Barton Hollow

"I could stay with you, until your sister comes up, if you'd like." Johnny offered.

Clara nodded. She had seen several of the union soldiers in the tavern eyeballing her and Emmalyn.

They said there good nights. James stayed with Emmalyn.

Johnny locked the door being them and sighed before he got a fire started.

Clara looked around at the rain outside the window then at the fire and Johnny, "This is so cozy."

***

"You have very pretty eyes." James smiled.

Johnny smiled, "You don't have to worry about anyone getting in and taking advantage of you."

Clara smirked, "and if I wanted you to take advantage?"

:;:

Emmalyn couldn't hide her smile, "you are sweet."

"I don't take advantage." Johnny said smoothly but with a smirk.

*&*

James brushed a piece of hair from her face and kissed her cheek.

"Good choice of words. Help me out of my dress please.l

/:/

The turned her face to get a better kiss.

"Sure." Johnny smiled as she turned her back so he could unlace it.

*&*

Emmalyn kissed back softly. They both felt sparks.

Quickyl she was just in her slip.

:;:

Emmalyn pulled away and smiled at him.

Johnny was a gentleman but couldn't help but let his eyes look over her body just a little bit.

*&*

"Are you still hungry?" James asked. Emmalyn shook her head no.

Clara climbed into the bed and yawned, "you can sleep with me."

:;:

"Bed?" James asked somewhat hopefully.

Johnny said on the bed and smiled, as if testing the waters.

*&*

"Yes." Emmalyn said sweetly.

He wrapped his arm around her.

:;:

James grinned.

For the first time in a long time, she felt safe and secure.

*&*

"Need help?" James asked as he saw Emmalyn go to unless the back of her dress.

"Yes please."

Clara kissed his hand and smiled.

:;:

James helped her and the backed away, "I don't know that I can control myself.l

"You are lovely." He whispered.

*&*

"Who said I wanted you to?" Emmalyn said, much to James' surprise.

Clara giggled and turned toward him, "I have been with other men, Johnny."

;:;

He walked towards her and embraced her.

"I'm just being a gentleman." Johnny said.

*&*

Emmalyn kissed him.

Clara smirked, "I was just telling you."

';'

Johnny kissed her softly.

*&*

They spent the night kissing and cuddling and just talking.

The two just kissed because Johnny was still old fashinoed.
:;:


The next day...

"There's hot water in the bath for you." James smiled when Emmalyn woke up.

*&*

"Thank you" she smiled.

:;:

Johnny brought Clara breakfast.

Emmalyn dropped her robe and entered the bathtube, unbothered by James' presence.

*&*

"Thank you." She smiled.