Love's Dream Song

by Leesmith, Sandra

“I’m fine. Just a little bruised. I’ll ride out with you.”

  He held up his hand when she started to swing her legs around to rise. “No. Stay here and get some rest. The sheriff’s posse is out there now. I don’t want you in any danger.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’ll be careful.”

  She smoothed her hand across his cheek. “Make sure that you are. We have a lot to talk about.”

  The promise in her voice tempted more than her touch. Her hair cascaded around her shoulders and fell like a curtain to the bed. He wanted to wrap himself up in it. Instead he closed his eyes to the sight and pressed a kiss into the palm of her hand. Her skin smelled of scented soap and he ached to hold her.

  “Jess.” He heard the longing and tried to steel himself against it. “Hold me.”

  Painfully aware of his dusty clothes, he started to back away. “I…”

  She stilled his protest by pressing her fingertips to his mouth. “I don’t care about a little dirt. It’ll wash off.” Her smile reflected in the moonlight as she tossed her hair to reveal her body.

  He could see the taut nipples pressed against the silk and hear the pounding of her heart—or was that his own?

  All concern for his condition vanished when her arms slid around his shoulders. His own arms came around her body and he wondered if he’d ever be able to let go. Would he even want to?

  “Please, just hold me for a little while before you go,” she murmured against his cheek. “I’ve missed you today. I want to touch you.”

  Her mouth met his and he reveled in the taste of her. She was hot and spicy, like cinnamon candy. He couldn’t get enough of her.

  In seconds, his breathing was heavy. He felt constricted by the weight of his clothes. If only he had time to strip off his boots and toss aside his clothes, he’d stretch out beside her and show her the depths of his caring.

  “Can’t you stay?” she begged between her own panting breaths.

  Pulling away from her embrace was one of the most painful things he’d ever done. It took all of his willpower. When he did finally manage to stand, he wondered if holding her might be less tempting than seeing the rise of her chest as she took deep breaths, or noticing the glossy shine of moisture on her lips, or catching the reflection of passion in the darkness of her eyes.

  “Autumn.” He couldn’t find the words to apologize or explain. They must have sounded in his voice because she didn’t pressure him.

  “I understand about your work. You have to go. But remember this, Jess Barron. We have unfinished business.”

  “This shouldn’t take long. We’re very close to finding them.”

  * * *

  It was all the promise she was going to get, she realized. That was enough. Now was not the time to press. She could see the exhaustion in his features; hear the fatigue in his voice. In fact, she doubted it would take much real effort to lure him into bed with her.

  Taking advantage of his condition would not be fair. She had every intention of renewing this relationship with a sound footing. There would be no excuses for him to latch onto in order to back off. She’d give him the space he needed to work out his personal doubts.

  “Have you talked to Sam?”

  “You’re the only one I’ve seen. What’s up?”

  She told him about the microwave dish and the evacuation. With each word she felt the distance between them broaden, as his mind traveled back to the canyon and the problems out there.

  “The sheriff wants us to stay here until they find the killers,” she told him. At least she had an excuse to be here when he returned. “He knows you suspect someone in our party.”

  “Keep an eye out, would you? And be careful.” He caressed her cheek, and she had to concentrate to keep his words focused. “I have to go now.”

  That captured her attention. She clasped his hand in hers. “You’re tired. Are you sure you can’t stay and get some sleep?”

  He chuckled. “Believe me, if I stayed, sleep is not what I’d get.”

  His statement pleased her, but she also heard the underlying determination.

  “If you insist on leaving, I have something I want to give to you.” She swung her legs underneath her and stepped off the bed. On the dressing table, her turquoise nugget glowed in the moonlight. She picked up the special treasure.

  Jess came up behind her. She saw his outline reflected in the mirror before he wrapped his arms around the front of her.

  Rough fingers caught on the silk as he smoothed them across her abdomen. She trembled as heat flowed from him to her.

  “You are so beautiful,” he murmured against her neck.

