6 comments/ 28852 views/ 5 favorites The Gray Dove Ch. 01 By: softkisses Jessie McCallister looked around the loud, smoke-filled room and sighed. It was only 7:00 on Saturday evening and the saloon was already packed with cowboys fresh off the trail and looking for a drink, a card game and the relaxation that the rooms upstairs offered. The Gray Dove was known for the quality of its girls, both their beauty and their skills at pleasuring a man. It was therefore a favorite destination of cowboys, gamblers, politicians and a variety of other men passing through Reno. Miss Lorraine, the proprietress, was known to run a quality establishment and, as a result, her girls weren't exposed to the most base of society as were many of the girls who worked in the seedier saloons and brothels in town. With all that, they knew that their primary job was to provide a good time for the men who were willing to pay their services. Jessie ruefully reflected that a whore was still a whore, no matter the quality of the clientele. But, she was grateful to work for a woman like Miss Lorraine, who was very good to her girls and provided safety and stability, a rarity in a town where the competition was so stringent. The batwing doors flew open to admit yet another tide of laughing, shouting cowboys and Jessie's eyes lit up as they fell upon one particular tanned face under a shock of sandy blond hair. His eyes met hers and, bidding his companions a quick farewell, he headed straight for her. "Hey there, Cowboy! Now, this is a nice surprise," Jessie said with a genuine smile as the handsome man took off his hat in a gesture of deference toward her. "Otis, pull me a beer for Luke, here. He looks hot and thirsty and in need of a little refreshment." The last word was said in a light, teasing tone but left no doubt as to the fact that the refreshment she was referring to had nothing to do with the liquor served at the saloon. "Miss Jessie, its real good to see you. I been thinkin' about you for the last two weeks," Lucas Morgan said, accepting the beer gratefully but never taking his eyes off Jessie. He wasn't lying; they'd been on the cattle drive for six weeks and the last two had been occupied by thoughts of the beautiful young woman standing in front of him. At night he had dreamt of her long auburn hair, her sparkling green eyes and her soft, soft body moving beneath his, the sound of her moans waking him from sleep and leaving him with a raging hard on. After the drives were over, the boss always took the men into Reno for a weekend of pleasure before they returned to the large ranch just outside of Carson City. Luke had met Jessie at the Gray Dove four years ago and she had immediately spoiled him for any of the other girls in Reno. Actually, she had spoiled him for most other women, period. Therefore, he had been anticipating the end of this drive in order to relieve six months worth of pent up tension. Jessie's smile softened as she looked at the man in front of her. In the six years that she'd worked for Miss Lorraine, she'd lain with more men than she could ever even begin to count. Most were nice enough but it was always clear that she was there for one thing only; to satisfy them in whatever manner they desired since they were plunking down their hard earned cash for the privilege. But there were a few who were as interested in giving her pleasure as well as seeking it out and Luke Morgan was at the top of that list. He never failed to treat her with the utmost respect and kindness, he never made her feel like her sole worth lay in the soft curls between her legs, and he was a generous lover, always holding off on his own release until he knew that she had found hers. In short, he always treated her like a lady and never made her feel like a whore. She looked forward to the two or three visits that she received from him each year more than any other man who came through the doors of the Gray Dove. "You look good, Luke. Dirty, but good," Jessie said softly, reaching up and running her fingers along his tanned face. "Yes, ma'am. I intend to have a nice, hot bath and a shave, and then I'd like to spend some time with you, Miss Jessie. That is, if you're agreeable," he said, hoping to hell that her answer was yes and she wasn't already engaged for the evening, as he felt a bulge already forming in his pants at the mere touch of her fingers. "Of course I'm agreeable, Luke," she said with a light laugh that was like sparkling water. "I've been looking forward to seeing you, too." "Good. Because I want an all nighter, not just a few hours of your time," he said firmly. Jessie's eyes widened. While Miss Lorraine had built her clientele upon the idea that men deserved to spend a nice, leisurely amount of time with her girls without feeling rushed or pressured, most of her girls still serviced five to six gentlemen apiece during the course of an evening. She didn't encourage all nighters, however made occasional exceptions with the understanding that the prices were much higher. Jessie knew that Miss Lorraine had a soft spot for her and would allow Luke to have her for the whole night, but she also knew how hard he worked to save his money. After their first encounter, they had lain in bed and talked for a while and he had told her that he was saving to buy his own spread someday. "Luke, are you sure? I mean..." "I want you for the whole night, Darlin'" he said determinedly. "I've thought of nothin' but you at night for the last six months and I want to spend every minute with you that I can." "Alright," Jessie said, "Let me go tell Miss Lorraine and then let's get you into a nice, hot bathtub." As expected, Jessie had no trouble clearing her plans with the owner of the Gray Dove and ordered a hot meal from the kitchen. That was part of the deal when a man paid for an all nighter; it included the price of a bath, a meal in the lady's room and as many drinks as the gentleman cared for. She then returned to Luke and, taking his hand, led him up the stairs. Stopping in front of the door to the bathing room, Luke turned and prevented her from going inside. It was a large room filled with four tin tubs but was partitioned off with sheets hanging from wires, to give at least a small amount of privacy to the bather. Luke knew that he could have asked her to join him, as being bathed and shaved by one of the girls was also included in the price of an all nighter, as well as joining him in the tub if that's what he wished. But he didn't want her that way, it seemed demeaning in a way that sharing her bed didn't. He knew that it was just an odd notion of his, but he still didn't want her to feel like a servant to him. "Why don't you go on to your room? I'll meet you there in a bit after I flake off a few layers of dust," he said, with a smile. "You're sure you remember which one's mine?" Jessie asked, teasing him. "Darlin, I could find it blindfolded in the middle of a hurricane," he laughed, winking at her then enjoying the view from behind as she turned and headed down the hall. The girl had a luscious body with full breasts, a small waist and full, womanly hips above a pair of long legs: she was a pure delight to ride. Watching her sway as she walked was truly one of life's pleasures. While Luke occupied himself in the bathing room, Jessie hurried to her room to get ready for him. With most of her customers she simply removed her dress and entertained in her lacy corset with the silk stockings attached to the garters, leaving her nude from the waist down. When she had first come to work for Miss Lorraine, she wore the undergarments that she was used to wearing, which included a chemise, a corset and bloomers. However it quickly became clear that removing all of said garments took too long for the impatient, lusty men that she serviced. After consulting with the other girls, she began wearing some of the lacy corsets that Miss Lorraine picked up for them at the special shop that she visited in San Francisco twice a year. They gave the girl the freedom to complete her business wearing only the corset and stockings or, as some of the gentlemen preferred, simply bent over the bed or straddling them, fully clothed but with her pussy still fully available for their pleasure. But tonight, Jessie wanted to look different for Luke. As she removed the full skirted bright green dress, she looked at herself in the mirror. Removing the pins from her thick auburn hair, she allowed it to tumble down her back in wild abandon. She realized that the vision that she made, with the black lace only accentuating her smooth, pale skin, the high breasts that were nearly overflowing the top of the corset and the pretty triangle of soft red curls which adorned the juncture between the black silk covered thighs would be one that most of her customers would relish. But to herself, she looked like what she was. A whore. A beautiful one, but still, a whore. Tonight, she wanted to look like a woman for Luke, a warm, passionate, vibrant woman. Walking over to the bureau, she pulled open the middle drawer and pulled out the beautiful pale pink silk gown and matching, filmy negligee that covered it. It had been a gift from Miss Lorraine last year. It had been purchased at an elegant shop in San Francisco and given to Jessie for five years of service at the Gray Dove, along with a substantial bonus which had promptly been deposited into her bank account. Lorraine was very generous with her girls, and she knew that Jessie was one of her most profitable employees. Therefore, she wanted to give her incentive to stay where she was for as long as possible. As Jessie slipped the delicate gown over her head, she enjoyed the feel of the luxurious material against her skin. The pale pink was just a shade lighter than the quarter sized aureoles and pert nipples that crested the lovely breasts that the fabric covered. Sitting at her dressing table, she began to brush her hair and allowed her thoughts to drift back over the circumstances that had brought her here. She never allowed herself to indulge in self pity, but tonight she couldn't prevent her thoughts from drifting back to her former life. Her life before the Gray Dove. Her parents and she had been on their way to California from Minnesota when their wagon had overturned on the side of a hill outside Elko, Nevada. She had been thrown clear, suffering only a broken wrist and several cuts and scrapes, but both of her parents had been crushed as the wagon tumbled over and over. A rancher on his way to Elko had come upon the devastation and taken the young girl into town with him before returning with others to bury her parents. She had been taken to the doctor and then to the orphanage, where she lived from age twelve until she married at sixteen. Jackson Pierce had been the youngest son of the owner of the biggest spread around Elko. His father, Wilson Pierce, was excessively proud of it, making him arrogant and demanding. He passed these traits onto his four sons, whom he groomed to take over his empire. As the older three grew and married, it was clear that the Pierce men measured their wives worth solely upon their ability to bear them sons. The youngest son, Jackson, had remained unmarried, preferring to bed the local whores at the two saloons in Elko. He also