun will obviously go in your right hand."

Caleb moved back to them, taking the gun out of his holster. "Hold your arm straight like this as you aim at your target. Keep as still and steady as you can."

"There is a little lever on the end of the barrel," Bryan took over. "You are going to peer toward that spot, and that is where your target must be in your vision."

"While learning to shoot," Caleb said, "you must be in control. If a bear is coming toward you, don't run. You must stand your ground and do anything to protect yourself."

Nicole had a feeling the men were helping them out so that the girls didn't end up with Brenda's fate. Nicole just prayed the sheriff would find the killer soon. She wasn't the kind of woman who stood up for herself very often. In fact, she was the type of person who ran from a situation – hence, the reason she came to Stumptown.

Taking a deep breath, she concentrated on everything the men had instructed her. She could not let Caleb down. It was finally time for her to be strong and not run from her problems.