Untouched

by Jerri Drennen

  Travis turned to her. “What do you think? We could travel with the crew we have now. But that’s completely up to you.”

  Mattie nodded. “James should go with her.”

  “James. We’re in agreement here that you should travel back to Manu with Beth. That way you could keep us abreast of the situation with Drew,” Travis said.

  “Will do.”

  Travis wished him a safe trip into town and changed frequencies. “Outpost Seven, this is Travis Kane. Do you read?”

  “Outpost Seven,” a deep male voice said. “What do you need?”

  “I have to find out if Galen Hall has arrived in Manu. Is there anyone there who can check on that for me?”

  “No need to. Galen came into the outpost right after we talked last. I informed him where you were. If he traveled all night like he intended, he should be at your location soon.”

  “Good to hear. Thanks.”

  Mattie stood back, listening to Travis’s conversation, and wondered who this other man was.

  After he hung the receiver up and slammed the truck door, Mattie’s curiosity got the better of her. “Who is Galen Hall?”

  “Another guide. Before leaving Manu, I wired him to come help out. I’m glad I did now, with losing half the team.”

  “Right. We’ll need another man to drive.”

  He frowned. “Look, Mattie. I don’t think men are better drivers. I just think strength-wise they’re more able to handle the rough terrain.”

  His explanation dispelled the anger that had bubbled inside her. Now she understood what he’d meant. In general, women had less upper-body strength.

  “Do you understand?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry I snapped. I haven’t been getting much sleep.”

  He smiled. “I can relate to that.”

  His grin sent her stomach fluttering. So badly, she wanted to wrap him in her arms and hold him until all her worries washed away. Thank God her brain screamed not to.

  Sara arrived. “How’s Drew?”

  Mattie wanted to ask her why it had taken her so long to come and find out, but thought better of it. It was becoming clear that her fellow botanist didn’t care about anything other than fawning over Travis.

  “He’s better,” Travis said. “They’re going to transfer him to Manu just in case he has a relapse. The rest of the crew are going with him.”

  Mattie watched Sara’s reaction. Her face was blank as if she couldn’t care less. Then again, Mattie hadn’t cared all that much either if they returned to camp or not. Right now, though she had too much on her mind, all she cared about was Drew’s recovery.

  “So are we moving out?” Sara’s question was one Mattie hadn’t thought to ask.

  “Not until a fellow guide arrives. He’ll be here soon. I think the rest of the expedition will go smoother if we have an extra pair of hands. So, if there’s anything you need washed and if you’d like another swim, do it now before he gets here. As soon as he arrives, we’ll be taking off.”

  Sara smiled at him, a gesture that made Mattie want to vomit. The woman was an inveterate flirt.

  Mattie turned and rushed back to the table. She needed another cup of coffee.

  She planned to avoid both Sara and Travis and hope that it’d help keep her emotions in check. Jealousy didn’t become her. Hell, it didn’t look good on anyone. Look how ugly Gerald had gotten.

  Moreover, who was this other guide Travis spoke about? Was he that concerned about a woman driving or did he have another agenda?

  *

  Travis’s plan had worked. Mattie had avoided him like a patch of poison ivy. But for some reason it didn’t make him feel all that happy. He missed having her near—to keep an eye on.

  Sara had become a clinging vine, though it was interesting to talk to her. Her family had traveled the world as his had, as her father had been an officer in the military. They had a lot in common, but that still didn’t keep his eye from wandering back to where Mattie sat, looking like she wanted to cry. The expression worked on his emotions and he hated that. He’d never cared about anything before she came into his life. He almost wished she hadn’t now. It certainly would’ve made this trip easier.

  Christ. He’d gotten soft in the last few days and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to change it.

  They still had over a week together and no way could he avoid her the whole time. Besides, at night she crept into his thoughts and made him yearn for her, the desire only heightened by their night by the falls. That memory would be ingrained in him forever. It had been like nothing he’d ever experienced—almost magical—a stupid word, but one that seemed to fit the situation.

