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CHAPTER

5

CAL HAD GOTTEN MATTHEW’S CALL at a Starbucks about an hour ago, and he was still sitting in the chair he’d dropped into after hanging up. And his plan had just been to grab a coffee and go. It was a good thing he didn’t have anything he needed to do today. His thoughts were all over the place.

As for tonight, Sophie would accommodate the impromptu invitation he’d extended to Matthew, but she’d stress about what to cook for dinner and the fact she wouldn’t have much wind-down time. She’d told him before leaving the house this morning that she had a full day of showings booked, too. But all he could think about when he’d heard his friend’s voice was seeing him. It had been too long. Cal could always cook or pick something up.

That wasn’t the real problem, though. The problem was that he couldn’t stop speculating about what this expedition might be. Knowing his best friend, Cal was sure Matthew had something exciting and dangerous to entice him, but there was no point in wagering a guess. He’d have to wait until later that night when Matthew told him what was going on.

But it felt like it was days away instead of hours. He was quivering inside, not from nerves but rather eager anticipation. Still, why was he giving this any consideration? It was his globe-trotting with Matthew to dig up legends that had dug up so much trouble. The fact remained that his “adventures,” as Sophie called them, had almost gotten her killed.

Really, it was a miracle she’d forgiven him. Her ability to bounce back just proved what an amazing and resilient woman she was—and how lucky he was to have her in his life. So how could he even flirt with saying yes to whatever it was Matthew was going to offer him? He had to let it go, to pass it up for Sophie, for their future. He loved her too much. And while nothing was guaranteed in life, if one tacked treasure hunting on to a standard existence, then the sentiment took on even greater meaning. There were always obstacles to overcome and risks that had to be taken. Whether it was the elements or people trying to beat you to the finish line. Even when you won, you could lose. After all, Sophie’s kidnapping had been a direct result of his involvement in obtaining the Pandu artifact in India before another interested party could get to it.

How could Cal even think about saying yes without knowing what Matthew had to say? He had to be desperate for some excitement in life, and honestly, he had been playing it safe now for far too long. Well, ever since proposing to Sophie soon after discovering the City of Gold. All one had to do was look at his calendar to see just how safe. Just earlier this week, he’d returned from photographing the Grand Canyon for a travel piece. The most dangerous part—if you wanted to call it that—had been the helicopter ride he had taken to get the aerial shots.

He used to live for the chase and the adrenaline rush that came with working alongside Matthew. And this expedition was about saving the world? Now he remembered that’s what Matthew had said. But was he exaggerating? Matthew had said something similar about the City of Gold, something along the lines that the discovery would change the world. Yes, he’d used the word change. At first impression, it was similar to the current situation, but really, the difference between the two words was enormous. And Matthew had made good on his other promise: finding the City of Gold had changed the world. It had certainly changed his and Sophie’s world, anyway.

This venture, though, was pitched as saving the world, which was not something to be taken lightly. It was much more significant than simply a payday. And saving the world would include Sophie. He shook his head at his attempt to justify going. He didn’t even know where he’d be going yet! Besides, how could a relic from the past really spell doom for the world if it wasn’t found?

Maybe he should just count his blessings and be happy with what he had now and the memories of the adventures he’d been a part of. It’s not like declining Matthew’s offer would mean Cal would never travel the globe again. It just meant he wouldn’t literally be putting his neck on the line or endangering Sophie. Despite popular opinion, lightning could strike the same place twice.

But he desperately needed to get away. He hadn’t left North America since finding the City of Gold, with the exception of a trip to Bora-Bora where he and Sophie had celebrated their engagement.

Even if he didn’t go on this expedition, he needed to start accepting photography jobs that took him to interesting and exotic locales. He’d fallen in love with the world by looking through the lens, and it was a passion rooted deep within him. But seeking out fresh landscapes and experiences were part of what made his profession invigorating and more of a calling than a job.

He ran a hand down his face and stared blankly across the coffee shop, seeing people but not really taking them in. The logical thing to do would be to let it go, get on with his day, and deal with whatever came his way tonight. Okay, that’s what he was going to do. And the first thing to take care of was calling Sophie about the change of plans.

He pulled out his cell phone and pressed Sophie’s name in his favorites. Her phone rang twice, and he was shuffled to voice mail. It told him that Sophie had refused his call, but that was all right. It was a system they’d worked out that just meant she was otherwise engaged.

As he listened to Sophie’s greeting, he found himself somewhat relieved that he could leave the information about tonight in a message. She’d have time to think before reacting, which wasn’t something Sophie was prone to doing naturally. No one could say she didn’t know how to speak her mind, and even though he sometimes got the brunt of her knee-jerk reactions, it was one of the qualities he loved most about her.

The beep came, and he proceeded to lay out the evening’s plan, leaving out any indication that Matthew wanted to talk to him about an expedition. Like he’d told Matthew, it was best he didn’t bring it up around Sophie.

“Love you,” Cal said, ending his call. His gaze had been unfocused as he’d concentrated on what he was saying to Sophie, but now his vision settled on a young couple entering the Starbucks arm in arm. The woman was leaning against the man’s shoulder and periodically looking up at him with sultry eyes and a smile.

Guilt laced through him, along with a stab of pain. If he went away with Matthew, he could probably kiss Sophie’s smile goodbye. But was he truly prepared to give up these adventures altogether? That wouldn’t be a fulfilled existence, either. But then again, maybe he was blowing what he thought Sophie’s reaction would be out of proportion. Maybe she’d be happy for him. Surely, she must have noticed how he’d been merely going through life on autopilot lately, without challenge, without bliss. A different kind of guilt slammed into him. Sophie did make him happy. Was he slime for wanting more out of life? For wanting to go on adventures with Matthew and Robyn?

Cal’s insides twisted with indecision. He probably had a long night ahead of him. Yet it was better to be proactive than reactive. He’d stop by the florist and pick up three dozen red roses just in case he couldn’t resist Matthew’s offer. It would be easier to deliver the news if he went in armed.