Comanche Haven (The Loflin Legacy: Book 1) Page 25

  Maggie planted her fists on ample hips and pretended offense. “Well, the very idea. Can’t a body wake with a cheerful slant on the day without everybody thinking they’re up to something?” So there was no misinterpretation, Maggie winked and continued to set up the breakfast table.

  Smiling at Maggie’s quick dodge of her barb, Celia reached down and plucked the white linen napkin from the tray on the table. When she spotted what Maggie had brought, she couldn’t help the grin of delight. “Oh, biscuits, I adore them and I’m starving this morning. Thank you, Maggie.”

  “Well, you’re welcome, dear. ‘Tis good, to see, you have an appetite this fine morning. I’ll be back directly to help you with your dress. Enjoy,” A beaming Maggie flung the information over her shoulder as she disappeared out the door.

  Again there was a knock at the door and this time Seth appeared. “Maggie said you were up. How did you sleep?”

  Celia couldn’t help the smirk that crossed her lips. He’d knocked. “Fine.” She could tell he was trying for the casual demeanor again and attempted to sound as nonplused as he did. “What’s on the agenda for today?”

  He didn’t answer her immediately. Instead, he crossed the room and peered out the balcony window, glancing steely-eyed up and down the street.

  “Seth?” She paused in spreading peach preserves on her bisque to watch her husband’s serious behavior.

  “Hmm?”

  “What are you looking for?”

  “Nothing. I just wanted to see how hot it was getting to be outside.” Turning to Celia, he ran his gaze down his wife’s flimsy duster of delicate lace. Celia saw a muscle flex in his jaw before he turned away.

  A private smile of appreciation crossed her lips.

  “You’ll need to dress. We’ll be meeting the stage today. We have an appointment with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Charles wired the representative from Natchitoches. He’ll be arriving at noon.” He turned back to her and his eyes never left her face. “Charles thinks it’s necessary we document the massacre.”

  He hadn’t slowed in his explanation long enough to even give her a chance to ask why she hadn’t been informed. With the beginnings of irritation, Celia got up and went to the dressing screen. “Really, Seth, what can the Bureau of Indian Affairs do about my father’s death?” Opening the armoire, she selected a dress and undid the intricate buttons of her nightgown. With the gown out of the way, she donned a chemise and slipped into a full-skirted slip, tying the waist securely before reaching for a corset. Why she wasn’t told about this latest development kept coming back to her.

  “We’ll have a record of everything that happened and a statement for the record. If the Rangers did have something to do with the massacre, the information we can provide will be important.”

  Celia stepped out from behind the screen. Smoothing the dress, she checked her reflection in the mirror. “You still think Brannon’s men are responsible, don’t you?” She bent to retrieve a small hat that matched her dress of dark wine.

  He turned and watched her from the window. Their eyes met in the looking glass. “There’s too much circumstantial evidence not to consider it a possibility. Major Chance at the Fort agrees with the assessment.”

  Celia worked the pin into the hat sitting jauntily atop her head. “What about Cole?” She glanced back at him. “He should have some idea as he is the sheriff.”

  “Well, Sheriff Cole isn’t saying much.”

  “Oh!” Wincing, she examined a small dot of blood as it formed on her finger. “Darn hair pin.”

  Before she realized what he was doing, he was across the room and had her hands in his. “Show me.” He took the injured digit to his mouth and sucked.

  Celia couldn’t breathe. The pull he gave her finger with his mouth did quire things to her belly.

  As if he sensed it too, slowly, he raised his head and looked into her eyes. “You’re the most beautiful woman,” he whispered.

  Their conversation forgotten, her irritation with him gone, she held onto him because she found she couldn’t stand. The intensity in his voice stilled her. She could only stare at him. Reaching down, he kissed her hand, making a point of turning it over and tracing her lifeline with his tongue. The warmth in her belly dipped further sending a desire flowing. Unable to response, she tenderly touched the hair that needed a comb. “Oh, Seth…” Tilting her head, she gave him a lopsided smile and ran her fingers through his dark hair. She wanted to say more, but he lowered his lips to hers in the stirring heat that was his kiss.

