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always see eye to eye. Generally, the Park Service had more contact with the public and as Elaine had been reminded many times, the millions of visitors to National Parks each year made a significant contribution to the economy. She didn’t envy the park rangers who had to deal so frequently with tourists. That’s one reason why she had decided on the U.S. Forest Service. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe that protecting people was as important as protecting the land, it was that deep inside the forest she felt comfortable. Specializing in law enforcement and firefighting kept her out of most of the politics too. It was home.
    Elaine glanced at her watch. It had been several days and she knew she should check in on Dr. McKinney. Tomorrow she would need to do that. She tried, in vain, to convince herself that she was just doing her job, but the quickening of her heartbeat when she reflected on their first brief encounter was both terrifying and exhilarating. As she surveyed the area, she noticed the flush of her cheeks in the rearview mirror and rolled down her window to let in a cold breeze.

    Elaine rose early, dressed and was ready to head out with the rising of the sun. She hadn’t slept very well and had awoken several times throughout the night. It was going to be a beautiful day and she was just anxious to face it. Yes, surely that was it. It certainly didn’t have anything to do with Devon McKinney.
    Elaine was well down the trail when she paused. She had always tried to be honest with herself, although she hadn’t always been successful. But still she didn’t consciously lie to herself and she wasn’t going to start now. She knew her inner voice was right. She shifted the rifle on her shoulder to stop it from bumping her canteen. She was acting like a greenhorn, fumbling nervously. There was nothing wrong with being curious about someone. Why wouldn’t she be curious about the most attractive woman she had ever met? She wiped her suddenly sweaty palms on her pants before continuing on.
    Elaine arrived at Devon’s camp just as Devon was slinging a pack onto her shoulder. “Going somewhere?”
    Devon spun around on her heel, looking both startled and shocked, but the slow smile that spread across Devon’s face made Elaine’s stomach suddenly jump and she immediately became aware of the slight perspiration between her breasts.
    “Just going down the river a bit to gather some data.”
    Elaine repositioned the rifle on her shoulder. “I’ll walk with you.”
    Devon’s mouth opened and closed as though she was going to protest, but instead she simply nodded and mumbled, “All right.”
    They walked in silence for several minutes. Elaine was taking note of the way Devon unconsciously avoided stepping on plants, much the way she herself did. She was delighted that she didn’t have to slow her pace for Devon who kept up easily.
    “How’s the research coming?”
    Devon dodged a tree. “Some of the foliage away from the river’s edge is promising, but I won’t really know until I can get some samples back to the lab.”
    “When do you head back?”
    “I need to have everything finished up here in about three to four weeks.”
    “Do you think that’s enough time? The last researcher was up here for almost two months.”
    “It has to be.” At Elaine’s inquisitive stare, Devon went on to explain.
    “My sister is pregnant and she’s due in about six weeks, but the doctor thinks she might deliver early. There’s no way I’m going to miss that.”
    Elaine digested the information. “Congratulations. First time aunt?”
    “Yes. I’m so excited. I would have delayed this assignment, but my sister insisted that I come. I’ve learned not to argue with her, especially now that she’s eight months pregnant.”
    “I’m a little surprised that you are on this assignment solo. I didn’t think the EPA would let you come up here alone, especially at this time of year.”
    Devon arched an eyebrow as