“I think I’ll visit with the children. I’ll keep an eye on them for you.”
Beth sat on the porch and placed her feet on the step. She propped her elbows on her knees and rested her chin between cupped hands. She watched Lance and Alice play make-believe; as she was doing with Navarro, she mused. Soon, Lane came out of the house and sat down beside her. Beth looked at him. “Your mother says you love to read. What are your favorite books?”
Lane related many titles Beth recognized. “You like to read?” he asked.
“Yes, very much. By reading all kinds of books, you can learn many things, let your mind travel to faraway places and times long past, share adventures with the characters, and get to know what other people are like without leaving home.”
“That’s why I love to read. Uncle Tom and Aunt Mary Louise send me books from where they live. Uncle Tom went to college and got real smart. I want to go to college, too.”
“You don’t want to become a rancher like your father?” “Yes, ma’am, but I wanna be a smart rancher.” “That’s a wonderful goal, Lane; I’m sure you will be.” Lance joined them and worked his way into Beth’s lap. She laughed and asked, “Do you like books, too, Lance?” Alice came to sit on Beth’s other side as Lance asked her to tell them a story. “Have you heard The Princess and the Pea?” After excited coaxing, Beth related the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, using voices of the characters and animated sounds and expressions.
Jessica peeked out at the scene and didn’t intrude. It made her heart warm to see her children cuddled around her new friend. She decided that Navarro couldn’t have chosen a better wife. She observed for a moment, smiled to herself, and went to see if there were any remaining chores to be done.
An hour later, Navarro and Matt arrived, carrying a large mess of fish. Both men witnessed the same scene Jessica had and experienced the same emotions. As they entered the enclosed yard, Beth was completing a story for three enrapt children. When the redhead looked at the men, the youngsters’ gazes followed her line of vision.
Alice leapt to her feet and hurried to her father. She hugged his legs as she said, “Papa, Papa, Miss Beth told us lots of stories. She tells them better than anyone, even better than Miss Maria.”
Lance had wiggled from the female’s lap and joined the newcomers. “You don’t have to put a pea in my bed, do you, Papa?”
“What?” Matt asked in confusion. He leaned over and scooped up Alice, who explained without. delay, and the rancher chuckled. “No peas in your bed, Lance.” With a child on each arm, Matt headed for the porch.
Lane told him, “Miss Beth knows lots of stories, Papa. She reads books all the time like me, all kinds of books. Can she visit a long time?”
“We would love to have her stay a long time, son, but she and Navarro have to leave soon. They’re going to look for a ranch to buy.”
“A ranch like ours, Papa?”
“Not this big, Alice,” Navarro answered with a chuckle.
Lane widened his eyes and told his siblings, “Mr. Breed used to work here with Papa. He told me when we were riding this morning. He gave me this,” the boy said with pride as he showed his amulet once more. “Mr. Breed knows plenty. He’s smart like Papa.”
“Maybe you’ll grow up to be just like your papa; he’s smarter than I am; he can run a big ranch. I’m just learning how to do that with his help; that’s what good friends do for each other.”
Beth wondered if Navarro used the word “Papa” instead of “Father” so Matt wouldn’t doubt to whom he was referring.
“You’re his teacher, Papa?” Alice asked in awe.
“I guess you could call me that. I’m helping him learn ranching stuff.
“You kids need to play by yourselves while we get this fish cleaned and cooked for supper.” Matt lowered the two he held to the ground, and then all three of them headed to a shady area of the yard to amuse themselves. Matt turned to Beth and said, “I’m much obliged to you for being so nice to them.”
“They’re easy to be nice to, Matt. You and Jessica have done an expert job rearing them. They’re precious, delightful children, and a lot of fun.”
“Good practice for when you and Navarro have some of your own, eh?”
She smiled as anguish assailed her at knowing she’d never have that experience and it might cost her Navarro.
Jessica came outside and greeted the men. “Let’s get those fish around back where we can clean them. You boys had good luck today.”
