by Lynn James
Elaine’s gaze never wavered as she looked into Devon’s eyes. For a moment she looked petrified, then her expression steadied. “I want more than just one night or two nights with you.”
The admission took Devon’s breath away. She had to swallow hard before she could say, “I want more than one or two nights with you as well.”
Elaine’s heart hammered against Devon’s ear, then quieted. Devon was content to let them both calm down.
After a minute, Elaine chuckled and said, “I’m glad to hear that. I took a chance coming to your camp today, you know. I figured that if you didn’t want to see me, the worst that could happen is that I would find myself hanging upside down in a tree. Being the accomplished woodsman you are, I thought you might have set a trap for an unwanted intruder.”
The laughter settled Devon’s nerves. How wonderful was this, cuddled in her lover’s arms, sharing such a pleasant afterglow?
Laughter fading, Elaine rolled Devon onto her back. “I think you should show me just how happy you are that I’m here and how much you missed me.”
Her voice sounding sultry to her own ears, Devon said, “I hear a command in there, Captain.”
She rolled Elaine onto her back in one quick motion finding Elaine’s lips. This wasn’t what Elaine had intended but her body grew heavy with arousal at Devon’s aggressiveness.
The fire rapidly grew into a blaze as their breath merged. Devon’s lips slowly traced a path from her jaw to her ear and ever so slowly down her neck before moving lower to capture a firm nipple between her teeth. Elaine’s wordless ecstasy fueled the flames burning out of control in Devon. Her need pushed her lower, as she settled between Elaine’s trembling thighs.
“You’re such a tease. You’re killing me. Please?”
“Don’t worry, Captain, I’ll give you everything you want and need.” With a deep feral growl, Devon buried her face between Elaine’s thighs as she sank two fingers deep within her. The thrusting of her fingers was the perfect complement to the delightful motions of her tongue. Elaine’s hips instinctively rose as she silently begged for more.
Devon paused as she tilted her head and ran her finger along Elaine’s smooth stomach. “Don’t you know that all I want to do is pleasure you?”
Elaine knew better than to try and speak. She could only hope that her eyes were telling Devon everything she felt.
Devon’s smile was that of a confident seductress. Again Elaine watched Devon’s mouth lower to her body. She gently kissed Elaine’s inner thigh, then moved her mouth slowly over her. She could only imagine the gift awaiting her.
With a firm hand, Devon brought Elaine fiercely against her mouth. She had fantasized about this, spent hours the night before remembering how Elaine had tasted. She wasn’t willing to fantasize any longer, finally she had Elaine right where she wanted her…pressed firmly against her tongue. As she slid her tongue up and down, between the folds of Elaine’s body, she was intoxicated by everything that was uniquely Elaine. Suddenly she felt Elaine’s strong thighs wrap around her. Devon didn’t think there could be anything more erotic than having Elaine hold her firmly in place, directing her to the precise place she wanted her mouth. Long strides of her tongue made way for the lighter flicking over Elaine’s engorged clit. The fire she had wanted to build in Elaine was already ablaze. With a steady rhythm, Elaine raised and lowered her hips as she ground herself hard against Devon’s face. Elaine raised her hips higher, letting out a deep gasp followed by a long moan. Devon matched her as her mouth was flooded with Elaine’s desire. She drank thirstily before slowly dragging her tongue up to bring Elaine’s clit fully into her mouth. Elaine’s hips moved wildly against Devon before rising one final time. With a primal scream, Elaine climaxed.
As they lay holding one another, a loud growl emanated from Devon’s stomach.
Elaine kissed her forehead tenderly and laughed. “I think we should take care of that.”
“You know my food supply is limited. I don’t have much in the way of variety.”
“I’m a ranger. I’m prepared for any situation and I think you might like what I have in mind.” They left the tent and Devon collected some firewood from the pile she kept under a small tarp to keep it dry.
“You’re quite the girl scout aren’t you?”
Devon laughed. “Hardly! I’ve just learned from experience.”
