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preparation for fresh planting.”
    “It’s more cost effective to clear off the leaves before reaping the canes.”
    I cringed, having never been a fan of fire. “Isn’t that reckless? What if the fire goes out of control? I can’t believe the cost of monitoring a controlled burn over forty acres at a time is the most cost-efficient way of doing business.”
    Kai shrugged. “It’s really not a high profit business in this day and age. I expect the parent corporation will eventually shut it all down and sell the land.”
    “And how many people will be out of a job if it shuts down?” I knew these things were just as important in environmental policy decisions as the actual impact on the land.
    “About eight hundred.”
    Eager to get my elf senses up close and personal with the bare cane, I climbed out of the Jeep. A cloud of gray rose around my shoes.
    “Maui snow.” Kai grimaced, turning off the Jeep and sliding out to join me. “The smoke carries it into the neighboring areas and coats everything with this stuff. Cars, houses, lawns. Most people just stay inside with their houses sealed up when they’re burning and scrub it off later.”
    “Must be rough on asthma sufferers.” I reached down to touch the greasy, feather-light powder. Ugh, more than asthma patients would be suffering. The particulate matter was large enough that even healthy lungs would be irritated. The ash was mostly leaf debris, the greasy feel melted wax that coated the canes, protecting them from the flame. It clung to my hands in a dark smear.
    “It is. You really don’t want to be living near the fields if you’ve got respiratory issues.”
    I touched the canes, quickly analyzing them. This fire had burned exceptionally hot and fast, which explained the smoke at sunrise. The sugar cane company must wet down the areas they wanted to keep safe, such as the irrigation pipes clearly visible in the field. There also must be some way of containing the fire.
    “Are there firebreaks? How do they ensure the fire doesn’t jump and spread across the roads into the other crops or residential areas?”
    “Firebreaks plus their own water trucks around the perimeter and the local fire department on stand-by. Honestly, the cane fields are pretty much one huge mass of acreage. There are only a few spots where they border residential or business areas.”
    I nodded, my curiosity satisfied. “Thank you for bringing me out here. Things like this are kind of my passion.”
    There was an odd electric feel in the air. Kai grinned, her elbows propped against the hood of the Jeep as she leaned backward. My gaze roved over her athletic form, lingering at the inch of golden-brown skin between her shirt hem and waistband.
    Stop. Just stop. I wasn’t about to seduce and leave a potential friend with a lifetime of hunger and sorrow. If Kai revealed herself to be the kind that could easily have a fling without hurt, then fine. But if she was a woman who wanted more — well, I wouldn’t do that to her. Couldn’t do that to her.
    “No problem. Do you have time for lunch? I know a place nearby.” Her voice was casual. Hopeful.
    I hesitated, knowing full well there was strong attraction between us and not sure how I wanted to proceed. I liked Kai — really, really liked her. And I was going to be in her company for an hour or two every day this week. I didn’t want things to be uncomfortable between us, and I especially didn’t want to hurt her. I was still working on the whole succubus thing and didn’t trust myself. It was one thing to remain professional and in control with randy college boys and Lotharios, but could I do it with someone I liked as a friend?
    I breathed deep and made a decision. Irix wouldn’t be back for hours, and I was eager to spend more time with Kai. I enjoyed her company and respected her local knowledge. Kai might never make a world-class paddleboarder out of me, but she was smart and a blast to hang out with.
    “Absolutely.