Read Online Heart Of Gold by Bird Jessica - Free Book Online

doubt.”
    He
laughed, a low, husky sound.
    Carter
turned to face him. “Why me?”
    “Because
I believe you when you say it's not about the gold. You're known for being an
academic, not a gold digger.”
    She had
to hide a smile at his choice of words. “Well, at least you got that part
right. Would you be prepared to put any artifacts I find on permanent loan to
the museum of my choice?”
    “Of
course.”
    “And
what if I find the gold?”
    “You
won't.”
    “Don't
think I can?”
    “I
don't think it's there to be found. Chances are whoever slaughtered the Winship
party took it along with their scalps.”
    “So
you think Red Hawk ran off with it after he killed them?”
    “You
tell me. You're the expert.” Nick's eyes were steady on hers. She began to
think he was serious about changing his mind.
    “My
team and I are going to have to camp out by the site.”
    “Team?”
    “I'll
have at least one other person digging with me. Maybe a third.”
    “The
talented Branson Swift?”
    “Yes.”
    Farrell
inclined his head. “Fine. You can all stay at the house.”
    “Out
in the woods is more convenient,” she said quickly. And safer than
sleeping under Farrell's roof, even with the mountain lions and rattlesnakes.
    “You're
prepared to turn down all the comforts of home for a tent and sleeping bag?
Should I take this personally?”
    “Buddy
and I set up a good camp.”
    Farrell's
face grew pensive. “So you and Swift like to get cozy on these digs, is
that it?”
    “What
do you mean?”
    “Nothing.
Just humor me and consider it an open invitation. We can get some cold nights,
even in June. When will you start?”
    “Day
after tomorrow?”
    Nick
nodded and went over to her desk where he started rolling the cross up in its
cloth. “I'm going to expect regular reports from you.”
    “Of
course. Buddy, er—Dr. Swift and I will be happy to present—”
    Those
gray eyes flashed over to her. “I want them from you.”
    “But
he and I always—”
    “I
don't care what you always do. I don't want a lot of people chatting my ear
off. You're the project leader. I want to hear from you.” There was no
arguing with the tone in his voice.
    Carter
frowned. “Okay. Whenever you're at the lake, I'll fill you in.”
    “I'll
be there the whole time.” He laughed as her jaw slacked open. “Why
does everyone greet the prospect of me being up here for the summer with the
same expression of horror?”
    “You'll
be there the whole time?”
    “Until
Labor Day. Is that a problem?”
    She
pulled herself together. “Of course not. I'm just surprised you'd be away
from your businesses so much.”
    “I
am my business. People come to me, not the other way around.”
    Carter
had to imagine that was true.
    “If
you'd like, you can leave the cross here so I can study it in greater
depth,” she offered as he resumed wrapping up the artifact.
    “This
stays with me.” Nick returned it to the briefcase, thumbing the locks back
in place. “But you can always come and look at it.”
    He picked
up the case from the desk and extended a hand toward her. She made no move in
his direction.
    “Aren't
we going to shake on our agreement?” He prompted. “Surely a woman who
is willing to sleep in the great outdoors doesn't fear anything as civilized as
a handshake?”
    Carter
approached slowly and slipped her palm into his. His fingers enveloped her
hand, his skin warm and smooth against hers. Immediately, a shock went through
her and her eyes shot up to his. She watched as his expression changed from one
of sardonic teasing to something altogether serious. When she went to pull her
hand back, he held on for a moment before letting her go.
    “I'll
see you in forty-eight hours.” His voice was very deep, his eyes hooded
and burning under dark lashes.
    As they
left the room, Carter hurried down the stairs despite the fact that her legs
felt shaky. She was desperate for fresh air because, through some shift in the
laws of science,