  The sound of a truck in the distance brought Travis out of his troubled thoughts. With any luck, it’d be Galen. Maybe with him around, Travis could get some perspective. Hopefully his friend would be able to talk some sense into him. Galen Hall had never been in love—he used women like his mother had used men, though he’d never been caught by the institution of marriage. The only way Galen would have tied the knot was if the bride-to-be was rich and on her way to the Grim Reaper. The man wasn’t the type to get tied down by anything or anybody.

  The truck came into the clearing and Travis was relieved that it was his friend. Galen would give him a much needed distraction from Mattie and that was something he had to have right now.

  Galen jumped from the cab, the dark circles under his eyes and haggard appearance giving away that it had been days since he’d slept. They were the same in that aspect—neither could seem to sleep when duty called.

  Travis strode forward and shook his hand. “I’m glad you were able to make it.”

  Galen gave Travis a weary smile. “Hey, a friend in need.”

  “Your timing couldn’t be better. We lost half the crew to the illness of one. I need an extra pair of hands behind the wheel of a truck.”

  “What happened? What kind of illness?”

  “I’m not sure. The medic that looked at the man said they found a needle puncture in his arm. It looks suspicious. You heard about Chaz, didn’t you?”

  Galen blew out a breath. “Yes. I heard. Who the hell would want to do that to him? And to this guy? I thought this was a simple botanist expedition. Is there something I don’t know?”

  “If there is, I don’t know what it is. The whole thing makes no sense unless I’m missing something.” Travis shook his head. “I’m just glad you’re here to keep your eyes and ears open.”

  “That’s what friends are for. To risk their lives for the other. Let’s just hope it’s your life and not mine.” He laughed and slapped Travis on the back. “Just kidding, man. Now introduce me to the lovely redhead heading our way.”

  Travis smiled. Maybe Galen could get her to stick to him for a while. Frankly he was going to have to relieve himself soon and he really didn’t want her tagging along.

  They strolled toward her. “Sara. I want you to meet Galen. He’s another guide and a friend of mine.”

  She smiled cordially. “It’s a pleasure.”

  “Pleasure's all mine.” His words brought a rosy glow to her cheeks.

  Good. Galen’s charm was working already. Maybe he’d get a chance to talk to Mattie without Sara hanging on him. He knew his ploy had hurt her, yet he’d had to distance himself physically and emotionally and this had been the only thing he could think to do. Childish, in a way, but it seemed to have worked.

  “Are we going to break camp today?” Sara raced to his side.

  That was quick. Galen clearly was losing his touch with the ladies. “I had planned to leave today, but I think we’ll start fresh in the morning instead. Everyone’s tired.” Travis had a lot to discuss with Galen. He’d told him in the wire he’d sent that he thought it would be beneficial for Galen to come and he’d explain more when he arrived. Travis planned to show him the map.

  He trusted Galen enough to not backstab him in any way. Working together, they could find this treasure and both become wealthy enough
to never have to guide another group of namby-pambies again.

  “I don’t know about you, Travis, but I could use a bath. After a day in that truck, I reek.”

  Travis laughed. It was great to have his friend around. He lightened his mood considerably.

  He pointed toward the pool beneath the falls. “Your bathtub awaits.”

  At that moment Mattie came up behind Galen. “I’m Mattie Wentworth.”

  Travis noticed right away she’d removed her glasses. What was up with that?

  “Galen Hall.”

  “Nice to meet you. I take it you’re a friend of Travis’s.”

  He smiled. “Yes. We’ve been partners in crime for a long time. I could tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly about him.”

  “Really?” She glanced at Travis, then back to Galen. “He has a good side then?”

  “Everyone has a good side, Ms. Wentworth. Except for me, of course.”

  Travis snorted at his friend’s joke. Galen did have a good side, but he didn’t show it often or to very many people.

  Galen frowned at him. “Remember I’m here to help.”

