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An Agent for Scarlett Page 6
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“Scarlett is quite right,” Marvin interjected. “Travis, we must have you staying here to protect us.”
Travis’ thoughts came to a screeching halt. Live here? He couldn’t possibly. But then, if he was here, he’d be able to make sure Mr. Maitland didn’t try and court Scarlett. Travis would watch and protect both Marvin and Scarlett, but he’d also get to see if he was correct with trying to fight his growing feelings for her... or if he should just give in and fall in love.
EIGHT
Scarlett was vastly relieved that her grandfather had convinced Travis to stay with them. But more than anything, she was very happy Travis agreed that living here with them until the thief was caught was a good idea. She had to admit, she felt safer whenever Travis was around.
She had instructed the maids to prepare one of the guest rooms for Travis, and they happily obeyed. Scarlett wouldn’t doubt that they thought the Pinkerton agent was a handsome man, too. There was no way anyone in this household could miss the way the women were sneaking peeks at Travis.
The next twenty-four hours, Grandfather took up most of Travis’ time, which disappointed her greatly. They talked during the meals or in passing each other in the house, but that was all. Neil sent a note telling her that something had come up and he couldn’t take her riding. She’d never felt more relieved, only because if he had come to get her, she was certain Travis would make some excuse to go riding with them. She wouldn’t have cared, but the situation would have been very awkward, especially if Neil noticed the way she looked at the Pinkerton agent.
Grumbling under her breath in boredom, she wandered from her room to the parlor, to the music room, and ended up in the library. However, she couldn’t focus enough to read, so she left the room and moved to Grandfather’s trophy room. Travis wasn’t here, but he had been because she detected his cologne.
She stopped in the middle of the room and closed her eyes, inhaling slowly. Travis’ scent was the one thing that would be forever branded in her memory. There were other things that she’d never forget – the way he smiled brightly because it made his blue eyes twinkle. She’d never forget the way he had looked deep into her eyes with so much emotion in his gaze... right before kissing her. And that kiss! She was sure other men would not be able to live up to that particular memory. Of course, she doubted any man would want to kiss her, anyway.
Which was why she needed Travis to fall in love with her. She might never get another chance at love and happiness.
Sighing, she opened her eyes. Not far in front of her leaning against the doorframe, was the man of her dreams. She must be seeing things, so she blinked to clear her vision, but he was still there. He watched her with a wide grin on his face. Her heartbeat flipped crazily.
“Travis? What... when... why...”
He chuckled and moved away from the wall. “So, you are awake? Good, I thought you were sleepwalking when I saw you standing in the middle of the room with your eyes closed... and smiling.”
Why did he always have to embarrass her? She knew her face was as red as a cherry, especially when her face was so hot. “I do not sleepwalk.”
“Then why were you standing in the middle of the room with your eyes closed?”
She scrambled to think of an excuse – something that would make sense. If not, he’d never believe her. “Actually,” she calmed her fierce heartbeat and moved past him toward one of her grandfather’s trophy cases, “I was thinking about Grandfather’s shield.” She stopped in front of the glass case and glanced over the other artifacts he’d collected.
Travis moved beside her, staring at the case. “And what could you have possibly been thinking about?”
The rhythm of her heart had sped up a bit, once more. He stood so close, his shoulder touched hers. “I wondered... well, I imagined what it would be like if the shield’s legend was true.”
“So, you are curious about the treasure of Spain?”
She turned her head to look at him. “Of course. Aren’t you curious at all?”
Travis shrugged, continuing to stare straight ahead. “In my line of business, I’ve come across many hidden treasure tales, but unfortunately,” he looked at her, “none of them are true.”
“Then why would people make up those stories?” She turned her whole body toward him and placed her hands on her hips. “And you have to admit that the shield is a very unique artifact, so why can’t it be true? I mean, why would it have been crafted so differently if it didn’t have some meaning behind it?”