cut quite a swath through the daughters of several of the neighboring ranches and local businessmen. He liked his girls young, enjoyed using them for his pleasure and then discarding them, always returning to the whores. After all, deflowering a virgin was a specific pleasure, but he preferred to bed an experienced woman who knew that it was her job to satisfy his every desire, no matter how rough or twisted. As Jack approached his thirtieth birthday , Wilson had finally put his foot down and insisted that his youngest son take a wife within the year and join his brothers in siring the next generation of Pierces. At about the same time, Jack had begun to take notice of Jessie. He had seen her running errands to and from the orphanage since she had first come to Elko, but in the last year, she had begun to develop into a beauty with a figure that even the plain, shapeless dresses worn at the orphanage couldn't disguise. So, he decided to marry the young girl to sire his sons, knowing that he could bend her to his will, and could still continue his dalliances with the local whores for his own pleasure. When he came to speak to Jessie about his proposal, he made his expectations of her clear. "You'll have my sons, you'll take care of them and raise them. That's what a good wife does, Jessie," Jack had said. "In exchange, you'll get to live on one of the biggest ranches in the state and you'll have everything that you could need." Jessie, in her desperation to escape the orphanage, had agreed to marry a man who was a stranger to her. It was a decision that she would later regret. For a while, marriage was better than Jessie had expected. She settled into life at the large ranch with the rest of the Pierce family. They all lived under one roof and, as a result, Jessie suddenly found herself with three sisters and several nieces and nephews. The other brothers wives had compassion for Jessie, largely due to her age, but also because they had so little respect for her husband. While it was always made clear to them that their main purpose in the family was to bear and nurture the next generation of Pierces, there was a degree of honest affection between their husbands and them. All three women knew that Jessie would never experience that with Jack. Therefore they tried to make her life amongst them as pleasant as they possibly could. Six months into their marriage, Jack AND his father began to wonder why Jessie wasn't pregnant yet. Jack knew that her monthly cycles didn't run regularly, as it had caused him to believe that she had fulfilled one of her wifely duties two months into their marriage. He asked about their uninterrupted marital relations and her lack of a monthly, and she told him that it wasn't unusual for her to miss several during a year. When it became clear that she wasn't pregnant, Jack redoubled his determination to make her so. However six months, then a year, then a year and a half passed, and it seemed clear that Jessie was not going to be unable to fulfill the most basic of the duties of a good wife. She was not going to be able to produce a son for Jackson Pierce, and that simply was not acceptable. So, as their second anniversary was approached, Jessie found herself sitting beside her husband on a train enroute to Reno. Jack had told her that he was taking her away for a few weeks, in honor of her eighteenth birthday and their second wedding anniversary. He told her that if they had an opportunity for some time to their selves, perhaps Jessie would be able to relax enough for them to resume their intimacies and conceive a child. As the train pulled into Reno, Jack made arrangements for a wagon and had their trunks loaded upon it, which Jesse thought was odd. Asking why he didn't have them delivered to the hotel, Jack simply looked at her and clucked to the horses. They rode in silence for several minutes, Jessie looking into the wagon behind them for the first time. Just as it dawned upon her that only her trunks were present, they pulled up in front of a saloon and Jack pulled the wagon to a halt. Jessie looked around her, confused and suddenly afraid as Jack leapt down from the wagon seat and pulled Jessie's trunks out of the wagon and dropped them on the sidewalk. Walking back over to her, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the side of the wagon and then lifted her down , carrying her to the same location as her trunks and then putting her down. By this time, an attractive woman in a very expensive lavender and lace dress came through the batwing doors to investigate what was going on in front of her establishment. She immediately recognized Jackson Pierce although she hadn't seen him for several years. He had never been a favorite customer of hers and her girls complained that he was unpleasant and demeaning to them in bed. But what he said next dumbfounded even Lorraine Harris, who thought she'd heard everything over the years. "Jack, what are you doing? Why are we here?" Jessie asked, her eyes wide and frightened as she clutched at her husband's arm. "This is where you belong," he said coldly, shaking her hand away. "You're not a real woman, Jessie, a real woman can give a man son's to carry on his name. You couldn't do that, and I think those old women at the orphanage knew that when they forced you off on me. You didn't live up to your end of the marriage, so I'm here to get rid of you. Pa's lawyer drew up all the papers and I'm here to file them. In six weeks, it'll be legal and I'll be done with you for good." Jessie looked at her husband through tear filled eyes, unable to believe what she was hearing. Surely he wouldn't.....couldn't do this to her! Even Jackson Pierce, in all his selfishness and arrogance wouldn't leave her here, would he? "Jack, you can't!" Jessie gasped, mindless of the tears falling freely down her face. "You can't leave me here! I'm your wife! I've never seen the papers you're talking about and have never signed anything! What are you saying?!" "You don't have to sign a thing. The law says that a man can walk away from any woman who's barren and she doesn't have any say in the matter. It's been two years, girl, that's more than enough time. I'm getting rid of you and leaving you at one of the only places you'll ever amount to anything. You ought to be grateful to me, Jessie. I done taught you things that it takes most whores years to learn. You'll start off making your living on your back like an old pro. See that woman, there?" Jack asked, nodding toward the woman in lavender who had previously escaped Jessie's notice. "That there is Miss Lorraine, the head whore herself here at the Gray Dove. I'm sure she'll be happy to take you under her wing" Jack laughed out loud as Lorraine Harris bristled and began to walk toward the two, eyes flashing. "Miss Lorraine Harris, this here's Jessie McCallister. No use you calling her Jessie Pierce, cause in six weeks she won't have no legal claim to the name. Jessie, Miss Lorraine here can set you up in nice style so that you can earn a living doin' what you do best. Don't worry, Miss Lorraine, she'll make one of the best whores you've ever had, I trained her myself. And you KNOW how particular I am. Now, to get you started off in your new life right, here's two hundred dollars, Jessie." Jack shoved the rolled up bills down the front of Jessie's dress, insultingly. "I think you've earned at least that much by opening your legs to me over the last two years. But that's the last dollar you'll ever see from me. I'll have the divorce papers sent to you here. Ladies." The final word was spoken with a sneer and Jack Pierce lifted his hat in mocking respect as he bid them farewell and jumped up onto the wagon seat. Slapping the reins down on the horses backs, he headed them back toward the train station and rode out of Jessie's life forever. The Gray Dove Ch. 02 Jessie snapped back to the present at the knock on her door. It was Billy from the kitchen, delivering the hot meal that Jessie had requested. Billy couldn't help the admiring glance that he sent Jessie's way, even though he was well into his sixties. Everyone at the Gray Dove agreed that she was special, a real lady who had somehow managed to keep the trade that she was in from turning her hard and cold. While many women's looks faded after a few years here, Jessie still had a freshness and refinement about her that belied her surroundings. And right now, in the soft pink gown she was wearing, Billy didn't think he'd ever seen her look prettier. Fussing over the food on the small table, arranging and re-arranging things until she felt everything was just right for Luke, she reflected on the days following Jack's abandonment of her. She remembered how Miss Lorraine had led her inside and to the back to a quiet room, and then had her trunks brought inside. She remembered the kindness that the woman had shown to her, helping her dry her eyes and then just sitting on the bed alongside her, holding her hands and coaxing the entire story from the beautiful, distraught young woman. After Jessie had finished, she knew that Lorraine understood that there was much more that had remained unspoken about the life that the girl had lead with Jack Pierce. She hadn't shared about the brutal initiation into marital relations that she'd suffered on their wedding night, nor the frequent and twisted demands that he'd made on her young, tender body throughout their two years together. She remembered Miss Lorraine offering her a place to stay with no strings attached until she decided what she was going to do with her life. At first Jessie had helped in the kitchen, even though it was clear that the cook didn't need her assistance. Then she made several inquiries in town about becoming an assistant to a dressmaker, a milliner and even working at the mercantile. But as soon as they heard that she was staying at the Gray Dove, even though innocently, doors were immediately closed and positions that had been opened before were suddenly and inexplicably filled. Her name was tainted by association. Jessie had deposited most of the two hundred dollars that Jack had left with her in the bank right away, and tried to give the rest to Miss Lorraine for her keep, but the proprietress wouldn't take it. She knew that Jessie's attempts at respectable employment had inadvertently been thwarted by where she was living, and the older woman felt responsible. So, for six weeks, Jessie swept and did dishes and helped the working girls at the saloon wash and mend their clothes. True to his despicable word, Jack had the divorce papers delivered to Jessie exactly six weeks to the day after he'd unceremoniously dumped her on the steps of the Gray Dove. Jessie locked herself away in her room that day and thought about her future. She knew that she couldn't remain here and take advantage of Miss Lorraine's kindness indefinitely. She needed to decide what she was going to do with the rest of her life and, after thinking about things until her head hurt, she made a decision. She asked Miss Lorraine for a job as one of her girls at the Gray Dove. Lorraine Harris tried her best to talk the sweet, gentle girl out of the decision, but listened to her reasoning and honestly couldn't fault her. Jessie said that she had made friends with