“For a while, I just did whatever came up: grocery checker, cocktail server, a desk clerk at the Marriott Hotel. For the past few years, I’ve been working for a photographer. Weddings, portraits, that kind of thing. Some of it was video work, so I have a background in that. On my own time, I do landscape pictures, portraits of people in their natural environment.”

Gage watched as she crossed the kitchen, opened a cabinet door, and stretched up on her toes to reach one of the higher shelves, where he spotted a bottle of scotch.

Her short brown wool skirt rode up as she bent over the counter, emphasizing her curvy behind and exposing nicely shaped thighs. A shot of arousal slid through him and traveled straight to his groin.

“Let me get that down for you,” he said a little gruffly. Enjoying the view, he almost hated to volunteer. He eased Abby out of the way and grabbed the scotch, poured two fingers into each of the two glasses she set on the counter, and handed one to her. He inhaled the aroma and took a sip, just as Abby did.

Apparently her grandfather had also taught her to appreciate some of the finer things in life.

Gage held up his glass. “To King Farrell, one hell of an explorer.”

Abby held up her glass and clinked it against his. “To King—and finding the Devil’s Gold.”

They carried their glasses into the living room, and Abby sat down in an overstuffed chair, while Gage took the sofa.

“Getting back to our discussion,” she said. “I assume you’ll want the expedition documented. My photographic skills will solve that problem and give me a way to contribute to our mission.”

Our mission. Gage’s insides tightened. He was afraid this was the direction they were heading, that Abby planned to join him on the trip. “I’m sorry, but that poses a problem. I don’t involve amateurs in anyway. It’s just too dangerous.”

Abby leaned toward him. “I understand you suffered a casualty during one of your earlier expeditions. But the map is mine, and the risk is mine to take.”

Gage just shook his head. “It’s not a policy I’m willing to change. If we’re going to do this, you’ll have to trust me to handle it for you.”

She looked at him with a trace of pity, as if she knew how much Cassie’s death still bothered him, which of course she couldn’t possibly know.

“Things happen, Gage. You work in a dangerous business. People were injured, some of them died during King’s searches. You can’t blame yourself.”

He made no reply because he was exactly the one to blame. Cassandra wouldn’t be dead if he hadn’t been fool enough to believe he could protect her.