An Agent for Evelynn

by Marie Higgins

  He shrugged. “Since you don’t know me very well, I’ll let that rude comment slide.” He glanced over his shoulder. She struggled to keep up with his pace. “Tell me, would you consider your cousin someone who rescued women?”

  Her shoulders straightened. “Of course. Rick has always been that kind of man. And of course, now he’s a Pinkerton Agent.”

  “And I couldn’t possibly be that kind of man, and yet I’m an agent, too. Correct?”

  She held up her hands in surrender. “There’s no need to wrinkle your nose just because I don’t think you’re strong and capable like my cousin. I’m sure you’ve done many... um, chivalrous things in your career.”

  Graham opened his mouth to reply, but his mind drew a blank. Had he done anything chivalrous? And if he had, apparently, those few times weren’t strong enough to remember. “Of course I have, but it will never matter to you since you seem to think very little of me.” He shrugged and continued walking forward. “I’m just not going to try and prove my worth to you.” He peeked over his shoulder. “As you have previously told me, you’re capable of caring for yourself.”

  She glared but didn’t say anything. Right now, he preferred her that way. Especially, when he needed to think about how to get out of their dire situation.

  As he walked, he continued to scour the landscape. Flat land was in every direction. This wasn’t a good thing. That meant they’d be walking for miles – and hours – before he could see any civilization. It would be different if they carried canteens and had horses.

  Behind him, he heard her huff, followed by a groan. He glanced over his shoulder. She was several steps in the rear, and her limp was worse. Confounded woman, anyway!

  “Will you please slow down?” she said in a snarky tone. “Not everyone has long muscular legs, you know.”

  He blinked as his eyes widened. Did she just call his legs muscular? She must be delirious from the pain.

  He shrugged. “Forgive me, Your Highness, but did you not tell me you could take care of yourself?”

  She threw him another glare. “Do you know how much I want to strike you right now? And I’m quite certain I’ll enjoy every second of it.”

  A chuckle bounced through him. He couldn’t help it. Her irritation was just so... adorable, in an annoying kind of way, of course.

  “Tell me you need my help,” he said. “Admit it, and I’ll slow my pace down.”

  Her mouth tightened into a thin line, but she said nothing. He shrugged and turned away from her, continuing in his fast gait.

  “Fine!” she snapped.

  Grinning, he stopped and looked at her. When she stood glaring at him, he arched an eyebrow, silently communicating with her to continue.

  “My ankle hurts, and I cannot walk fast.”

  Slowly, he shook his head. “That’s not what I asked you to say.”

  She rolled her eyes and her hands fisted at her sides. “Mr. Morgan. I really need you to slow down because I can’t walk fast.”

  Tsking, he shook his head again. “Dare to try it again?”

  Her cheeks reddened. “Mr. Morgan,” her voice turned sharp, “since I cannot walk very fast, would you... I mean, I need your help so that I can walk.”

  “Now see. That wasn’t so hard, was it?” He winked.

  “Speak for yourself.” She stepped toward him, limping.

  Teaching this irritable woman a lesson would be harder than he thought. But then an idea hit him, and his smile stretched wider. “Of course, Miss Tanner. I’ll happily help you.”

  In four long strides, he was in front of her, bending slightly as he grabbed her and flung her over his shoulder. Her loud gasp overrode her angry grumbles as she kicked her feet. He wrapped his arms around them, holding her legs still against his chest.

  “You can not be serious,” she snapped.

  “Oh, but I am, Miss Tanner.” He laughed and lightly swatted her backside, feeling the crooked bustle that probably needed to be removed soon. “I’m helping you so you don’t walk. At least for a little while.”

  He turned and continued walking in the direction of the train tracks. Miss Tanner wasn’t very heavy at all, but he was sure that he’d soon get tired of carrying her, and he prayed by that time, they’d be near a town. What she really needed was to put her ankle up so the swelling would go down. Unfortunately, they weren’t anywhere near where she’d be able to do that.