several of the girls who worked here and they had told her the specifics of their job without sugar coating it, so she was going into it with her eyes wide open. Jessie knew that she should feel degraded for even thinking of sleeping with men for money, but she knew that no one could ever degrade her as much as Jack Pierce had. Jessie told her that she felt safe at the Gray Dove and she respected Miss Lorraine. She said that she trusted Miss Lorraine to treat her fairly and help her save and invest the money that she made. She knew no man would ever want her, but hoped that she could save enough by the time she was in her mid thirties to perhaps buy her own home, and live the rest of her life quietly and respectably someplace far away from Reno. As a result, seven weeks after she had been left in Reno on her own, Jessie began her life as a whore at the Gray Dove. The very first night was frightening for her, but Miss Lorraine chose her first customers carefully. The first was a wealthy rancher, William Tate from Carson City, who had seen Jessie working in the kitchen several weeks ago. He had inquired about her then, but Miss Lorraine had explained the situation and he had gone upstairs with another girl instead. Miss Lorraine had been happy to see him in town a few days after Jessie had made her decision, and the woman had approached him about her. All the girls at the Grey Dove enjoyed their time with Bill Tate tremendously because, at age 62, he was still handsome and was a gentleman in bed. Lorraine had decided that he would be the perfect man to lead Jessie into her new profession, and she was absolutely right. Jessie had been a bundle of nerves at first, but had been surprised at the fact that Mr. Tate didn't seem in any hurry to ravish her. Instead, he behaved in a more gentlemanly manner than Jessie had ever experienced and took a great deal of time asking about her life and things that interested her. She found him to be a very easy man to talk to and soon relaxed a bit. When he finally led her by the hand and sat down on the edge of the bed with her, she was feeling more shy than frightened. He led her hands to his clothes and told her that he enjoyed being undressed and asked if she'd mind doing so. Once he was down to his long john bottoms, he turned her around and began unbuttoning the back of her dress until it was completely open. She then stood and stepped out of it and Bill told her that she was lovely. He then told her that he'd enjoy watching her undress, if she wouldn't mind. As she unfastened the corset and then removed the bloomers, it occurred to her that Jack had never asked her if she minded anything he did. He just took her as he wanted and expected her to enjoy it. As she pulled the chemise over her head, she was standing nude in front of only the second man who'd ever seen her that way. Bill Tate then held out his hand and asked her to join him on the bed, telling her truthfully that she was the most beautiful creature that he'd ever seen. The rest of the night was a revelation to Jessie. Mr. Tate took his time with her, kissing and caressing her until, to her surprise, she found herself moaning with desire. She knew that things were backwards, that she should be pleasuring Mr. Tate, and she told him so. He merely laughed and kissed her full on the mouth as he lay beside her, his work hardened hands roaming over her soft curves and valleys.. "Honey, watching your beautiful face while you're enjoying yourself brings me more pleasure than I could ever tell you," he said, pushing his long john bottoms down around his hips and kicking them off. Then, locking his eyes with Jessie's he rolled her over onto her back and slid his fingers between her legs, pleased to feel her wetness. With a smile, he nudged her legs apart with his hips and she felt his cock against the inside of her thigh, sliding upwards to her warm wet core. She opened her legs a little wider for him and then let out a long sigh as he slid smoothly inside her, unaware that she had been holding her breath. "Ohhhh, darlin', that's the sweetest little honeypot that I've ever felt," Bill groaned, holding himself still and allowing the young girl beneath him to make the first move. He smiled in pleasure as he felt her move her hips up against his and then he began a slow, deep rhythm stroking in and out of her. He smiled down into her face and was pleased to see an answering one, feeling her slide her arms around him and begin to stroke his back as they moved. "Wrap your legs around my hips, Jessie," he said, feeling her long legs circle him obediently. For the next quarter of an hour he rode the softest, sweetest saloon girl that he'd ever come across. Her breasts rubbing against his chest made him groan. Her lips opened beneath his and her tongue shyly probed his mouth, nearly sending him over the edge before he'd had his fill of her. God, she was like a virgin, but better! There was no pain and no hysterics, just sweet shyness and soft innocent moans. Finally Bill knew that he could only last so much longer. He increased his rhythm and Jessie easily followed his lead, her breathing increasing and keeping time with the squeaking of the springs on the bed. Bill loved the sound of squeaking bedsprings; to him it meant nothing but pleasure and he had gotten more pleasure in the last hour with this girl than he'd had in years. Jessie recognized the increased urgency in the thrusting man on top of her. She knew that he was close to cumming and increased the strength of her upward thrusts, hoping that he found it as pleasurable as her husband always had. Jessie knew that she wouldn't cum, but she wanted this kind, gentle man who had been so patient with her to get as much pleasure from her body as she could give him. She heard his breathing begin to come in gasps and his thrusts become erratic. Instinctively tightening her legs against his buttocks, she pulled him as deep inside her as she could and felt his body stiffen, hearing his grunts as she felt him release deep inside her body. He gasped and collapsed on top of her for a moment, and she held him and stroked him, relieved to have gotten this first time over with, and with such a nice man. He finally lifted his head, his gray eyes twinkling into hers and pressed a kiss against her lips before rolling off her. "Little lady, that was one of the most pleasurable experiences of my life. I'd be very grateful if you'd allow me to spend time with you again when I'm back in town," he said, propping his head up on his hand as he lay on his side next to her, allowing his hand to rove over her beautiful, pink crested breasts and flat stomach for a while longer before their time was at an end. "I'd like that very much, Mr. Tate," Jessie said, smiling at him and tracing his lips with her thumb. "It's Bill, Darlin', just plain old Bill. There ain't no Mister and Miss between lovers, now is there?" he said, grasping her hand and pressing a kiss in the palm before he sat up and began to pull on his clothes. Miss Lorraine had checked on her after Bill Tate left and was relieved that Jessie had seemed to suffer no ill effects from the encounter. She knew that Bill had left the girl's room with a bigger smile than she had ever seen plastered across his face and had left a standing request for Jessie whenever he was in town. She waited an hour or so before sending up the next customer, a local bank manager who was always very courtious to her girls, and was pleased when he approached her an hour and a half later to tell her how much he'd enjoyed the tender young girl. Miss Lorraine realized that Jessie was eventually going to be a favorite at the Gray Dove. For the next few evenings Miss Lorraine hand picked the men who Jessie serviced, making sure that she was with no more than two men each evening. By the second week, Jessie was working the main floor of the saloon with the rest of the girls and her life at the Gray Dove had become set in stone. It took very little time for Jessie to realize that not all men were like Bill Tate. It was a while before she became used to hearing herself referred to as a whore. Many of the men used the term matter of factly, with no derogatory meaning behind it. Some even used it as a compliment, and her clients frequently told her that "she was the most beautiful whore he'd ever seen" or "I've never fucked a whore as tight as you are", and so on. But, there were a few who enjoyed using the term to remind her of her place in their world, to make themselves feel more important by attempting to make her feel small. If she didn't show enough enthusiasm while they were pounding away inside her, she would invariably hear things like "C'mon, whore, lets see a little more spirit. I'm paying for this fuck, make it good". Or, if she showed the right amount of enthusiasm, there'd be the inevitable "I love to see a whore who knows how to enjoy herself." Jessie gradually was able to ignore most of what was said and discovered that she perhaps should have pursued a career on the stage. She became a very good actress, feigning pleasure in a manner that left most of the men who shared her bed very, very satisfied. She also got over her shock at some of the more unusual requests that would come her way. She had been very apprehensive when Miss Lorraine had first approached her with the proposition that two men wanted her to service them at once. She discovered that one of the gentlemen enjoyed watching as his friend enjoyed himself in a woman's bed. The watcher didn't want to commit the sin of adultery, so he stroked himself off while sitting in a chair in the room. He watched the two figures on the bed writhe and strain against each other, occasionally instructing his friend to "tongue her titty" or "do her on her hands and knees, so's I can see that nice, round ass". Jessie initially found it strange to have a third person in the room, but eventually got used to it. Another first for her was the customer who enjoyed spanking. The girls at the saloon dreaded seeing him come through the door, because they knew that one of them would end the evening with a very red, sore behind and even sorer pussy. The man had large hands and was very enthusiastic, although Miss Lorraine made it clear that he was to leave no marks on any of them. Jessie had heard about him but had yet to experience one of his spankings, however she knew that her turn was coming. Upon hearing of the new girl at the Gray Dove, he soon appeared and requested her. Alone in her room, Jessie had felt incredibly awkward when he had instructed her to remove her dress and come over to him as he sat on the edge of the bed. He had pulled her over his lap, so that she was face down on the bed with her bare behind elevated over his legs, feeling him smooth his large calloused hand over her cheeks to warm them up. He then proceeded to tell her that he had to punish her because she was a bad girl and needed a good, long spanking. At the first smack against her soft skin, Jessie yelped and proceeded to plead with him as he rained blow after blow down upon her tender flesh, feeling his cock straining through the material of his pants against her stomach. This kept up for a quarter of an hour, with the girls who passed her room commiserating with her as they heard