In Too Deep by Sherryl Woods

Author:Sherryl Woods [Woods, Sherryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781460395455
Publisher: MIRA
Published: 2000-08-23T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

They rose at dawn, joined the others for a light meal, then prepared to leave the archaeological site. For Cara the departure couldn’t come quickly enough. As they were packing up, Rafael attempted a subtle cross-examination.

“So, señorita, the visit has been useful to you?”

Thinking of the conversation she’d overheard the previous night, Cara found it difficult to be courteous. Swallowing a quick, angry retort, she merely said, “Yes. Very informative.”

The hint of sarcasm went unnoticed by everyone but Rod. He shot her a warning look as Rafael’s gaze turned speculative. Fortunately Rod was able to salvage the tense moment. Nothing in his own behavior hinted at any of the suspicions they had. When Rafael questioned him, he gave an impressively calm, noncommittal reply.

“As you know, there are many factors to be considered and the decision is not just in my hands or in Cara’s. The final decision will be made in Mexico City.”

Rafael pressed. “But you will make a recommendation?”

“Our report is not yet final.”

With a disappointed shrug, Rafael backed down.

Cara watched Maria’s face during the exchange. Maria seemed troubled, though whether by Rafael’s persistence or by Rod’s responses it was difficult to tell. Jorge, on the other hand, appeared oddly amused by his boss’s failure to get a commitment from them. Cara wondered if there was more of a rivalry between the two men than she’d previously guessed. Until last night, she had liked both men and felt that despite their very different personalities, they made an effective team. Perhaps Jorge’s intolerant attitude toward Maria’s idealism extended to Rafael as well.

Though Cara’s farewells were cool, Rod’s were astonishingly effusive—at least to Rafael, Maria and the other workers. In fact, he reserved his only scowl for Jorge, who admittedly prolonged his gallant kiss of Cara’s hand a moment or two longer than was necessary. Then, oblivious to Rod’s mounting irritation, he insisted on accompanying them for the first mile or so of the hike.

Once Jorge departed and they were alone, Rod set an even more punishing pace than he had on the long trek to the site. As if to emphasize his displeasure, he ignored her, his shoulders stiff, his expression disapproving.

Uncertain about what exactly had infuriated him, Cara tried every tactic she could think of to improve his mood. She chatted, she teased, she even tried flattery. She told him—quite truthfully, actually—how masterfully she thought he’d handled Rafael, when she’d been about to reveal too much. Every comment was met with stony silence.

“Don’t tell me you’re jealous,” she taunted finally, practically running to keep up with him. Despite her excellent condition, she was already panting from the stifling heat. If she didn’t get through to him soon, she was going to melt into a little puddle.

“Nope.”

“Then why are you acting like this?”

“Like what?”

“Don’t be obtuse, too. You know perfectly well you’re acting like a predatory beast whose mate has been compromised.”

“If you want to discuss Jorge Melendez, be my guest,” he said, no longer pretending to miss her point.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.