Diamond in the Rough (Precious Gems) Read Online Free Page A

silence.  Brian parked and came around to open her door.  It was obvious to him that she was not used to chivalry by the shocked look on her face.  He helped her from the truck as she timidly took his hand and walked her to the front door.  Once again, Maria opened the door before he could ring the bell.  She instantly lost all color in her face.
    “ Oh mi dulce Jesús los muertos ha aumentado ,” she exclaimed. 
    Brian noticed that Cheyenne looked confused and assumed she did not understand Spanish.  “The dead has risen.” He thought that sounded like an odd statement to make. 
    He was about to make introductions, when Maria interrupted him, “I would know this lovely face anywhere.  Cheyenne, I have heard of you for many years.  Welcome home,” exclaimed Maria in a thick accent.   Brian excused himself and returned with her bags. 
    “Oh, please forgive me, come in, come in.  Señor , please set Miss. Cheyenne’s bags here and we will take them to her room in a bit,” said Maria as kept eye contact with the new house guest. 
    “C heyenne, I have a wonderful meal prepared for you, and if Detective Russell will agree to join us, we can be seated in the dining room,” Maria said.  He nodded his head in agreement and they followed Maria to the formal dining room.  There, laid out on a lovely antique table was a feast.  Tamales, enchiladas and fajita’s graced the large table. 
    “Maria, you didn’t have to trouble yourself.  This must have taken all evening,” Cheyenne declared. 
    “It is nothing.  I have dreamed of your homecoming for years and wanted to make it a celebration.”
    Brian Russell did not have to be asked twice.  He eagerly sat at the table and began passing plates of food around.   After eating, Maria showed them to the poolside deck as she went to the kitchen for coffee. 
    “Are you holding up ok, Cheyenne?” asked Brian.  His concern for her was gen uine and not unwelcomed it appeared. 
    “I am taking it in stride and I am really happy you are here with me.  I know you must have better things to do but I want you to know that I do appreciate it,” she confi ded in him. 
    Maria returned with their coff ee and they all sat and sipped the hot liquid while enjoying the fire pit blazing against the darkness. 
    Brian stole glances at Cheyenne in the firelight.  The light flickering off of her golden hair gave the illusion of a phoenix coming to life.  It complimented her delicate, yet strong features.  Brian knew he was blurring his professional lines but he was powerless to stop himself from fantasizing. 
    Cheyenne yawned suddenly, covering her mouth with her hand.  Brian looked down at his watch and realized that it was almost ten o’clock. 
    “Ladies, it is getting late and I’m sure Cheyenne would like to get a good night’s sleep.  Tomorrow will be a long day,” he said as he rose from his chair.  As he set his cup on the table Cheyenne caught his eye.  She was looking up at him with a pleading stare.  He had only known this woman less than twenty four hours and she already pulled at his heart strings. 
    “Maria, would you mind if I spoke to Cheyenne in private?” he asked as Maria busied herself gathering the coffee cups. 
    “I will be inside,” said Maria as she excused herself. 
    “I feel very presumptuous even asking this, but will you please take me with you and drop me at a hotel?” Cheyenne asked.  “I just don’t feel very comfortable staying here,” she added. 
    “Cheyenne, you have to face this sooner or later.  Of course, I ’ll take you anywhere you would like to go, but if I were you I would stay here.  Maria seems nice enough and this is a beautiful house.” he said compassionately.
    “I understand…I just feel uncomfortable.  This has been a lot to process.   Will I see you tomorrow?” she inquired. 
    “I will see y ou tomorrow after the autopsy has been completed.  This is my business card.  It has my