In Too Deep by Sherryl Woods Page A

explorer programs. That’s the whole team.”
    â€œDo you think Riva’s opinion is representative of the general view that archaeologists have of the dam, or will I need to talk to the others in Palenque, as well?”
    â€œThey vary only by the degree of their outspokenness. Wait till you hear him. You’ll understand what I mean. He can discuss both sides of the issue perfectly rationally and still win you over.”
    He watched Cara’s face as she absorbed this information. From what he’d observed so far, she was an amazingly quick study. He suspected that by morning she would already know exactly how she wanted to approach Riva and that her instincts would be exactly right. It was an impressive skill in a businesswoman. What he knew he hadn’t discovered yet was how adept she was at putting those same intuitive skills to work on him. If she could, then she knew that right now he was far more interested in tasting the faint saltiness of her skin, in caressing the satin texture of her bare shoulders than he was in discussing archaeologists, Mayans or this blasted, troublesome Usumacinta dam.
    As if she’d read his mind, she lifted her gaze to meet his. The pulse at the base of her throat leaped and an attractive shade of pink stained her ivory cheeks. Her fingers ran through her hair, fighting the tangles, then nervously playing with a curly strand.
    â€œWhat else can you tell me?” she asked, her voice surprisingly steady.
    â€œDo you really want to talk about this?”
    â€œYes.” Her voice was a frantic plea.
    â€œWhy, Cara?”
    â€œBecause...” She squared her shoulders. “Because that’s what I’m here for.”
    â€œAnd we have a long hike ahead of us tomorrow. You can ask all the questions you want then. But now...” He moved to sit next to her and saw her stiffen.
    â€œNow what?” she asked with a hint of desperation. The panicked look on her face was that of a defendant awaiting the jury’s verdict.
    He reached out and removed her hand from her hair, then brushed the golden strands away from her face. The pad of his thumb traced the delicate skin under her wide, watchful eyes, swept down her cheek, then lingered on the curve of her lips. Her skin burned beneath his touch. Fire raced through his veins.
    His gaze locked with hers in helpless fascination. “You shouldn’t have come, you know. Just look at what’s happened.”
    â€œLet’s not talk about that again. You know I had to. Scottie—”
    â€œScottie needs you there.”
    â€œHe needed answers.”
    â€œHe’ll worry when you don’t show up in a day or so.”
    A frown creased her brow. “I hadn’t thought of that. Isn’t there some way to get word to him? Maybe the archaeologists have a radiophone.”
    â€œI think they do, actually.”
    She gave a tiny sigh of relief. “Then there’s no problem.”
    â€œThere is one,” he said slowly. He took her hand in his and brushed his lips across the palm. “What are we going to do about tonight?”
    She drew her hand away. He could see the tremor of her fingers. “Tonight?” she repeated.
    â€œIt’s lonely out here in that hammock.”
    She drew in a deep breath. Then, to his amazement, a faint smile touched her lips. The spark in her eyes teased, dared. “Are you suggesting that you come in or that I come out?”
    His heartbeat accelerated at her direct response. He touched the curve of her neck and felt her pulse race. “Whichever you’re comfortable with.”
    Her breath caught in her throat. In an unsteady voice, she said, “Actually, I thought last night’s arrangement was suitable.” She didn’t sound too convincing.
    His fingers continued to stroke. “And is that what you want? A suitable arrangement?”
    Her expression grew thoughtful. The playful mood seemed to evaporate.