“I’ll help,” Beth offered.
Matt looked over at the dainty redhead. “That isn’t necessary, Beth; you don’t want to get dirty and smelly.”
“I don’t mind. I’m good at scaling and gutting, but not frying. I have a bad habit of getting the grease and fire too hot and burning the fish.”
“Why don’t we all work together and we’ll finish sooner?”
“Navarro’s idea is the best,” Matt announced, and they all laughed.
After the cleaning was completed, Jessica and Beth took the fish inside to prepare and fry them. Matt and Navarro scrubbed the wooden table they had used and went to get rid of the fish entrails, heads, and scales.
As they walked to the back porch to wash up in a basin located there, Matt observed, “Beth’s face lights up every time she looks at you; that’s how it should be. Seems to me you made a perfect choice for a wife and helpmate.”
Navarro smiled and replied, “Beth’s a real treasure; she makes a man mighty glad he found her and darned lucky to win her.”
“She appears to take to ranch life and seems to love kids.”
“That surely makes me happy since I’m wanting both. With her at my side, Matt, I know I’ll be as lucky and happy as you and Jessie.” Navarro glanced around to make sure no one was within hearing distance of them. “I hope you don’t mind me giving your son that amulet. I should have asked permission first.”
“It was fine. He seemed kind of dejected; what you did gave him back his spirit and faith. Kids need to believe in magic sometimes. He’ll always remember you kindly. So will me and Jessie; you know why.”
“I’ll never forget what you’ve done for your wife and son.”
“Let’s get inside now and see if our women need more help. I’m sure the children are getting hungry and sleepy; been a long and busy day for them.”
For all of us, Navarro’s mind added.
After the meal and clean-up chores were completed and the children put to bed, the two couples joined the hands near the barn. Carlos, the assistant foreman, entertained them with a trick rope display. Jimmy Joe did the same with a series of hilarious jokes. Rusty, the foreman, was content to observe and chat. Biscuit Hank, the chuckhouse cook, and his wife visited for a while, then turned in because they began their work at dawn. Big John, the blacksmith, talked with everyone before he also headed for his bunk.
Beth witnessed the genial personalities and good rapport between all of the men, their bosses, and their old friend. It was easy to grasp why Navarro had enjoyed this place and these people and how they had had such a potent effect on him. She was stimulated by the way her “husband” treated her before the others—happy, proud of her, and in love. She also played her role with skill and success.
Navarro laughed and joked with the men. Yet, he wasn’t calm inside. He couldn’t forget Jimmy Joe’s slips about how bad things were on the ranch and about how he didn’t see how Matt was going to make it through this crisis. Even Rusty had remarked on what a shame it would be for the Cordells to lose their spread. Navarro himself had seen enough to worry him, too. Then, there was Lane and Beth…
“It’s time we were turning in, Jessie. We have church tomorrow.”
“You’re right, Matt. Good night, everyone. See you at seven, Beth.”
“Good night, Jessica, Matt. Thanks, boys, for a pleasant evening.” Navarro guided her to their cabin by a snug grasp on her hand. He realized she didn’t curl her fingers around his as usual.
&nbs
p; Once inside, Beth withdrew it immediately. She closed the curtains and began to change into her nightgown, without asking him for privacy as usual. She hung her skirt and shirt on pegs, removed her petticoat and chemise. “It’s been a long day, boss. Good night.”
Navarro stared at her as she undressed with her back to him. He had the feeling something was troubling her. “Are you all right, Beth?”
She glanced at him over her shoulder and said, “Of course. Why?”
“You’re mighty quiet.” And you’re not smiling and relaxed.
“Just tired. Nothing new to report. I didn’t ask questions today to avoid arousing suspicions. I only played my part; I hope that’s enough.”
He noticed she didn’t ask if he had made any new discoveries, which seemed odd to him. “You couldn’t be doing a better job, so don’t worry.”
“Thanks.” She pulled down the cover on her side of the bed, eased under it, and nestled her head on the pillow with her back to him.
