Her heart beat a different rhythm this time, and it had nothing to do with how close Felix was sitting. “What do you suppose is the cause for these changes?”
“I don’t know, and neither does this man. Until we can discover the reason, I have reservations about taking you further into the jungle.”
She wasn’t sure she liked the hesitant tone to his voice. Could the jungle really be different now from the way it had been during his countless visits? For some reason, she had a hard time believing it. Maybe there was an ulterior reason for him wanting to end the journey. “Are you saying you want us to turn back?”
“I’m contemplating it.”
“Didn’t you say we’re about halfway there?”
He shrugged. “Give or take a few hours.”
“You don’t know for certain?” she wondered.
“Manuel is the one who knows the way to your father’s plantation, but he will be staying here with his wife. The physician says Suzette isn’t in any danger now, but it will take time for her wounds to heal. Manuel has given me the directions to the plantation, but I fear there might be obstacles along the way.”
“I’m relieved to know Suzette is doing better and her husband will stay with her. However, wouldn’t it be a wasted effort if we turned back now since we’re so close?”
“In a sense, yes.”
“But really,” she leaned closer and hesitantly placed her hand on his arm, “how well do you know this man who told you the things about the jungle? Is he to be trusted?”
Felix’s forehead creased with uncertainty as he shifted his gaze between her hand and her eyes. She thought he would get upset because she was touching him again. Last night he stopped kissing her only after she had started to caress him.
“I never met him before last night,” he finally said.
Slowly, she pulled her hand away. “Then why trust his word so quickly?”
“Because the fire ants that attacked Suzette were larger in number.”
Katrina stayed silent for a few moments in deep thought. Although she should give in to his suggestion and agree to turn back, a part of her wanted to continue. Not only that, but her gut told her something wasn’t right. She wished she could figure out what exactly bothered her.
“So, tell me, Mr. Knightly. What does your heart tell you?”
His eyes widened and a light laugh sprang from his throat. “Myheart?”
“Yes, of course. Obviously, your mind tells you to halt the expedition and return, but what is your heart saying?”
“Believe it or not, I’m not fully convinced we should quit.” He rubbed his jaw. “I truly want to keep going, so if you’re up to it, knowing that things might get a little dangerous, then I’m willing to take you to your father’s plantation.”
“Splendid.” She clapped her hands, surprised she felt genuinely relieved. “I’m happy to hear you say that. Do you think your men will be all right with your decision?”
He nodded. “Of course. They are just as adventurous as I am.” He tipped the cup to his mouth and finished drinking the tea before standing. “I will tell the men to be ready within the hour.”
“And I shall be ready as well.” She stood and then stepped away from the table.
Instead of leaving the veranda, he stood staring at her. She wondered why he didn’t say anything, especially when he opened his mouth, looking like he wanted to talk, but then he quickly pursed his lips. The last time he was like this was when...
Breathless, she pushed the thought aside, not wanting to think about the kiss last night. Just as she was ready to ask why he wasn’t leaving, he turned and strode away.
Placing her hand to her chest, she sighed deeply. That man could certainly unnerve her. The key to traveling with him without becoming tongue-tied—or Heaven forbid, elicit another kiss from him—would be to keep him angry at her. That seemed to have worked earlier in the journey.
Sadly, she concluded it was indeed the heat and liquor that had made him kiss her last night after all.