the loud "slap, slap, slaps" and Jessie's distressed voice. He finally finished when he asked her if she would be a good girl from now on as she was sobbing into the quilt, her ass feeling as if it was on fire. Tearfully agreeing to anything the man said, he rolled her on her back at the edge of the bed, released his enormous cock from it's confinement and grasped her ankles, lifting them in the air and spreading them wide apart. He proceeded to shove his giant cock into her pussy and bang away at her, stretching her as she'd never been stretched before until his huge balls tightened and he expelled the biggest load of cum inside her that Jessie had ever experienced. Over time, she became resigned to the fact that she wouldn't be able to sit comfortably for several days when she saw him come through the door of the saloon. Jessie couldn't restrain a smile from curling the corner of her lips as she once again focused on her reflection in the mirror, waiting for Luke to join her. She reflected on Bill Tate, who remained one of her most faithful customers, even though he was nearing seventy. He was still always a gentleman towards her and never failed to leave a tip far above and beyond her regular fee. Over the last six years, she'd seen more than her share of men come through the doors of the Gray Dove, but none had ever made her feel like Lucas Morgan did. While encounters with some of her regulars became a blur, she could remember every single minute of every single time she and Luke had been together over the last four years. His sandy blonde hair, deep blue eyes and warm, tender mouth were never far from her thoughts. She remembered the first time that she brought Luke up to her room. She'd seen him looking at her across the saloon, working up his courage to come over and talk with her. Once he did, he was surprised that she was so easy to talk to and they spent a half hour together simply talking and laughing before, with a blush, he asked if he might buy her time for a while. Having expected a shy, fumbling cowboy, she was surprised once they were in the room by themselves. While he wasn't demanding and selfish as some of her more aggressive customers were, Luke was a man who knew what he wanted and how to get it. His philosophy seemed to be, "to get pleasure, you first have to give it". And he had pleasured her that night, more than any man ever had. He had wanted to see her undressed and instead of waiting for her to do it herself, he stood behind her and unbuttoned the dress then carefully laid it over a chair, instead of tossing it to the floor. Then he took in her body; the black lace corset filled to overflowing with her rich, creamy breasts, the small waist and the firm, smooth hips that were exposed, as well as the thatch of red curls between her long, shapely legs. She was used to men lusting after her body, but Luke had surprised her. He had returned his gaze to her face and then pulled her close, completely enveloping her in his arms, while he lowered his mouth to hers and began to kiss her more thoroughly than she had ever been kissed. She had no idea how long it continued, but she remembered wondering how someone who had a body that was as solid as his could have such a soft mouth. When he finally broke the kiss, she began to unbutton his shirt with an urgency that she couldn't remember having felt before. She'd been a saloon girl for two years already but no one had made her feel like this, particularly with only a kiss. She knelt down and began to tug on his boots while he steadied himself against the footboard of the bed. Dropping the second one, she raised up on her knees and began to unbutton his britches, encouraged by the bulge in them already. Finally coming to the last button, she shoved the pants and long john bottoms down over his hips in a single movement and was greeted with the sight of one of the most impressive cocks she'd ever seen. It was exactly the kind she liked, just a little longer than average and a nice thickness, but the end curved up in a perfect position to stroke the sweet, sensitive spot inside her that so few men seemed to know or care about. His cock was perfectly positioned in front of her mouth, and, looking up into the cowboy's handsome face, she could see that he wanted her mouth around it. Without a word she reached for it and flicked her tongue against the end, preparing to take the head between her lips, when he stopped her. "No, wait," he gasped out. Bending over, he scooped Jessie up in his arms and lay her sideways on the bed with her legs hanging over the side. Then, bending over her, he pressed another mind numbing kiss against her lips and whispered in her ear, "You first." The next thing Jessie knew, the Cowboy was kneeling on the floor between her legs with her thighs spread apart and knees draped over his shoulders, his tongue flicking out and touching her damp slit. Jessie was trying to make sense of it all, knowing that this man had paid to bed her and had a raging hard on, yet was circling her clit with his tongue as he held her thighs apart. She felt him insert a finger, and then another and he was sliding them in and out of her while he sucked on her hard little bud, her hips thrashing on the bed as her hands clutched the quilt and soft cries escaped her mouth. This supposedly shy, fumbling cowboy was introducing Jessie to physical sensations that she'd never dreamed existed. She ground her clit into his mouth as he continued to suck it while he to slid his fingers in and out of her. Suddenly, she felt the addition of a third finger and she felt her back arch off the bed and heard cries echoing around the room, realizing they were her own! She was cumming harder than she ever had in her life and her time with this cowboy had barely even begun!!! The Gray Dove Ch. 02 Feeling and hearing Jessie's release, the blonde cowboy climbed up on the bed beside her and rolled her against him, a self satisfied grin on his face as he watched the dazed expression slowly leave her face, a mischievous one replacing it. She reached up and pulled his mouth down to hers, tasting herself on his lips. He deepened the kiss and settled his body against hers then rolled onto his back, taking her with him until she was laying on top of him, his cock pressing into her stomach. "Well, well, what have we here?" Jessie asked, suddenly feeling playful with this handsome man. She slithered down his body until her hips were resting down between his spread legs and her head was level with his stiff cock. Looking up at him, she slowly closed her lips over the swollen member and sucked him into her mouth. She heard his groan and felt his hips shift, but he let her move her mouth up and down on his shaft, not wanting to thrust too deeply and cause her to gag. Jessie's plan was to suck him off until he shot down her throat, but this cowboy was full of surprises. She was sure that he was about to cum as she continued her attention to his hard, swollen cock, and was surprised at his staying power as her head bobbed up and down on the shaft, while she caressed his balls with her soft fingers at the same time. Finally, with a groan, he entwined his hands in her hair and pulled her head off him. Looking up at him with a puzzled expression on her face, she watched as he shifted farther up until he was reclining on the pillows with his head close to the headboard of the brass bed. "Come here, Darlin'. I want to see the most beautiful woman in the world ridin' my cock tonight," he said, smiling. She slid up his body and straddled his hips, then slowly lowered herself onto his turgid member. She groaned as he slid into her, hitting all the right spots as he went, completely filling her. She felt him pull on the small black bow at the top of her corset, the ribbon being the only thing that held the lace in place to cover her breasts. As he untied the ribbon, she saw the look of admiration cross his face as he reached out to cup their fullness, then brushed the tender nipple with his thumb. She groaned and began to move on him, unable to hold still as he tweaked and rolled her nipples in his fingers. Luke released his hold on her breasts and slid his hands down to her hips as he began raising his hips to meet her movements, pushing himself in and out of this enchantress with the auburn hair, bewitching green eyes and sweet smile. He was completely under her spell and didn't remember a woman ever affecting him this way. He wanted to bury himself in her and never leave. They found a deep, satisfying rhythm together and, for what seemed like forever, Jessie rode this passionate cowboy's cock. His hands helped lift her up and down, but at some point she leaned forward and grasped the top of the headboard, dangling her breasts in front of Luke's face enticingly as she continued her ride. Unable to resist, he cupped one with his hand and guided it to his mouth, causing her to cry out with pleasure. The sound only enflamed him and he began to buck harder into her body, causing the entire bed to shake and the headboard to bang against the wall in testimony to what was going on in the room to anyone who happened to be walking by. The cowboy grasped her waist firmly and lifted his hips off the bed with three powerful thrusts, watching Jessie's body arch above his and reveling in her cry of pleasure at the same time as he erupted inside her with a final grunt, groan and shudder. She collapsed on his chest in a gasping, perspiring heap and he once again wrapped her in his arms and held her as close as he possibly could while their bodies were still joined. Raising her head, Jessie looked into Luke's eyes and saw something that she'd not seen in any other mans eyes. She saw admiration and genuine tenderness. That, in combination with the feelings that he'd unleashed in her that night, was nearly her undoing. He saw the wonder on her face and knew that she had felt something as deep and special as he had. He hadn't been just another customer to her that night and she stirred something deep inside him. He wanted to know everything about this beautiful girl who had just satisfied him in a way he'd never known before. Tenderly rolling her off the top of him, he gathered her close to his side and wrapped his arms around her, enjoying the peace of the moment after the passion that they'd just shared. He began to ask her about her life and she found herself sharing things with him that she'd not shared with anyone other than Miss Lorraine. He, in turn, told her about his family which included eight brothers and sisters, and about his dreams for the future. This was when he told her about the plans to have his own ranch someday. They talked an extra hour away until Jessie heard a knock on the door and Miss Lorraine's voice asking if she needed any fresh water. It was a prearranged signal, in place to check on a girl if she was having problems with a difficult customer. If the girl responded that the pitcher was empty, Miss Lorraine would not only use her key to gain access to the room, but if need be, would also use the Colt .22 that she always kept handy. Looking at the clock, Jessie had been shocked to see how time had gotten away from her. She was always punctual and never tried to shirk her duties at the Gray Dove, so she understood why Miss Lorraine had been concerned. Throwing on a robe, she opened the door and sheepishly apologized for the worry. Miss Lorraine took one look at the sparkle in the deep green eyes and caught a glance of the handsome, naked cowboy with all his considerable charms in Jessie's bed, and simply smiled and reminded the girl that the night was still young and there were others waiting for her downstairs. Jessie returned and sat on the edge of the bed as Luke began to put his clothes back on. In all honesty, she had had few regrets since she'd begun working at the Gray Dove, but tonight she felt a yearning for things she knew could never be hers. Tonight, she would have given everything she had to be able to lay down with this cowboy every night for the rest of their lives and build something together. But, she knew that even if she was lucky, she might only see him two or three times a year. That would just have to be enough. Once they had both dressed and were getting ready to go back downstairs, Luke stepped in front of the door and prevented her from opening it. He reached out and cupped her cheek with a work hardened hand, his gaze taking in every feature of her lovely face, before he dipped his head to hers one last time and kissed her tenderly on her soft, sweet lips. "Miss Jessie, thank you for tonight. