Comanche Haven (The Loflin Legacy: Book 1) Page 17

  “Why, I dare say, you’ll have all of Tyler hounding me to emulate Seth’s young miss,” Rose gushed as she helped settle a lovely green lawn creation over Celia’s head.

  “I’m not his ‘young miss’,” Celia said from underneath the volumes of cloth. She found the term unsettling and the topic of Seth undeniably irritating at the moment.

  Rose smiled smugly, undeterred by Celia’s lack of enthusiasm. She extended her hand after the dress was in place. “Come this way dear. I’ll show you what I mean.” Guiding Celia to a looking glass in an even smaller room adjoining the sitting area, Rose beamed from behind as Celia gazed at her reflection in the dress Rose had swiftly done up for her. She pivoted, looking at her reflection in the mirror and wondered at the transformation. Celia had to admit the woman had a way with a needle and thread.

  ***

  Celia’s forehead drew together in a crease as she studied the blue chintz dinner dress she wore in the mirror. The choice between it or the green organza was going to be a tough one. Celia loved them both. Back east, she’d never had to consider her coins as long as she was frugal. Her job as a surgical assistant afforded her a comfortable living. Now she would simply have to make a decision and stick to it. Something of a compulsion showed in her face as her brow knitted over the choice. She did love beautiful clothes. Her quandary subsided with the scuff of a boot in the door behind her. Celia looked up and found Seth staring back at her from the looking glass. His gaze was unreadable. That, Celia found most disconcerting. How long had he been there? Why did he always have to slip up on her? Again, she remembered how completely he could unnerve her. Celia stared at their combined reflection.

  “Beautiful,” Seth offered from his position just inside the doorway.

  Watching him, Celia noted that he stood as he often did with his hat in his hand, while the other rested in the front pocket of his pants. The collar of his shirt was damp with perspiration and those several buttons were still undone as well.

  Celia turned to face him. Was she imagining it or did his expression resemble that of a man struck dumb? Celia mentally shook herself. “Thank you Seth.” She let her hand glide down the fabric of the dress molding it to her body.

  Seth swallowed hard. “Do you like it?”

  Looking down again at the dress, Celia nodded. “It’s lovely. Rose is a fine seamstress.”

  “The woman wearing it makes the dress, though.” His mouth creased into a slow smile. “I, for one, have always thought you looked lovely in anything you wore.” He waited a beat. “But I suppose that’s just me.” His eyes glimmered with mischief.

  Celia watched him with a flicker of memory. The old Seth had appeared briefly in those remarks. The old Seth had always been ready with a dry wit. The ‘Boss’ hadn’t managed to curb that trait. A quick shiver ran down her spine. She watched him in the mirror wondering how she could feel so completely swept away by simply looking at him. There he stood, all cool and cocksure. With a thumb hooked casually in his front pocket, he leaned on the door jam. His face at the moment revealed nothing of what went on inside his head. That very capable mouth formed a steady line, as his dark hair fell around his ruggedly handsome face. He exuded power in his very presence. Moisture gleamed on his forehead. He was viral male with no apologies. Certainly more appealing than the dandies back east.

  She remembered her compulsion to brush the thick mass of his mane out of his eyes. Feeling the heat rise in her cheeks, Celia lowered her eyes. When she raised them again, she looked into the face of desire. Damn him, but he’d come up behind her. Now standing within an inch of her back, he watched her in the looking glass. Celia found her thoughts straying to a time when his nearness meant she was about to experience his tender touch. Heat, male sweat, and the smell of leather radiated from him, certainly very appealing.

  Her throat went dry. Celia brought her fingers up to sooth the sensation. “Rose must have lit a fire to ward off the evening dampness.” A nervous laugh escaped before she could contain it. Celia felt her nipples hardened in a traitorous reaction to his proximity.

  The space between them fairly sparked with the tension.

  Perhaps if she changed the subject, Celia mused, “I…I can’t possibly afford all of this without an income. I have very little savings left after the trip home from Charleston. I’ll need to wire Charleston and…”

  Seth’s eyes never left hers in the reflective glass. Laying those big, strong hands on her shoulders with a gentle ease, Seth leaned in close quieting her argument.

