Free Love's Dream Song by Sandra Leesmith Page A

operating the ranch, as long as he could continue his extracurricular work for the government.
    “I’m getting the picture now,” Connie stated.
    “Good. Let’s get back to camp before we’re missed.”
    That statement brought Jess upright. He grabbed Autumn’s waist and shoved her between two towering rocks.
    Rough stone pressed into his flesh on one side and the soft curves of Autumn’s body on the other. They both held their breath as the pair passed by. Connie stumbled and complained while Wayne helped her along.
    Silence again claimed the night until a coyote’s howl seemed to say it was safe to come out. Autumn edged away, leaving a draft of crisp air.
    “We’d better get back, too,” she said, a note of concern in her voice.
    “No.” He pulled on her arm to stop her from following. He didn’t want to take a chance that the pair would see them. “Let’s wait a little longer.”
    She tugged against his hold. He stared down at her profile in the moonlight—the high cheekbones and straight nose. He knew exactly how to delay her. It would be in the line of duty.
    Her long hair draped her shoulders. He tangled his fingers in the silky strands and eased her close. At first she resisted, but when his lips brushed hers, she melted against him. That action sent his own mind flying. Forgotten were the words they’d just overheard. Forgotten was his special assignment. He even forgot who he was and where they were. Every sense focused on the magic of her touch and the lightning that charged through his body when his lips pressed against hers.
    Alarmed, Jess pulled back. He read the surprise in her eyes and quickly masked his own.
    “Just a delay tactic,” he explained, annoyed at the huskiness in his voice.
    She didn’t respond. Her eyes shone in the moonlight, reminding him of the black stones—the Apache tears—that Daya always wore around her neck.
    He wouldn’t apologize. “It’s clear. We can go back now.”
    For what seemed like an endless second, she remained unmoving. Then, just as abruptly as his last move, she swiveled and strode toward camp. Jess breathed a sigh of relief as he followed.
    It was difficult to believe he’d been near her one whole day. It seemed like a week. He’d give overtime to his ranch hands to be with them now. They’d be bickering over positions for the roundup. He’d bet on it. Even Charlie’s coffee wouldn’t be as bitter as the taste now in his mouth.
     
    The second day of the dig dawned and Autumn quickly arose. Yesterday had gone smoothly, but today could be another matter. The excitement of the new discovery was bound to keep emotions running high. Her own nerves were already taut.
    The sun wouldn’t reach the canyon floor for hours because of the high walls. That didn’t stop the eager group from arising at the first traces of light. They barely took time to heat coffee and down a quick breakfast before climbing the cliffs to the ruins. Autumn followed them as they explored the rooms built in the overhang. She should have been caught up in the excitement of the moment, but in spite of her efforts, her interest flagged.
    Over and over again, she played the scene of the night before with Jess. What had their kiss meant to him? It had devastated her, bringing up a flood of memories, sensations, and emotions she’d buried deep in her heart.
    Love flowed through the broken cracks of her composure as she stole glances at the rancher. Lines splayed from his eyes and etched one cheek. Had he spent a sleepless night, also? He eased from sight behind one of the reporters and Autumn returned her attention to Dr. Davidson, who was gathering the crowd together on the shelf that overlooked the canyon.
    “You can see that the women sat here to gossip and grind corn.” The professor pointed to the shallow holes in the rock floor.
    His remark drew a few chuckles until one of the scientists spoke up. “These ruins are impressive, but nothing I’ve seen so far proves