Desire's Golden Dreams by Tish Domenick Page B

even though you’re not here working with us. Is that about it?”
    “Relax, Brady. I can see you getting your dander up.” Wade patted Brady’s back. “Answer truthfully, Rocco. Do you want to go it alone?”
    “I think I’d feel less pressure that way. I’m a geologist. I love digging up rocks, but you shouldn’t have to pay me for it.”
    Hannah stood and faced him. “What about our family? Are you leaving us for good?”
    He took her in his arms. “I’ll always love you, all of you. I love Princess and watching her grow makes me want a family of my own. I have to get on with my life sooner or later. My mother and father are delighted that you sold them your Plantsville ranch for practically nothing, but they won’t be content until their only son gives them some grandbabies.”
    Hannah wiped tears from her eyes. “I understand, really I do. Go with our blessing.” She turned to the others. They nodded.
    Wade cleared his throat. “About the mining company—”
    “Since only the four of us own it, I don’t have to explain to Gus and Sam. I am giving my fourth to Princess. She can use it for her dowry one day.”
    “That’s very generous of you. Are you sure?” Hannah asked.
    “Yes, and if I strike, I’ll certainly register with your, uh… Why don’t you name it, The Princess Mining Corporation since she will now have the largest percentage of it?”
    Hannah grinned. “I can’t thank you enough, Rocco.”
    “Yes, you can. Before I leave, I would like a weekend alone with you here.” Rocco turned to the others. “Any objections?”
    No one protested. Hannah raised a glass. “To the Princess Mining Corporation with Princess Hannah Tolliver as its new president.”
    They drank to the new venture.

Chapter Six
     
    San Francisco, Present Day
     
    Slim came back to full form looking tired and tense. “I’m afraid I’m all talked out. This going back and projecting what I hear to you is a lot more strenuous than I thought it would be. Anyway, it’s getting late. You’ll have people worried about you if you don’t get back.”
    Hannah hated to leave the story in the middle. She checked her watch. “Oh my, I had no idea so much time had passed. I felt like I was in that bedroom with you. I do need to get home. Dad will be frantic.” She hitched her bag over a shoulder and stood. “So, Rocco left the family group?”
    “Yes, but the family allowed them a weekend together before he left. It was a weekend he and Hannah would never forget.”
    “I want to hear about it. Did he find a quartz mine? Did he ever return to the family or did he have one of his own?”
    “Rocco was always lucky. He found another rich mine, registered it with The Princess Mining Corporation, and moved back to Plantsville to what used to be Hannah’s ranch. His father and mother, as I mentioned, had bought the ranch from Hannah. She sold it for less than it was worth to finance her real-estate activities and to thank them for caring for it for two years.” Slim guided Hannah back through the mine.
    “Did Rocco have his own children?”
    “Yes. He had four or five, maybe six. Married a lovely Italian lady educated in Italy and they lived in Venice half the year. I believe her father was a city official. Rocco met her when he took his parents on a tour of their home country.”
    “How about Andre? Did he ever find his own gold?”
    “Here we are at the mouth of the cave in rapidly dimming light. Best get to your car and out of the hills before dark. I’ll tell you about Rocco and Hannah’s weekend and about Andre the next time you come.” He took her shoulders and pulled her to him.
    They gazed at each other for several seconds before they kissed. This time Hannah was neither shocked nor dismayed. She entered into it as an eager participant, using her tongue the way Bolt liked. Her ardor made a world-weary spirit moan. “Damn, I want you,” he whispered.”
    Hannah didn’t reply. She couldn’t, as breathless