Backing away, I refused to fall prey to my own fears or to a game some asshole might be playing. Including the creep at the dive bar. I also wasn’t a fool, realizing that I was far enough away from my neighbors they wouldn’t heard me scream.
Being the smart girl I’d learned to be, I headed inside the house where I locked and checked all the doors. And windows.
Not once but twice.
Now I could continue worrying in peace and quiet.
And hopefully while having filthy erotic dreams.
CHAPTER 20
Viper
The sky was painted a deep purple, the perfect hue of a deep, muscular bruise after only a few hours. Neither the orange haze of the continuing fire with its swirling billows of smoke nor the early morning light could dull the spectacular effects caused by the overnight storm.
Now, instead of the terrain being a terrarium of fallen limbs, ash, charred debris, and leftover moss, the surrounding area had a swampland feel. Even with the protective covering, slime and water had managed to seep through my boots.
We’d moved off the summit, forced to given the change in the wind. The storm had proven to be more unpredictable than what the forecasters had spouted off over the communications system.
We were all bone weary and dehydrated, finally taking a break. From the latest update, we were nowhere near being finished. But at least we’d managed to keep the flames from rolling down the hill to the university. Just before dark, the planes had rolledback through, dropping mud, the fire-retardant slurry creating acrid smoke.
We’d started on a level playing field, certain we could easily contain the fire. After our initial meeting, laying out designated safety areas and studying the fire on the geological map, we’d attacked. Mother Nature was enjoying fucking with us. It happened, but the surroundings were eerie, a dense fog created from smoke and moisture hovering just above the ground.
After wrestling out of my jacket, I thudded my butt on the ground, yanking off my mask. While the air was still smoky, I’d suddenly felt suffocated.
“Catch,” Raptor said as he tossed me a bottle of water he’d snagged from my jump bag.
“Thanks.” I rolled the wet plastic across my forehead, studying the mountain. There were several smaller fires the firefighters were tackling. Our job was to keep two larger fires from converging into one.
A tough task given the fucking inconsistent weather pattern.
Several glugs and I’d almost consumed the entire bottle. Raptor sat down beside me, Denver tossing his helmet before flipping down on the turf on his back, making snow angels in the muck.
Rock kicked his boot, glaring down at him. “Don’t get too comfortable. Hot off the presses. A flare-up on the backside of the summit. We’re headed back up the ravine.”
“Fuck,” another smokejumper groaned. “I thought we were making headway.”
“You thought wrong. We’ve barely made a damn dent. But hey, good news,” Rock spit out while glancing in my direction. “Wehave some help from some wildland guys who came in last night from Colorado.”
He didn’t need to tell me which crew he was referring to. They’d brought the group from the fire camp. My old stomping grounds.
The information wasn’t lost on Axe. He threw me a look that was definite shade before clawing his way to his feet. At least we were making progress.
Chuckling, I could tell even Rock was finished with his attitude. Whatever, I was here to do my job. Rock crowded his way to a prime spot close enough I had a feeling something was on his mind.
I finished off my water, crushing the bottle while he continued debating whether he wanted to share his thoughts or keep them to himself.
“You’re damn good at what you do, Viper. Just watch going off on your own. You gotta have Axe’s back.”
“I’m well aware,” I answered while seeing Axe taking a piss twenty-five or so feet away. “If the hardhead will let me.”
“When push comes to shove, your training will kick in.”
“What training?” I teased, but he couldn’t tell my mood had lightened. Maybe I’d become too damn serious.
Grumpy. Isn’t that what Grace had called me?
“So, I heard you were dating Mr. Weaver’s goddaughter.” Now the man had a shit-eating grin on his face.