  “Darlin’…”

  His breath was light like a warm summer breeze on her neck. Celia’s head reeled with the sensation. Self-conscious and wary of his next move, Celia started to step away.

  “Wait, Little One. Easy…” He whispered smooth as rising cream.

  She could feel the tease of his breath. With the slow, steady touch of his hands, her muscles betrayed her by going lax.

  “Don’t worry about the payment. Let me do this for you.” He waited a beat as he looked back up at their combined reflection in the mirror.

  As her head began to shake, she opened her mouth to protest. “I can pay my way.”

  “I have every confidence you can and will.” The air stilled before his eyes twinkled with mirth at her reflection. “Consider this a repayment.”

  Her brow creased.

  “It’s the least I can do to make up for the damage my men caused to your clothes.” He watched the recognition come into her face. “I was privy to exactly what you had to wear, after they got through, remember?”

  Of course, Seth would consider her plight quite thoroughly. After all, she was left with little more than her skin to cover her modesty with when he’d found her. Celia blinked. She should refuse on principle, but he was being so considerate. Had she ever heard him use the word ‘please’? She felt less than steady. The ground seemed to move under her feet.

  Without warning, Seth turned her to face him. Catching her chin in his fingers, he looked into her eyes. “Celia,” he repeated. “Let me do this for you.”

  After she regained her bearings, she couldn’t bring herself to break the contact of his hand nor deny the sincerity in his words. “Thank you Seth.” Her eyes skidded away as she struggled with her pride. “It’s very kind of you.”

  “No, I want to.” He caught her chin before raising it so her eyes met his own. His words were softer than lamb’s wool and tinged with kindness. Time seemed to stop until he moved back a step. Settling his Stetson on his head, Seth morphed into the rugged cowboy once more and moved to the door. “I’ll get Rose to wrap everything up and we’ll go on over to the hotel to get settled.”

  Celia blinked. Her heart stilled in her throat. Things were moving much too fast for her to keep up with.

  “Why don’t you change into that one for dinner tonight? It’ll look real pretty on you.” With that, Seth turned and left her to dress for dinner.

  Celia turned back to the mirror and stood for a moment gazing at her reflection. The bow her mouth made at his statement regarding the hotel relaxed into a soft smile. Her fingers still trembled, though he’d left a good minute before. Gripping them together, she swore low under her breath. Despite her qualms over the turn of events, she found herself touched by Seth’s gesture. The man could be kind. Celia smiled at the woman looking back at her in the mirror. He certainly could keep her guessing.

  Maggie bustled in after Seth left with a knowing grin on her face. Saddling up to Celia, she glowed with what Celia could only describe as a ‘heaping dose’ of satisfaction. “Seth liked what we picked out, didn’t he?”

  ***

  The hotel was a couple of blocks away. With the wagon loaded, Ty delivered it to the livery for safekeeping. Seth, Celia, and Maggie headed down the boardwalk toward the lovely hotel with its intricate gingerbread trim. The large wooden sign proclaimed the lovely building ‘The Tyler Inn.’

  Celia could feel the stares of the town’s people even as she kept her eyes
trained straight ahead. In the blue chintz gown, Celia felt like royalty as she walked beside Seth with her hand curled around his offered arm. Despite the reaction of those they met, Celia felt very much like a princess on the way to a ball. Safe and secure in Seth’s protective company, Celia relished in the brief feeling of contentment. His acknowledgement of each person they passed was a great attempt at normalcy. Celia silently thanked him for the effort. Protection came in many forms, she mused.

  Pointing out the changes that had occurred since Celia had left, Maggie kept up a lively narrative while they walked.

  Ty and Joseph were waiting near the entrance to the hotel.

  Ty held the door for them to enter. His eyes twinkled with good humor “After you, ladies...” His mouth turned up in a captivating smile.

  Celia, reminded of how much he resembled Seth all those years ago, smiled for him.

  They stepped into the cool interior of the hotel and when greeted by a cheerful clerk behind the lavishly appointed wooden counter, made arrangements for the night. Across the carpeted lobby, the sounds of voices along with the clink of china floated. While Seth checked them in, Maggie, Celia, and Ty crossed the lobby toward the dining room. Joseph lagged behind with Seth watching the occupants of the lobby carefully.

