Page 22 of Cheyenne

His heart pumped as he stared through the glass at the journals. Could they contain anything about the map?

Micah moved down and paused when he saw the actual map—not just the copy downstairs. There was also a copy in the museum in downtown South Port. They referred many people there when they asked about the gold.

Adrenaline surged through him, and he wished he’d told Cheyenne he wanted to keep the necklace with him. Not that she’d be willing to hand it over.

Just thinking about her distracted him. The rodeo queen—how had he not teased her about that yet? He felt stupid about how they’d left things. He hadn’t wanted to admit it, but it had irritated him that she was going on a date with Eli. It didn’t feel safe for her to continue to go out with a guy who’d shown up at the condo next to hers on spring break. She didn’t know anything about him.

Micah winced and pressed his fingers into his eyes, then massaged his temples. He didn’t want to think about how attracted he was to her. She was brave, fun, and daring. Today had been a complete adventure, and he had been lost in it—in her. He could honestly say she was the first woman he’d hung out with in a long time who felt real.

He pulled his hands back and moved toward the window overlooking the ocean. There were no families out right now—no spring breakers, either. But the moon was bright, and the sea looked calm. Was Cheyenne still out with that guy?

Micah frowned. Something felt off.

He pulled up his phone and entered the name ‘Eli Waters’. It pulled up a bunch of banking information, because apparently a guy named Waters was a banker. He refined his search to Duke Law School. He found some social media posts, including one that looked like it was posted by the college. He’d won some award or something.

Micah went to Instagram next. He scrolled until he found a post from Eli yesterday.

I’m finally on the beach in South Port. Excited to build houses for people that need them.

That was a jerk move, bragging about the service the guy was doing. Micah’s parents had always taught him that scripture—the right hand should not know what the left hand was doing. He scrolled through more pics but didn’t see anything about houses being built.

Even though he didn’t want to, he entered the phone number Cheyenne had given him. He took a little pride in knowing that he had an almost photographic memory.

He texted her.

It’s Micah. I think I’ve discovered something. Can you talk?

He hated himself for it, but he had an idea, and if she would talk to him, it would give him a clue about whether she was still with the jerk.

How long would he have to wait? He turned back to the case securing the gold memorabilia. He really didn’t want to ask Trey for the security code.

Irritation rushed through him, so he left the library and marched down the stairs and into the main part of the kitchen. On his way, he noticed the most recent addition to the Wall of Gold, as he affectionately called it. It was a picture of the original conquistador ship that had been acquired in Kentucky.

Another plan sparked in his brain—one in which he wouldn’t have to get Trey involved.

He sent Cheyenne another message.

Text me. I have an idea.

CHAPTER 12

Cheyenne

Dinner with Eli was exactly what she had experienced with him in the past. He kept talking about himself, his friends, and all the good they were doing over spring break by helping others. But wait, here was a funny photo of him and his friends goofing around.

By the time they got back to the condo, she was edgy and tired.

“Would you care if I come in to use your restroom and get a drink of water?” Eli asked as they stopped in front of her door.

“Eli, you’re right next door.”

“But the team worked really hard today, and I don’t want to wake them up.”

She checked her phone. “It’s only ten-thirty.”

Eli pressed his lips together. “Can I use your restroom and have a drink of water, please?”

Manners had been drilled into her for her entire life, so she shrugged. “Sure.”

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