Sam ignored her while petting Jake, enjoying the moment. Jake looked up at Halie and barked. "We shouldn't keep Jake waiting," Sam said.
"You are impossible," Halie said.
Surprisingly, getting Halie mounted on Coco and riding bareback wasn't any trouble. Getting her over her fear of horses took a little longer, but Sam eventually felt her relax. Sam enjoyed Halie's closeness behind her, her warmth, her arms snugly embracing her waist, her need for Sam to protect her. Sam's feelings for Halie ran deep, deeper than she wanted to admit. She never imagined she'd care so much for someone in such a short time. The intensity scared her, but also made her feel alive, something she hadn't felt since Tina's death.
She wanted so much to kiss Halie again and hold her. She cursed her no-visitor-dating rule and was so close to throwing it away. The rule didn't change the fact that one day Halie would be leaving and her heart would be broken anyway. Sam tried not to let Halie's eventual departure ruin the day. She'd deal with that another time. Today she vowed she'd live in the moment.
They rode at a leisurely pace through open grassland, the Teton Mountains watching over them to the north. Jake spotted a sage grouse and darted off after it then circled back and pranced along Coco's side, head held high as if he'd actually caught the grouse and had it clenched between his jaws. Grassland soon gave way to patches of trees and shrub that made their home along a winding creek crackling in the afternoon quiet. Sam reveled in the peacefulness and breathed in the crisp, fresh air.
"This has to be one of those ten best days," Halie whispered into Sam's ear. "The temperature's perfect, and the breeze blowing against my skin feels like a cool silk sheet slithering across my body."
"Thanks for sharing," Sam said. She swallowed hard as she envisioned Halie draped in nothing but a silk sheet. Halie certainly knew how to get her flustered. She felt Halie lean against her back, pressing her chest against her. Then she felt Halie nibble the lobe of her ear and kiss her neck.
Sam tilted her head. "Mmmm, you're--making me--lose my-- concentration," she groaned. "You are not playing fair back there."
"I thought I was being an angel, but I can change that if you like." Halie loosened her grip around Sam's waist and slid her hands onto Sam's inner thighs, stroking her gently, inching ever closer to her heated core.
Pressure built within Sam. She knew if she'd let Halie continue they'd never make it to the pond. "That's it, you asked for it. Hold on," Sam said and gave Coco a soft kick with her heals, leading him into a canter.
"Hey, no fair!" Halie yelled as she grabbed hold of Sam's waist. They rode until they reached a clearing where Sam brought Coco to a halt. She helped Halie down, then she slid off, holding onto his mane. The sun shone on the pond's surface, sending glistening flickers of light cascading back at them.
Halie squinted. "This is it, isn't it?"
To Sam this small sanctuary was a piece of paradise, untouched by the outside world. "Yeah, this is it," she said, leading Coco to the water. "It's the far end of the ranch property I showed you from the street. I love coming here. This place has such a positive and calming energy to it. I often think this is what heaven must be like."
"It's beautiful, Sam, but won't we get in trouble? What if the owner sees us?"
"She won't. She lives alone and she's old. I'm sure in her younger years she came back here, but I doubt anymore. Somehow I don't think she'd mind though, even if she knew."
"Why do you say that?"
"Rumor has it she's gay."
Jake ran off toward the pond. He pranced along the edge of the water, romping on anything that moved.
"Jake is hysterical," Halie said.
"He'll entertain himself like that for hours." Sam slid the blanket roll and loose saddlebags off Coco's back while he grazed. She moved toward Halie and unfurled the blanket on an open patch of grass. As soon as Sam straightened, Halie touched her shoulder. Sam turned and faced her.
Halie's eyes immediately searched out Sam's and held her captive. She placed her palm against Sam's chest. "Sam?" she whispered.
Sam's heartbeat quickened. Her body burned with the desire to touch Halie. "Yes?"
"Would you tell me now what you were thinking in the photo I took of you that evening near Jenny Lake?"
Sam remained silent for a moment, not certain how much to reveal at first, but then decided to tell Halie her exact thoughts. "I was picturing us in the future sitting in that same place, enjoying a picnic together. In my mind I was holding you in my arms and kissing you, like two lovers who'd been together for a long time, but feeling like it was our first time."
"I was hoping you'd say something like that." Halie took hold of Sam's hand, intertwining her fingers with her own and pulling her close until their bodies touched fully. She gently placed her lips on Sam's, kissing her softly and slowly, then with increased passion and intensity.
Sam's body tingled. She felt as though she was floating, her senses heightened to their peak. Her only focus at that moment was on Halie as all the other sounds surrounding them faded away.
Sam lifted Halie's sweater over her head and tossed it to the side. She undid the clasp of her lace bra, sliding the straps slowly from Halie's shoulder. Sam discovered the roundness and firmness of Halie's breasts and the flawlessness of her skin. She removed her own shirt and sports bra and wrapped herself tighter against Halie until their breasts touched fully.