  The hostess hesitated only a moment before selecting a table near the back of the dining room for them. Celia ignored the lull in the conversation as they followed the hostess to the back of the room.

  Seth caught up with them in time to help Celia with her chair before settling his hat and himself next to her.

  Looking about, Celia saw they had attracted attention. Heads turned, while mouths whispered without much hesitation. But, by a small miracle, this time their meal progressed without incident.

  Ty did his best to entertain them all with his lighthearted wit and banter. Raising a fork full of cake with a challenge for Celia to taste it, Ty teased her with an exaggerated claim. “Now Celia, you have to try it. It’s the very best chocolate cake in the world. They ship the double chocolate syrup from back east. If you like, the waitress will bring a small sniffer of brandy to wash it down with. Here…take a bite.”

  Laughing softly until she couldn’t anymore, Celia shook her head. Holding up a hand to ward off his efforts, she whispered, “Ty, I couldn’t possibly eat another bite. The food was wonderful. Now I fear I will fall fast asleep before we reach our rooms.”

  “Well, don’t you worry none, Miss Celia. I’d be happy to carry you up if you feel too weary to climb the stairs.” His dark eyes danced with amusement until they met his brother’s cool glare.

  The mood shifted as Maggie gave her rendition of the heritage of Tyler’s most prominent people while they enjoyed the deserts and everyone was ready for the check.

  Celia noticed that Joseph had been very quiet throughout the meal. “Would you like to take the rest of Ty’s cake up to your room with you, Joseph?”

  Those liquid brown eyes stared up at her for a brief instant before returning to his lap. “No, ma’am. I’m not hungry.” The boy’s face looked strained.

  “Well, perhaps we’ve indulged enough for one night. Come along then, let’s get you up the stairs.” Celia rose before extending her hand for Joseph who rose solemnly. He looked a pit peaked. He’d most probably filled up on candy down at the Chinaman’s shop before coming back.

  “I’ve got an idea.” Maggie moved quickly taking Joseph’s other hand. “Why don’t we all take a nice stroll before turning in?’ The housekeeper’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous spark. “After such a meal, a body needs to walk off the excess. It’s such a lovely night, don’t you think?” Looking from Seth to Celia, she gave Ty a wink before scurrying Joseph along to the stairs.. “Ty, help me get everyone a jacket. I believe the air is a tad too cool without it,” she called cheerily over her shoulder. Maggie mounted the stairs with Ty following. It wasn’t long before he reappeared at the top of the stairs.

  “Hey Seth, you and Celia go on. Maggie’s developed a headache. I’m gonna go over to Doc’ Wheeler’s to get her a powder. Joseph is gonna stay with us.” He tossed a shawl down for Celia.

  “Is she okay?” Celia’s concern for her friend overshadowed any twinge she felt about the rather abrupt change in plans.

  “She’ll be fine,” Ty assured her. You both go ahead. Enjoy the air.

  Celia glanced at Seth and shrugged. “Well, I guess it’s just the two of us.”

  Seth grunted. “Looks like it.” He gave another squint-eyed glance back up the stairs before laying a hand at the small of her back and heading for the door.

  They stepped out into the night with the dim lights from the windows of the hotel shining on the boardwalk. The cool air of the evening was a refreshing change from the stuffy, smoke filled climate of the dining hall. Celia took a deep breath.

  The moon cast shadows between the buildings and houses. She wrapped her arms around herself in defense, but of what, she couldn’t say. It felt as if something lurked in those shadows.

  “Are you all right? You’re shivering.” Seth adjusted Celia’s shawl over her bare shoulders once more. “Do you want to go back?”

  “It’s nothing. I just get a feeling now and again.” Celia tried to smile for him. “Nothing to worry about...” She patted his forearm. “Besides, I have you to look out for me, don’t I?”

  Seth lit a cheroot and flicked the sulfur match aside before he glanced back at her. Tilting his head back, Seth blew out a stream of faintly sweet smelling smoke. “You’ve got nothing to worry about.” He smiled slyly. “I’m right here.” With a single finger, Seth traced the side of her cheek, lingering at the dent in her chin. “Tell me about these feelings you get.”