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and the most wonderous woman that I've ever been privileged to share a bed with. I hope you'll let me see you again the next time I'm in town," he said, the truth of his words written all over his face. Jessie smiled and assured him that she would look forward to it as much as he would. The two of them then left the sanctuary of her room and headed back down the stairs. For weeks afterwards, Jessie found herself closing her eyes while some of her regulars were grunting and straining between her legs and tried to pretend that it was the handsome, sandy haired cowboy. Finally, she gave up as she realized that if she tried to compare other men to him, she was only going to live in a constant state of disappointment. And, she reminded herself, it was her job to please her customers and not the other way around. So she threw herself into her work with vigor, leaving her customers so satisfied that every man who visited her KNEW that he was the best she'd ever had. Word of mouth spread and there was a constant stream of clients who patronized the Gray Dove specifically to indulge in Miss Jessie's charms. But, no matter how many men awaited her, whenever her favorite cowboy would appear he would immediately become Jessie's number one customer. The other girls laughed and said that Jessie saved all her energy up in between the times that Luke came to town. Walking down the upstairs hall, you were always party to a variety of sounds coming from the various bedrooms, ranging from headboards banging against the walls to a chorus of moans and cries, with the occasional sound of someone receiving a spanking. But Jessie, always known as being somewhat refined and therefore attracting a more gentlemanly clientele, hardly ever contributed to the general chaos. Therefore, when one of the girls would be escorting her current customer down the hall and they would hear the enthusiastic creak of bedsprings accompanied by feminine cries of pleasure while passing Jessie's room, said girl would break into a grin and inform her escort that Mr. Lucas Morgan must be in town. The two always made the most of the short times that they had together, enjoying each other in every manner known to man. Jessie was completely uninhibited with Luke and enjoyed his take charge attitude when they were together in bed. Some men wanted her to do all the work, while there were others who THOUGHT they were skilled in bed which resulted in Jessie having to perform a few theatrics to satisfy them. Luke seemed to instinctively know all her pleasure points and brought her to peak after peak of pleasure. And Luke wanted to HEAR her enjoying herself, thus bringing out a heretofore unknown vocal side to their escapades. In short, they satisfied each other as no one else could. Which brought Jessie back to the present once more as she heard the second knock on her door that evening. She knew that knock and smiled. Even when Luke knew she was expecting him, he always knocked. Just one more part of the gentlemanly consideration that he showed for her. She walked over to the door and opened it, her breath catching at the freshly scrubbed, freshly shaved, tanned, strapping cowboy who stood outside her door. He had a similar reaction to her, nearly overwhelmed by the vision she made with her long, loose hair tumbling down her back and her exquisite figure accentuated by the delicate pink of the silk that covered her body, such a change from the brightly colored dresses and red or black lace corsets that she usually wore. Taking Luke's hand, Jessie pulled him inside her room and was immediately enfolded in his arms, pressed against the ripcord hardness of his chest. It seemed that his body was more toned and muscular each time he visited her, and she loved the contrast of her softness against his strength. Her hands slid up over his chest and around his neck, her fingers twining in his hair and he searched and plundered her mouth with his, his hands sliding down her back and cupping her buttocks. But it was all unhurried and leisurely, even more so than usual. They had all night tonight, and they were going to take their own sweet time exploring and enjoying each other. Finally, their lips parted and Jessie lazily smiled up into Luke's face. "Howdy, Cowboy. It's good to see you," she said. "Mmmmm, and that goes double for me, Jess. You're all I think about these days, I hope you know that," he said, looping his arms loosely around her waist and rocking back and forth with her. "I'll bet you're hungry. Come over here and we'll fix you right up," Jessie said, stepping out of his embrace and leading him over to the table. Catching a whiff of the food, Luke's stomach suddenly growled, causing them both to laugh. He sat down as Jessie uncovered the delicious meal for two and they settled into their routine of taking about the events that had occurred in their lives since they'd last spoken to each other. It was a pleasant, relaxed time however, throughout the meal, Jessie had a niggling feeling that Luke was holding something back. As their talk dwindled, Jessie saw the look that she'd come to know build in Luke's eyes. It was desire, tenderness, passion and a dozen other emotions that had been pent up for months, and it meant that he wanted nothing more than take her to the bed and make love to her. Silently, Jessie cleared away the dishes to the tray that Billy had left, then set it outside the door. Closing it, she turned the key in the lock and then turned back to Luke, walking back toward him slowly, letting him enjoy the sight of her body moving underneath the sheer, silk covering. Standing in front of him, she began unbuttoning his shirt, sliding it off his shoulders and laying it over a chair, then working on his pants and boots, happy that he wasn't wearing the long johns under his pants as it was one less layer she had to remove. Finally, Luke was standing in front of her without a stitch on, his arousal evident. Wrapping her hand around his cock, Jessie teasingly gave it several strokes, enjoying the sound of his groan and watching his eyes close momentarily in pleasure. Then, it was his turn and he reached for Jessie, his hands smoothing over the soft fabric of the whisper sheer robe as he slid it down her arms, draping it over his pile of clothes on the back of the chair. That left just the gown. "Darlin', I've never seen you look as beautiful as you do right now," Luke said, his hands sliding around her waist and then up the side of her ribs, cupping the undersides of her breasts. "The only sight more beautiful than you in this gown, would be you not wearing anything at all," he said, leaning in to nuzzle her neck as his hands made their way up to the straps of the gown, sliding them down over her shoulders and letting the gown puddle in a soft, pink heap at her feet. With a sigh, Jessie slid her arms around Luke's neck and pressed fully against him; her soft breasts flattened against his hard chest, her stomach feeling his hard cock throbbing between them and her thighs pressed against his. He continued to lick and nuzzle her neck and earlobes as her head dropped back in pleasure, allowing him easier access. She felt as if they were as close as two people could be, and they were still standing upright! Pulling his head back, his eyes clouded with desire, Luke scooped Jessie into his arms and walked the few steps to the bed. Sitting her down on the edge, he pushed her back against the mattress and lifted her legs up, draping them over his elbows as he leaned over her and braced his arms on either side of her waist. He saw the smile on her face and gave her one in return. He knew this was her favorite position with him, her legs drawn up and restrained over his arms, leaving her completely open with her hips elevated in the perfect position for his cock to penetrate and rub that sweet spot inside her. He also enjoyed it, it allowed him to watch her breasts move and undulate with each thrust. And, as always, the first time was for Jessie's pleasure. Pressing the head of his throbbing cock between her wet folds, Luke slid smoothly inside, enjoying the moan that escaped Jessie's mouth as her back arched. Pressing deep inside her he pulled out and then repeated the action, grinding hard against her clit. Her hips shifted beneath him and her hands grabbed his lower arms then her eyes locked with his as he began the deep, rhythmic thrusts that she loved so much. He knew exactly how to bring her to the edge and back, over and over again to prolong her pleasure. For the next ten minutes, the room was filled with the sound of her moans and the bed's groans. Finally, having waited for months to see the sight of her lose herself to an orgasm, he increased his tempo, knowing from her movements and her gasps that she was hot and ready to cum. Leaning lower over her, he banged into her deep and hard until she clutched his shoulders and arched into him, her body shuddering in release. Jessie lay for a moment, trying to get her breathing back under control, amazed as always at Luke's stamina. The boy had more staying power than any other man she had been with, and considering her profession, that was no small feat. Therefore, she wasn't surprised when she realized that he was still rock hard inside her. Opening her eyes, she took his face in her hands and pulled him down into a long, deep kiss. When it ended, Jessie looked into his eyes and smiled seductively. "Now, it's your turn. Tell me, what's your pleasure this evening, Cowboy?" "Well now, Miss Jessie," he said, his deep blue eyes even darker with the passion he felt, "Right now I think I'd enjoy a nice, long, old fashioned ride." Smiling as he released her legs and their bodies separated for the briefest of moments, Jessie scooted up on the pillows and lay back as Luke climbed up on the bed and on top of her. As Luke knew what Jessie's favorite position was, she also knew his. And, even though they