  He held her close and nipped her bottom lip. Trailing kisses down her neck, he whispered in her ear. “We could tell them to go on without us.”

  Torn between the vision of the agreement, which had abruptly appeared in her mind and the suggestive bend to his words worried her more than she wanted to admit. Had the years made her so wary of his intentions? Why didn’t she trust him?

  He stroked down her neck and lower still to the swell of her breast. She was aware of his touch to the depths of her soul. She could see the need rising in his eyes, feel it in the beat of his heart. Soon her mind started screaming, Isn’t this all just a business deal? Celia couldn’t help herself. She shoved at him and her green eyes found his. “What about the contract?”

  Seth stiffened and his eyes cooled. A callous laugh of disbelief rumbled up from low in his chest before he cut it off with an oath. Staring at her now, he set his chin. “Without knowing better, I’d say you just wished me to go to hell.” They stared at each other for a humming ten seconds before he released her and disappeared out the door.

  Celia stared after him. The thought that she’d just walked a tight rope like those in the circus she’d seen back east skipped indignantly through her mind’s eye. One false step and she would’ve fallen to her death. Was their damned agreement going to be her demise?

  The need still burned in her veins. Celia looked down at her trembling hands and clasped them tight against the tension inside. Why, oh why had she agreed to this damnable ploy? Wanting to smash something, she went straight to the bed and threw the cursed bed pillows she used as a barricade across the room before flopping across the bed. He had no real intentions – it was nothing more than a contract. Her inner voice could rise at the damnedest of times. Through the haze of need and frustration, a different idea formed. Wasn’t protection a form of love?

  Boots scraped the hallway floor.

  The tingle of hope ran up her spine. She held her breath and the sound receded down the hall. Sighing, she let out the breath, she hadn’t realized she was holding.

  A minute later, Maggie knocked. “Would you be ready then?” Her Irish lithe glided into the room with her. “How did you fair last night dear? I hope all was well?” Light blue eyes twinkled and Maggie smiled broadly.

  So, Maggie thought she’d catch her off guard, did she?

  Giving Celia the flash of a wink, the housekeeper folded her hands and did a quick check of the bed.

  Her meaning didn’t escape Celia. “I’ve already told you, everything was fine, Maggie. Now we’d best be going or we’ll be keeping the men waiting.” Bless the woman’s inquisitive soul. She glided past Maggie and out the door.

  ***

  Below in the lobby, the conversation ceased as if on cue. Seth glanced up the stairs just as Celia started down.

  She noted the smile fall away from his lips. She was certain that the mention of the contract had unsettled him, perhaps even angered him. Imposing an iron control over her temper, she came down the stairs. It had been his idea after all. Thank goodness, they could get it annulled once this business with the Rangers ended.

  Making the mistake of glancing once more in his direction, Celia faltered. The heat in his stare branded, marked and claimed her, she was certain. Well, they’d just see about that. Huffing past him, she extended her hand for Ty. She smiled warmly when Ty gave her hand a brotherly pat as he ushered her out of the lobby into the morning sun. Other than the light glinting off the ba
rrel of the twenty-two rifle Ty picked up and slug casually across his other arm, they comprised a fairly normal sight in a town such as Tyler.

  Seth caught up with them and unceremoniously shoved his brother aside, Celia noted. She continued to focus instead on the boardwalk and the beautiful morning.

  “You look exceptionally lovely today. Is that dress new?”

  “Since you bought it, you already know the answer to that question.” She gave him a chilly glance and hoped he comprehended she was in no mood for small talk or complements. He, in turn, merely wrapped her arm around his and with a warm chuckle continued their procession down the sidewalk. So he wanted to appear unaffected. Well, two could play at the game. She gritted her teeth. Damn him to hell for affecting her at all. She lifted her chin another fraction and smiled sweetly at the next person they passed.