  Unable to stand the torment, she turned into his embrace, still clutching the turquoise nugget. She buried her face against his chest, inhaling the scent of dust and horse that clung to his clothes and mingled with the male essence of him.

  “Come back to me,” she murmured, but wasn’t sure he’d heard.

  Stretching her arms upward, she slipped the silver chain around his neck and positioned the nugget under the folds of his shirt. His heart thudded against her lips when she kissed the skin at the V-neck of his shirt.

  “Real Tall Man gave me this. It’s been blessed, Jess. It carries power.” She remembered how that power had guided her out of the cave. “When you hold it, know that I’m thinking of you and praying for your safety.”

  For several moments he remained motionless, not speaking, barely breathing. Autumn held her breath, too, wondering if she’d somehow offended him with her gift. Her answer came when he swept her in his arms and held her tight.

  He still didn’t speak, but his body language told her he’d treasure the gift. His arms quivered slightly as they tightened their hold. She heard the catch in his breath and felt the rapid beat of his heart. It matched her own.

  For a crazy moment, she wanted to say she loved him, but it was too soon for that. She let her body say it instead.

  She pressed against him and molded her curves to the solid maleness of him, letting him know they fit well together. The brush of her lips against his spoke of her desire. The tender touch of her fingertips tracing through his hair showed him how much she cared.

  The final act of pulling away was the most difficult expression of her developing love. She would let him go. He hesitated for just a moment and then, after breathing deep, he disappeared out the sliding glass door.

  Autumn stared at the empty space, wondering if he’d in fact been there, or had she dreamed his presence in a fantasy of longing and desire. She wrapped her arms around herself. His scent clung to her skin. She breathed in and knew he’d been real.

  “Walk in beauty and peace.” She softly sang the words of one of Real Tall Man’s chants. “Let your heart be brave and true. May the hunt be successful. Walk in beauty, my warrior.”

  .

  CHAPTER 17

  Sunlight streamed through the glass door when Autumn awoke. For a moment she remained motionless, trying to get her bearings. The events of the previous day played through her mind until she came to the night.

  Voices outside her room brought her attention back to the present. She’d better get up and see if she could help the professor and his party. There were bound to be problems. She knew that a good night’s rest would give the scientists and reporters renewed energy to continue their protests.

  Sure enough, after she’d dressed and entered the large kitchen, she found most of the group assembled. Evidently, Sam had just arrived ahead of her. She slipped behind the ranger and headed for the coffeepot.

  Overflowing ashtrays and empty cups of coffee attested to the frustration of the long hours they’d been waiting.

  “Well, it’s about time you got up.” Connie was the first to speak. “How long do they plan to keep us cooped up here?”

  Autumn stared in sympathy at the reporter. Her cotton slacks were rumpled and her hair had long since lost its shiny bounce. The time hadn’t dulled the sharpness in her glance, tho
ugh. Her stare pierced through the smoke-filled haze.

  “We have work to do, you know—deadlines to meet. When are you going to give us some news?” another reporter asked.

  Several mumbled oaths and muttered indignation supported Connie’s demands. Dr. Davidson shoved ahead of the others to stand next to Connie. He took a sip of coffee before speaking. “We want to get back to the dig. The kiva has paintings on the wall and we need to record what we can before any more damage is done.”

  Wayne edged beside the professor and added his complaint. “The valuable stuff’s already been taken. We want to get back to work.”

  The other members agreed, although not as enthusiastically. Autumn had a suspicion that they were happier at the Eagle Heights Ranch than the canyon where killers lurked.

  “We’re sealing off the canyon until we resolve the murder.” Conviction sounded in Sam’s voice, leaving no room for argument. “No one’s allowed at the site.”

  Several faces showed relief. Others turned defeated backs to Sam and sat down. The only ones who argued the decision were the reporters, but Sam held firm.

  Autumn cast a sympathetic glance at Dr. Davidson, which quickly turned to concern when she saw the anger in his eyes.