“Yes, I think it’s a very unique artifact, but that doesn’t mean—”
“Why do you always have to discourage me?” She folded her arms over her chest, the smile she’d had slowly faded. “If I get an idea in my head, you are always trying to take it away.”
“Always?”
She nodded. “You must have forgotten about our childhood.”
“No, I remember what you were like as a young girl.” He turned fully toward her. “If I recall correctly, you were always getting in trouble. You followed me quite a bit and wanted to do what I was doing.”
“Exactly, but you turned me away – you shot down my aspirations and made me feel... worthless.”
He frowned and caressed her shoulder. “Forgive me, Scarlett. I hadn’t realized I’d hurt you.”
She didn’t dare tell him how much he had truly hurt her. She’d save that for another time. “Well, now that you know, will you please humor me and make me believe that maybe some of my ideas are worth a try? At least let me try to do something, even if you don’t think I can.”
He rubbed both of his palms up and down her arms, slowly. She loved how he gazed deep into her eyes, and she also loved how his smile grew across his face.
“Then we will. I’ll not discourage you again.”
She sighed and grinned. “Good, because I would like your help.”
“With what?”
She wagged her eyebrows. “Figuring out the shield, of course.” She kept her voice quiet so that others couldn’t hear their conversation.
He chuckled. “But I’ve already tried—”
She reached up and placed her fingers to his mouth, stopping him. “But I haven’t.”
His breath on her fingers stirred warm sensations inside her, which increased the beating of her heart. Desire flared in his brilliant blue eyes, and she realized that touching him like this might be the key to helping him fall in love with her.
A lump of emotion clogged her throat to where she couldn’t swallow. She cleared her throat and lowered her tingling fingers, but he grasped her hand and held it to his chest. The closeness between them made her knees weak in the worst way.
“Then I think,” he said softly, “that we should take a look at that shield together. Would you like that?”
Heavens be praised! If he only knew exactly what she would like he might not be looking at her in such a way. “I’m ready any time you are.”
After she said it, she held her breath. Why had she said it that way? Goodness, she didn’t need him thinking any less of her. “I mean,” she added quickly, “I would like to look at it now if you don’t have anything else planned.”
His grin widened. “We can look at it now. I’ll go retrieve it from your grandfather’s protected spot. Would you like to meet me in the parlor?”
“I suppose that’s a good, safe, place.”
He tilted his head. “Did you want to go somewhere else?”
Silently, she scolded the inappropriate thought filling her head. No, they most certainly could not meet in her bedroom. Good grief! What was wrong with her? “No, the parlor is perfect. I’ll have Betsy bring us some tea.”
He chuckled. “You are a very good hostess. Thank you.” He winked and caressed her cheek briefly. “I’ll meet you in the parlor in ten minutes.”
When he turned and left the room, she exhaled deeply. How could she act serious while examining the artifact closely when all she wanted to do was stare dreamily into his eyes or kiss him endlessly? She would just have to figure out a way. After all, she wanted him to take her seriously instead of thinking of her like a bothersome child.
She hurried to the kitchen and helped Betsy prepare the tea. Thankfully, the cook had also pulled out some freshly baked cookies from the oven, so Scarlett placed some on a plate and took those into the parlor with her, too.
Once she and Betsy had the food and tea on the table, the kitchen maid left the room. Scarlett hadn’t checked the time to see if it had been ten minutes yet, but surely it had. So, then where was Travis?
She paced the floor, wringing her hands against her middle. What if Grandfather had stopped Travis? She groaned. Hopefully, Travis would make up some excuse to get away from her grandfather. Spending time with just Travis was exactly what she needed right now, and she wouldn’t settle for anything less.
When footsteps sounded on the hallway floor, she swung around, waiting for Travis to enter, but when the butler stepped inside, disappointment washed over her. “Hello, Landis.”
“Sheriff Simpson is here to see your grandfather. Do you wish me to bring him in here?”