  It took only a few minutes for her body to relax. But at least she was quiet, though he doubted that would last very long.

  She braced her hands on his lower back. He was sure she was trying to lift herself up so her head wouldn’t hang. Being in that position would give one a headache.

  A sigh of defeat sprang from her mouth. “Mr. Morgan, I would appreciate not being carried like this.”

  He slowed his steps and peeked over his shoulder, but all he could see was her crooked bustle. “Would you rather me carry you on my back?”

  “If it will keep my head up, then yes.”

  He stopped and adjusted her so that she slowly slid down the length of him. Her eyes were wide when they met his, and the red in her face appeared to be a blush. For a moment, he thought he detected a hint of interest in her gaze, but then he quickly dismissed it because once her feet were planted on the ground, she pushed away from him.

  “In the future,” she said with a tight voice, “I’d rather not be treated as a sack of oats.”

  He nodded. “And in the future, kindly remember that the sweeter you are to me, the nicer I’ll be to you.”

  Her jaw hardened, and she nodded sharply. He turned his back toward her and motioned for her to climb on. But after a few seconds passed without her doing anything, he peeked behind him. She shifted from one foot to the other bunching her gown in her hands as she gazed down at her feet in uncertainty.

  “Miss Tanner, you’ll have to hike up your dress to your knees. That’s the only way.”

  Her gaze snapped up. Her eyes were alert, and her blush darkened.

  “That’s... improper!”

  He glanced around them. “And who is going to notice? I assure you, if and when I see someone coming our way, I’ll make sure your legs are covered.”

  She huffed again and wadded up her dress, preparing to climb on his back. He squatted and helped her on as she hooked her legs around his waist. She grasped his shoulders as he stood to full height. He hooked his arms around her legs to hold her in place. It was cute to see her beige stocking legs and black – scuffed up – heeled ladies boots.

  “Is this better, Your Highness?” he asked.

  “Yes.” She paused. “And stop giving me that title.”

  “As you wish... Your Majesty.”

  She groaned, which made him chuckle. If he was going to be miserable out here in the middle of nowhere with a woman who had a bad temperament, he might as well have fun at it. Right?

  SIX

  Wearily, Evelynn fought to keep awake. The constant rhythm of her body bouncing with each step he took had become somewhat relaxing. The unbearable heat was also a factor in draining her energy. But worse than that was being this close to Graham. She wouldn’t admit it to him yet, but she thought he was, indeed, a very strong man. How else would he be able to carry her for miles on his back without complaining?

  They’d traveled in silence for a while, giving her time to think clearly. She had reason to be miserable since she’d fallen off the train, sprained her ankle, and had to be carried like a child through the desert. And yet, she realized she should be grateful that she wasn’t dead. She should be grateful that she wasn’t alone. Graham had voluntarily jumped off the train to help her. The least she could do was be nice to him.

  Although she fought to touch him in any personal way, it was necessary considering their position. This was the first time a man had touched her stocking legs. And earlier when he playfully swatted her bottom, that was a first for her, too. It hadn’t taken long for her to relax and lean against him. Of course, t
hat made her more tired, so she rested her forehead on the back of his shoulder... his very muscular shoulder.

  She squeezed her eyes closed. She must stop thinking of his body like that. It didn’t matter if he was big and strong like her cousin, Graham Morgan’s smug attitude could drive a woman to drink.

  And speaking of drinking...

  Swallowing had become most difficult and almost painful at times. Her mouth was so dry, and she was so thirsty. If they didn’t find water soon, they were both going to die.

  Suddenly, Graham stopped, and his body stiffened. “Do you see what I see?”

  She blinked herself out of the daze the heat had put her under and tried to focus on what he was looking at. The desert didn’t seem as dry and rocky. More trees were in the distance, as well as... Water? “Is that a creek?”

  “That’s what I’m thinking, but since it came out of nowhere, I’m wondering if I’m not delusional.”

