Unplanned, page 8
“Early this morning, Travis phoned someone in the US. They’re going to see what they can do about getting us out of here. If we tried on our own, we’d be stopped at the airport.”
“Maybe we need to find out who killed that man in Guishil. If we did, they’d be forced to let us leave.”
“I agree, but there’s no way to do that from here and we can’t walk back into town now. We’d be arrested immediately.”
“Could we hire someone to do some digging?” Dana asked, grasping for anything that would help them get some resolution.
Mattie stared at her for a few seconds, then gave her an ear-to-ear grin. “You may have something there, Dana. Maybe we could get someone on the inside—somebody who everyone trusted and would talk to. Let’s go speak to Hunt. Maybe he knows someone who’d be willing to be a mole.”
Dana rubbed at her empty stomach. Last night Galen’s escape had interrupted her dinner, and without breakfast, she knew she’d have to get something into her before she became light-headed. All she needed was to faint in front of everyone. They would insist that something was wrong and she’d have to tell them the truth, and with Galen around, that’s the last thing she wanted to do.
Dana followed Mattie down the hall to the kitchen where she inhaled something wonderful in the air. Whatever was cooking smelled heavenly.
In the kitchen, she was surprised to find an exquisite young woman standing in front of the stove, stirring something in a pan, her olive complexion giving away her native descent. The woman turned toward Dana and her amber eyes narrowed on her. She studied her as if she were some type of competition. Was she Hunt’s lover? Was she looking at her as if she was there to take her place?
Dana gulped, perspiration working up her back.
As quickly as the look in the woman’s eyes was there, it was gone. Clearly she found Dana’s presence annoying but she didn’t want anyone else to know that. She returned her attention to the food on the stove.
“Good morning.” Hunt came in from the back door. “I see you’ve all met Reyna. She takes care of me and my home. The Sanchezes’ ranch is adjacent to mine.”
The woman’s face lit up to rival the Christmas lights at Rockefeller Center, and Hunt seemed oblivious to it. Why were men so blind?
Dana realized her decision about Hunt was right. The man couldn’t even see that the young lady who worked there had a huge crush on him.
Right then Galen came in from outside and looked right through her, his attention instantly drawn to the lovely woman at the stove.
He gave her a curious grin—one that made Dana’s stomach lurch. She had to leave or she was going to get sick again.
“Excuse me,” she said, then shot through the entrance and down the hall to her room. Inside, she leaned against the door and closed her eyes. All she needed was to watch Galen make a move on some other woman when she carried his child in her womb.
A light knock had her jumping back. Had she really expected to run from the kitchen and not have someone follow? She only prayed it wasn’t Galen or Hunt. Both men were on her list of people to avoid until she got the hell out of here.
“Dana,” Mattie called. “Are you okay?”
Dana swallowed the lump in her throat. “Yes. I … ah, just need some time alone.”
“Okay, but I brought you something to eat. You’re looking awfully pale.”
The lump in her throat grew thicker. She didn’t know if she could continue to hide this from her friend. Maybe if she confessed, Mattie could help her figure out what she should do.
Dana slowly opened the door. Mattie’s bright smile left her face when she saw her.
Instead of handing Dana the plate, she rushed inside and closed the door. “I know something’s wrong. You are going to tell me what’s going on. I’m not leaving until you do.”
Dana sucked in a ragged breath. “I’m pregnant, Mattie.” Suddenly a heavy weight lifted from her. Now she wished she’d have told her friend sooner.
Mattie’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”
Dana tucked her chin to her chest. “I took a test before I flew to Nova Scotia. It was positive.”
Mattie brushed Dana’s arm with her palm. “It’s Galen’s, isn’t it?”
Tears filled her eyes again. She’d never cried so much in her life. “It couldn’t be anyone else’s. He was my first and last.”
If possible, Mattie’s eyes widened even more. “Oh my God, Dana. I had no idea.”
“It’s nothing I talk about.”
“How did you get to be this age without being with someone?”
Dana shrugged. “I guess I just never wanted to share my body with any man before Galen. You see where that got me.”
Mattie smiled.
“I never dreamed I’d get pregnant.”
Seconds ticked by in silence.
“Have you told him?”
“God no! I don’t want him to know. He as much as told me that having sex with me was a big mistake and that if he could turn back the clock, it wouldn’t have happened.”
“But now that you’re pregnant, Dana, he’d surely do the right thing.”
“And what is that? Marriage for the wrong reasons never works. I don’t want to marry any man who has to be forced into it.”
“What are you going to do then?”
“I don’t know. This baby is the least of our worries right now. We have to get back to the States. Then I’ll make some decisions. So, please don’t say anything to Travis about this.”
Mattie gave her a firm one-armed hug and held her tight. “Everything happens for a reason.”
Dana snorted. “I never could understand that adage. Why would God want me to raise a child on my own?”
Mattie shook her head. “I don’t know, Dana. But I’m sure that’ll be revealed to you some day. Now, eat. You need your strength.”
Dana took the plate she held out and went to sit on the bed. Maybe Mattie was right. God surely had a plan—she was just not privy to it yet.