had pleasured each other in a variety of ways over the years, she knew that he loved nothing better than to settle between her thighs, covering her softness with his body and begin the age old rhythm of pleasure. He had told her that he loved the feeling of sliding up and down over her skin as much as he enjoyed sliding his hard cock in and out of her warm, wet walls. He loved being able to kiss her, his tongue plundering her other warm, wetness and feel his hips caressing the inside of her smooth thighs as they moved. He loved being able to see her hair wildly spread out on the pillow and sliding his fingers through the silken tresses. He loved being able to see the constantly changing emotions playing across her face, ranging from passion to playfulness and sometimes, he thought, love. And he loved feeling her arms around him, stroking up and down his back and squeezing his buttocks, as well as the back of their calves sliding against each other as they moved. Yes, there were a few basic things in life that were very hard to improve upon and, as far as Luke Morgan was concerned, a good, long session of missionary was one of them. And, good and long it was. The bedsprings sang a slow, sweet tune in Jessie's room that night. For well over a half hour Luke kept up a steady cadence, once again demonstrating his stamina. His ministrations to her brought her to the peak of pleasure twice more before he began the deeper, more aggressive movements that signaled to Jessie that he was on the verge of cumming. Another few minutes of deep thrusting and he suddenly pushed up on his hands, arching his back as he rammed his hips into her one last time, his cock pulsing and spewing deep inside her as his entire body shuddered. Luke collapsed on top of her and buried his face in her hair with at groan, completely sated. They lay there for a few moments that way, catching their breath. Luke lifted his head and nuzzled her lips with a long, deep kiss before he slid his softened cock out of her and then slid down a bit, pillowing his head against her breasts. Jessie loved the way he felt laying on top of her and wrapped her legs around his hips, as she slowly ran her fingers through his hair, lulling him to sleep. She looked over at the clock and saw that only two hours had passed. She smiled to herself, happy that there was no rush this evening. Jessie had had very few all nighters over the years, the term usually meaning the customer had the girl all evening until the saloon closed at 2AM. But Jessie had decided that she was not going to let Luke leave her bed and her arms until the next morning. She'd not spent a full night with a man since her husband, but she wanted to keep this one with her for as long as she could. Sighing in contentment, she pulled the quilt up over her sleeping cowboy and drifted off herself. The Gray Dove Ch. 03 Even before he opened his eyes, Luke Morgan knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he'd died and gone to heaven. After six weeks on a cattle drive, eating dust and sleeping in a bedroll at night, he realized that his belly was full and he was lying in a soft bed on top of the woman who had occupied his thoughts for the last four years, with his head pillowed on her warm, inviting breasts. Life could not possibly get any better. Raising his head, he smiled as his eyes took in her face. He realized that he'd never seen her asleep and felt a deep tenderness stir at the sight of her relaxed features. For the thousandth time since he'd known her, Luke thought that the man who'd thrown this sweet, beautiful girl away, when he could have had the privilege of waking up in the same bed with her every day, was the biggest fool who'd ever walked the face of the earth. Glancing at the clock on the mantle, Luke was happy to see that it was only ten thirty. While he was physically satisfied, he had a lot on his mind and a lot to talk over with Jessie. Therefore, he was happy to see her eyelids flutter and then crack open and a soft, sleepy smile grace her face. "Hey there, Cowboy," she sighed, sliding her arms around his neck and nuzzling his lips. Using every last bit of self control he had, Luke rolled off Jessie and settled on his back next to her. She immediately curled up on her side against him, snaking her arm across his chest as he wrapped both of his around her and held her close. Luke looked down at her and pulled the covers up over them both, enjoying the softness of the fine bedding against his skin. He loved this bed, it was soft and comfortable and held the woman that he loved. He'd had some of the happiest moments of his life here, and he was going to miss it. "Jessie? Darlin', are you still awake?" he asked, stroking the hair away from her cheek. "Mmmm hmmmm. Wide awake," she sighed in a sleepy voice that contradicted her words. "You ready for another ride, Cowboy?" Chuckling, he pressed his lips against her forehead before he answered. "I'm always ready for that, sweetheart, but not this moment. I need to talk to you about something. Something that I didn't tell you over dinner." Sensing the change in his tone, Jessie came fully awake and looked up at him, then propped herself up on one elbow, snuggling even closer. "What is it, Luke?" she asked, searching his eyes with hers. "Is there something wrong?" "No, I just need to talk to you, darlin'. You know that I've been saving for a spread of my own, saving for the last ten years, don't you Jessie?" he began, playing with a long strand of her auburn hair in a distracted manner. "Well, it looks like I've found a place." "Oh, Luke that's wonderful! You've worked so hard for so long, I can't tell you how happy I am for you!" Jessie smiled, her eyes sparkling. She knew how much Luke had wanted his own ranch. She knew what it was like to save every cent you made, in hopes of it affording a good life someday. She was genuinely happy for him, happy to see that dream coming true. He had worked hard for it and he deserved it. "Where's it at? Is it around Carson City?" Luke soberly shook his head, and looked into her eyes. "Do you remember me telling you about my brother, Matt? The one who works on the big spread in Montana? Well, the rancher he works for is selling off some of his land, and he gave Matt first chance at it. He decided to sell enough that Matt, another brother Josh and I decided to combine our money and have a real good sized spread. We thought it'd be easier making a go of it as a family proposition, instead of the three of us by ourselves," Luke said, watching her face carefully. "It's outside of a town called Kalispell." As Jessie listened to Luke speak, she knew that she had broken one of the basic rules that saloon girls tried to live by. She knew then and there that she had fallen in love with Lucas Morgan because she felt her heart shattering in a hundred pieces. "Kalispell," she replied woodenly. "That's nice, that's very nice. I'm very happy for you, Luke. I know it's what you've always wanted." "Matt says the land's good for grazing and there's plenty of room for us to raise enough crops to get us through the year. And he says it's real pretty there, with mountains all around and lakes and streams for irrigation and fishing. It sounds like an ideal setup. Josh and his wife are already on their way there from Dakota Territory and," Luke cupped her cheek in his hand, "I'll be leaving in a week to join them." "A week," Jessie whispered. She grew silent and dropped her gaze from his, her fingers unconsciously caressing the soft hairs on his chest. It made sense now. The desire for an all nighter wasn't to celebrate the end of a cattle drive. It was to say goodbye. "It all sounds wonderful for you, Luke. I know that your brothers and you will make the place into a fine ranch," she said quietly. Then, lifting her eyes back to his, she said it out loud. "So, this is good bye, then." "I hope not Jessie. I don't want it to be," the cowboy said, gripping her shoulders. "There's something else that I wanted to tell you tonight. I wanted to tell you that ever since I met you, you're always on my mind. I think about you day and night and count the weeks between trips to Reno. I've been with a fair share of women n my life, but ever since I met you, they just all faded from my memory. I won't lie to you, I've spent time in a few other saloons along the trail in the last few years, but none of those girls could hold a candle to you. And for the last year you're the only woman I've been with. I'm in love with you, Jessie. I think I have been since the first night I saw you. And I'd like for you to come to Montana with me. I want you to marry me, Jessie. To be my wife." Jessie stared at Luke Morgan with a blank expression her face, and then without warning leapt from the bed. Her only instinct was to cover herself, beyond that, her thoughts were in such turmoil that she couldn't even begin to think straight. She grabbed the pink night gown from the floor and pulled it over her head and then slipped her arms into the flimsy negligee, trying to regain control over limbs that were shaking so badly that she could barely hold onto the thin fabric. "Jessie." Luke was standing behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders and trying to turn her around. "Luke, you don't know what you're saying," Jessie said, yanking her shoulders free and crossing over to the window, staring out of it blankly. "Men don't marry women like me. You want to marry a woman who you can be proud of, who you can introduce to people and hold your head high. I'd only bring shame to you, Luke." "Jessie, Montana's a long way from Reno. No one will know you there; it'll be that fresh start that you've always said you wanted. Isn't that what you always told me? That you were saving your money to buy a place of your own sometime, far away from this town?" "Luke, don't you understand?" Jessie cried, whirling and facing him. "How could I ever start fresh with you when you know what I am?! I'm a whore, Luke. A Whore! " "Jessie, that's only what you do, not what you are," he said, firmly gripping her shoulders and this time not letting go. "I want to tell you about my brother Josh's wife, Nancy. She was married when she was fifteen years old, to a man twenty years older than her who was a drunk. He beat her every day that they were married, Jessie, for four long years. Finally, one night she couldn't take it anymore and when he went after her she grabbed a gun and shot him. She sat in jail for four months and, with Josh being a deputy, he spent a lot of time with her and got to know her. After it was all said and done, she was acquitted and Josh had fallen in love with her. Even though the jury hadn't convicted her, the people in that town had. Enough of them felt that she'd gotten away with murder, even though the man was a worthless,brutal drunk, that they made her life miserable. They made it clear to Josh that his career as a deputy was over if he chose to keep company with her. He resigned, married Nancy and they moved out of that place to start over together." "But Luke, what happened to her wasn't her fault. It's not the same thing at all," Jessie began, trying to make him see reason. "Jessie, it's exactly the same thing! She was put in a terrible situation through no fault of her