Free The Target by Gerri Hill Page B

eyebrows rising mischievously. “Yes, Sara? Why don’t you?” Jaime playfully captured her hand and tried to pull her deeper into the water.
    “Behave or I’ll be forced to hurt you,” Sara said.
    Jaime laughed but did not release her hold. “What if I promise I won’t look?”
    Celia laughed and clapped her hands. “Don’t believe her!”
    “Hey, whose side are you on?” Jaime asked.
    “Yours, of course.”
    “I see. Ganging up on me, huh?” Sara tried to pull her hand away.
    “Yes, we are.” Jaime smiled, refusing to let her go.
    Jaime stood up, the water reaching only to her waist. Sara’s breath caught at the sight standing before her. Droplets of water clung to her breasts and Sara stared as one slowly traveled down Jaime’s breast to her nipple. The hand that was still holding hers tightened and she brought her eyes up, colliding with Jaime’s. The brown eyes darkened and she felt her heart quicken its pace.
    “Take it off,” Jaime whispered.
    Sara shook her head.
    “Please?”
    Sara was aware of how quiet it was, aware that the others were watching them with anticipation. She knew it was pure insanity but she wanted to be a part of their group. So, she took one hand and slowly slipped her straps off her shoulders. She saw Jaime’s breath catch and she smiled.
    “Turn around,” she instructed quietly.
    “What would be the fun in that?”
    But Jaime released the hand she had been holding and obediently turned around, pausing to wink at Celia. The other woman smiled broadly at her. Jaime finally heard a splash and quickly turned, just in time to see a nicely rounded backside dip under the water. Sara resurfaced in the middle of the pool, water up to her shoulders.
    “See? Isn’t that better?”
    “Much.” Sara slicked her hair back and let out a contented sigh.
    Yes, it was glorious. But as Jaime came closer, Sara laughed and splashed water in her face. “Behave.”
    The other women laughed and Jaime splashed back at Sara then moved a safe distance away.
    “Ms. Michaels? Are you dating anyone?” Celia innocently asked.
    Jaime hid her smile as Sara stared at Celia.
    “Actually, no. I’m not.” Sara cleared her throat. “Why do you ask?”
    “Oh, just … curious.”
    “Uh-huh,” Sara murmured. She slid her eyes to Jaime, raising an eyebrow. Jaime only shrugged and dipped below the water again.
    They stayed in the pool for another hour, then one by one they started getting out, most to grab dirty clothes to rinse out in the springs. It was only then that Sara realized her position. Her swimsuit was flung on a faraway rock. And Jaime was still in the water, a satisfied grin on her face.
    “Now what are you going to do?” Jaime asked with a laugh.
    “Can’t stay in here all night.”
    “Yes, you’re right. I can’t, can I?” So, she gave Jaime a dose of her own medicine. She stood and walked slowly to the edge of the pool, the water dripping off her naked body. She had the pleasure of seeing Jaime slip on a rock as she stared. Serves her right, she thought.
    “Oh my God,” Jaime whispered. She looked around for Celia.
    “Did you see that?”
    “Sure did.”
    “She’s beautiful.”
    “Nice body.”
    “Nice? That’s not nice. That’s … magnificent.”
    Celia moved closer to her. “I think she likes you.”
    “Oh yeah?”
    “Yeah. She kept looking for you when you were gone. And she must have asked Sandra a hundred times if you were coming back.”
    “She did?” Then Jaime playfully nudged Celia. “Thanks, even though this conversation is fast approaching the high school level.”
    Jaime watched as Sara disappeared into her tent and her smile faded. She would have to tell her tonight. Tell her that she was only here because she was a cop and she was supposed to be watching her. And then, no doubt, all the fun would be gone. Sara would be furious.
     
    Sara changed into her one pair of sweatpants, then took her dirty jeans and underclothes back to the springs to