Page 1 of River

1

River

I glancedover at Kat as she diligently typed away on her iPad. “Are you already working?” I inquired.

She raised her head, and those beautiful silver eyes met mine. Her hair, usually in a bun on top of her head, was down for the first time in the two years she’d been part of our team. I was surprised to see the long braid down her back.

She looked stunning. Her skin was flawless, and her lips—well, I shouldn’t be thinking about them, but I was. Her husband was one lucky bastard. My eyes wandered down her body, just like they always did when I had the chance.

I couldn’t help but blurt out, “What color is your hair?”

Instantly, I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth. Why the fuck did I ask that?

Kat took a deep breath, something she always seemed to do whenever I entered the room, like she was preparing herself. “I’m writing up notes from this morning’s meeting. My hair is dark brown—sable, to be exact,” she replied. “Why do you ask? You’ve known me for two years, and it’s always been this color.” She narrowed her eyes at me.

I stammered,cursing myself for being an idiot. “No reason, just curious,” I mumbled. She raised her eyebrows, an expression she often wore in response to my strange comments, then returned her attention to the iPad.

I wanted to reach over and touch her skin to see if it was as soft as it looked. I was starting to lose it with Kat being this close to me. I shouldn’t have sat down next to her. The plane seemed closed in with her this close.

I was losing it, sitting this close to her. I shouldn’t have chosen the seat next to her, especially with all these empty seats around. What was wrong with me? Did I enjoy torturing myself? Apparently, I did. Her scent was driving me wild. I was grateful for the stack of papers in my lap—otherwise, it would’ve been obvious how aroused I was.

I hoped I didn’t have to fire her, but she’s too damn hot. She radiated sex appeal, and for the past two years, I’d done everything in my power to ignore it. I took out my phone and began making notes about the fire in Texas.

As former Army Special Forces personnel, my team and I work together to save lives. Sometimes, we help put out Dereck fires. Because of our experience handling these situations overseas, we are called upon to assist within the United States.

It’s a difficult job, but the relief on people’s faces when we arrive to contain the fires makes it worthwhile. I glanced over at Kat, who seemed a little antsy; stealing glances at me every so often.

Our business was primarily high-security; we went overseas to rescue soldiers caught up in saving the lives of other soldiers.

We are all Army Special Forces, and we are all the best atwhat we do. That’s why we are constantly called upon to handle the most dangerous missions.

As soon as we landed, I sensed Kat had something important to say. “Just spit it out,” I said, glancing over at her.

“These fires are dangerous,” she began, her voice edged with concern. “I know you’ve dealt with them before, but I have to say it anyway. The fire needs to be capped before anyone dies. As long as the oil spills, it’ll keep burning. We should also call in another team to handle the fire moving toward town. That way, we don’t have to split up.”

She twisted her hands together like she was nervous. “Not that I’m trying to tell you how to do your job,” she whispered.

I was puzzled about why she needed to tell me something I’d already taken care of. Was she concerned about our team working on this fire? We were well aware of the dangers. She never ceased to amaze me with her knowledge.

“It sounds like you are telling us what to do. But I’m sure you don’t mean it that way. Tell me what you know about these fires?” I asked.

Kat bit her lower lip, a habit of hers that I found more and more distracting. I couldn’t help but stare at her lips—soft, inviting, and never chapped.

I wanted more than anything to suck that bottom lip into my mouth. My eyes stared at it as my cock grew hard. It was a habit of hers that I found enticing, and I’d rather not dwell on it any longer. Damn it. I needed to focus.

“I know a lot about these fires. They’re the kind of fires my dad and brothers deal with,” she replied. I used to work with my father and brothers here in Texas.”

I felt a jolt of surprise. Why do I feel like I am learning more about her than ever before? “So you have a dad? Ofcourse, you do. That was a dumb question. Sorry. So, you come from a firefighting family? Makes sense. Where are they now?”

“My family is spread out across the country. My parents and a couple of brothers live in Texas,” she muttered as she stood up to get off the plane. The rest of our team followed suit, and we exited the company plane.

I noticed Kat walking in front of me. Instead of her usual work attire of skirts, dresses, and high heels, she was wearing tight jeans and a silk blouse. Today, she wore cowboy boots like she was used to wearing them.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if my dad and brothers were already there at the site waiting for you guys,” Kat muttered, though I heard her.

“What? Your family still fights these fires?” I asked, surprised. She was walking fast, as if to hurry and get away from me.

“I haven’t been home in three years. But to answer your question, yes, they do. I doubt they would ever quit. It gets in your blood and won’t leave. My family thinks they are the only ones who can put these fires out. Calling your team was a big deal for them.”

---