  “Right, and I’m sure you’ll keep reminding me of that fact every chance you get.”

  “Damned straight. So, ladies. I’d do anything, and I mean anything, for a cup of coffee.” Galen winked at them. The man’s charm was back. He resembled Satan himself with the way he could turn it on and off.

  “Coffee it is.” Mattie placed her arm through Galen’s and led him toward camp.

  Travis was forced to follow behind, feeling as if he’d been replaced in her affections. Hell, what had he expected? She’d done the same to Drew. If there were more men around, he was sure she’d get to them sooner or later.

  Once at the table, Travis excused himself and took off for a secluded area. Maybe a few minutes of solitude would help him get his shit together. Falling for a woman like his mother was simply out of the question and he had to get that through his head once and for all.

  A few minutes turned into an hour as Travis sat on a rock and watched clouds drift above. An Amazon sky was the most amazing sight, a shade of azure he’d only seen here. He marveled in it every time he came. Nothing even came close to comparing to its splendor.

  Christ. Maybe he should write a poem. Why all the melancholy shit? All of a sudden, he’d lost his edge and all because of some gangly blonde who liked to string men along.

  Chapter Ten

  “How long have you known Travis?” Mattie asked Galen as they sat at the table sipping coffee.

  The blond man smiled. “A long time. Met him on his first outing. I’d been guiding teams into the jungle for about two years at the time. Even then, he knew his shit.”

  “Has he always been a loner?”

  Galen frowned at her question, then shrugged. “I guess in a way. I think it has something to do with his upbringing. Being an only child and all.”

  That was one thing she and Travis had in common. Not that her father hadn’t wanted another child. Her mother had refused since her husband spent every cent he made trying to change their lifestyle. Besides, she’d been too busy working to put food on the table because he spent any extra money on his addiction. Unlike that of most of her friends, Mattie’s childhood hadn’t been a carefree experience. Until she was in high school, it hadn’t mattered. But kids could be cruel when you didn’t have the latest style of clothing or the toys that all the others had. That’s when Mattie’s resentment toward her father had grown into contempt—something her mother to this day had never felt. The woman had given him a pass on everything. Had never once told him to stop his reckless behavior. He might have changed if she had.

  “Why all the questions about Travis?” Galen’s inquiry brought her out of the past.

  What was she going to say? That she found herself attracted to Travis and wanted to know everything there was to know about him? No way. He’d tell Travis.

  She shrugged. “I was just wondering.”

  The look he gave her said he didn’t believe it was that simple.

  “In all the time I’ve known Travis, he’s never been serious about anything—or anyone.”

  Mattie’s stomach flipped. In not so many words, he was telling her that Travis wasn’t into commitment. She should forget about anything with him.

  Then again, there was nothing between them anyway. Just a few heated kisses shared in the moonlight that neither had acknowledged since. Travis had spent all day flirting with Sara. That alone said he felt nothing for Mattie.

  “Well, I’m going to get cleaned up.” Galen rose from the table.

  Mattie smiled at him, then retreated to her tent. She needed time alone, to get it through her head that Travis wasn’t the type of man to get carried away over. Someday she wanted marriage and children and she didn’t have time to waste on a man who never planned to settle down.

  She snorted. What the hell was she thinking anyway? What kind of life would any woman have with Travis Kane? In a way, he was like Tarzan. Hardly the respectable type.

  An image of her nursing a baby through the Amazon came to mind. A life unfit for a child, and it wasn’t as if he’d consider giving up the job to follow her to St. Louis. What would he do there? Work at Grant’s Farm? Or maybe the zoo?

  Stupid, Mattie. How could you ever think something could come of this?

  Feeling attraction was one thing, but seeing a future was another altogether.

  With a flustered look on her face, Sara stomped into the tent. “That man is disturbing.”

  Mattie frowned. “Who? Travis?”

  “No. That Hall character. He said if I was lucky he’d let me wash his back. From what I’ve seen since he’s arrived, he thinks he’s God’s gift to the female race.”