Halie took Sam's right hand and moved it toward the button of her jeans. Sam undid it, then sank to her knees on the blanket with Halie, the hum of exhilaration passing between them. Sam kissed Halie passionately as her hands hurried to remove the remaining clothing keeping them apart. Sam's breaths quickened. Her fingers traced the wonders of Halie's silken body. No unwanted thoughts about the past. Nothing else existed for Sam in that moment other than to give Halie the pleasure she was seeking. Sam's naked body entwined with Halie's on the fibers of the cool cotton blanket.
"Oh, God, Sam, I need you. I've needed you since that day on the lake. Please don't stop," Halie breathed.
"I won't. Not this time. You make me feel things I can't put into words," Sam said, her face flush as they rocked against each other. Sam coveted the warmth and softness of Halie's skin against her own. She kissed the side of Halie's neck and the tender top of her shoulder, tasting the sweetness of her. Halie's fingertips strummed down Sam's muscled back. Shivers darted though her body. Sam let her hand glide along Halie's ribs, over her hip, and down the inside of her thigh.
"Now, Sam, now! Please don't make me wait any longer. I need you."
Sam acknowledged Halie's want. Their bodies moved together in one rhythmic motion, their souls connected. Halie dug her fingers into Sam's back, body arched, panting. She moaned as Sam felt her body shiver and pulse against her. Sam held her there as long as she could, until Halie's body relaxed and her breathing slowed.
They lay entwined together for a long moment, in silence. Then Halie whispered, "I think I'm in love with you, Samantha Takoda Tyler. I can't get enough of you."
"I feel the same way," Sam replied. "I never dreamed I'd meet someone as amazing as you." It was so easy and so right. She had never felt this complete.
The sun beat warm on Sam's skin as a mild breeze danced over her and the leaves from the trees rustled overhead. Halie caressed Sam's breasts. "Now it's my turn," Halie said in a sultry tone before kissing Sam tenderly on the lips. "I've been imagining this moment in my mind for weeks. I can't believe we're here together. It's too perfect. I don't ever want this time to end." Halie slid her thigh between Sam's legs, evoking a groan as Sam pushed against her. Halie moved her lips slowly down Sam's neck, kissing her along the way, advancing to the center of her chest. Her tongue circled Sam's right nipple, sucking and teasing it as her hand slid closer to Sam's center. Sam yearned for Halie to possess her. "God, I want you," she said.
"I want you too," Halie said. "More than you know." Halie expertly explored Sam's body, savoring the feel of every inch of her, ign
iting a fire in Sam that descended to her core. Sam clutched the blanket, overwhelmed by the waves of ecstasy pulsing through her, feeling as though she were going to explode. Moving as one with Halie, Sam thrust against her, savoring her touch, shuddering as her body surrendered to Halie. Flush and exhausted, Sam rolled to her side and snuggled next to Halie, pulling a corner of the blanket loosely over their shoulders.
Chapter Seventeen
THE FOLLOWING WORK week had passed calmly with no major incident. The time Sam spent with Halie was effortless and phenomenal. A few more hours and they'd be together for the weekend, in each other's arms again.
"Teton Dispatch, Four-two-zero," crackled over the radio.
Sam picked up the mic. "Four-two-zero go ahead."
"Need you to swing by Cottonwood Creek--routine check on the kids from the Teton Science School."
"Four-two-zero, on my way," Sam said, replacing the mic. "Hope you don't mind. This shouldn't take too long."
"Are you kidding?" Halie said. "This'll be great. I can definitely work this into my article if I can get in a few questions with them."
"I don't think that'll be a problem." Already having passed where she needed to be, Sam made a U-turn on Teton Park Road. She found she was having trouble concentrating, replaying her alone time with Halie in her mind and wanting nothing more than to be alone with her now, in a non-work setting. She parked in a picnic area near the trailhead leading to Cottonwood Creek next to another ranger vehicle. "That's strange. I wonder whose truck this is?"
"Why? Shouldn't it be here?"
"I don't think so."
Halie shrugged and exited the Expedition after Sam.
They hiked along the trail to Cottonwood Creek, the fresh scent of pine permeating the air. Soon they stood on a bluff overlooking a wide, shallow creek in the forefront of gray, jagged mountains, the creek's rhythmic sounds soothing to Sam's ears. The clear, swift moving water cascaded over the creek's rocky bottom, reflecting a pearl blue sky. A narrow pine tree near the bank made a nice resting-place for a red tailed hawk eyeing its prey. The view was a sight for anyone to behold. Halie was quick to take photos.
They continued making their way along to the water's edge and following it upstream along the rocky banks until they came within thirty yards of where the Teton Science School was holding class. Folding tables covered with notebooks, sampling jars, flasks, and measuring devices had been set near the water's edge and were surrounded by buckets and fishing nets. The kids didn't notice the women approaching; they were engrossed in a lecture being given by another park ranger. Sam hadn't recognized the ranger at first, but once she did, her expression altered from curious to downtrodden. Great, Sam thought, two in one week. What are the chances? More importantly, what will Halie think now?
