Page 35 of The Smokejumper's Lady
It’s the anniversary of the day Ryan found me in that cave, hiding from the flames. The day I fell hard, in love with him even though I didn’t know it at the time. He changed my life. And I’m about to remind him just how much.
I lean back against the cool rock wall beside the small cave near the river. I chose this spot on purpose, of course. It’s secluded, the water’s sparkling in the sun, and the little waterfall beside me adds a hint of drama to the setting.
I’m wearing my special outfit—a custom “tour guide” uniform that wouldn’t pass any HR standards. A tiny khaki skirt with nothing underneath, a sleeveless shirt tied just under my breasts, and hiking boots that I know he likes because of what they do to my calves.
I sent him a text ten minutes ago:
Emergency down by the river. Come quick. Bring hands.
He should be here any second.
And right on cue, I hear crashing footsteps through the trees, followed by his deep, gravelly voice, rough with concern.
“Clea? What the hell’s going on? Are you okay?”
I wait. Count to three. Then step into view.
His footsteps halt.
I smirk. “Tour guide Clea reporting for duty, sir.”
Ryan’s mouth drops open just enough to make my stomach flip. Then it curves into a slow, dangerous grin.
“Jesus Christ, woman,” he mutters, striding toward me. “You scared the hell outta me.”
I grin wider. “Sorry, Captain Caveman. Thought you liked a little danger.”
He stops in front of me, his eyes doing a full-body scan that makes my skin prickle.
“You’re lucky I didn’t come down here in full rescue mode.”
“Mm,” I hum, tugging at the knot in my shirt, loosening it just slightly. “Maybe you should have…”
His nostrils flare. “You mean you’re just trying to be a reckless pain in my ass?”
“Exactly.”
I grab his hand and tug him toward the cave wall. The sound of the waterfall masks everything—nature’s soundtrack for what’s about to go down.
“I should scold you,” he says, pressing me against the stone, his fingers curling under my jaw. “Scare me like that again and I’ll…”
“You’ll what?” I whisper.
He leans in, mouth at my ear. “I’ll remind you exactly who you belong to.”
Chills race down my spine. “I’m counting on it.”
He lifts me effortlessly, pinning me between the cave wall and his chest. I wrap my legs around him and he growls into my neck when he realizes I’m not wearing any underwear, mouth dragging along my pulse.
“God, I love you,” he mutters. “You drive me insane.”
I laugh, breathless. “That’s the goal.”
His hips roll against mine, rough denim brushing right where I want it. The thrill of being outside, half-dressed and fully his, has my blood humming. It’s always like this with us. Still wild. Still hot enough to melt through stone.
Lifting my head, I kiss him hard, my mouth claiming his. It tastes like home. Like the beautiful dream I’ve lived in for the past three years. My lips move hungrily over his, desperate, like he might disappear before I can get my fill.
“Clea,” he breathes, cupping my face, his tongue sliding deep into my mouth. “Baby…”
