In 1849 the promise of gold brings many a man to California, but most find more hardship than riches.<br><br>Jesse Quinn, a golden-haired twenty-year-old is among them. He settles into the gold camp of Whiskey Slide to work with two other men in an effort that barely yields enough to keep them alive. With merchants charging exorbitant prices for provisions, it’s said men dig for food, not gold.<br><br>After hardship and disappointment, Jesse moves to another camp, Dutch Flat, where he takes up with the stern and silent Abel Munday. As the two work Abel’s claim with success, things take a positive turn for Jesse. Can Jesse bring some light into the darkness that’s plagued Abel much of his life? Together, they just might be able to fine something richer than gold.

Lust for Gold

“Hard time,” is how he sums it up. I find he’ll say more if I don’t ask questions.


The calendar says January when, on a snowy day, Abel declares we’ll stay in. The cabin then becomes a wallow of sex. It’s as we lie spent that he runs a hand through my hair.


“You’re like the sun. You warm me. I’ve never seen hair the color of yours.”


I chuckle. “There’s lots of blond fellows around.”


“Guess I never took note till now.” He kisses me. For such a hard-living man, he’s got a gentle side that’s quite moving. I like having helped him discover it. “Were your people blond?”


“My mother, yes. I take after her.”


I kiss his cheek. “Yes, the singer. Pa had brown hair, straight as string.”


“Yep. No brothers or sisters. I got the idea Ma had a hard time birthing me.”


“Not so much now.” I kiss him again.


Chapter 18