She groaned. “No, Landis. Instead, have the sheriff wait in the hallway until my grandfather comes to greet his guest. Please let my grandfather know that I will be using this room with Agent Hancock as we look over the evidence, and we don’t wish to be disturbed.”
“Yes, Miss Scarlett.”
Just as Landis was leaving, Travis walked in carrying the shield. His forehead was creased with worried lines as he watched Landis walk away. Scarlett rushed to Travis and grasped his hand, pulling him into the room more and closing the door.
Travis’ eyes widened and his lips pulled into a grin. “Happy to see me, are you?”
She chuckled
. “The sheriff is here. I told Landis to let him wait in the hallway for Grandfather, and to let my grandfather know that we are going over evidence and don’t wish to be disturbed.”
“Oh, my lovely Scarlett.” He cupped the side of her face. “I understand you want privacy, but at the risk of causing scandal?”
She rolled her eyes. “Please, Travis. Scandal – here in my own home? I don’t think so.”
“But what if the sheriff saw—”
“I don’t care about the sheriff. He could fall down a mine shaft and I wouldn’t care.” She placed her hand over Travis’ that still covered her cheek. “Is it so wrong to want to be alone with you for just a little while? My grandfather has claimed your attention since you’ve moved in.”
His grin relaxed and his blue eyes gleamed. “My lovely Scarlett,” he said deeply, “if you keep talking that way, I fear there will be a scandal right here in your own home that neither of us will be able to stop.” He winked.
The fluttering in her heart let her know how her love for him was growing in leaps. If she couldn’t make him return her feelings, she didn’t know what she’d do. How could she look at any other man and not compare them to Agent Travis Hancock?
“Just as long as that gossipmonger, Mrs. Whittle, doesn’t see us, I don’t care who knows we are alone together.”
He removed his hand but grasped her fingers before she could fully pull away. He placed a tender kiss on her knuckles before turning and pulling her toward the settee.
“I assure you, I don’t want Rebecca Jean Whittle knowing what goes on in this house, either.” He placed the shield on the coffee table before they sat together. “But before we get started on examining the artifact, there is something else that I must do.”
Frowning, her heart dropped. Why did he have to be so busy now? “Really? You have to leave right now?”
He caressed her cheek. “My lovely, who said anything about leaving?”
As he leaned his face forward, his other arm circled around her waist, pulling her closer. Scarlett wasn’t prepared for his mouth as it covered hers, and she gasped. But within seconds, her mind reminded her that he was doing what she’d wanted him to do. Releasing a heady sigh, she swung her arms around his neck and participated in his steamy kisses that were sure to fog up the windows soon.
His palm slid down from her cheek to her neck, but then he wrapped both arms around her, pulling her even closer... so close, in fact, that she could feel the quick rhythm of his heart against her bosom. It thrilled her to know the beat was the same as her heart.
She didn’t know how long they had kissed, all she knew was that she’d never experienced anything so wonderful in her life. She never wanted this to end – scandal or not. When his mouth left hers and his lips trailed to her neck, she thought he was going to stop. Yet, he seemed content in moving his lips across her throat and making her quiver with excitement.
“Oh, Scarlett,” he sighed. “I’ve thought of doing this since our last kiss. Forgive me for not controlling my feelings better.”
She released a throaty laugh. “There’s nothing to forgive, Travis. In fact, I’ve been wondering what has taken you so long—”
His mouth covering hers stopped the words from leaving, as the kiss turned urgent. Oh, heavens! Here she’d thought he couldn’t make her more breathless, but indeed, he was accomplishing that very thing... and she loved it. She loved the way her body melted, and the way her heart soared higher than ever before. She loved how he caressed her back, bringing more warmth to her already overheated body. She loved... him. Could a man kiss a woman this passionate without having the same feelings?
Travis slowed the kiss before finally withdrawing a few inches. He stared into her eyes, and was amazed how incredibly blue they were – like an ocean on a summer’s day.
“I think,” he said deeply, “that perhaps we should stop now. Once again, I’m having a hard time controlling my feelings around you.”
