Linda Castle Read Online Free Page B

her father had called him over the past ten years. She had not possessed the intelligence to recognize it as a child, but she saw him clearly now. He was a handsome brute, without scruples or conscience. It was going to be a pleasure to see that self-assured grin disappear from his lips.
    Constance met the arrogant gaze of Temple Parish and felt a warm flush in her cheeks. At that same moment ten years of childish dreams crumbled into dust at her feet. She raised her chin and forced herself to smile as if her heart were not beating too rapidly inher bosom. He needed to be taught a lesson in manners and in the abilities of a modern thinking woman.
    “Mr. Parish, I have given our predicament some thought”
    “Have you?” He flashed her a wider, but no less false, smile. His straight white teeth contrasted starkly against the tanned flesh of his angular face. She noticed the raised white scar on his cheek.
    “Yes, I have,” Constance replied evenly.
    “Well, I’m happy to hear it. It was a long way for you to have traveled in vain, but then again the trip wasn’t a total loss for you. I mean, after all, we have had a pleasant reunion—haven’t we?”
    She shoved her spectacles up on her nose. “Is that what we’ve been doing, Mr. Parish? Having a reunion?”
    His smile slipped and for a moment was replaced by a frown but within seconds the dazzling smile was back in place. “Of course, Connie, it has been nice to see you after all these years. I had hoped it would be C.H. who came but… Tell me, what have you been doing to keep busy?”
    “Oh, this and that.” Constance smiled stiffly.
    “Really? Do you still accompany C.H. on expeditions?”
    Constance heard the brittle tone of Temple’s voice and realized he was more than just a little interested in what her father had been doing. Once again the old rumors about Temple raced through her mind.
    “Papa has been lecturing rather steadily for the past few years.”
    “Is that so?” he asked with mild interest.
    “Yes, but he did unearth some wonderful things inSouth America a few years ago. I have been cataloging and illustrating them for Dandridge University.”
    Temple stiffened perceptibly at the mention of Dandridge. “I’m sure you do fine work, Connie. Dandridge is no doubt lucky to have you.” There was a note of sarcasm in his compliment.
    “How nice of you to say so. And I have managed to acquire one or two other skills since we last met.” Constance continued to study his face from behind the protective barrier of her spectacles.
    “Really? You must tell me, what else do you do?” Temple’s words were dripping with open condescension.
    “As a matter of fact, Mr. Parish, I am a digger,” she said flatly.
    His brows shot up, but other than that he managed to suppress any further reaction. “You don’t say, Connie—a digger? A female digger? I have never heard of such a thing.”
    He nodded to the bartender and held his empty glass aloft.
    Constance glanced at the man who grabbed a tall bottle in his hand, then she turned back to Temple. “I am quite competent, as I told you. So competent, in fact, that I intend to complete the expedition my father sent me on, Mr. Parish.”
    His smile slipped at the same moment the bartender appeared at Temple’s elbow and began pouring liquid into his glass.
    “You what?” he asked loudly. His question echoed through the silent barroom. Several men leaning on their elbows actually turned around and gaped at him.
    Constance nodded and continued. “You heard me correctly, Mr. Parish. I intend to leave Morgan Forkstomorrow morning at sunrise, but before I go, I wanted to issue you a new challenge to go along with the one we have both accepted from Mr. Montague.”
    “Challenge? Me?” Temple brought his arm down from the back of the chair. He no longer appeared to be uninterested in what she had to say—in fact he was perched on the edge of his chair, leaning across the table toward her as if he were