Free Unveiled Treasures by Kayla Janz

while I’m out.”
    “Sorry, boss, I’m headed over to Cabin Rentals to interrogate ten employees, but I’ll lock up the store before I leave. I want details when you get back!” he yelled jokingly at Todd’s retreating figure.
    Driving out to Rachel’s cabin, Todd thought back to the brief kiss they shared. He was having a hard time keeping her off his mind. He was having an even harder time keeping his professional and personal lives separate. Was it purely coincidental that she showed up two days after the Irish Star was stolen? Was she being on the up and up with him? She was already wealthy so he didn’t think it was for the money. If she was involved, she sure knew how to play the victim. She’d honestly seemed frightened and upset last night.
    Rachel was sitting out on the patio, shielding her eyes from the sun. She smiled as Todd pulled up in the driveway.
    “Good morning, Sheriff, what can I help you with today?”
    “Well, you could start by agreeing to go out with me Saturday night,” he asked, stunned the request came out before he could stop it.
    “I think that would be nice, I understand there’s a charming little restaurant at the Sandstone Statue Museum. I still have childhood fears to overcome there. Maybe you could help me through them,” she replied, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
    “I also need to look around some more, Rachel. I feel like we might have missed something last night. Mike is checking out some other leads while I work on this angle.”
    “Why, Sheriff,” she said coyly. “This wouldn’t be an excuse to come an’ see little ole’ me, would it?” In her best southern belle impression, she waved an invisible fan. “A gentleman caller at this time of day could send a girl into a fit of the vapors.”
    Todd slowly stalked towards her, knowing there was a wicked gleam in his eyes as he added a crooked little grin. Rachel reached out and put one hand on his shoulder and the other on his chest. His muscles bunched under her touch. A small fire began to burn in his stomach as he buried his hands in her hair. Sliding her arms up to wrap around his neck, she leaned her head back and looked in his eyes. Mouth plundered mouth, there was nothing gentle about the kiss, it was purely animal, almost savage. Their tongues darting to taste and feel each other, she pressed her body in closer. They fit like they were made for each other. A low moan came from somewhere inside her as he slid kisses down the side of her throat. Todd pulled back and pushed her to sit down on the wall. He couldn’t get enough of her. She’d cast a spell and he’d been caught. Breathing hard and not thinking clearly, he needed to put some space between them.
    * * * *
    Rachel had been swept away by the passionate kiss. Her lips felt gloriously bruised. She wanted more. When Todd pulled back, she was stunned. Why did he stop? Doesn’t he want me? Can’t he feel my reactions towards him? Breathing heavily herself, she wrapped her arms around her knees to regain some composure. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him. Todd reached out to cup her chin and brought her face up.
    “I’m not sure what just happened here, Rachel, but I am sure if I hadn’t stopped, things might have gone a lot further. I can’t seem to think clearly when you’re in my arms. I want to make love with you, but not out here on the patio in broad daylight. I didn’t come out here to kiss you either, I came out here to follow up on our investigation. Kissing you is a definite bonus though.” He smiled at her. “I’ll let you get back to work so I can get back to mine.”
    She nodded, not sure of her speaking ability yet. Clearing her throat, “I appreciate your honesty, Todd. I don’t know if I’m ready to take things to the next level. You throw me off center.” Her voice quavered slightly. “I find myself very attracted to you, but I don’t know you and you don’t know me. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I feel there