Read Online Wildfire by Lynn James - Free Book Online Page A

couldn’t help but join in.
    “I agree with you. The temperature does seem to be dropping pretty rapidly. The storm is well on its way.”
    “Yeah, but I’m ready for it. I made sure to bring my cold weather gear, so I’ll be fine.”
    It wasn’t long before they made it back to camp where Devon offered her meager hospitality.
    “Unfortunately, all I have are packaged meals and protein bars.”
    “A protein bar sounds great. I’m starving. I nearly got worked to death today.”
    “Yeah, right. For a tough ranger you sure can whine.” Devon flashed her a playful grin.
    As Devon stirred about the campsite, Elaine watched in amazement at how gracefully she moved. She had thought once or twice that out of the corner of her eye she had seen Devon looking her way. Was Devon interested? Elaine quickly disregarded the thought as her own wishful thinking.
    She was afraid she had been caught staring again as Devon suddenly turned and approached her with two bottles of water and a couple of protein bars. If she’d noticed, she didn’t give Elaine any indication. Along with her other qualities, Devon always seemed to be the consummate professional. Elaine had been berating herself for her own lack ever since she laid eyes on Devon. She was usually very professional, but around Devon, she was more like a clumsy teenager.
    After graciously accepting the snack from Devon, she devoured it and then chugged the bottle of water.
    “Before I head out, I wanted to say that I had a good time today.”
    “A good time? Crouched on the ground, freezing your ass off, that’s a good time?” Devon smiled, trying to make light of the compliment.
    Elaine smiled sheepishly, almost embarrassed at how asinine the comment sounded. “What I meant to say is it was nice spending time with you today.”
    “Likewise. And I truly do appreciate your help.”
    “My pleasure. After all, it was those geographically challenged hikers who held up your work yesterday. And they were my problem, not yours.”
    They stood motionless in silence for a moment.
    Elaine knew she should simply say goodbye and return to the cabin, but her feet wouldn’t move.
    Their eyes locked for the briefest of moments before Devon turned away, afraid not only of what she saw in Elaine’s eyes, but also afraid of what her own eyes might reflect. When she met Elaine’s eyes again she was helpless to break free. She hadn’t been close enough before to truly appreciate just how dark and beautiful Elaine’s eyes were. She could feel the heat from Elaine’s body and her knees became inexplicably weak.
    Devon had no idea who was actually moving, only that the space between them was narrowing. She only knew that those lips that she’d been studying all day were coming closer. Her own lips parted slightly and Devon couldn’t quite stifle her gasp. She realized that Elaine looked confused and scared—just the way Devon felt.
    The first touch of Elaine’s lips was tentative. As Elaine’s lips returned more firmly, Devon couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her as she opened her mouth inviting Elaine’s tongue in.
    Elaine’s hunger grew as she took possession of Devon’s mouth. All shyness fled as they tasted each other. Her hand found its way under Devon’s sweatshirt to caress the soft flesh of her back as their kiss deepened.
    Devon felt Elaine’s strong arms embrace her as she reached up and ran her fingers through Elaine’s hair, surprised at how soft it felt between her fingers. Devon had been kissed before, but never like this.
    They finally parted and each tried to catch their breath. Elaine continued to stroke the softness under her hand. She couldn’t seem to release Devon. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”
    Devon was shocked at how low and sultry her voice was. Her eyes felt heavy lidded. “ Are you sorry?”
    Elaine groaned and pulled Devon tighter against her as she fiercely reclaimed her soft, sweet mouth. Her hands stroked Devon’s ribs