Navarro shrugged, undressed, and uncovered his pillow to do the same. He saw the locket glittering in the lamplight. His widened gaze rushed to Beth’s face; her eyes were closed, but he knew she wasn’t asleep. Though he had worn it for almost five years, he hadn’t missed it in his pocket where he had placed it after removing it yesterday to avoid it being seen and misunderstood. He worried that she’d peeked inside and misunderstood the situation. He clutched the pendant in his hand and decided it was best not to discuss the matter tonight. He walked to the chair and put it in his pocket. He returned to bed and doused the lamp. “Night, Beth.”
“Good night, partner,” she murmured in a passive tone.
Sunday morning, they attended a small church located miles from the ranch. Navarro and Beth watched the Cordells mingle with friends and acquaintances. They witnessed how well liked and well respected the ranchers were, despite their recent troubles. Most of all, they both noticed what a close-knit and happy family they were.
Afterward, they enjoyed a dinner of cured ham, canned corn, canned tomatoes with okra, and several trimmings. When the meal and chores were finished, the children went outside to play and the adults took a stroll.
Aware now of the missing puzzle piece, Beth furtively watched Navarro who was careful not to be caught furtively eyeing Lane. She had decided, for the good of their mission, the wisest course of action was to act as if she didn’t know about his son, his secret feelings for Jessica, and the locket’s contents. To prevent suspicions in the Cordells and Navarro, she made certain she played her part as usual. She realized this wasn’t the time or place to allow personal emotions to interfere with her duty. With luck, maybe her partner believed she hadn’t invaded his privacy.
Navarro couldn’t get thoughts of Beth off his mind today. She looked beautiful and arousing. He had learned what a hard worker she was in any situation. She was skilled in her job as an undercover agent, was far more than a worthy partner, and a good friend. She was charming the boots off Matt, Jessie, the children, and the hands. She fit in no matter who she was with or where she went. She made others feel at ease and delighted to be in her company. What was more, she played his wife with a talent he found amazing in view of her concealed feelings about him. She had to think the lowest of him after viewing Jessie’s picture in that locket.
If she did, his heart argued. Maybe she hadn’t peeked! She surely didn’t seem angry or hesitant with him today. Perhaps she had been only fatigued last night. Or was he fooling himself? If she was ignorant and he asked her, she’d discover the truth then. If she wasn’t and he didn’t mention it, she’d think the worst. He decided he would wait until she broached the subject. That was it: wait until she told him she knew, then he’d explain.
The moment after he made that choice, Navarro reasoned it was foolish not to deal with the matter at once, as his worry over it was creating a problem with his concentration on the assignment. Charles Cordell could arrive at any time, so he needed to be on full alert. If he got Beth alone, he could pick which path to take: a silent trail or a revealing road. “Matt, you and Jessie mind if I take my wife for look-see of your ranch? Might give us ideas for things to do with ours later. Besides, this is beautiful country for a romantic ride.”
“Sounds like a good idea to me. You two need some time together.”
“Beth?” Navarro hinted.
“I’d love to have a tour. Since you used to work here and Matt’s refreshed your memory in the last few days, I’m sure we won’t get lost.”
“Not for long,” he jested with a sexy grin. “We’ll be back before dark.”
Navarro saddled Night Cloud and Sunshine while Beth changed into casual garments. She joined him, and they galloped from the corral.
Soon, Beth was mystified because he was giving her a guided tour of the property! When they reined in to rest the black stallion and palomino, she asked, “Is this outing for business or pleasure, boss? Did you learn something about the case you needed to discuss with me?”
“Nope, just figured we could use a little privacy. Staying on constant guard gets a mite snug after a while.”
“You’re right; constant pretense can cause a strain. Thanks. You’re very thoughtful.” She let her impassive gaze travel the landscape. “This ranch is huge and lovely. I’ve enjoyed myself here. Jessica and I have even become friends. I hate what she’ll think about me when this assignment is over. None of my previous targets discovered I was involved. I hope the Cordells can be kept in the dark, too, but I have an awful feeling we won’t be that lucky if this case is as big as I imagine.”