own and she did the only thing that she felt she could. You were given to a man when you were much too young and he was a damn fool not to hold onto you with everything he had! When he left you here, you had no one to turn to but Miss Lorraine. And, because of that, you couldn't get a job anywhere else. You did the best you could with the cards you were dealt, Darlin', and no one can fault you for that." Jessie's eyes were filled with tears at his gentle words and tender tone. Hear heart ached to believe him, to reach out and take what he was offering, but she had felt like nothing for so long that she didn't know how. "You deserve so much more, Luke," she whispered, reaching up to lay her hand against his cheek. "You've got that backwards, honey. I'm the one who doesn't deserve you. The life that I'm asking you to lead will be a hard one in a lot of ways, Jessie. Matt, Josh and I will make sure there's a roof over our heads, but it's going to be a lot of hard work for you and Nancy at first. There'll be tending chickens and milk cows and other livestock that provide food for us. The two of you will have to tend a garden and put up food in the summer and, more than likely, make most of your own clothes for a while. From what Matt says, the land's quite a ways away from Kalispell so you won't be able to make a quick trip to town when you need something. But I know these are all things that you could do, if you were a mind to. I know you Jessie, and I know that it's in you be the best kind of wife that a man could ask for." At his last words, Jessie suddenly heard Jack Pierce's voice as if he were standing next to her. "You'll have my sons, you'll take care of them and raise them. That's what a good wife does." Dropping her hand, she once again turned away. "I could never be a good wife to you, Luke. A man needs a wife that he can raise a family with. Who can give him children; sons to help him work the ranch and then, one day, pass it on to. You deserve that kind of wife, Luke," she said, her voice and eyes hollow. "Not a barren whore who you'd just end up despising." Luke looked at the woman standing in front of him and his heart broke at the expression on her face. As he had thought about this evening, he knew that he would have a hard time convincing her to come with him. He knew that both the bastard who'd been her husband and the life that she'd led at the Gray Dove had combined to make her feel unworthy of ever finding happiness with a man. But he truly thought that he'd be able to reason with her. He didn't even have to wonder if she loved him, because if she didn't, she wouldn't have the look of utter devastation on her face that she did right now. Luke Morgan felt all his dreams slipping away from him as he looked down at her sweet, sad face. "Jessie, I could never despise you," he said, guiding her across the room and sitting down in a chair by the bed, pulling her limp, unresisting form onto his lap. "I love you, Darlin'. I have since the moment I met you, and I will till I take my last breath. And if the only way that I can have you is the way we've done things in the past, then that'll have to be good enough for me." "What are you talking about, Luke?" Jessie whispered, finally raising her gaze to his once more. "Montana is hundreds of miles away. You won't be coming through Reno again." "No, Jessie. If you won't come with me then I'll send my share of the money to Matt and Josh and stay here. I know Mr. Hayes was sorry to see me go, so I know he'll be happy to keep me on at the ranch in Carson City." "No, Luke, you can't do that! You've dreamed of this for years, you can't throw it all away on me!" Jessie said, stunned at what he was saying. "I have dreamed of it, for a long, long time. But it wouldn't mean a thing without you, Jessie. I don't have to have all these sons that you seem so determined that I need. Josh and Nancy already have three kids and Matt's getting hitched next month. There'll be plenty of offspring running around the place. And I can live without having a place of my own. I've had a good life working at the Hayes ranch and might end up as the foreman there someday. I won't feel like I'm throwing anything away if it means that I'm still able to see you and spend as much time with you as I can. You're worth it, darlin'. A man only gets one life, Jessie, and I won't live mine without you." Jessie's eyes welled with tears at the gentle sincerity of his words, overwhelmed not only at what he had offered her but by what he was willing to give up for her. She felt something that she'd not felt in years begin to grow in her. She felt a sense of hope. Seeing the conflicting emotions in her eyes, Luke saw the sudden uncertainty playing across her face and decided to try one last time. He KNEW, in his heart of hearts, that she wanted to go with him but was afraid. Afraid of hurting him, afraid that she would somehow disappoint him and, maybe the biggest fear of all, afraid to believe that she deserved the happiness that he was offering her. Cupping her chin in his hand, he tilted her face up to within inches of his. "Darlin', I'm asking you one last time. Come with me, Jess. Let's go to Montana, together. Let's make a life for ourselves, TOGETHER. I know you want to, honey, I KNOW it. All you have to do is say yes," he said urgently. And he saw it. He saw the struggle cease and the pain and uncertainty slowly disappear. He saw the love in her eyes, shimmering bright beneath her tears, and for the first time since he'd known her, he saw a smile of pure, unadulterated joy spread across her face. It was like watching the dawn breaking on a new day, and Jessie was resplendent in its glow. "Yes," she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion as she nodded her head. "Yes, Luke, I'll go with you and yes, I'll marry you. I'll be as good a wife as I'm able, and I'll do everything in my power to make you happy. I love you, Luke, I love you so much!" The last was a combination sob and laugh as she threw her arms around his neck and began to kiss him, tears streaming down her face while he crushed her to his chest. When she finally broke away from him, her heart was full to bursting. In all their times together, Jessie had never seen anything close to the happiness that she saw on her Cowboy's face at this moment, and the thought that she put it there with one, simple word was more than she could comprehend. Finally, as her emotions settled a bit, Jessie became cognizant of her surroundings once again and began to giggle as she wiped at the tears on her cheeks. "And just what are you tickled about, Miss Jessie?" Luke asked, raising an eyebrow. "It may be just as well that we don't have any little ones. It'd be hard to explain to them how their Papa proposed to me while he was as naked as a jaybird" she continued to giggle. Luke became aware that he had just given the most impassioned speech of his life without the benefit of a stitch of clothing. A broad grin spread across his face and he joined her giggles with a chuckle or two of his own. The humor slowly faded as he also became aware that this beautiful woman, this woman who had just promised to spend the rest of her life with him, was curled up on his lap, the skin of her long legs pressed against his where the nightgown had hiked up, and the warm flesh of her hip pressed against his suddenly alert cock. "Now you know, darlin', it's not very ladylike to make a gentleman feel like he's not dressed proper," he said, his eyes filling with desire. "I think you ought to join me by showing me your birthday suit again." Jessie lifted her arms as Luke drew the gown over her head, and watched his face as his hands slid down her back and over her thighs. It was clear that he was enjoying having his lap filled with a warm, naked woman, and she felt his cock become even more firm against her hip. She wasn't surprised when, seconds later, he scooped her into his arms and carried her across the room to the bed. Laying her down he joined her, laying on his side against her as his hand roamed over her skin. Glancing at the clock, he looked back at her and smiled, lowering his head to hers and indulging in a long, slow kiss. "Now, look at that, it's not even midnight. Do you know what my plans are for the rest of the night, Miss Jessie?" he asked after he broke the kiss. "Please, Cowboy. Do tell," she teased, running her fingers through the hair on his chest. "I aim to spend the whole night making love to my future wife," he said, rolling on top of her. Luke was as good as his word. That night the two explored and caressed each other as if it were their first time together. Learning every hill and valley of the other's body, using both their hands and mouths. They joined over and over, legs wrapped around hips, chests touching, long wet kisses exchanged; they were insatiable. At 2AM, the girls were escorting the last of the customers out, when they passed Jessie's room and heard banging against the wall mixed with Jessie's voice crying out "Harder, Cowboy, harder!". They all exchanged winks and laughter, knowing that it must be Luke. At 4AM, Miss Lorraine awoke, thinking she heard someone rattling the front doors. All checked secure, but she heard the vigorous squeak of bedsprings and familiar grunts still going strong in Jessie's room, and raised her eyebrows in amazement. And, at 6AM, as he was on his way to the bathing room to empty and clean the tin tubs, Billy heard the unmistakable sound of skin slapping against skin combined with several high pitched squeals of pleasure. All in all, Luke really did make it an all nighter. Around ten, the girls were gathered in the kitchen having breakfast, when they burst into giggles as Jessie came in, leading an exhausted but happy cowboy by the hand. Lorraine Harrison took one look at Jessie's glowing face and knew she had just lost one of her best girls. Jessie and Luke confirmed it with an official announcement a few moments later and Lorraine couldn't have been happier. She knew that Jessie had never been intended for this kind of life and was glad that she had found a good man to love and appreciate her. That night had been Jessie's last night as a working girl at the saloon. The next few days were spent getting together an adequate wardrobe for the new kind of life she would be leading and getting her finances in order, while Luke returned to the Hayes ranch to pick up his final wages and bid his employer good bye. Jessie was satisfied as she looked over her bank account, knowing that the impressive sum would go a long way towards purchasing necessities for the ranch. She was thankful to Miss Lorraine for not only being generous with her wages over the years, but in showing her how to invest her money wisely. It made Jessie feel that she had something of substance to contribute to the marriage and she found that very satisfying. A week after he'd asked her to marry him, Jessie McCallister and Lucas Morgan stood in the parlor of the Justice of the Peace in Reno, Nevada and exchanged vows to love and honor each other for as long as they lived. The Justice of the Peace was in the unusual position of presiding over the marriage of a girl whom he'd bedded at least once a month for the last five years, however he managed to perform the