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He took the flowers from her hands, snapped off the tips of the stems and arranged the bouquet in an old thick green glass bottle. After he filled it with water, he placed it on the table. “Have a seat, Princess,” he said, pulling out a chair. “I’ll serve you.”
She had a protest on her lips, but Juan Carlos’s expression wouldn’t allow arguing. “Yes, Your Highness.”
He smiled. “Good. I’m glad you know who the real boss is around here.”
Portia’s heart swelled. And as they sat down and ate, easy conversation flowed between them. Juan Carlos touched her hand often, as if needing the connection. She leaned over to brush hair from his forehead and he’d steal a kiss or two. They were in sync with each other; nothing had ever been as perfect as it was now, with the two of them doing ordinary everyday things, like cooking breakfast, sharing a meal and worrying over the cat family.
“So what will happen to Duchess and her babies when we have to leave here?” she asked.
“She’ll become the official palace cat, of course.”
“And the kittens?”
“We’ll find them good homes, Portia. Don’t worry.”
Her eye twitched. “I know you’re doing this for me.” She covered his hand with hers. “Thank you.”
The feelings between them were getting too heavy, too fast. She had no way of stopping it, short of leaving him right here and now. But she couldn’t do that. Not only did she not want to, but she’d promised to spend a few days here helping with the search, and with the exception of a snake decapitation, she was having a wonderful time.
“You’re welcome. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to speak with Luis about a few matters.”
Juan Carlos rose and began clearing the dishes. What a guy. She bounded up quickly and took the plates from his hands. “I’ll take care of that,” she said with enough authority to keep prison inmates in line.
“Okay,” he said. “Thanks.”
He bent his head and took her in a long amazing kiss. When their lips parted and he was through, her head spun. “That was...promising.”
He grinned, shaking his head at her understatement. “Get ready. We’ll be leaving in a little while. Unless you’ve changed your mind and want to play hooky today.”
He was reaching inside her shirt. She slapped his hand away and pointed. “Go.”
He went.
And Portia cleared the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. She checked on Duchess and her brood; they were all sleeping. What a pretty serene picture they made, a mass of calico colors and balls of fluff all nestled together. She was grateful they’d have a home after they left the farmhouse. Her heart had never been so full.
Thirty minutes later, Portia climbed into the passenger side of the Jeep and Juan Carlos got behind the wheel. They said goodbye to Luis, though that didn’t mean anything. He was sure to follow. Eduardo had gone into the local town on a cat food mission.
“All set?” Juan Carlos said, gunning the motor. “Strapped in?”
She nodded. The weather was glorious, the temperature in the mid-seventies with clear blue skies. She wore a lightweight white jacket that billowed in the breeze as Juan Carlos drove off and picked up speed.
“We’re going out about five miles,” he shouted over the engine’s roar.
She sat back and relaxed, enjoying the scenery, excitement stirring her bones. Maybe today they’d find the art treasures.
For four hours they traveled at a snail’s pace over lush lands, where wildflowers and lantana grew in abundance, the vista opening up to a prairie as they scoured the grounds looking for possible hiding places. They came upon another shack but after a thorough inspection, with Juan Carlos insisting on going inside first, they found absolutely nothing. Not even a snake.
“We have a little more land to cover before we head back,” Juan Carlos said, and she heard the disappointment in his voice. She, too, was disappointed.
“Let’s stop for lunch by that little lake we passed a few minutes ago.” Maybe regrouping would give them a fresh perspective.
“It wasn’t much of a lake,” Juan Carlos said. “More like an oversize pond.”
She entwined their fingers. “But it’s pretty there and I’m getting hungry.”
He smiled and gave her hand a squeeze. That was all it took for her heart to do a little flip. “Okay, we’ll have a picnic.” And he maneuvered the Jeep around, heading for the lake.
