Heather Graham Read Free Page B

pile of lingerie. On the bottom she finally found what she sought—the pills she had long ago stopped taking. As Kelly continued about D’Alesio, Alex engaged in a mental dilemma over another man.
    She would be a fool to hop into bed with Wayne. It would be easy to do so … too easy. But it wouldn’t solve the problems between them. But she loved him so much. Missed him so much. What if she couldn’t resist temptation? She would be more of a fool if she took a chance on a pregnancy at this stage of the game.
    She popped a tiny pill into her mouth and juggled the phone to wash it down with a sip of wine.
    “Alex?” Kelly queried.
    “I—I’m listening!” Alex lied quickly. “Umm … how do you know so much about D’Alesio and the expedition and all?”
    “Don’t you ever read the paper?”
    “Yes, I usually do—and you usually don’t!” Alex laughed. “Did you read the article?”
    “You bet. Mike—you remember Mike, don’t you, the race car driver?—called me up to point it out because he knows you’re my friend. It gave me quite a thrill! You’re the unnamed assistant! I know something UPI doesn’t!” Kelly chuckled softly, then asked, “How come Jim didn’t announce your name?”
    “I’m really not sure, Kelly. He’s been very secretive about a lot of things. There’s bound to be some competition. He probably doesn’t want much known about anything until we’re halfway into the tomb.”
    “Umm … probably,” Kelly said. “Oh, well, I’ll let you get some sleep. Watch out for curses. And if a sheikh should come riding along, trip him, will ya? You need a little experience!”
    “Very cute, Kelly. But thanks a lot. And I’ll call you as soon as I get back!”
    Alex had barely hung up the phone before it started ringing again. She picked up the receiver with a smile, certain Kelly had a few more last words of wisdom she had forgotten to give her.
    “Okay, Kelly,” Alex answered dryly, “What is it? Am I supposed to trip D’Alesio, too?”
    There was a pause on the other end. “I certainly don’t suggest it, honey. He’s kind of a tough individual to trip!”
    “Jim!” Alex exclaimed joyfully at the sound of the gentle and beloved voice. The line suddenly filled with static, and she closed her eyes as if somehow she might hear better. “Where are you, Jim? This is a terrible connection!”
    “Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates,” he responded a little impatiently. “Did you get my letter?”
    “Yes—”
    “Is your flight all set?”
    “Yes, I’ll be there.”
    “Good. I’ve heard via the professional grapevine that your ex has been getting in touch with you. You’re an adult, honey, and I can’t tell you what to do. I can only remind you that you’re a stunning and bright woman and you’ve got an entire lifetime ahead of you. Don’t accept anything less than what you deserve—which is the best.”
    “You’re sweet, Jim, but—”
    “I’ve seen him, Alex. He’s been in Egypt a couple of months, exploring something or other.”
    “Yes, I—”
    “Don’t miss out on the expedition, honey. If a man loved you, he’d want this opportunity for you.”
    “I’m not going to miss—”
    “Good. Now listen to me, Alex. I want you to know that you have all the puzzle pieces. Do you understand me?”
    “I what? The puzzle pieces? Jim, there’s a lot of static on the line. Jim?”
    The static suddenly stopped, shut off by a sharp click. “Jim?” Alex repeated. She was answered by a monotonous buzzing. The connection had been severed.
    “Damnit!” she hissed, tapping furiously upon the phone with her fingers. The buzzing continued. Sighing with frustration, she stared at the phone, then tried the international operator. The call couldn’t be traced any farther than the province of Abu Dhabi. Exasperated, Alex hung up the phone. How many people could have been calling Chicago from Abu Dhabi at that particular time? Not many, she would warrant.
    For a while she