service with the solemnity and reverence that the two young people deserved. The only witnesses were Lorraine Harris and Luke's former boss, Wally Hayes. The Gray Dove Ch. 03 After the service, Miss Lorraine took Jessie aside and they made their final goodbyes. Jessie and Luke were leaving on an early train in the morning so there would be no farewells at the station. "I don't know how to thank you for everything you've done for me over the years," Jessie said, tears welling in her eyes. "I don't know what would have become of me that first day if you hadn't seen what happened and took me in." "Oh, honey. I'm not sure you wouldn't have been better off. There's no telling what kind of life you might have had if you hadn't been branded a saloon girl, right off the bat," Lorraine said, smoothing a hair back from Jessie's forehead and laying a hand against her cheek. "But I'm real glad that I've had the chance to know you, honey. You always were a special one; I saw it and so did every man who came through those doors." "There's no use in wasting time wondering "what if". And, besides, if I hadn't been at the Gray Dove, I'd never have met Luke," Jessie said softly, looking at her husband talking to Wally Hayes across the room. "I know how lucky I am, Miss Lorraine. I know I've found something that a lot of the other girls will never have. And I'm going to work hard to make sure that I never take it for granted." "Well, it's time for me to go. I have to sign for a whiskey shipment over at the saloon in a half hour. Now, this is my wedding gift to you. I want you to take this to help start off your new life," the older woman said, pressing an envelope into Jessie's hand. "You deserve every bit of it and I don't want to hear any arguments. And, your trunks have been delivered to The Palace Hotel and put in the fanciest room in Reno, all for your wedding night." "Oh, Miss Lorraine, you shouldn't have done that. You've done too much already," Jessie protested, thinking of all the new pots, pans, blankets, bedding and other things that had been deemed a necessity for setting up housekeeping that her former employer had showered upon her over the last week. "I didn't. It's a wedding present from Bill Tate," Lorraine winked. "He came in asking for you the night after you told us you and Luke were getting married. He asked if he might have one last bit of time with you, for old time's sake, but I told him you were officially an EX saloon girl. So he said to tell you he was happy for you and wanted to do something special for you, since you'd made him feel like a king whenever he was with you." Jessie blushed and smiled, and then said softly, "Please tell him thank you for me. But, I hope you don't mind if I tell Luke that the room was a gift from you." Miss Lorraine threw back her head and let out a laugh, then pulled Jessie into a hug, kissing her a fond goodbye before leaving the house. Jessie and Luke also left moments later, walking down to the Palace Hotel and being escorted to their room. Luke carried her over the threshold and closed the door behind them. The two took in the opulent room with the mahogany and marble furniture, rich oriental rugs and expensive bedding. They discovered that they even had their own indoor privet, complete with running water and a deep, white porcelain bathtub . "Darlin', don't get used to this. In a few weeks we'll be sleeping on a straw mattress in the back of a wagon until we get the cabin built," Luke said, smiling down at his wife. "That's exactly why we should enjoy it now," Jessie said impishly, turning on the faucet and beginning to unbutton Luke's shirt. In a short amount of time, they were both in the tub and enjoying themselves immensely. Jessie was facing her new husband and straddling his thighs as she ran a soapy washcloth over his chest. Luke slid his hands down her back and over her bottom, cupping it and pulling her closer to his quickly stiffening cock. In a short amount of time he was buried inside her wet, wet pussy. They were sliding against the slippery surface of the tub AND each other as Jessie rode him, enjoying every ridge and vein that caressed deep inside her. Needless to say, water was splashed and they only made a pretense of bathing, but they found the experience very much to their liking and decided that one of their goals for the ranch in Montana would be to one day have running water and a porcelain bathtub! A little while after they'd gotten out of the tub there was a knock at the door, and Luke opened it to discover the front deskman and the bell boy, each bearing a tray of food. Jessie remained in the privet, as she was clad in a thin robe that only accentuated her curves, instead of covering them. They were told that the steak dinners with all the trimmings had been arranged by a friend, as a gift to the newly married couple, and the meal was set up on the round, marble topped table in the middle of the room. When Jessie heard the men leave, she came out of the privet and stood looking at the candle lit feast in amazement. The two agreed that it was the best steak they'd ever had, with Luke privately thinking that the sight of Jessie wearing a thin robe that revealed a goodly portion of her ample cleavage only added to the flavor. "It sure was nice of Miss Lorraine to do all this for us," Luke said, sighing in satisfaction as Jessie refilled their coffee cups. She just smiled at him, then her eyes widened and she ran over to the bureau drawer, pulling out her small handbag. "What're you looking for, Darlin'?" Luke asked as his wife crossed over to him and, to his delight, sat on his lap. "This," Jessie said, holding up the envelope that her former employer had given her after the wedding. "Miss Lorraine said that it was a wedding present for us." Tearing the envelope open, Jessie gasped and Luke whistled at the amount written on the check. "A thousand dollars! Oh my heavens!" Jessie stammered. "I had no idea I was marrying myself an heiress," Luke said in awe. Jessie had already shown him the balance of her bank account and that, coupled with this, was nearly as much as Luke had saved over the last ten years. He had mixed feelings about the money, feeling that it was a man's responsibility to provide for his wife. But he remembered the pride that had shown in Jessie's face when she told him what she was bringing to the marriage, knowing that it was important to her feelings of worthiness. Some day, Luke hoped that she would understand that her worth to him was in her goodness and kindness, her passion and her love for him. But, for now, he decided to keep his mouth shut and be happy for his wife. "It's so strange," Jessie said, finally looking up from the check. "All those years ago, Mama and Papa and I were going to California to live on a ranch. Papa had been hired on to oversee the finances of a big ranch that was owned by a man that he'd had gone to school with. We were all so excited, it sounded like such a grand adventure. And now, after all this time, I'm going to be a rancher's wife. It's a little like fulfilling their dreams." "I'll tell you this much, Jessie Morgan," Luke said, holding his wife close, "You've fulfilled every dream I've ever had just by saying "I do" this afternoon." Carrying her to the bed, the two quickly undressed each other and stretched out on the luxurious sheets. For the next few hours, they made tender, passionate love until they finally fell into a deep, sated sleep. Jessie woke once during the night, disoriented for a moment at being in a different bed in a different room. But, the feeling of Luke's warm body pressed against her back, accompanied by his strong arm around her waist penetrated her senses and she felt safe and content, feelings that she had never experienced in a man's arms before. Closing her eyes once more, she snuggled closer against him and drifted back to sleep. They woke the next morning and hastily dressed and had Jessie's trunk taken to the train depot. Luke had had the trunk with his tack, saddle and tools sent ahead to Kalispell a week ago, so his remaining clothing was packed in with Jessie's things in her trunk and valise. After a quick breakfast in the hotel's dining room, Jessie and Luke walked to the depot, arriving just as the eastbound train was pulling in. They purchased their tickets and Luke assisted his wife into the car, finding seats for them near the rear. The couple received several glances from others on the train, ranging from admiration to amusement. The tall, handsome cowboy and well dressed, auburn haired beauty were a study in contrasts, but their love for each other was clear. Several women speculated that Jessie was the daughter of a wealthy rancher whose heart had been stolen by the cowboy. Nothing about her would have ever revealed the life that she'd led at the Gray Dove. Jessie and Luke discussed their trip. It would take four days by train to get to Kalispell, where they would meet up with Matt. Josh and Nancy and their children were coming by wagon from the Dakotas and, as best as Luke could estimate, should arrive about two weeks later. The three men had decided that they would work together to build one large cabin for all of them to get them through the first winter, however that had been before they had had any idea that both Matt and Luke would be bringing wives to the mix. Jessie giggled at the thought of all of them living under one roof and trying to have any kind of privacy. By the end of the winter, their family relationships would either be permanently cemented or they would be at each other's throats! Luke had set a telegram to Matt announcing his marriage in the briefest of terms. "Bringing along a bride. Luke", but Jessie would be a complete surprise to Josh and Nancy. She was still nervous about being accepted by the family that she had just married into, but Luke's reassurances went a long way towards easing her fears. Finally, the parting whistle blew and the train jolted forward. Jessie clutched Luke's arm and her eyes sparkled with excitement. She looked out the window and her eyes locked onto a large wooden sign just visible over the tops of the buildings that were sliding past. It was a sign with a large, gray dove painted on the front. A sign that she had seen every day for the last six years. It marked the place that had been her home for all that time. "No," she corrected herself, it was the place that she had lived, but it had never been her home. She had thought about that every now and again over the last few years. She realized that she hadn't really had a home since she was twelve years old. Not a home in the truest sense of the word. A place that she could call her own, that was created on a foundation of love and acceptance, the kind of home in which her Mama and Papa had raised her. A place where the people that she loved most dwelled under one roof. Now, after all this time, Jessie was heading to a place she had never seen before, to live with people she had never met, and she knew that it would all be fine. It would be fine because Luke was with her. He was her husband, her lover and her best friend. Together they would be able to build the kind of life that Jessie had dreamed of for over half her life. Finally, after all these years, Jessie Morgan was going home.