Free The Price of Discovery by Leslie Dicken Page A

forget the odd manner in which he shielded her from his house and family. Or the fact that he lived in the same spot her John Doe had once lived. Hell, the man had absolutely no idea what a condom was.
    She would have to talk to Greg about his night with Ankra. And she would have to go back to that vibrant Victorian house at the end of a dirt road. If she could just find a way to do some serious snooping.
    â€œMs. Price?” Rockford pushed himself up from his chair and looked across his desk to her lap. “Care you tell me what you have in mind?”
    She tilted the sheet toward her chest. “Do I have to?”
    He sighed. “Do you have something there? Are you working on an idea?”
    â€œYes. I still have a lot of work to do, that’s all.”
    â€œTwo Mondays from today I want an outline or a rough draft of what you are working on.” He pointed behind her out the glass door. “Your competition has already begun her investigation. I suggest you get moving on yours rather quickly.”
    Erin nodded. “Yes, sir.”
    She left his office and went back to her small desk. She had to get out of this itty-bitty town and back into the real world. She had ambition, goals, and right now the very real need to prove she was still a kick-ass journalist.
    She needed to call Greg. If he had a lot of information for her, it would save her having to go out to the house. She wasn’t up to seeing Drakor after what almost happened.
    Even a day and half later, she wasn’t sure if she was disappointed or relieved that they never finished what they started. While she was safe from making the mistake she did with Evan, her dreams had gotten a lot more erotic and left her wholly unsatisfied when she woke.
    Erin picked up the phone and dialed Greg’s office.
    â€œInvasion Shield, Inc., may I help you?”
    â€œHi, Cindy, it’s Erin. Is Greg available?”
    â€œHe didn’t come in today. Called in, saying he had some things to take care of and we could reach him on his cell in case of an emergency.”
    Erin coughed. “He didn’t come in?”
    â€œNope, didn’t sound sick or anything. Maybe you should try his cell phone. You have the number, right?”
    â€œI have it. Thanks.”
    She hung up and stared across the room. Rita looked very busy. On the phone, taking notes, checking something on her computer. Oh, it would be great to find out what her story was. How nice if it was as half-baked as her own.
    She picked up the phone again and twisted her chair away from Rita. She dialed Greg’s cell.
    He answered on the third ring. A loud noise like water or wind blasted in Erin’s ears.
    â€œGreg here!”
    â€œGreg, what are you doing? Where are you?”
    â€œHello? Is this Erin?”
    â€œGreg. What’s that noise?”
    â€œSorry, I can’t hear you!” He hung up.
    Erin felt her cheeks heat. She stared at the phone in her hand. He just hung up on her. And where the hell was he anyway?
    â€œProblems?”
    Erin glanced up into Rita’s sharp eyes. “It’s nothing.”
    â€œHow was Saturday night? Did your friend get home safe and sound?”
    Erin shivered, remembering his kiss on the porch. And later, when his hot body covered hers, when his expert tongue stoked a fire under her skin.
    â€œHe got home just fine,” she managed to answer.
    Rita lifted an eyebrow. “Well, if he’s looking for someone else to show him the town, pass along my number.”
    â€œI’ll be sure to do that.”
    Rita pulled a piece of gum from her pocket, unwrapped it and popped it in her mouth. “Was that your brother you were trying to call?”
    â€œIs it your business?”
    â€œEverything is my business, my dear.”
    Erin clenched her teeth. She’d like nothing more than to strangle this woman right now. Ever since Rita Dixon got here, she’d taken everything important away from Erin.