  “Good morning.” Her words dripped sugar and she deemed herself fractionally better for the effort.

  Their little party continued down the boarded walkway.

  One thing became apparent the further they went. He wasn’t his usual polite self with a smile for those he passed and a tip of his hat. No, his features remained stiff and controlled. She’d not heard him utter a word to anyone else as they proceeded to Charles’s office. Celia noted the tension in his jaw. “Seth, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” His eyes never left the street. His gun hand never left his colt.

  Something was amiss. She was sure of it. Was there more to his concern over the Ranger than he’d told her about? Celia let out a small huff of exasperated breath. They were going to have to have a serious talk. She had to know what was going on!

  ***

  In the cool shade of the alley, the stranger watched. Shaded by his sweat brimmed hat, the stranger’s keen eyes never blinked. Watching carefully, he lit a smoke and casually leaned against the wall. The mere fact that he was bidding his time with regard to what he wanted showed his talent for the game was improving, didn’t it? He’d come into town on a scouting mission, a gathering of facts, hadn’t he? As the Loflin party passed his position on the opposite side of the street, the stranger laughed to himself. Well now wasn’t this a pretty sight. The tall, cool cowboy accompanied by the squaw. My, my, but she made a fetching sight. Made a man’s dick stand at attention. And look, she was masquerading as a white woman, all schooled and trained. She’d be a prize, yes, sir, a real prize. An Indian maiden all dressed up and soon with nowhere to go. Flicking the cigarette from his teeth, the stranger smirked before he turned and headed in the opposite direction. “Soon…”

  ***

  “Seth, Celia, welcome. Maggie, Ty how are you?” Charles nodded as each one of them came into the small, but comfortable waiting area. “Can I get anyone some coffee? The pot will be ready soon.”

  “Yeah, Charles, that would be good.” Seth seated the ladies and then turned to his friend. “Thanks for taking the time to schedule this meeting for us.”

  “No problem.” Charles pulled out chairs and motioned for them to make themselves comfortable. “Here, have a seat. The stage is late. We’ll sit and visit until it arrives.” Their host went about serving coffee and making sure everyone was comfortable. “Mrs. Loflin, I have some tea in the back if you’d prefer it?” He smiled down at Celia as she settled on the settee.

  “No thank you, Mr. Harrison, coffee’s fine.” Celia clasped her hands tightly in her lap. The fact she was indeed Mrs. Loflin did strange things to her nerves. Bemused the title should bring on a wave of pride as well as frustration, vexed her. Briefly, thinking of the responsibilities that came with the title, she took the cup from Charles with trembling fingers before she forced her nerves back to their normal hiding place.

  Charles glanced over to Ty, who stood post at the window. “Ty, can I offer you some coffee? It’s made just like you like it with lots of chicory.”

  Ty shifted his gaze briefly from the street to Charles. “I’d like a cup.” His quick smile disappeared as he turned back to the window.

  Celia again noted the tension in the room and thought briefly, about why they all seemed on edge. Why was everyone on edge?

  “You know, it’s been too long since we’ve had the chance to sit and enjoy a visit.” Charles turned pointedly to Celia and took her hand formally in his. “I’d like to congratulate the bride. Mrs. Loflin, welcome to the family.” He winked at Seth as he dropped his head and came within a hair’s breathe of her knuckles. Raising his head, he shoved at several strains of rich, dark hair that feel in his face.

  “Thank you, Mr. Harrison.” She gave him her most polished smile.

  “Seth and I are like brothers. We’ve known each other since we were kids. I would be pleased if you’d call me Charles. I feel like I already know you. Seth has told me so much about you.”

  “Charles it is then.” Her eyes warmed before she glanced at her husband. “I’m afraid you have me at a slight disadvantage though, Charles. Seth hasn’t had the opportunity to tell me much about you.” Her jaw set as she gave her husband another good glare. “You’ll have to tell me all about your adventures growing up with my husband. And please, call me Celia.”