Chapter Nine
“I’m afraid we’re on our own.” Hunt hung up the receiver. “If it were anything but murder. We’re stuck until we prove Galen’s innocence.”
Galen looked at Hunt as if he’d lost his mind. “How do we do that when we’re hiding here?”
“We can’t, but maybe someone else can.” Hunt glanced over his shoulder at Reyna, who was busy doing dishes in the sink.
“No, Hunt. This is too dangerous for a woman.”
“Maybe you’re right, but Juan, her brother, might be able to go into Guishil and learn some things. He can be very persuasive when he wants to be.”
“You think he’d be willing to do it?”
“Reyna,” Hunt called, gracing her with the brightest smile when she turned to look at him.
She smiled back. There was a warmth in her eyes that spoke of something more than friendship for Hunt.
“Is your brother at the ranch?”
“Yes. Papa has him working the fields today. Why?”
“Do you think you could ask him to come by later? I might have some work for him. Tell him I’ll pay him well.”
Her eyes narrowed on Hunt. “This job is not dangerous, is it?”
Hunt squirmed under her appraisal. This was the first time he’d ever seen his friend nervous. How did a petite woman have the power to do that to a man twice her size?
“It could be. I’d do it myself if I could, Rey.”
“Will you tell him of this danger before he agrees to do it?”
“I will.”
“Then I will tell him.”
“Thank you, Rey.”
Galen sat back in his chair. He wasn’t sure how much this man would be able to learn, but at least they weren’t just sitting around waiting for the police to find them. If they could prove he was set up, then maybe they’d be forced to let them leave the country.
His only concern was that Juan could get caught and reveal their whereabouts.
Galen never thought he’d ever hate Ecuador, but he couldn’t wait to get as far away from there as he could get. That meant he’d have to find a new profession, or attract that rich woman he’d been searching for all his life. Being a guide was no longer something he wanted to do, especially after meeting Dana.
This whole mess was because he’d slept with a virgin and it had addled his head enough for him to drink until he couldn’t remember anything that happened in the days following their encounter. He assumed it was guilt from taking something from her that he wasn’t worthy of taking. Like the witch did to him. He’d never forgive himself for that. Not when Dana seemed to hate his very presence now.
Galen rose from the table and wandered down the hall as Mattie exited Dana’s room. “She okay?”
Mattie nodded. “She’s just tired. A few hours’ rest and she’ll be fine.”
“Travis told me you two are getting married. I’m happy for you.” Galen still wasn’t sure how he felt about the union. He didn’t want to lose his partner in crime.
“Thank you.”
“Where are you two going to live?”
“At the estate in Nova Scotia.”
Galen frowned. “So, it wasn’t as bad as he thought it’d be.”
“He hasn’t told you?”
“You mean that he’s rich?”
She smiled. “He has, then?”
“Yes, and I’m very happy for you both.”
“Thanks,” Travis said from behind him.
Galen whipped around. There was a broad grin on his friend’s face.
“So how did you find out?”
“Well, Mattie and I arrived at the estate to find much more than we expected. The place is a palace, with acre upon acre of lush green grass and elaborate gardens. Inside the mansion priceless art covers every surface and wall. If I lived to be a hundred, I’d never be able to spend what the place is worth.”
Galen’s jaw slacked. This could be good for him. “You don’t perhaps need a gardener? I could use steady employment.”
Travis grinned. “I believe the estate employs three already, but I’m sure Mattie and I could find something for you to do there.”
Galen glanced at Mattie. He wasn’t sure if she’d be all that thrilled by Travis’s offer. After all, she was Dana’s friend and he assumed she knew what had happened between them.
“You can sleep in the guest house.” Travis smirked. “Or the employees’ quarters.”
Galen smiled at his friend. “All I need is a bed to lay my head every night. I’m not used to anything fancy.”
“We’ll talk more once we get out of here. But while we’re stuck, I thought I’d take Mattie outside and show her around. Hunt’s spread is beautiful. There’s this lake. I thought we could take a swim.” Travis gave her a wink that sent a pink hue to her cheeks.
Galen watched them leave. The two definitely had a thing for water, something else he’d learned while in the Amazon. The thought had him glancing toward Dana’s door. What he wouldn’t give for an afternoon in the arms of a willing woman. The memory of Dana’s supple body came rushing back. For a lady who had been innocent, she’d quickly learned how to move her body to give him pleasure beyond compare.
With his injured arm and weakened state he hadn’t been able to take charge, but that hadn’t stopped her from climbing on top and making love to him, blocking everything but her out until they were both drenched in sweat. Nothing had ever felt so perfect. Then he’d discovered the blood and realized she’d been a virgin, and he’d just snapped. He’d been lucky up until that point to avoid anyone innocent, which was an internal boundary of his.
Unfortunately, the event was something he couldn’t take back and it had changed him. It brought back the feelings of vulnerability he had promised himself he’d never experience again.
Galen blew out a breath and stormed back to his room. The startling thing was, he still wanted her. The memory had somehow become a fantasy—a perfect dream he wished he could put behind him. Too bad that was impossible, especially being this close to her, knowing her warm, erotic body was only a few feet away and alone like his.