  “You let us return,” he ordered, his voice barely controlled. “My thesis. The proof—it’s…”

  Autumn moved beside the professor and closed her hand over his. “Sit down, Dr. Davidson. You’ll be able to return soon. The team that’s going to the site will protect it.”

  “No. I…”

  Autumn remained beside the professor after she guided him to a chair. “It’s not a complete loss. We have the photographs of the tablets. Those can be enlarged so that we can read the records.”

  His only response was to stiffen his shoulders.

  Wayne and several others gathered around.

  “Your discovery will still have an impact on history. The theory of the Mexican Connection was verified.”

  “But the actual proof is buried beneath…”

  “It’ll take years for us to get it out, but we know what’s buried there. The photographs prove it,” one of the scientists spoke up.

  Wayne shifted impatiently and Autumn studied his expression. The glints of speculation and anticipation in his blue eyes were unmistakable. Did he imagine himself in charge of the project? He was young. By the time the tablets could be unearthed, Dr. Davidson would be long since retired.

  “We want you to stay here in Winslow for the next two days.” Sam brought their attention back to him. “We’ll need to take statements before you’ll be free to return home. We’ll notify you when we reopen the site.”

  “You mean, that’s it? No big story?” Connie sounded annoyed. From the looks her colleagues gave her, they evidently agreed with that impression.

  Sam ignored her complaint. “We’ve put you up in two of the motels in town. They aren’t fancy, but they’re clean and comfortable. We’ll contact you when we need you.”

  “Will the local sheriffs want to question us?” one of the archaeologists asked.

  “Yes, and state troopers are on the way, also. If you’re ready now, we have two vans that’ll take you to your motel.”

  Autumn waited until everyone had filed out the door before she followed. She was glad to see them leave. Until her relationship with Jess was on sound footing, she preferred to be at the ranch alone. Several comments reached her ears that she tried to ignore. Since she couldn’t change things, she figured it was best to keep quiet.

  “It surprises me that a town this size has one motel, let alone two,” the cartographer said as he filed past.

  “Can you imagine being stuck here for two days?”

  “I don’t care what you folks say—a comfortable bed is going to feel like heaven to me.”

  “And food—there must be someplace to eat around here.”

  Connie stopped as the last one filed out the door. “Aren’t you coming to town?”

  “No.” And please don’t make an issue of this, Autumn thought as she watched the reporter’s brow quirk in curiosity.

  “I bet your reasons are personal,” Connie commented with a hint of sarcasm.

  Autumn smiled and stepped inside, not wanting a confrontation. She suspected Connie was jealous.

  The last person left the house. Connie’s question had brought up an issue she had assumed, but now wondered about.

  Was she expected to return to Winslow with them, or would she be allowed to remain? She’d promised Jess she’d be here when he returned. She wanted to keep that promise.

  Two vans were parked in the circular driveway in front of the house. Autumn paused, trying to decide what to do.

  Wayne approached and stood beside her. “Do you think we could talk Sam into letting us stay here?”

  Autumn studied the student, wondering what his motives were. “We might. Why? What did you have in mind?”

  “Come over here.” Wayne gestured for her to return to the kitchen. “I don’t want anyone to hear this.”

  Alert and curious, Autumn followed Wayne to a secluded part of the patio where they could talk in privacy. She also noted that they couldn’t be seen from this position, either.

  “What’s this all about?” she asked.

  “We’ve got to get back to the kiva. When they clear out of here, we’ll take a couple of Barron’s horses and head for the canyon.”

  “We can’t do that,” she said, knowing it would be expected, but her head reeled with possibilities. She knew someone from the professor’s group was part of the ring Jess was after. She also knew Jess suspected Wayne. If she went along with him, she could uncover his part in this.

  “There’s something at the kiva I’ve got to show you.” Wayne shifted, obviously nervous and agitated.

  “What?”

  “I can’t tell you. I’m not even sure myself. But you would know.”

