Gage nodded. “You can tell they’re well-cared for. So far, so good.”

There were horses grazing in a field farther away: a paint, a palomino, a sorrel, a couple of bays with shiny red coats and black tails. As they entered the shady barn, the smell of hay and horses drifted in the air. A tall white mare poked her head out of the stall, and a sorrel nickered at their approach.

Pausing in front of the stall, Gage ran a big hand over the mare’s sleek neck. There was a jagged scar on the back of his hand that Abby had noticed before. She wondered how he’d got it.

“I never asked if you could ride,” Gage said.

Abby smiled. “I live in Denver. It’s basically an overgrown cow town. I’m no expert, but I can ride well enough to get where we’re going.”

Gage nodded. “I figured.”

“You did? Why is that?”

“Because you’re the type of person who doesn’t go after something without being prepared.”

“I hope that’s a compliment.”

“From my point of view, it’s essential.”

She took his hand, the scar catching the sunlight. “What happened?”

“Python. They can be vicious.”

“It must have really hurt,” she said, tracing the outline with her finger.

He looked down at the scar and shrugged. “Hazard of the job.”

Abby thought of the scar her grandfather carried on his forearm—from a sword, he had said, then told her the story of a Bedouin chief who was jealous of King and a woman the chief wanted to add to his harem. Finding treasure wasn’t easy, but it certainly wasn’t a dull way to make a living.

They made a pass through the barn, then, satisfied that the animals could make the trip into rough country, headed for the ranch house.

“It’s been hours since we’ve eaten,” Abby said. “You must be hungry.”

Something hot and urgent appeared in Gage’s eyes. “Oh, I’m hungry,” he drawled, and Abby felt a sweep of heat that ignited her whole body.

His expression abruptly altered, and the heat disappeared, but Abby’s insides were still shaking. She had never lusted for a man before, hadn’t understood how fierce a demand it could be.

She took a steadying breath. She was certain Gage wouldn’t act on whatever desire he was feeling. He valued his iron control as much as his reputation. Abby wished she could be as certain about herself.

In the ranch house kitchen, the meal was served family style, the guests all seated at a long wooden table covered with a bright red-checked cloth. Abby took some photos and did a video sweep of the people in the room.