Read Online Wildfire by Lynn James - Free Book Online

make up the time she had lost the day before while dealing with Angela and Steve. Even though she had told the captain that she need not come down to help her, she had to admit she was hoping that she would, in fact, show up. She hadn’t been able to sleep much, her heart unaccountably racing at the recollection of Elaine’s silly slippers and well-filled out jeans. It was absurd and a little bit scary. In spite of her reluctance, she couldn’t help the smile that formed on her face. She is one hot ranger!
    She had just finished her morning coffee and was collecting her instruments when she heard the tell tale noises of someone approaching.
    “Good morning. Did you get started without me?”
    “No, actually, I was just getting ready to head down the river. You’re up awfully early, Captain.” She ducked her head, afraid that her smile was far too welcoming, or that Elaine would see that she’d just broken out in goose bumps.
    “Well, I had a promise to keep. I don’t know how much help I’ll be. It’s not like I have a Ph.D. in botany. But I am at your disposal, Dr. McKinney.”
    God, she has a beautiful smile. “Today I am going to concentrate on collecting samples along the bank about two hundred yards downstream. Think you can handle that, Captain?” Devon couldn’t prevent the smirk that followed her playful sarcasm. Better to emphasize a little professional rivalry than stand there blushing like a teenager.
    “Hmmm. Not sure, but I’ll do the best I can. You teach and I’ll learn, how’s that?”
    “Sounds like a deal.” She gestured to a knapsack lying on the ground, an unspoken request for Elaine to carry it, as she grabbed another and motioned for Elaine to follow. For some reason she was vividly recalling that Elaine had seen her naked while she skinny-dipped. A few days ago she hadn’t been embarrassed, but now she found herself wondering if Elaine was recalling it too.
    Thankfully, it didn’t take them long to reach their destination. Devon knew she would settle down as soon as she was working. She kept her instructions brief and Elaine was an apt pupil. They spoke little, except for the occasional question and answer regarding the collection process.

    It was obvious to Elaine that when Devon was working she was entirely focused. She couldn’t keep herself from watching Devon as she worked so intently, stealing glances when she was confident she wouldn’t be caught. With each glance, she found the woman more and more attractive and intriguing and couldn’t help but be reminded of seeing her nude. It had surprised her when Devon had taken the situation so lightly. Was it possible that Devon had enjoyed being watched?
    Time seemed to fly and soon it was mid-afternoon. Stretching her back and flexing her arms, Devon hoped she sounded casual as she said, “We’ve done enough for today. Besides it feels like the weather’s changing.”
    As Elaine tried to stand, she lost her balance. Devon quickly clutched her hand, holding her until she regained her footing. At the mere touch of Devon’s skin against her own, Elaine was certain that electricity had shot up her arm and the impression of the woman’s hand was burned forever on her skin. Her breath caught in her throat and she had felt like her heart would thump painfully out of her chest.
    “Thank you.” Elaine managed, in an effort to hide her embarrassment and arousal.
    Once safely on her feet, she actively tried to look anywhere but at Devon’s breasts. For the first time she realized just how sore she was. She suddenly felt like a senior citizen in serious need of a walker. How on earth does she do this work day after day?
    “Thank you for your help. I think we managed to make up for the lost time. If you’d like we could head back to my campsite and grab something to eat?” Don’t blush, Devon thought. It’s not as if you just asked her out on a date.
    “Sounds good. You’re the boss. Today anyway.” Elaine laughed and Devon