She smiled and threaded her fingers through his hair. “I’ve been that way since our first kiss,” she admitted. “Which is why I had gone to see you that night at the boarding house.”
He arched an eyebrow. “So, it wasn’t to tell me about the lady’s handkerchief with the initials R.J. on it?”
Scarlett shrugged. “Well, yes and no. I needed a good excuse to see you because I desperately wanted to continue the kiss we almost had by the tree.”
“Why?”
Dare she admit her feelings? Was it too soon to tell him how much she loved him and that she had since she was fifteen years old?
“Because...” She hesitated. Perhaps now wasn’t the time. Telling him might make him turn and run, and she didn’t want that to happen ever again. “Because I’ve never been kissed by a man until you came into my life, and I find... that I rather like kissing you.”
Closing his eyes, he groaned and leaned his face against her neck. His hot breaths against her skin caused goosebumps to rise all over her skin.
“My lovely Scarlett, we really shouldn’t be alone. Not this way. Not when...” He kissed her neck again. “Not when I want you so desperately, but I’m afraid of what might happen if I allow my feelings to take over.”
Surprise shook through her and she hitched a breath. She wanted to see his face to see if he was telling the truth, yet she didn’t want him to leave the comfort of her neck. “Travis? Please... don’t lie to me. My heart won’t be able to take it.”
He lifted his head and their gazes locked. There was no twinkle of humor in his eyes this time. He appeared to be very sincere.
“Tell me truthfully, Scarlett.” He brushed a lock of hair off her cheek. “Do you... love me?”
Slowly, she nodded. “More than I probably should.”
His expression was genuinely endearing. “Why?”
“Because I have loved you since I was fifteen-years-old, and you broke my heart then. I’m afraid you’ll break my heart again.”
He cupped her face. His eyes sparkled with an emotion she’d never seen before.
“I had been a fool back then, and I’d be a fool now if I didn’t tell you how much you’ve captured my heart. Scarlett, I’ve never felt this way about a woman, and... it’s a little unnerving for me.”
She sighed and relaxed against him again. “Travis, if we love each other, there isn’t anything that we couldn’t do together. Love isn’t an emotion to be afraid of – but an emotion to embrace and celebrate.”
He nodded. “I do love you, Scarlett.”
When he pressed his lips against hers again, the mood had changed slightly. The kiss was still very passionate, but the feelings soaring through her this time let her know he would not break her heart ever again. And that old bitty gossipmonger, Rebecca Jean Whit...
Scarlett’s mind stopped suddenly when the initials R.J. jumped out at her. That woman had been in grandfather’s trophy room approximately a week ago. The handkerchief was hers!
Gasping, she jerked back and looked into Travis’ startled gaze. “I think I know who R.J. is... and I think I know why she took the shield from my grandfather.”
NINE
Travis paced the room as his mind tried piecing together Scarlett’s idea, but he couldn’t stop thinking about how wonderful it had been to confess his love and to kiss the incredibly passionate woman. However, he needed to concentrate. In order to keep Scarlett and her grandfather safe, he must discover the thief’s identity before the person returned for more.
“Let me get this straight,” he said, stopping in front of Scarlett who was now leaning against the window, watching the gentle fall of the large snowflakes. “Mrs. Whittle – Rebecca Jean – came with her cousin for dinner about a week ago.”
Scarlett looked at him and nodded.
“And Rebecca Jean’s brother is Mr. Hale, the deceased historian?”
“Yes,” she said. “I’m certain Mr. Hale would have told his sister about the legend surrounding the Spanish Conquistador, Pedro de Oňatey, and the rumors of him hiding the treasure.” When she stopped in front of him, she rested her hands on Travis’ chest. “I recall the time I was with Grandfather in town, and he was chatting with Mrs. Whittle and her cousin, Mr. Dayton. It was actually Mrs. Whittle’s idea for Grandfather to have a dinner social. Of course, Grandfather had looked for excuses to show off his collection of trophies and artifacts.”