For the past few days, he’d been researching the history and legends surrounding the infamous gold mine in the Superstitions, as well as the Peralta family, who had originally found it, at least according to the legends.

He’d studied past efforts to find the lost mine, read searches documented in journals and books, and tales passed down over the years. No way to know exactly which stories were true, but it was important to have as much background information as possible. He knew Abby had done similar research before she’d walked into his office.

He allowed himself a moment to study her as she stared out the window. She seemed fascinated by the colors and patchwork shapes of the land below, the shadow of the plane moving over the landscape. She wanted to see things, learn things.

She was a seeker of knowledge, same as he was. She was fiery and independent, and he was drawn to her more every day.

He settled back in his seat. He couldn’t have her. Not now. Not until this was over. Once he did, his constant thoughts of her would end, and she’d be just another memory, something he could file away to take out and savor through the years.

He watched the play of sunlight through the window, setting her burnished hair ablaze. Her sweater outlined her tempting breasts, and his palms itched to cup them.

Not yet, he told himself. He was a patient man, or at least he could be when there was something worth waiting for. Gage had a feeling Abby Holland was a memory worth the wait.

They’d been in the air less than three hours when the plane began its descent into the Scottsdale Airport. Maggie had a rental car, a big white Ford Explorer, waiting at the terminal to carry them to Apache Junction. Though Gage was anxious to get underway, Abby insisted on taking photos of the plane, Gage standing next to it, and pictures of the airport terminal.

“What’s our first order of business?” she asked, once they were settled in the SUV, their gear stowed in back.

“Let’s hit the nearest Sportsman’s Warehouse. There’s equipment I need, things you’ll be needing as well.”

“Sounds good.”

Abby pulled up Siri on her iPhone, and the female voice began giving them directions.

“Where’s Mateo?” Abby asked as the big SUV pulled out of the airport parking lot. “I thought he might be meeting us here.”

“He’s already out at the ranch.”

“Tell me about him,” Abby said.