Free Wildfire by Lynn James Page B

“Captain” rolling off of Devon’s tongue made her whole body quiver. As much as she enjoyed the sound of it, she decided it was much too official.
    “Dr. McKinney, you don’t have to be quite so formal. You are welcome to call me Elaine, you know?”
    “Okay, Elaine, but only if you call me Devon. And please do. I never quite get used to being called Dr . McKinney.”
    Elaine knew she should address the kiss at some point. She sat quietly pondering how to approach the subject. Finally, she muttered, “Um, about yesterday. I’m sorry for kissing you. I don’t know what got into me. I hope you will forgive my impulsiveness.”
    Devon, even more confused than before, didn’t know what to say. “Okay. Well, let’s just chalk it up to a lapse in judgment. On both our parts. Fair enough?”
    Elaine nodded, glad that neither wanted to make a federal case out of it. She knew deep down that it wouldn’t be that easy to put it behind them, but at least they had acknowledged it. She decided work was the safest topic. “How are the samples looking?”
    Devon was well aware that botany bored most people, even forest rangers. But as they ate, Elaine continued to ask questions that showed she was not only listening, but was actually interested. Devon found herself telling Elaine everything about the tests she had taken right after the spill and the results of what she was currently working on.
    They shared stories of their personal experiences during the spill, both agreeing that they had obviously not met during that time.
    Their conversation began to gravitate from work to their personal lives. They exchanged stories about how they had gotten into their respective professions and neither noticed when the snow began to fall.
    “How long have you been a ranger?”
    Elaine mentally counted. “It has been fourteen years now, I guess.”
    “How long have you been captain?”
    Elaine smiled as she reflected on her career, “About three years. I would probably be further along if I could bring myself to play politics.”
    Devon returned her smile. “Why, Captain Thomas, I would not have pictured you as a rebel.”
    “This coming from a rogue botanist!”
    Devon’s smile widened and she shrugged. “I can’t say I particularly like the politics myself.”
    Elaine arched an eyebrow. “I’m sure you are far better with it than I am.”
     “Probably, but you chose a profession where you are out in the field. You are out there every day.” Devon gestured toward the mountains beyond the windows. “You spend your days in the forests. I’ve had to earn that right. I’ve always been good at research, tucked away in the lab and I’ve always loved plants. So it made sense for me to become a botanist, but it has been difficult for me to prove that I need to be where I can do the most good. And sometimes, well, a lot of times, that’s in the field.”
    Elaine nodded in understanding. She went to the fridge to get them each another beer. She opened a bottle and set it in front of Devon, who hadn’t been shy about getting a second helping of dinner. Elaine wasn’t sure if Devon just enjoyed the chili because it wasn’t freeze dried or if she actually liked it. Either way, Elaine was glad to see Devon indulging in another bowl.

    Several hours later, after the dishes had long been washed and the fire was burning low, Elaine headed for the bathroom in her stocking feet to take a shower. Alone for the first time, Devon studied the cabin. The room was small, but cozy. Or perhaps Devon found the cabin comfortable because of the company. It had been a long time since she was able to talk to someone other than her family or co-workers about her job. The more they talked the more Devon realized that they shared common interests and the conversation was genuine and comfortable.
    Maybe Elaine wasn’t a puzzle after all, but then again, what was with her kissing and running? And then apologizing?
    Several minutes later Elaine emerged