  Mattie almost laughed. It was hard to feel sorry for Sara when she’d been all over Travis since she’d gotten up that morning.

  “He’s nothing like Travis,” Sara went on. “He hasn’t said a thing that has made me uncomfortable.”

  “Mr. Kane is our guide, Sara. He’s being paid to lead us into the Amazon. Not socialize or flirt with us.” Once Mattie had voiced her opinion, she wished she hadn’t. Sara’s eyes narrowed to mere slits, her mouth thinning out.

  Mattie swallowed hard. “I’m sorry, Sara. I know this isn’t an excuse but I haven’t gotten much sleep. I don’t mean to take it out on you.”

  Sara turned and stalked out of the tent. She was upset with her and Mattie couldn’t really blame her. The statement had been petty. All because of a man.

  Mattie dropped onto the cot and rolled to her back as tears filled her eyes. She’d never been good with people, especially other women. She always said and did the wrong thing.

  Frustrated with herself, she grabbed the pillow from under her head and slammed it over her face, then sighed. Best to stay inside the tent to get some sleep. Hopefully when she woke, she’d be better at holding her tongue.

  * * * *

  Travis startled when something hit his boot. His eyes flew open to find Galen standing over him, grinning. His blond hair was slicked back and he looked as if he hadn’t a care in the world.

  “Should you be sleeping on the job?”

  Travis smiled weakly. “I knew you’d keep an eye out for me.”

  “Not a bad gig when the team’s all women. I was put off a bit when the redhead refused to wash my back. I think she’s into you.”

  Travis rubbed his eyes. “Yeah, I’m afraid that’s my fault. I think I may have given her the impression I was interested.”

  Galen raised an eyebrow. “May have?”

  “Okay, I did.” Travis cleared his throat. “I had to.”

  “Had to? Why?”

  “Mattie,” Travis said matter-of-factly.

  “Now I get it. What happened between you and Ms. Wentworth?”

  “Not much.”

  His friend grinned wickedly. “Liar.”

  “Look, I don’t want to talk about Mattie. I have something e
lse to discuss with you.” Travis reached into his boot and pulled out the map. Slowly he took a breath and handed the paper to his friend. Galen looked apprehensive about taking the thing.

  “Open it.” Travis rose from where he’d propped himself next to a rock.

  Galen unfolded the paper and studied the map, his eyes widening.

  “Is this what I think it is?”

  Travis nodded.

  Galen smiled like a Cheshire cat, then handed Travis the map back and rubbed his hands together. “So where do we start looking?”

  * * * *

  Mattie roused from a deep sleep when she heard a strange noise she couldn’t quite place. She glanced around the now lamp-lit tent to find Sara and Dana rolled on their sides, asleep.

  Somehow she’d dozed off and had slept roughly through half the day, odd considering how hot it was and that her body was coated in a layer of sweat.

  She rose from her cot and as quietly as she could, exited the tent. She needed to take a swim, rinse the perspiration from her skin.

  Outside, as she zipped the tent flap closed, she glanced around. Neither Travis nor his friend was anywhere to be found. They had to be in the other tent sleeping.

  Good. She could bathe in peace, though she knew she shouldn’t because of safety concerns.

  At the edge of the pool, she stripped out of her clothes and waded into the water, finding delight in the cool, slick liquid swirling around her bare hips. Toward the middle of the pond, she dived under and resurfaced.

  For some time, she glided through the moonlit water, allowing her mind to clear. She couldn’t remember ever enjoying swimming as much as she had since she’d been in Peru. Skinny-dipping was a freeing experience. It felt great not to worry about right or wrong or being caught by police. Just enjoying the freedom that being out in the middle of nowhere gave a person. Out here you could do anything and not worry about being judged.

  She rolled onto her back and floated on the water, the stars in the sky above seemingly closer than any she’d ever seen.

  The sound of splashing had her instantly flipping over. Her heart slammed against her chest, her gaze darting around the perimeter of the pool.