  The sensation his finger ignited along her skin had nothing to do with fear. Just a gesture, she reminded herself giving him a good-natured glance. “I don’t know how to explain it. I sometimes feel as though…I sense something, that’s all.” She brushed the concern in her voice away with a smile while she concentrated on not blushing.

  “You’ve changed, Celia.”

  Seth’s face seemed relaxed, even more youthful in the meager light. Her smile faded as she waited, silently, for him to explain.

  He shook his head gently from side to side. “You’re different. But it’s more than that.” He jaw tightened. “You’ve cast some sort of spell over me.” His words were sincere, even a bit bewildered. “Are you a medicine woman? Some sort of shaman?”

  Celia glanced out into the meager light mingled with the shadows formed by that light. She listened to the tinkling of the piano in a nearby saloon. Bawdy laughter bubbled up from a singsong melody being shared somewhere in the darkness. When she spoke, her tone had grown serious. “No, I’m no medicine woman or shaman. I was born Comanche and my roots are deep.” She turned to face him more squarely. “But my skill is all white man’s medicine. I haven’t changed that much, have I, Seth?”

  “I don’t know. Sometimes, I see a glimmer of the girl I used to know, that doe-eyed enchantress with the gleaming hair and laughing eyes.” He grinned slightly as he flicked ashes from the cheroot and then stood watching the glowing arch they made in the darkness before dying out in the dirt. “I use to think I’d be the one to teach you all you knew.” He paused taking another contemplative drag on the cheroot. “It seems now, you could teach me,” He let the words hang between them.

  A short trill of laughter rose over the tinkling of a piano in the nearby saloon.

  Celia looked at his profile then with a bemused expression on her face. “Teach you?” Irritation flashed briefly in her eyes. “What pray tell could I possibly teach you?”

  Seth flicked the cheroot aside. “You’ve changed so much, Celia. You’re educated now, gifted, opinionated and yes, even stubborn.” Looking back out into the shadows, Seth grew silent.

  Why was he telling her this? Then exactly what he’d said hit a cord. Celia felt the twinge of temper bloom inside her chest. “Opinionated? Stubborn?” she s
aid with only slightly disguised surprise. “If I could go back…”

  “We can’t.” His words, edged with his own brand of defense, sounded harsh. Seth stepped close and adjusted the shawl with the shear lace on her shoulder.

  His words dug deep at the wound that never seemed to heal. Did he actually miss the uneducated, naive girl she’d been? “I guess not,” Celia felt his hands burn with the touch. “Seth, you have to know, I didn’t want to go.”

  “Somehow, I convinced myself you didn’t.” He let out a half laugh. “I guess that was the only way I could bear it. Celia, do you doubt I loved you then?”

  “No.” The one word trembled on her lips. She felt the ache subside a bit.

  “Now, so much time has passed. You’ve grown into a beautiful, independent, sophisticated woman. You’ve unsettled my idea of you, I guess.” Glancing off, Seth released a short, impatient breath. Taking her by the arm, he peered once more into her face. “But I want to know you.” With that last stern word, Seth lowered his head to hers. “I’m just a smitten cowboy, but I want to know you again, Celia. Will you let me?” His lips grazed hers.

  The air stilled. Celia couldn’t move. Somehow, she found she didn’t want to. She heard her heart in her ears. The pounding was so loud, she was sure Seth heard it too. Hesitantly, she reached out laying trembling fingers on his coat sleeves.

  “Yes.” She searched his shadowed face. His Stetson covered his eyes. She wanted desperately to see his face. All she could do was hope he felt the need that burned inside of her, burning in him. Drawn to him like the proverbial moth, Celia lifted her mouth to the heat of his. Here was the one thing that she’d never forgotten. Here was Seth. She’d known long ago that Texas would always be home, but she hadn’t fully realized why. Celia raised her arms to wrap them around his neck as he deepened the kiss. No flights of fancy or delusional thoughts here, no, here was her heart and Seth was the key.

  “You’ve only to ask and I’ll tell you anything you want to know.” Anything but one, she mused. She couldn’t hurt him that much.