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piece of plastic?” she asked incredulously.
    What did she sound so upset about? It could’ve been worse. Not a lot worse, but worse. “I’ve survived with less,” he commented casually.
    She looked at him in patent disbelief.
    He grinned. “Welcome to some of that training you’re so hot and bothered to tell the taxpayers and terrorists all about.”
    She harrumphed. “What’s DEET, anyway?”
    “Diethyl-m-toluamide. Industrial-strength insect repellent.”
    “Insect repellent? Give it to me!” she demanded.
    “Easy.” He snatched at the little bottle as she made to pour the whole thing on herself. “Just a few drops will protect you for several days. We’ve got to make this bottle last until we get home.” He added, “Not that I expect to be out here all that long, of course.”
    She gave him the intent look of a woman thinking hard. That just couldn’t be good. She was already too smart for her britches.
    Finally she announced, “You can drop the reassure-the-frightened-female act. I recognize a tight spot when I see one. And we’re there.”
    He considered her in turn. He had been trying to reassure the frightened civilian, but he was surprised she’d seen past her own fear to realize what he’d been up to. She might be a city slicker and out of her element, but she was no dummy. He made a mental note not to underestimate her intelligence again.
    At least she finally grasped the gravity of their situation. He should probably be thankful that she hadn’t fallen apart at the realization. He responded candidly. “You’re right. We are in a jam. We’re going to have to think our way out of this one.”
    She stared at him a few more seconds and then sighed. “I’m going to have to eat more of these berries, aren’t I?”
    He smiled ruefully. “‘Fraid so. We’ll need to stay on the move, and we’re going to have to eat whatever we come across.”
    She shoved the beret and the remainder of the berries back into his hand. “Well, at least I won’t need that trip to the spa I had planned for next month to drop a few pounds.”
    He blinked, surprised. “You? Drop a few pounds?” His gaze dropped to her bare torso. “Why? You look great.”
    She laughed lightly. “Thanks. I needed that.”
    He shook his head and mucked down the last few berries. Man, they were nasty. He waited for her to crawl inside the shelter before he shoehorned in beside her. It was a tight fit. Tight enough that her shoulder rubbed against his and her knees kept bumping into his as she shifted around trying to get comfortable.
    He unfolded the space blanket and spread it out over Kimberly’s legs. An image broadsided him of their smooth length wrapped around his waist, urging him on. He cleared his throat huskily. “You should probably put your sweater back on. It can get cold at night out here.”
    He gulped as she twisted and wriggled in the confined space, slipping the fuzzy sweater over her head. It hung up on her breasts, highlighting the swelling cleavage in a way that made him break out in a sweat before she yanked it down into place.
    Hands off, pal, he ordered himself.
    Yeah, right, his libido retorted.
    Damn. He had a sinking feeling this was going to be a long night. He laid back and closed his eyes.
    “What are you doing?” Kimberly demanded.
    He cracked open one eye. “Going to sleep. And I’d recommend you do the same.”
    “You’re going to sleep in here?”
    He opened both eyes all the way. “Where did you think I was going to sleep?”
    “Well, I just assumed you’d have your own bed or sleep across the entrance, or something.”
    “Darlin’,” he drawled, “this ain’t no double queen bed suite. Besides, we’re going to need to share body heat to stay warm.”
    “Share…” Her eyes widened.
    “We’re both adults. What’s the problem?” he asked.
    “Somebody out there’s trying to kidnap me, and you’re just going to lie here and sleep? Aren’t you supposed to protect