Cheyenne by Lisa L Wiedmeier Page A

I placed the key in my front pocket and closed the small compartment. The noise was coming closer, and as I crouched under the console, a very real fear gripped me. Was I about to be caught? The shadows were lengthening as the sun retreated for the day, which worked to my advantage. If I could stay away from the light, nobody would see me.
    The door creaked open, and my pulse began to thunder. Was someone looking for me? Did they see me come into the gallery? I leaned forward, desperate to take calming breaths. Blood rumbled in my ears, and for a moment I wasn’t sure whether the loud noises I was hearing were in my head or real.
    The door suddenly closed as quietly as it had opened. I sat waiting for my heart to slow before I could move a muscle. I pulled myself up and then hesitated while my sweaty fingers gripped the doorknob. What if they came back? Long moments passed as I pressed my ear to the door. Whoever had been peering in was now gone. Opening the door, I slid through, glancing left and right. I all but ran to the main entrance, my eyes darting about. I allowed a small smile of triumph. I’d done it! My parents would be proud of me.
    I should have been paying closer attention, but I was too caught up in my momentary victory. When I rounded the corner, I hit what seemed like a brick wall. My nose pulsed with pain, and the wind was pushed from my lungs. I rebounded onto the floor, banging my head on the tiles. What just happened? I looked up, dazed, as I struggled to catch my breath. My hand unconsciously rose to my head.
    “ I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” a deep voice asked.
    Suddenly I couldn’t speak and it wasn’t just from being caught. I didn’t know what to say. I felt so immature and childish. My eyes were too busy drinking this stranger in. Scruffy brown hair reached to the nape of his neck. The faintest hint of stubble shadowed his square jaw, and he had beautifully tanned skin and the most brilliant hazel eyes I’d ever seen.
    I shook off my astonishment. I needed to focus. The twinge in my head suddenly roared to life.
    “ Are you alright?” the man asked again, this time with more worry as his fingers stretched out, offering to help me up. “Can you get up?”
    I took his hand, hesitating as I fought to regain control of my wits. “Yes,” I said faintly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there.” I blinked a couple of times, fighting back the blazing pain as I bit my lower lip. How was I going to get out of this one?
    “ No problem,” he replied. He grasped my elbow as he held me steady for a few passing moments. His hand was warm, strong, and rough against my skin. I took in his towering frame; he was so tall and so handsome.
    “ Are you in a hurry?” There was worry as he eyed me. “You came running down the corridor. Is everything okay?” He scanned the hall behind us, as if he were expecting someone chasing me.
    I opened my mouth to answer, but it turned to a grimace as the headache decided to up the volume. I couldn’t even come up with a lousy excuse…His voice was becoming like a stampede in my ears. I needed to get back to the Jeep and lie down.
    “ Um, yes, I’m fine,” I answered his second question first, trying to buy myself time. He thought I was in a hurry, why? He noticed I had been running and looked to see if he saw anyone. Was someone there? Did he or someone else open the gallery door? I tried to gather my thoughts together. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come in here.”
    “ Oh,” He nodded.
    “ I’ve got to go.” The words nervously rolled from my tongue. I stared at the marble tile. “I’m sorry. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way.” I scooted around him and made my exit of the cathedral. I was in no condition to carry on a conversation, especially after the embarrassment I had already caused myself. I didn’t glance back.
    I needed the refuge of my Jeep to escape my humiliation. As I hurried toward it, my eyes caught sight of a