He slammed his door and stalked to the window to look out at the sun directly above him.
Travis had been right about Hunt’s place. It was scenic to be sure. Early that morning, he’d shown Travis and Galen around. Galen could picture himself with a ranch like this. Having a gorgeous neighbor coming by to cook and clean for him every day. What a great setup. Too bad Hunt seemed oblivious to the whole thing—to the woman who clearly had it bad for him. But then, what woman didn’t notice Hunt Montgomery? Even Dana had.
Galen fisted his hands at his side. He was confused by his feelings for her. He wasn’t the type for a serious relationship, but he couldn’t think of her with another man without getting a gut sickness that left him hollow inside.
A flash of something in the back of his mind almost sent him to his knees. In the vision, he exited the back entrance of a building to take a leak and saw two men standing in an alley.
As loud, angry voices closed in around him, Galen pressed his hands to his temples. Then the mental image disappeared.
What the hell was that? Was it an actual event or a dream he had last night? One he just remembered? He wasn’t sure. The vision showed one man standing in the shadows of the building. Galen couldn’t see his face. But the other one he’d recognize again if he saw him. A man with an olive complexion and a long, curled-up mustache. He looked to be in his midfifties, his belly protruding over his pants. Galen wished he could recall what the two had been fighting about. It might be important.
Could it have been a flashback of the night he’d been hit in the head? Had he walked in on something he never should have? Was that why he’d been used to take the rap for the man’s murder?
*
Dana left the house and wandered down the stone path to the back of the home. She came through a lattice arbor covered in bright red roses, and the aromatic scent of the flowers filled her nostrils, the smell almost suffocating.
Around the back of Hunt’s house, she was amazed by a gorgeous garden a short distance away. Another path next to it caught her eye and she decided a long walk would do her some good to clear her head.
With vigor, she strolled the narrow path, her gaze taking in all the beauty around her. For a place owned by a man it sure had a woman’s touch, especially with all the vegetable plants in the colorful garden. What did Hunt do with all the produce he grew? Canning seemed like something a woman with a family did. Not a single man who spent half his time traveling the world. Maybe Reyna had something to do with him having them. Or perhaps Hunt dried them for his trips into the Amazon.
Dana walked past the rows of vegetables and headed toward the wooded area in the distance. Halfway there she heard footfall behind her.
She turned to find Galen rushing toward her. Unconsciously her hands flew to her stomach. He was the last person she wanted to see.
“Are you following me?”
The warmth on his face slipped away. “In a way.”
She turned and took off again.
He snaked a hand out and grasped her arm, stopping her.
Dana swung around and narrowed her eyes at him. “What do you want?”
“I’m just trying to stop you from being embarrassed.”
“What’s going to embarrass me?”
“Travis and Mattie are down by the lake past the tree line.”
She frowned at him as if he was speaking another language. “So what?”
He ran a hand through his hair, then looked up at the sky. “They’re getting busy, Dana.”
“Getting busy with what?”
He laughed. “I have to remember how innocent you are.”
His suggestion of her lack of sophistication angered her further. “What does my inexperience have to do with Travis and Mattie?” Getting busy. Oh God. Is he saying what I think he’s saying?
Galen propped his hands on his hips and he shook his head. “They’re having sex, Dana. I didn’t want you to come across them. I’m sorry I bothered you.” He turned and started back up the trail.
How could she be so stupid? No wonder he thought she was innocent.
Dana’s face heated. She would have been mortified to find Travis and Mattie in a passionate situation.
She raced after him. “I’m sorry, Galen.”
He didn’t turn around, just shrugged and walked on.
Dana rushed to catch up with him. “Have any plans been made about leaving?” she asked when she finally reached his side.
“The US can’t help. I’m suspected of murder and that’s too serious a crime to try and intervene.”
She stopped in her tracks. “So what are we going to do? We try and board a plane and we’ll be arrested. Are you saying we’re stuck here indefinitely?”
Galen turned to look at her, his eyes dark with fury. “That’d be worse than death for you, wouldn’t it?”
“I didn’t say that.”
He took off again. “You didn’t have to,” he said over his shoulder.
Dana’s control snapped. She caught up and stepped in front of him. “I don’t know why you’re angry with me. I didn’t treat you like a leper after we made love.”
His angry eyes softened. “But you didn’t care, remember? At least that’s what you told me last night.”
Dana’s chin fell to her chest. Why did he have to remind her of what she’d said? What had he expected—for her to tell him she was crazy in love with him and that it didn’t matter if he cared or not?
“I knew you wished you could take back what happened. What did you want me to say?”
Galen scrubbed at his face. “I’m sorry, Dana.”
Dana stared at him until her face warmed. Even now, knowing what he’d done, she was drawn to him. He moved to her side, his hand brushing her wrist.
She sucked in a breath, the slight touch like a firestorm racing across her arm. She glanced up to find him studying her.
The pulse point at his throat thudded wildly.
He inched forward and kissed her, the warmth of his lips instantly stirring her. She leaned in and returned the kiss.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her flush to his body. His heat ignited a passion she had only experienced once in her life, the desire intense and all consuming as his tongue worked its way into her mouth, finding hers.
