Gideon Monahan is a man dedicated to what he does -- recovering stolen art -- to the exclusion of anything else, including a personal life. There's a reason for that, something that happened in his past that he can't forget.<br><br>Cole Newell is an archaeologist with a problem. He needs to find out who looted a dig he worked the previous summer, after one of the artifacts shows up at his gallery. Cole calls on Gideon to lend his expertise, which, much against his better judgment, Gideon does.<br><br>When one of the looters is murdered, they set out to find answers, with the help of Detective Quint Hawk. In the process, Cole realizes he's attracted to Gideon, even though he's certain the man is straight. After he helps Gideon open up about -- and accept -- his past, can the two men become more than friends? Both Gideon and Cole hope so, once they overcome the myriad problems facing them.

It Takes an Archaeologist

“That too. It still didn’t stop how I felt. But I’m good at burying my feelings when I know nothing will come of them.”


“If you mean do I fall for straight, married men? Not that I know of, until now—but then, you really aren’t. Do I become interested in someone who doesn’t return my feelings? Doesn’t everybody at least once or twice in their lifetime? Add to that, my running the gallery, then disappearing for months at a time on a dig, and I’m not the best candidate for a permanent relationship of any sort.”


“Something we have in common. I do a great deal of traveling to talk to people who need what I have to offer. Then I work with my operatives to set up what has to be done—either in the field, or once I get back home—to the exclusion of anything else.” Gideon’s expression darkened. “Of course, that doesn’t happen just because I’m dedicated to my work. It’s also a way to hide from my past.”


Chapter 31