Read Online Wild Fire by Linda I. Shands - Free Book Online Page A

Jones, look at your hands!”
    Anne nodded soberly and pointed toward the sink.
    Colin grinned and grabbed the bar of Lava soap. “Okay, okay, I guess I know when I’m outnumbered. Boy, you women are bossy!”
    Anne laughed, but Kara wanted to crawl under a chair. There I go again, sounding like my mother! Colin would never take her seriously.
    They had barely finished lunch when the radio crackled to life. Greg hurried into the storeroom and switched on the receiver.
    â€œEagle Lodge.”
    Static drowned out the first few words, then the pilot’s voice came through. “. . . clouds over here. What’s it like on your side? Over.”
    Greg pushed a button on the mike. “We’re clear all the way to the top of the mountain, Mark. Over.”
    â€œOkay. Got some company for you. Be there in thirty. Over and out.”

T HE REST OF THE DAY went by in a blur of activity. Kara set up the dining room for dinner and gave tours of the property. When one of the guests needed a flashlight and another wanted extra towels, she trooped out to the cabins with the needed supplies .
    On Saturday afternoon she started a letter to Tia.
    I almost wish I was back in Lariat cramming for exams. This is hard work. Tonight is the dance. Actually we decided just to play music and let everyone do what they want. I’m going to wear that new outfit Dad bought me. I can’t believe I’m so nervous. There’s no one to dance with but Colin, and what if he doesn’t ask?
    At nine o’clock she slipped the silky white blouse over her head and let it settle at her waist. The denim skirt ended just above the knees; short enough to show off the fringed leather boots, but long enough to satisfy Dad.
    She leaned backward, shook her head, and combed her fingers through her hair. Anne had fashioned narrow, waist-length braids on each side of her face for her, weavingin thin strands of blue and white leather. She looked more like the first Wakara than ever.
    She took a deep breath, opened her bedroom door, and followed the strum of a bass guitar into the main room of the lodge .
    A country song echoed through the speakers. Across the room Colin slipped a CD case back into the holder. The guests stood around talking and sipping hot drinks.
    Ryan and the Wilson kids were hopping up and down in the middle of the dance floor. “Hey Kara, come and dance. Jenny really knows how.” Ryan’s voice carried over the music, and she wanted to clamp her hand over his mouth .
    Everyone stopped talking, and one of the men gave a low whistle. They were all looking at her. The overhead lights were bright. Her face was on fire, and she felt suddenly lightheaded. Oh, God, please don’t let me faint . She couldn’t run back to her room. That would look so . . .
    Dad’s arm circled her shoulders. “You look wonderful, Sugar Bear. Anne saved you a diet Coke. It’s in the fridge.”
    Mom would be proud of you . He didn’t say it, but she could hear it in his voice. Instead of making her sad, she felt happier than she had in months.
    The music changed to a slower song. She looked up and saw Colin walking toward her. He had changed into a colorful, long-sleeved shirt, black Wranglers, and freshly polished boots. When he got closer she could smell his aftershave .
    â€œWant to show these city folk how to dance?”
    She nodded and took his outstretched hand.
    Colin’s two-step was smooth. “You look nice, Wakara.” He reached up and drew one thin braid over her shoulder. “Like a real Indian princess.”
    She looked for the teasing laughter in his eyes. It wasn’t there. He’s serious . For some reason that made her nervous. She decided to lighten the moment. “I am an Indian princess, Colin Jones. And don’t you forget it.”
    He smiled then, and the rest of the evening was fun. She danced with Dad and Ryan, then three more times with