  “Of course, you’re delusional. I knew that when we first met. However, I do believe that’s water amongst those trees.”

  He resumed his walking and his pace began to go faster. Soon, what looked like a small stream had grown into a bigger stream. Excitement bounced inside of her, eager to splash water on her face and even in her mouth. Hopefully, the water tasted good, but then it didn’t matter. She was thirsty.

  He stopped beside the water and carefully helped her off his back. She tested her ankle, and the pain was gone. However, her legs were weak since he’d carried her for so long. But she still wobbled to the edge of the water and dropped to her knees.

  Graham knelt beside her and they splashed water on their faces and neck. She cupped her hands and dipped it into the water before bringing it to her mouth. She repeated the motion several times, but still didn’t think she could get enough to drink.

  Finally, she felt as though she wasn’t shriveling up into a fig, and she lay on the patch of weeds near the water, and sighed, throwing her arm over her head. Staring up at the blue sky, she relaxed. It was nice not to be carried. Her legs ached for being in that position for so long.

  “Where do you think we are?” he asked.

  “I wish I knew. Let’s hope we are getting closer to civilization.”

  “I’m wondering if we are in Nevada.”

  She rolled her head on the ground and looked his way. He was also laying on the ground next to her, looking up into the sky. “But isn’t Nevada more desert than California?”

  “In some places, but not all towns are like that.” He rolled his head and met her gaze. “I’m hoping that Agent Tanner has noticed our disappearance by now.”

  “Me, too. Do you think he’ll be able to stop the train?”

  Graham shrugged. “I know the trains have a schedule to keep, so it makes me wonder if they’ll have to wait until the train reaches a stop before they can come find us.”

  She hoped he was wrong, because that meant it would take longer for Rick to search for them. She released another sigh and rolled on her side, facing him.

  “What are the odds that we’ll find something to eat out here?”

  “I suppose we can follow the creek in hopes that it’ll lead us to a larger body of water that holds fish... or a town.”

  She crinkled her forehead. “Why would a town be in a creek?”

  His body shook with silent laughter. “No, I was pointing out that following the creek might lead us to a town.”

  “Oh.” She chuckled. “That makes more sense.”

  As she stared into his eyes, she realized how very handsome he was. He had remarkable green eyes, and he looked rather rugged with the whiskery shadow covering the lower half of his face. His brown hair was tousled, making him appear as if he’d just awaken from a deep sleep. He must have lost his hat when he jumped off the train to save her.

  She licked her suddenly dry lips, and his gaze watched. It was oddly disturbing, and yet, her heart raced with excitement. The heat must be melting her brain. That could be the only excuse for feeling this fluttery around him.

  “I should have told you this before, but...” She cleared her dry throat. “Thank you for jumping off the train and trying to help me.”

  His expression softened as a twinkle lit his mesmerizing eyes. “Thank you for telling me that.”

  “Why did you jump off the train, Graham?”

  He reached over and took a lock of hair hanging by her face. His gaze lightened slightly as a smile moved across his mouth.

  “It was my first reaction. I knew you’d need help.”

  “Well, although it’s been a little hard to tolerate your attitude,” she said jokingly, “I’m glad I have someone to talk to.”

  He nodded. “Two people stranded are better than being alone – even if one of us has an irritable attitude.”

  “Yes.”

  His gaze dipped to her mouth again. Her heartbeat jumped up to her throat, making it difficult to swallow. He shifted and leaned up on his elbow, nearly towering over her. She rolled onto her back but held his gaze. From the look on his face, she thought he was going to kiss her. Why would he do that since he made it clear that he couldn’t stand her?

  As he started to move toward her, she quickly decided that she must be insane, because now she wondered what it would be like to kiss this handsome, rugged man. However, he must have changed his mind because he sat up, instead.

  Disappointment washed over her, yet at the same time, she was relieved that he hadn’t taken advantage of her desert-melted brain.

