Free Soul of the Wildcat by Devyn Quinn Page B

life. Her pulse banged in her throat, echoing the need pulsing in her core.
    With a moan, Dakoda eased back. “Whoa,” she breathed. “I didn’t see this one coming.”
    A low chuckle escaped him. “I think you did.”
    Hand leaving her breast, Jesse’s fingers fumbled at the front of her uniform jacket, working open the buttons. About halfway down, he paused, giving her a look as if to ask permission.
    A wicked gleam danced in the depths of his dark gaze. “May I continue?”
    Dakoda’s heart tripped against her ribcage. “Don’t stop now.” Slowly, she drew in a breath, a tremor of yearning passing through her. She needed this glorious man as much as she needed the air in her lungs. On the trail of the female he desired, he’d stalked her down, relentless in his pursuit of what he wanted, what he needed.
    I need it, too , she thought. Something else to concentrate on that would offer a brief solace from the tragedy and tension suddenly consuming her life. For the moment they were simply two people who needed each other.
    Desperately.

7
    H ands trembling, Jesse fumbled his way through the remaining buttons. He slid the jacket off her shoulders, tugging it down her arms. “Man, they sure do put you rangers in a lot of clothing.”
    Dakoda laughed and reached for her shirt. “They want us looking sharp, even when we’re out in the middle of freaking nowhere.” She quickly peeled off the layer of clothing, leaving only her plain white bra on. Fancy lingerie was never her style. She preferred to keep her wardrobe simple. “God, I was sure I was going to burn to a crisp in this thing. Khaki or not, it sure isn’t comfortable in the heat.”
    Smiling, Jesse gave a low whistle. “Nice.” Using the tips of his fingers, he outlined the cups snugly hugging her breasts.
    Dakoda glanced down and frowned. “Sorry there’s not much there. I barely made a 32A.”
    Jesse eyed her breasts. “More than a mouthful is a waste.” His hands skimmed down her flat belly, reaching for the top button of her stained khaki slacks. He snapped it open. “Truth be told, I’m a leg man. I like long, silky legs.” Her zipper crunched down, the grate of metal filling the small cell with an explosive, erotic weight. He began to slip her slacks down her hips.
    Dakoda giggled. “I think the boots have to come off before those do.”
    Jesse looked down at her boots. He sucked in a breath. “Oh. Guess so.” Pulling out a chair from the nearby table, he guided her toward it. “I think I can handle those.”
    Dakoda sat, sticking out a leg. “Here you go.”
    Jesse knelt with all the grace of the feline inside him. Pushing up the cuff of her pants, he untied the laces of her heavy hiking boots. “Man, these things must weigh a ton.” He tugged the boot off and set it aside.
    Dakoda sighed gratefully, wiggling her toes in relief. “My feet were beginning to feel like lead weights.”
    Jesse stripped off her white sock, tucking it inside the boot. He began to work the top of her foot, massaging each of her toes. “Feel better?” Moving from toe to ankle, he continued stroking the sole of her foot, first gently, then with increased pressure.
    As she tilted her head back, a low moan broke from her throat. “Oh, my God. I think I’ve just died and gone to heaven.” His strong fingers felt good, filling her with a sense of well-being. Her aching muscles relaxed, a little of the pain draining away as the tension deep inside her gut slowly began to unravel. It was amazing how the simple touch of another human being could calm and soothe.
    Jesse slipped off her other boot, repeating the sensual massage. Making circular motions with his thumb and fingers over the sole of her foot, he applied more pressure as he worked every sensitive inch. The man knew his business when it came to