  Autumn tried to gauge Wayne’s strange request. Something didn’t set right. He seemed too agitated. Then again, he could be acting. If she went, she’d be setting herself up for trouble. Wayne could be planning to use her as a hostage.

  “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to go out there,” she said, trying to stall. “There are murderers loose.”

  “They won’t be near the kiva. It’ll be crawling with sheriff’s men.”

  That made sense. “So why do we need to be there, and what makes you think the sheriff will let us in the area?”

  “We’ll have to sneak in, Autumn. Trust me. You’ll understand when you see what I have to show you.”

  Autumn knew Sam wouldn’t approve—nor would Jess, for that matter. This could be their chance, though, to get evidence of Wayne’s involvement. He might lead her to the others. She’d make sure she left a trail Jess could follow.

  The vans were crowded, so Wayne had no difficulty convincing Sam to let the two of them stay. When Dr. Davidson heard that his two assistants were going to remain at the ranch, he offered to give up his seat in the van, enabling the last scientist to squeeze in.

  “Don’t worry about us,” the professor assured Sam. “We’ll come to town as soon as Barron gets back. He won’t mind that we stay. In fact, he’s invited us several times.”

  Sam wasn’t too pleased about the three of them splitting from the group, yet he admitted he wasn’t that thrilled about an extra trip out to the remote ranch.

  “I want you to stay put,” he ordered the three of them. “No trips to Coyote Springs, and don’t allow any reporters in.”

  “That’s fine with us,” Dr. Davidson assured him. “We don’t want to nose around with murderers on the loose.”

  Autumn studied the professor. His reply sounded too pat—especially after his vehement protests earlier that morning. Was he planning to sneak back to the kiva also? Maybe Wayne had suggested that the professor join them.

  A quick glance at Wayne assured her that was not what he intended. In fact, he appeared angry and tense, as though the professo
r’s presence would ruin his plans.

  “Maybe you should go to town,” Autumn suggested to Dr. Davidson. “It would be better for the reporters to interview you than the other scientists.”

  The professor was clearly torn. Her suggestion had merit, but for some reason, he seemed reluctant to leave. Perhaps he had suspicions about Wayne also.

  Connie Turner slid out of the van and asked what the delay was. When she heard that the professor was thinking about remaining at the ranch, she said, “Maybe I should stay, too. I want to interview you, Dr. Davidson.”

  Autumn didn’t miss the glimmer in the older man’s eye at the mention of an interview. The publicity might help his case at the university. His tenure could still be in jeopardy now that the tablets were gone. The national attention could help.

  Wayne was obviously relieved when the professor tried to convince Connie to go to town with the others.

  “Barron should be in by tonight,” Dr. Davidson assured the reporter. “He’ll bring us in. He’ll have more news to add to your story.”

  Connie wasn’t happy, but she gave in and settled into the van.

  Sam climbed into the last seat and Autumn waved them off, wondering what the professor’s presence would mean to Wayne. The professor himself solved the problem by announcing that he was going to the bunkhouse to take a nap. After he’d departed, Wayne approached Autumn.

  “Man, I thought we’d had it.”

  “He’s going to notice that we’re gone,” Autumn pointed out. “Maybe we should wait…”

  “No,” Wayne interrupted. “He’ll sleep for at least an hour or two. By the time he figures out we’ve left, it will be too late to do anything about it.”

  Autumn wasn’t sure of his logic, but since Wayne was calling the shots in this venture, she didn’t argue. Instead, she agreed to go pack.

  “Get some food,” Wayne ordered. “I’ll come by your room as soon as I have the horses ready.”

  “Food for how many days?”

  “Just overnight,” he surprised her by answering. “What I have to show you won’t take much time.”

  Autumn went to the kitchen first and gathered provisions. After that, she returned to the luxurious bedroom that had been Jess’s mother’s. She glanced around the room, searching for a way to communicate with Jess. She’d have to write a message and figure a way to leave a trail. It just might be possible that Wayne had no intention of returning to Coyote Springs. He could have a rendezvous planned with the killers.