  Charles straightened in his chair. His dark brown eyes gleamed with her invitation. “Certainly, Celia, more coffee?”

  She presented her cup for him to fill.

  “There’s really not much to tell. My paw owned the ranch next to the Shooter. As young boys do, we kept the trails between the ranches hot. We were always into something.” Charles glanced at Maggie then and smiled with affection. “This lady has run me out of her kitchen so many times. I feel like, even now, I should step outside and wipe my boots before entering again.” Charles chuckled to himself.

  “Did your father raise cattle?” Celia inquired politely.

  “Yes, he did. The Switching J was his dream. However, more years than not, the ranch barely broke even. After my maw died, paw never was the same.” He looked away as if reining in some thought.

  Celia reached out then and gave Charles’ hand a gentle pat. “If we’re family, then you must come by the ranch more often. You’re invited to dinner as soon as we return.” Glancing at her husband for agreement, she looked into cool blue steel. Celia sighed quietly. Again, he seemed to be concerned. She could only imagine what had sparked this new bout of temper.

  “Well, thank you then, Celia.” Charles beamed. “I’d be delighted to visit. I must say, it’s been too long since I’ve been to the ranch.” Glancing over at the housekeeper, Charles gave the older woman a mischievous wink. “Maggie makes the best buttermilk pie I’ve ever had. I can’t visit too often, ‘cause I’d lose my girlish figure.” Patting his belly, Charles laughed at his own humor before turning serious again. “I have to tell you, it was Seth’s dad who made sure I stayed in school. If it hadn’t been for Earl’s help I most likely would’ve ended up a drifter.” He glanced at Seth.

  She saw some long ago truth pass between them.

  “Earl saw to it that all three of us got an education. He had his eye on West Point for Seth and me. Ty was destined for Savannah. The three of us weren’t so sure about his plans, but in the end Earl had his way.” Charles’s dark brown hair glinted in the sunlight filtering through the patterned glass windows.

  Celia noticed how his mouth curved in a smile that lit his eyes as he remembered.

  “He always did,” Seth murmured into his cup.

  Charles glanced at his old friend and nodded without inflection.

  There was a pull of secrets, with the flick of a look that passed between them.

  To draw the conversation away from what she considered dangerous territory, she offered her gratitude. “Charles, we all want to thank you for what you’ve done. Your considerable efforts are most appreciated.”

  “Don’t mention it.” Charles waved away her words. “I owe the Loflins’ quite a bit. So anything I can do to help is my pleasure.”

  She considered the men. They’d known each other for the better pa
rt of their lives and she had to agree with Charles when he said they were more family than not. Maybe it took more than blood to make a family.

  “Is everything all right dear?” Maggie patted her on the hand.

  “Yes, Maggie, just daydreaming again, gets me in trouble more times than not.” She gave the housekeeper a consoling squeeze with her own fingers. “Everything’s fine.”

  Again, as Celia glanced from one person to another in the tidy little office, she could see that everything wasn’t all right. The hairs on her nape tingled and she glanced toward the window where Ty hadn’t budged since they’d arrived. Even though the friends now spoke of nothing more than the weather, she knew something wasn’t right. She could cut the tension with a knife. A loud shout went up outside on the nearby street singling the stage’s arrival. The three men moved to the front door. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but their eyes had taken on the watchful lookout for danger. Whatever was said had them tensing and checking their weapons. Reaching for their Stetsons, Celia considered what a formidable team Charles and her husband made as they holstered their guns and readied to meet the train.

  Seth glanced up and down the street before turning back into the room. “Stay here.” His eyes met hers and for an instant locked with such intensity, she froze. She wanted to race to him and fling herself in his arms, telling him all the things she’d wanted to tell him for so long. But just as quickly as his desire had appeared it was masked by the hard, cold glare of a man with intentions to do harm and brooked no argument. The heat of his stare scorched her right down to her toes. Wondering at his ability to undermine her control so completely, she looked away. The very idea that he should give her orders, she fumed.