Elaine retrieved the backpack that she had left next to a tree. From it she produced two foil-wrapped packages.
“I hope you don’t mind my campfire special.”
Devon finished placing the grate over the fire. “Right now I could eat tree bark. Anything is better than more freeze-dried stuff.”
Elaine smiled. “Hopefully you’ll find this a little more appetizing.”
“What is it we are having for lunch?”
“It’s a surprise.”
She edged the packets close to the fire where there would be sufficient heat for them to cook, but could still be easily retrieved.
“This is an interesting contraption.” Elaine indicated the grate over the fire.
“I had it fabricated at a metal shop. The holes are small enough to keep the embers in while letting the smoke and heat out. They made it so it’s foldable to fit in my pack.”
Elaine looked at the grate again and was amazed at the ingenuity of the design. “Is there anything you haven’t thought of?”
Devon walked over and dropped a lingering kiss on Elaine’s lips. “Probably, but I’ve learned a lot from trial and error.”
While the meal was cooking, Devon found a blanket. Elaine sat on a small foam pad with her back against a log. Devon slid between Elaine’s legs leaning back against her chest enjoying the strong arms that circled around her, holding her close. The snow that surrounded them made the air cold, but Elaine did a fine job of keeping Devon warm. At that moment Devon wouldn’t have cared if it was fifty below zero.
The aroma of food filled the air and the fire reflected just out of the corner of Devon’s eye. She turned and for the first time and noticed the rifle lying just a few feet from Elaine. Elaine observed the expression on Devon’s face as she looked at the rifle. Remembering the circumstances surrounding the death of Devon’s parents, Elaine asked, “Does it bother you?”
Devon turned to kiss her. “I thought it would, but it doesn’t.”
“You should carry one, you know.”
“I’ve been told that and I actually do have a gun, believe it or not. It is secured in my home safe.”
“I understand, but it doesn’t do you a lot of good there, when you are out here.” Elaine’s concern was evident. “What if an animal came after you?”
“Then a gun probably wouldn’t do me much good anyway. I doubt I would even hit the predator. No matter how much I practice, I can’t hit the broad side of a barn.”
Elaine laughed. Devon’s honesty was refreshing. She suppressed the alarming feeling that suddenly overcame her. She didn’t want anything happening to Devon. She had obviously survived on her own, but still, Devon shouldn’t take chances.
They continued to sit wrapped in each other’s arms until Devon’s stomach growled again. She pulled away slightly, “I think you said something about feeding me?”
Elaine couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, ma’am, I believe I did.”
She pulled the foil-wrapped packages out of the fire while Devon found plates and forks. Elaine carefully placed the grate back over the fire making certain that it was indeed doing its job.
Devon deeply inhaled the aroma of steak and vegetables. “I never fathomed that I would be eating steak on this assignment. A pleasant surprise, I must say.” She handed Elaine a bottle of water and settled next to her on the log pulling the blanket over their laps.
“God, this is delicious.”
“I’m sure it is, compared to tree bark.”
Devon bumped her playfully with her shoulder, but said nothing as she ate. Elaine was pleased to see that Devon was enjoying her meal. I want to hav
e dinner with her every night for the rest of my life. That thought had come out of nowhere and took Elaine completely by surprise. They finished eating quickly and tidied up.
Stomach satisfied, but not yet able to suggest a return to work, Devon settled back into Elaine’s arms, leaning her head back against Elaine’s shoulder. Devon could easily imagine doing this every night. So why does the thought scare me so damn much?
To prevent herself from dwelling on the unsettling question she said, “I thought most ranger cabins were located near an observation tower.”
“They are and we do have a tower at the top of this ridge.” Elaine said, pointing up. “But several years ago a fire came through here and burned down the old cabin. When we were trying to get to the blaze we created the road that leads up there now. It just seemed like the right place to rebuild. We designed this cabin with a glass front and deck so that a ranger could still see what was going on in the canyon below. It’s nice to have a cabin designed so that we can lock a generator nearby, keep a dry stack of wood and a collection tank for water. No one wants to be in the cabin with a fire sneaking over the ridge behind them.”