  He blew out a gush of air through his lips as he threaded his fingers through his hair, looking around them. “I think if we walk toward the direction where the trees grow thicker, we might find a town, or at least a house. People like to live closer to trees and water.”

  “Uh, yes. You’re correct.” She sat up. She swept her hand over her hair, removing a few twigs and some weeds.

  “How is your ankle?”

  Without asking, he reached for her foot. The moment his large hands circled her calf, warmth spread through her.

  “I... I think it’s better.” Slowly, she pulled her leg away from his heated touch.

  “Splendid. Let’s start walking, shall we?”

  She nodded. “But after I do something first.” She crawled closer to the water and splashed it over her face. It was important to cool down a little before looking at him again.

  “Good idea.” He crawled beside her and cupped his hand in the water, taking a drink.

  She shouldn’t have watched him, because now she couldn’t take her eyes off his mouth as he sipped the water. Then, to make it worse, he turned and met her stare... and grinned. The dirty-dog must know what she was thinking.

  Shaking the improper thoughts from her head, she splashed her face again before taking another drink. She needed to find something to get angry with him about, that’s the only way to return back to her old self. Because kissing him was out of the question!

  GRAHAM WALKED A LITTLE taller than he had before. Of course, not only did it help that he wasn’t carrying a woman on his back, but now that he detected her attraction toward him, it boosted his ego. It also made him want to act on it. When they were lying by the water, he’d wanted to kiss her just to see how she responded, but then he quickly changed his mind. He didn’t want her to accuse him of taking advantage of her. Knowing Evelynn, she’d do that.

  Thankfully, his gut feeling panned out. There was a cabin out in this neck of the desert, and he hoped they were friendly and that they understood his and Evelynn’s predicament.

  When she spotted the cabin, she released an excited squeal and grasped his arm. “You were right, Graham.”

  Smiling, he gave her a nod. “It was a lucky guess.”

  He gazed over her and shook his head. The poor woman was covered from head to toe in dirt. And once she washed the dirt off her face, he knew her face would be red from the sun. His face felt chapped, too. And of course, their clothes were ripped in a few spots. They definitely looked
like two lost waifs out here in the desert. If the people living in the cabin had any ounce of kindness, they’d let them stay the night and feed them.

  “Let me do the talking,” he said as they walked up to the front door.

  “All right.”

  He glanced at her, wondering why she all of a sudden became cooperative. Her behavior was very odd.

  The door was opened by a middle-aged man. He sported a full beard, and there were spots of white hairs both in his hair and beard. Thankfully, when the man looked over Graham and Evelynn, there was kindness in his eyes.

  “Pardon me, sir,” Graham began, “but I was wondering if you could help us. I’m Graham Morgan, and this is my wife, Evelynn. We fell off the train a few hours ago, and we’ve been trying to catch up with it. Hopefully, my wife’s cousin will search for us, but until then, could we beg some food and drink from you?”

  He heard Evelynn’s quick intake of breath when he called her wife, but thankfully, she didn’t rebut his statement.

  “Oh, heavens.” The older man gasped. “Look at the two of you.” He motioned his hand for them to enter. “Please come in. You’re probably starved to death.” The man turned and peered into the next room. “Martha, come here. You must see this.”

  The woman bustled into the living area, wiping her moist hands on her apron tied around her waist. Her jaw dropped as she looked them over.

  “They were thrown from the train,” her husband supplied.

  “Did you walk all this way?” Martha asked, moving to Evelynn as she fingered the tear in the dress’s shoulder.

  “Mostly,” Evelynn said. “I twisted my ankle when I fell from the train, and my... um, my husband carried me most of the way.”

  “Oh, you poor dears.” Martha shook her head. “I’ve just started to make supper. But in the meantime, you both need to wash up.” Martha looked at her husband. “William, find some clothes for the man. He looks like he’s Tommy’s size.” She gave Graham a smile. “Tommy is my son.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I really appreciate your hospitality,” Graham said.

  The older woman looked back at Evelynn. “And you can wear one of my dresses.”