Free The Target by Gerri Hill Page A

flowed into a pool that was nearly bubbling as hot thermal water escaped the cracks underground and formed the springs. It was as Jaime had said, the size of a swimming pool.
    “I vote we stay three days,” Sandra said.
    Sara smiled and dropped her pack, her eyes still glued to the water. It was absolutely beautiful. One of the prettiest sights she had ever seen. Again she turned, looking around for Jaime. Damn the woman. She’d only been with them six days. How could she possibly have gotten used to her being around in that short of time?
    After the tents were set up, everyone changed and hurried into the hot springs. Sara noticed that not one woman discarded her swimsuit this time. She, too, changed into her one-piece suit and joined them. They were all enjoying the water, but not like they had the last time. Conversations were quiet and she realized that in only a few short days, Jaime’s presence, or lack thereof, was a major influence on the group. Again, she looked down the trail, hoping to catch sight of her.
    Submerging into the warm water, she let out a satisfied moan as her body was enveloped. She, too, missed the chatter of the other woman—and the unlimited stories she seemed to have at her disposal.
    Jaime was able to reach them on a different level, Sara realized.
    Instead of telling them not to leave food out, she told them of a time a bear had come looking for food. Instead of simply telling them not to drink the water, she told them of a time when someone had taken a drink. Sara knew with this group, and with all the others, she had missed connecting with them on that level. She was their counselor, teacher … but never friend. And she, like the others, missed Jaime’s presence now.
    Finally, after nearly thirty minutes of quiet talk, she spotted the familiar figure walking up the trail. A relieved smiled touched her face before she could stop it.
    “It’s Jaime,” Celia said and pointed.
    “About time,” Sandra yelled.
    Jaime waved and tossed her pack on the ground, then bent to untie her boots. Sara knew that she was about to be confronted with another display of nakedness. So did the others. Jaime walked slowly toward them, hands on her hips.
    “What have I told you about the rules, ladies? Clothing is not allowed in hot springs. Jesus, what am I going to do with you?”
    Sara stared as jeans were dropped and T-shirt was flung. Then, almost in slow motion, black panties this time were shed and a completely naked Jaime Hutchinson stood on a rock and executed a perfect shallow dive into the hot springs. She rose out of the water like a goddess, her eyes finding Sara’s immediately.
    “I thought you were in charge,” Jaime teased. “Why do they all have clothes on?”
    “Not for long,” Abby said loudly as she dipped below the water and came up flinging her swimsuit upon the rocks. Soon, nine others followed and the pool was reduced to a playground for eleven naked women.
    Sara laughed at their exuberant play, especially Sandra, who was floating on her back in the middle of the pool, not at all self-conscious as she splashed water on Jaime only to have the other woman dunk her under. Sandra came up spitting and laughing.
    “God, I love this.” She splashed down again. “I feel almost thin in this water.”
    “Sandra, honey, you look great just the way you are,” Jaime insisted.
    Sandra beamed a smile at her. “Now why can’t I find a man just like you?”
    Jaime’s eyes widened in mock disbelief. “A man ? You’re comparing me to a man? I’m very offended.”
    “If I was into women, I’d already have you wrapped up, young lady,” Sandra teased the other woman.
    Everyone laughed, including Sara. It was only then that Sara realized they all must know Jaime is gay. And even then, here they were, all stripped naked without a concern in the world. She never would have thought it possible. Not with this group.
    “Sarge? Why don’t you join us?” Celia asked.
    Jaime walked closer,