Page 6 of The Lost Guardian

He shoved his hands into his pockets.

“And Ukhu Pacha,” he finished.

“The land of the dead,” Ali said confidently, tilting her head up to look at him. Was it warm in here? Santi thought so. Before he could do something ridiculous—like actually reach out to fix her hair—a loud laugh interrupted their moment.

Santiago jumped back as if struck. A group of college-aged young men walked into the room, talking among themselves.

When Santiago looked back at Ali, he thought he saw a flash of annoyance on her face. But she smiled when he caught her eye. He was certainly bothered, but it was his job not to show it. Especially as one of the patrons waved to him, clearly requesting his attention.

“It seems I’ve taken my fair share of your expertise.” Ali frowned. Santiago wanted to disagree with her but didn’t know how to continue their conversation. Amazingly, he didn’t have to. “Would you be interested in continuing our talk after work? Maybe over a drink?”

“A drink?” Santiago repeated. Was he dreaming?

Ali nodded. “There’s a pub down the street. It’s called Gina’s.”

Santiago nodded, indicating he knew of Gina’s, but Ali seemed to take it as confirmation of something more.

“Perfect,” she said, stalking backward toward the main body of the museum. “I’ll see you there tonight. Seven thirty?”

“U-Uh,” Santiago stammered, his mind scrambling to catch up. He had planned for a session at the climbing gym tonight and was hanging out with Brooke after.

“It’s a date!” She smiled, spinning on her heel with a leonine grace and prowling out the door.

A date?

Santiago’s spirit left his body.

2

“Santiago, I hear you were late this morning.” A voice greeted him as he floated through the door of their shared office, crashing him back down to earth.

His adviser had her head buried in a book but managed to shoot him a pointed look as he crossed the threshold and dropped onto the plush love seat in the corner.

“I’m sorry, Dr. Silva.” He winced.

“If you’re going to be positioned in the public wing, it’s your responsibility to be there on time—no excuses,” she scolded him, though not unkindly.

“Yes, Dr. Silva, of course,” Santiago rushed to say. “I promise this isn’t a habit. I got held up.”

“Well, it’s certainly unlike you,” Silva answered, her brows tightening with concern. Santiago’s shoulders tensed, pulling up toward his ears. He felt like a child in the principal’s office.

“I apologize, Doctor,” Santiago replied softly, hoping that was the end of it.

It was not.

“If there’s something happening in your personal life that’s making it difficult to get to work on time, please let me know. Maybe the department could help?” she continued.

Her kindness only made him feel worse. Santiago could feel himself slinking farther down into the leather upholstery.

“No, ma’am,” he assured her, dropping his gaze. “It won’t happen again.”

“Very well,” Silva said, touching the fingers of each hand together and placing them down on her desk. “But you let me know if there’s anything you need.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Santiago said, equally embarrassed and grateful. “I will.”

“Now, I’m glad you’re here,” she went on, slapping a hand lightly against the polished wood. “We’re embarking on an exciting new venture!”

A new venture? Santiago thought, sitting straighter in his chair. Was she going to invite him on the research trip? That would save him the trouble of asking.