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Authors: Melissa Mayhue
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surprise, it popped up on the first page of entries. Not a town at all but instead, an ancient family holding turned into a rustic-looking hunting lodge. A quick MapQuest search informed her that the lodge was within a few hours’ drive from here. With the rain, there would be no site work today and because of that, no reason she couldn’t use one of the vans.
She didn’t have a single excuse not to do this. None except her own cowardice, and that was the one excuse she simply wasn’t willing to accept.
Less than an hour later, freshly showered and more determined than ever, Abby stepped into the hallway and headed down the stairs. She refused to allow herselfto dwell on what would happen once she reached her destination, instead focusing on the journey itself.
Too much thought on what she’d do when she actually came face-to-face with the inhabitant of her dreams, and her determination might well evaporate before she even got started.
“Abigail!”
Her footsteps faltered as she recognized the voice of her benefactor, Jonathan Flynn, the man responsible for her great fortune in being chosen for a coveted spot on this dig.
“Where are you headed so early this morning, my dear? I thought the rain delay would have everyone sleeping late.”
“Sightseeing. I thought rather than waste the day, I’d take in some of the countryside.” The lie fell from her lips as easily as if it were truth.
“What a marvelous idea.” Flynn’s face creased in a smile as he approached. “I’ll join you on your explorations, if you don’t mind. I’ve been wanting to get out and about a bit.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Flynn. I’d really prefer to go alone. I’ve begun work on my initial findings report and I need some time to think through what we’ve found so far and what the implications are.”
Abby hoped the lie would satisfy him because, truly, she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. But considering the fact he’d made it obvious on more than one occasion that his interest in her wasn’t entirely confined to the professional arena, somehow, confessing she was off to hunt for a man who haunted her dreams didn’t seem a wise idea.
“Jonathan,” he corrected, any real emotion masked by the false smile he so often wore. “We’re far too close for such formality, Abigail. It would mean so much to me if you’d but use my given name. As I’ve asked you before.”
“Jonathan,” she murmured in response, a ripple of guilt troubling her conscience. Yes, he’d asked before. And, yes, she’d ignored the request, not wanting to lead him on.
“That’s better. Here, then.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “Take my car. I’ll feel better knowing you’re driving it rather than one of those lumbering site vans.”
“Thank you, Jonathan.”
She reached for the keys, surprised when he captured her hand.
“My cellular phone is lying in the passenger seat, just in case you need anything. You have the number for Swan House with you?” He paused, not continuing until she nodded her affirmation. “Very well. Be careful, my Abigail. The roads are wet and narrow. I’d be quite distressed should any harm befall you.” With that warning, he lifted her hand, brushing his lips against her wrist before letting go and walking away.
Abby let out a shaky breath and all but ran through the big front door and down to the car park. Once in the vehicle, she wiped the rain from her face, fastened her seat belt, and leaned her head back against the plush leather headrest.
Was this whole road trip a huge mistake?
With a last glance back toward the house, she started up the engine and pulled out onto the road. She hadn’t seen Jonathan standing in the parlor window watchingher, but she was sure he’d been there. It was as if she could feel his eyes following her.
Jonathan Flynn was a great guy, the kind of guy most women would give their eyeteeth to have show an interest in them. Perhaps it was only that
She didn’t have a single excuse not to do this. None except her own cowardice, and that was the one excuse she simply wasn’t willing to accept.
Less than an hour later, freshly showered and more determined than ever, Abby stepped into the hallway and headed down the stairs. She refused to allow herselfto dwell on what would happen once she reached her destination, instead focusing on the journey itself.
Too much thought on what she’d do when she actually came face-to-face with the inhabitant of her dreams, and her determination might well evaporate before she even got started.
“Abigail!”
Her footsteps faltered as she recognized the voice of her benefactor, Jonathan Flynn, the man responsible for her great fortune in being chosen for a coveted spot on this dig.
“Where are you headed so early this morning, my dear? I thought the rain delay would have everyone sleeping late.”
“Sightseeing. I thought rather than waste the day, I’d take in some of the countryside.” The lie fell from her lips as easily as if it were truth.
“What a marvelous idea.” Flynn’s face creased in a smile as he approached. “I’ll join you on your explorations, if you don’t mind. I’ve been wanting to get out and about a bit.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Flynn. I’d really prefer to go alone. I’ve begun work on my initial findings report and I need some time to think through what we’ve found so far and what the implications are.”
Abby hoped the lie would satisfy him because, truly, she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. But considering the fact he’d made it obvious on more than one occasion that his interest in her wasn’t entirely confined to the professional arena, somehow, confessing she was off to hunt for a man who haunted her dreams didn’t seem a wise idea.
“Jonathan,” he corrected, any real emotion masked by the false smile he so often wore. “We’re far too close for such formality, Abigail. It would mean so much to me if you’d but use my given name. As I’ve asked you before.”
“Jonathan,” she murmured in response, a ripple of guilt troubling her conscience. Yes, he’d asked before. And, yes, she’d ignored the request, not wanting to lead him on.
“That’s better. Here, then.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “Take my car. I’ll feel better knowing you’re driving it rather than one of those lumbering site vans.”
“Thank you, Jonathan.”
She reached for the keys, surprised when he captured her hand.
“My cellular phone is lying in the passenger seat, just in case you need anything. You have the number for Swan House with you?” He paused, not continuing until she nodded her affirmation. “Very well. Be careful, my Abigail. The roads are wet and narrow. I’d be quite distressed should any harm befall you.” With that warning, he lifted her hand, brushing his lips against her wrist before letting go and walking away.
Abby let out a shaky breath and all but ran through the big front door and down to the car park. Once in the vehicle, she wiped the rain from her face, fastened her seat belt, and leaned her head back against the plush leather headrest.
Was this whole road trip a huge mistake?
With a last glance back toward the house, she started up the engine and pulled out onto the road. She hadn’t seen Jonathan standing in the parlor window watchingher, but she was sure he’d been there. It was as if she could feel his eyes following her.
Jonathan Flynn was a great guy, the kind of guy most women would give their eyeteeth to have show an interest in them. Perhaps it was only that
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