Devon shivered at the thought. “Do you work the tower?”
Elaine pulled her close trying to quell the shiver. “Satellites do most of that now. I have more training duties than anything else, but I get out in the field as often as I can. Since I made captain, I have a lot more paperwork to contend with.”
Devon turned to look at Elaine. “Is it standard protocol for you to be out here by yourself?”
“Not usually, but there isn’t much activity up here this time of year. Like I mentioned before, we have had some reports of poaching, but I haven’t seen any signs of it yet. Besides,” Elaine added with a lazy smile and wink, “not much paperwork followed me up here and I have a botanist to watch over.”
Devon poked Elaine in the ribs making her laugh again, before silencing her with a long deep kiss.
Chapter 13
Devon hated how slow her laptop was with the wireless card, even from the top of the ridge, happily ensconced on Elaine’s couch. Oh well, at least she was still able to access the Internet. She hurried through her work e-mails and let her supervisor know that she was ahead of schedule. She sent in her daily reports and analysis and then turned to her sister’s e-mail.
Hey Sis,
I’m sure Stacey is keeping you updated. I spoke with Phillip today. He said it put his mind at ease that Stacey is so attentive. She is driving me crazy, can’t you talk to her? Your nephew is kicking the hell out of me. I think he may become a soccer player! The doctor keeps saying it will be a couple of weeks. Didn’t he say that a couple of weeks ago? I can’t wait to get his foot out of my ribs! I miss you. Be safe. Come home soon.
I love you,
Raine
Devon smiled as she read her sister’s message. She wished she could be there to feel her nephew kick. She looked across the room at Elaine and was once again torn between her desire to be with her sister and to stay right where she was.
Elaine caught her looking. “Is everything okay?”
Devon smiled reassuringly. “Yes. I just read an e-mail from Raine. She told me about my nephew kicking.” Her smile grew distant and wistful, almost sad. “I miss my sister.”
Elaine’s voice was a bit tighter as she said, “You’ll be able to go home and see her soon.”
After a moment she tore her gaze from Elaine’s redirecting it to her e-mail. She noticed another e-mail from Stacey, but before opening it she typed a quick reply to Raine. She wanted to reassure her that she would be back for the birth of the baby and tell her how much she missed her. Nothing would keep her from being there for her sister and her nephew, even if she was conflicted.
Devon patiently waited for Stacey’s message to open, once again slightly frustrated at the poor connection she had while in the field.
Hey Love,
Took Raine to the doctor again today. The most recent due date seems to be correct. He said that while she still has some time, there is little doubt that she will go into labor sooner than he originally thought. Everything is good here. Your plants look beautiful. We definitely need to talk when you get back. I have something that I need to discuss with you. How are things with the Ranger?
Take care. I love you.
Stacey
Devon frowned as she reread Stacey’s e-mail. She had something that she needed to talk to her about? What on earth could that mean? As her eyes scrolled to the last question she couldn’t help but smile as she hit the reply tab on the open window.
Hey Stace-
I’m writing you from her cabin! Working like a dog, but I now have a standing invite for dinner and a shower and...you fill in the rest. And before you ask, because I know you will, yes, the sex is still amazing. In fact, I have yet to find anything about her that isn’t amazing. I’ll have to tell you more later.
Please don’t make me worry, just tell me what you need to talk to me about.
I love you,
Dev
Devon absentmindedly pulled another mint leaf from her bag as she set her laptop aside. For a moment she was content just to watch Elaine chew on her lip as she studied the book in her hands. Elaine sitting there in her boxers and tank top was much too tempting. Devon’s heart skipped and she had no idea how this woman had such power over her. Before she even realized she was moving, Devon was across the room. Without a word she found Elaine’s hand and gave it a gentle tug. Elaine’s eyes met hers and Devon was helpless to look away as she led them both across the room and to bed.
