shook it off. This was business, not playtime.
“I don’t think so, Isabelle. Like I said, I stand to lose much more than you do.”
He had much to learn. She had played this game a very long time, and usually won. “And without me, you will gain nothing. Unless you have other archaeologists at the ready to indulge your fantastic whim that Atlantis truly existed. That there are treasures to be found within the ocean’s depths that for some reason no one else has found before?”
She waited for him to show her his anger, because she knew damn well he had been searching with no luck just like she had. But all he did was lift his gorgeous full lips in a devastating smile.
“Touche, Ms. Smith. Sixty-forty. And believe me, I’ll walk away and find someone else to play with before I take less.”
Something in his voice-a hard edge, perhaps-told her he meant what he said. She knew when to stop and say good enough. “I’ll take it. You have yourself an archaeologist, Dalton.”
“I’ll want to see your so-called credentials before I lay out a penny, Isabelle.”
She nodded. “I wouldn’t expect less. I’ll also want to see your financials, Dalton, to make sure you’re not some crazy kidnapper who’s going to lure me out on his boat, have his way with me, then drown me at sea.”
He laughed out loud. “I think we’re going to be great partners.”
Allowing herself to relax for the first time in days, Isabelle said, “I hope so. We both have a lot at stake here.”
“Where are you staying?”
She was almost embarrassed when she gave him the name of her hotel. It was the most inexpensive-okay, cheapest-one in town, but she was nearly out of money and she had to conserve wherever she could. Dalton had come along at the right time. By tomorrow she’d have been sleeping on the beach, or, God forbid, calling Angelique. Neither option appealed.
“I’ll have my full portfolio sent over this afternoon. Background and financial information, with all the appropriate numbers available to verify anything you need. Look it over thoroughly, and if it meets with your approval, my boat is here.” He took a notebook from his pocket and jotted something down, then tore off the sheet of paper and handed it to her.
She slid the paper into her shorts. “What about my information?”
“Just bring it along with you when you come. It won’t take long to have you checked out once you arrive.”
She nodded and stood, and so did he.
“I’ll see you by tonight, Isabelle.”
“That sure of yourself?”
“Yes.”
She liked his confidence. “Good-bye, Dalton.”
She turned and walked away, hoping this worked. She needed cash, and fast. She needed this find, or at least to find something.
Wasn’t it time for something positive to happen in her life?
Dalton allowed himself a moment to watch Isabelle walk away, admiring the soft sway of her hips.
He had spotted her two days ago, strolling along the boat dock. A diamond in the rough dressed in sand- colored shorts and a thin tank top, her hair pulled back in a dark gold ponytail. He’d paused for a second when he’d seen her, because she looked a lot like Angelique. Isabelle’s hair was lighter though, and her body was curvier in certain places. Where Angelique was athletic and slender, Isabelle was more. . lush.
A rush of heat had hit him instantly. Same thing happened this morning when he sat down across from her at the cafe and met her curious eyes. His body had gone haywire just looking at her, and he’d felt that same warmth again.
No, that was wrong. It wasn’t just warmth. It was an inferno. And she’d seemed completely oblivious to it.
An act? Maybe. Then again, maybe not.
Dalton shook his head at his wayward thoughts. Yeah, like he of all people should be thinking in that direction. But who wouldn’t be struck by the beauty of her eyes. A mix of gold and green, swirling, mesmerizing color.
She might be Angelique’s twin, but they weren’t identical. There were differences between them.
He’d been damn lucky to find her. And when she’d left the boat dock, he’d had a casual conversation with some of the boat owners about what she’d wanted. They’d called her some crazy archaeologist looking to hire a boat.
He knew instinctively what she was after. That’s when he’d come up with a plan.
He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and pressed a button. Lou answered on the first ring.
“You got that portfolio ready?” Dalton asked.
“I gather she took the bait?”
“Hook, line, and sinker. She wants a boat badly.”
“That’s good news. Everything’s in order. All of the records for your fictional corporation, Dalton International, should already be waiting for you on the boat. I had a messenger from the Realm deliver it.”
