The Five-Day Dig Read Online Free PDF Page B

in the term bella figura . The other guy wore a funky jacket, black jeans and an untucked lavender dress shirt that screamed British eccentric. To be fair, he was handsome in his own right, with temples just beginning to gray and big blue eyes that looked a little wild. As the men got closer, she thought he seemed familiar.
    “Who’s that with him?” she asked Chaz sotto voce . “It looks like that comedian from the old Britcom ‘Home to Roost.’ ”
    “It looks like Dunk Mortill to me.” He sounded excited.
    “Right. Him.”
    “He used to have a sitcom?” He stared across the garden at the man. “I only know him from ‘The Five-Day Dig.’ ”
    For a moment, she’d forgotten how young Chaz was. She had also forgotten that Mortill had hosted that stupid newer show for years. A couple of times, she’d channel-surfed onto it, but the cast’s careless attitude toward science turned her off. “Ah, yes, the TV show that makes a race out of archaeology. Great premise.”
    “You don’t like it?” He gave her a surprised look.
    They had no time to debate, though, because the two men headed straight for them. She held up her glass to shield her mouth from their view. “ Shh . Here they come.”
    When they reached the table, she looked up from her drink and met Rentino’s gaze. He had a glint in his eye again, and it sent a little charge of pleasure through her. “Signorina Price – just the woman I seek.”
    “ Buon giorno, Signore . It’s actually Doctor Price, but Winnie works best.” She gave him a big smile to soften her correction.
    “ Mi dispiace , Winnie.” His smile widened, so apparently he took it well. “You must call me Domenico.”
    “Domenico then. Won’t you join us?” She motioned for him and Mortill to take seats. Sensing Chaz watching her, she met his gaze and was surprised by the sardonic look he gave her. He must have thought she was following Farber’s plan to ensnare the Italian, despite her protests. The realization embarrassed her.
    “Here is someone else eager to know you,” Domenico said as the newcomers sat down. “May I present Duncan Mortill? Duncan , la bella dottore .”
    She offered her hand to Mortill. “Pleased to meet you.”
    He shook it firmly. “I’m a great admirer.”
    “It’s kind of you to say so.” She nodded toward Chaz. “This is Chaz Frazer, one of my grad students at Growden. I believe he’s a fan of ‘The Five-Dollar Dig.’ ”
    “ ‘The Five- Day Dig.’ ” The TV host shot her a sly grin, as if he suspected she’d made the mistake on purpose but the thought amused him.
    While she murmured an apology, Chaz shook his hand enthusiastically. “I grew up watching ‘The Dig.’ It’s what made me want to become an archaeologist. I was gutted to hear it wasn’t renewed this year.”
    Mortill waved off his concerns. “Don’t count us out yet. I’m working on an idea for a special episode that the network won’t be able to turn down.”
    Domenico looked at Chaz. “My daughter Enza also is a great fan of Duncan ’s program. She thinks of studying archaeology at Growden University . I don’t like her going to the States, but maybe you can share with her how it is to be a foreign student there?”
    “Certainly. Is she here?”
    “Yes. I can introduce you now.”
    “I’d be honored.” Chaz stood up and looked back at Mortill. “Good to meet you, Mr. Mortill.”
    The man dimpled. “It’s Dunk. Please.”
    Chaz grinned and nodded to him, then walked away with Domenico.
    Apparently, meeting an Italian girl who liked archaeology trumped hanging out with his TV idol, Winnie thought, peeved at being left alone with the poser. So much for her chance to schmooze Domenico, too. Maybe Chaz could schmooze the daughter.
    That prospect didn’t excite her as much.
    “Your lecture was brilliant,” Dunk said.
    “You think so?” Assuming he was just being polite, she sipped her drink absently.
    “I daresay you’re spot-on about nature being