In the early morning light, Elaine watched as Devon slept. She had spent the last several days searching for signs of the poachers while Devon continued her research. In the evenings, they would each work. Elaine completed her reports while Devon documented her research. When Elaine finished her own work she helped Devon sift through the piles of data that she had collected. Devon was exceedingly pleased and grateful that Elaine was willing and capable of helping her. Once work was done, they would share dinner, a shower and hours of lovemaking.
It had been idyllic. And now it was almost over. Real life was waiting.
In the early light of dawn it was easy for Elaine to imagine waking up with Devon every day. She was beautiful and Elaine loved waking her with gentle kisses and caresses. Thoughts of parting made Elaine’s heart ache and for a while it was easy to think it would all work out somehow, dating when they both went home, being together enough even when new assignments would call them both away for months at a time.
Devon’s departure was imminent—she had maybe three or four days of research left. Elaine could be leaving as early as then provided they found the poachers or no more reports of slaughtered animals came in.
The future was rushing at them. She worried that neither of them could talk about it. It was too much, too soon, too risky—when their time here in this cabin was so very simple. But the bottom line was Elaine couldn’t imagine not seeing Devon again. Something would have to work out.
Chapter 14
“Hey, Elaine, are you there?” A burst of static followed.
Damn! Elaine jumped out of bed and hurried across the cold floor to the radio.
“Yeah, Brad. Go ahead.”
“Donovan is in the lower basin and heard shots. He could probably use some backup.”
“Tell him I’m on my way.”
Devon shifted and sat on the edge of the bed. She stretched and Elaine tore her gaze from the alluring sight. Shots fired meant no good, least of all for Donovan.
“I should probably be heading out, too.”
Elaine gently pushed Devon back onto the bed. “Please don’t go back to your camp today. This has got to be the poachers and these people are stupid, scared and armed. I need to make sure you will be out of harm’s way.”
“But…”
“Please, Devon?”
Devon wanted to argue but the look in Elaine’s eyes convinced her and she no
dded in agreement.
Elaine quickly dressed and motioned toward the radio. “I’ll let you know when I’m on my way back.”
“Be careful.” Devon’s strained gaze strayed to Elaine’s rifle. “Please be careful.”
“I always am.” Elaine gave her a reassuring smile as she strapped on her belt and gun. “Go back to sleep.” Elaine flashed a cocky grin as she grabbed the rifle next to the door and headed out without another word.
It didn’t take Elaine long to reach Donovan, though her bones felt jolted by the pace she’d driven over the snow, slush and mud-choked roads.
“Hey Cap! How was the drive down?”
“Pretty good. What do we have?”
“Bear shot over in the field. It’s definitely a fresh kill.”
“A bear out this early?”
Donovan shrugged, looking as perplexed as she felt.
“Any sign of the shooter?”
“No, it looks like maybe they’ve cleared out.”
“Keep your eyes open. We can’t be too careful.”
Donovan nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
Elaine slung her rifle over her shoulder. “Let’s take a look.”
He led her to the bear that had been killed and was left where it had fallen. The sight of the dead animal made her sick. She just couldn’t imagine why someone would shoot this magnificent creature for sport. Many poachers killed the wildlife because they were after the fur or something else the animal had to offer, but these kills seemed pointless. They had taken nothing, skinned nothing; simply killed the innocent animal and moved on.
Judging by the way the bear had fallen they figured the poachers had probably shot from the north tree line. Not wanting to be surprised by the hunters, she and Donovan split up, staying in visual range of each other. Elaine doubted they would still be at the edge of the clearing, but she wasn’t willing to take any chances. They headed toward the trees, thankful the poachers weren’t able to hide their boot prints in the remaining snow.
With the exchange of a look Elaine and Donovan both removed their rifles from their shoulders, carrying them instead barrel down. Elaine motioned for Donovan to stay to the trees and stay alert. They both knew the drill. They had been trained in similar scenarios and this wasn’t the first time either of them had to deal with the real thing.