“Maybe we’ll be lucky. We’re a good team of skilled agents, so we’ll do our best to keep our work and identities a secret.”
“That means you can’t visit here again, or you’ll have to find an excuse for losing your wife and for not buying a ranch and settling down.”
“Yep. Anything we need to talk about before we head back?”
Sidestepped that angle with ease, didn’t you? She pretended to ponder his query for a minute. “I don’t think so. Any new orders?”
He gazed at her and urged, “Just be careful.”
“I’m doing my best not to arouse suspicions. Have I made a mistake?”
“Nope. I meant, be careful with your safety. Charles Cordell is cunning and dangerous. He has lots of men traveling with him. I don’t want him guessing what you are and coming after you for revenge.”
Or provoking a shoot-out at the ranch where your loved ones could get trapped in crossfire? She smiled and murmured, “Thanks for caring.”
He guided his horse close to hers and she sent him a quizzical look. “I do care about you, Beth, honest.”
“And I care about you, Navarro. We’d better get back to work before we…get carried away with too much caring.” She laughed playfully. “Wranglers could be roaming the range and catch us being improper.”
He reached out and caressed her flushed cheek and hoped it was a reaction to him. “How can a husband and wife do that?”
“There’s a time and place for everything, remember?”
“I do believe you have a shy and modest streak after all, woman.”
Beth laughed again. “Before the wrong eyes, absolutely.”
“If I can’t tempt you to be daring, let’s ride.”
“Lead the way, boss.”
As they neared the ranch Navarro halted them and said, “Come over here with me. We’ll ride in together.” Before she could respond, Navarro scooped her off the palomino and settled her before him on his mount. “You’re as light and soft as a rabbit. Snuggle up,” he told her as his right arm encircled her waist; his left one passed under hers to hold the reins. He didn’t inch backward much to keep their bodies in contact.
As they trotted away, Beth was too aware of Navarro’s hot loins at her buttocks, his hand stroking her side, his stirring breath near her ear. She was relieved the distance was a short one or, she fretted, she’d be too stimulated to face anyone who greeted them when th
ey arrived at the barn.
Navarro halted his stallion, helped Beth dismount, and joined her at the fence where he secured the animals’ reins. “The boys are watching from the chuckhouse porch,” he whispered. “Let’s fool them good.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He knew it wasn’t a ruse; he had to taste her lips.
When he nestled her face against his chest and caressed her back, Beth saw Jessica and Matt at the chicken coop, just barely visible from their position. She pretended she didn’t see them, and knew Navarro hadn’t. If the couple’s worries about him weren’t over, Beth resolved, she’d end them right now. She gazed at her “husband,” smiled, grasped his head, and lowered it to fuse their mouths once more. She feasted on him as if ravenous for the treats he had initiated to dupe the hands.
Navarro was taken by surprise and responded with a sudden fever of desire to do more than embrace and kiss her. He wanted to sweep her away to their cabin to make passionate love to her. But it was too early, only five o’clock and still light, with supper looming ahead.
Beth managed to part them without appearing to resist him. “We’re being watched by the Cordells, but we don’t want to overact. We—”
Jimmy Joe galloped into the outer yard with a cloud of dust trailing him. He halted near the ranchers and announced to Matt, “Riders comin’, boss. Must be your brother and his friends. About five minutes back.”
Navarro and Beth exchanged looks that said, Get ready; he’s here!
Chapter Sixteen
Big John approached the couple and offered to curry their horses. Navarro thanked him and agreed. He let his protective stallion know it was all right for the black man to touch him.
As they headed to join Matt and Jessie, Navarro quelled his fiery desires and he murmured, “Be careful, love; this is the beginning of the dangerous part.”
She met his gaze and whispered, “You, too. I don’t want you getting hurt in any way.” She smiled at Jessica as they halted nearby.
Chase The Wind Page 33