Unveiled Treasures by Kayla Janz Page B

feet tall with all four feet on the ground. Isn’t he great? I’ve had him since he was a puppy. He’s overly excited this morning because my dad came up from Phoenix last night. I guess Brutus was hoping you were him.” Remembering the kettle in the kitchen, she asked, “Would you like to come in for some coffee? I still only have instant but it’s hot.” She shivered and huddled in her jacket.
    “I’d love some.”
    “So, what brings you out here this morning anyway? You caught me just in time. Five minutes later, I would’ve been in the shower.” She giggled, “Brutus would have kept you entertained though.”
    “Very funny,” he retorted. “I don’t have a reason. I just wanted to see you.”
    “Oh, well you are definitely a charmer!” She quickly tried to change the subject. “The moving company is coming today. I’ll finally get to sleep in a real bed, and have real furniture,” she continued excitedly.
    He watched her walk around the kitchen. She was wearing a black leather jacket, boxer shorts and sneakers. He wondered what else she had on. “I have a bed you could sleep in,” Todd said, looking at her from over the rim of his coffee cup. “I was curious about something.” His gray eyes flashed with wicked amusement. “What is your fascination with cartoon characters?”
    Her face turned a bright shade of crimson as she smiled. She forced herself to look up at him and meet his gaze. “So you were watching. I wondered about that. Thanks for the offer of the bed, but like I said, mine will be here later today.”
    “That’s a shame. You’ve got a busy day ahead of you. I should go. Thanks for the coffee.” Standing in the kitchen sharing a cup of coffee with her felt right…comfortable.
    “No problem, Sheriff. I really do need to get in the shower now,” she said as she walked him outside.
    “You sure know how to hit below the belt, Rachel,” he said as he climbed in his truck. “Now I’ll have visions of you wet, naked and in the shower.”
    Blushing again, she looked up at him and feeling a little bolder, she whispered seductively, “Imagination is a very powerful tool, Todd. Be careful how you wield it.”
    “Lady, I’m having a hard time thinking of anything else but you. You’ve enchanted me.”
    * * * *
    She stood in the driveway watching him. He waved to her as he drove off. Humming to herself, Rachel began to think maybe they could start something together. Happy with the way things were going ,she went inside to take her shower.
    Working on the house absorbed all Rachel’s time. Hearing a knock at the door sent Brutus into yet another barking frenzy. Assuming it was the movers, she threw open the door. Grabbing Brutus’ collar to keep him beside her, she looked at the man standing in the doorway.
    “Excuse me, ma’am,” Ed Templeton said with a nervous smile on his face. “I believe I’m at the right house. I was looking for Mr. Daniel Hardy. I was told he lived here.”
    Rachel took in the three piece suit, silk tie and slicked back hair. Her intuition told her not to trust him. She immediately thought of a shark, the used car salesman type. “Mr. Hardy is my father, is there something I can do for you?” she asked politely. Brutus was growling now, his ears were pressed back and hackles standing up from neck to tail.
    Eyeing the dog nervously, he started to speak, “My name is Edward Templeton. I am a real estate agent. I sell and manage quite a few cabin properties in the area. I was supposed to meet with a Mr. Daniel Hardy regarding the sale of this property.” His thin smile did not reach his black eyes.
    “I’m sorry to tell you, Mr. Templeton, but you must be mistaken. My father no longer owns this property. I do, and I have no intention of selling it,” she said sternly, still holding Brutus by the collar.
    Ed glanced warily at the enormous dog, his shifty eyes darting back to her face. “I apologize for the misunderstanding. I was given the lead