One of the teachers spotted the women and walked over toward them. Sam whispered short introductions. The teacher gave Halie the okay to talk to the students during the next break, which she indicated should be soon. As they spoke, the lecturing ranger's eyes happened upon Sam, causing the break sooner than expected. The ranger quickly concluded her talk, thanked her audience for listening, and moved in Sam's direction.
"Okay, kids," one of the teachers yelled. "Let's set up for our next experiment and then we'll take a short break. We're lucky enough to have two more visitors with us today. You can talk with them at the break, okay?"
The kids cheered and waved at Sam and Halie, who smiled and waved back.
Halie said, "The kids seem so nice. I didn't think they'd be that excited to see us."
"Neither did I."
"Well, isn't this a cozy sight," Felice Lohan said minutes later. "Samantha Tyler. I haven't seen you around in quite some time." Felice stood five-foot-six, medium build, with short jet black hair, dark brown eyes, and full lips.
"I seem to be getting a lot of that lately. How are you Felice? And how's your son?"
"Fine--great actually."
Sam watched with irritation as Felice examined Halie from top to bottom. Felice was clearly pleased by what she saw.
"So, who's this charming woman you're with? Aren't you going to introduce us?" Felice asked.
Sam hesitated knowing she had no choice but to introduce Halie to Felice. "This is Halie Walker. She's a photojournalist from Boston. I'm assisting her during her stay at the park."
"Yes, I bet you are." Felice extended Halie her hand. "Hi, I'm Felice Lohan. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Felice is a wildlife biologist at Grand Teton," Sam added.
Halie reached out and shook Felice's hand. "Nice to meet you."
"My pleasure. So what exactly is a photojournalist from Boston doing in Grand Teton anyway?"
"I'm writing an article on the uniqueness and importance of this park. I've been photographing the wildlife and interviewing visitors and staff."
"If you'd like to interview me, I can make myself available to you at any hour. I can probably give you a different perspective on things around here, other than what Sam's probably already provided." Felice winked at Sam.
"I don't think that's such a good idea, Felice, do you?" Sam said.
"I don't see why not. I mean, this," she said, waving her hand between Sam and Halie, "is a professional relationship, isn't it, Sam? Not like the one we had, no?"
Sam ground her teeth. There it was, the opportunity Felice was waiting for, and she snatched it. "I don't think we should get into this now." Sam eyed the duffel bag clenched in Felice's hand. "What are you doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be over by the river? I got the call to check in on the kids. Did dispatch call you too? I must have missed that."
"What's the matter, did I touch on a nerve?" Felice asked.
"No, but you still didn't answer my questions."
"Not that I need to answer to you, but I was taking water samples to study in the lab when the kids came by and set up camp. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I'd been requisitioned into giving a lecture. Anymore questions? If not, I need to get back to work." Felice redirected her attention to Halie, and after flaunting one of the most charming smiles Sam had ever seen, said to her, "It was an unexpected pleasure meeting you, Halie. Remember what I said. If you need anything while you're here, or if Sam's busy one of these days, please let the Chief know. I'd be more than happy to make myself available to you."
"That won't be necessary," Sam replied.
Halie shot Sam a dirty look. Then to Felice she said, "Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it."
"I hope you do," Felice added.
As soon as Felice was out of earshot, Halie attacked Sam. "What was that all about? Why were you so rude?"
"Me? She was the one being rude. You don't know her like I do. She can be a shark when she wants something, and that something appears to be you."
Halie shook her head. "Why would you say that?"
"Because I know her. I can see it in her eyes. You should stay away from her."
"That's ridiculous. You're just being possessive. I'm my own person. I can make my own informed decisions. No one's my boss."
"Oh, don't I know."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You love doling out commands at your end, but as soon as someone even suggests something to you, you don't like it. And possessive? Not the term I'd use. I'd say it's merely concern."
"Would you? There's a fine line between the two, and right now I'm not so sure which one fits better. All I know is, I don't like
this side of you."
"And I didn't like the way you eyed Felice," Sam said.
"The way I what?"
Before Sam could elaborate, the teacher waved them over to meet the kids.
Chapter Eighteen
AFTER FEEDING JAKE dinner, Sam retreated into the bedroom and changed into more comfortable clothes. By all indications, her squabble with Halie meant she'd be spending the evening alone. They hadn't talked much the rest of the day following the run in with Felice. Sam shuffled into the living roo
m and checked the answering machine, hoping that maybe Halie had called. The red light was blinking. She hesitated, then depressed the message recall button.
"Hello, Ms. Tyler? This is John Brenner, from Brenner Antiques in Shrewsbury. I'm sorry I haven't gotten in touch with you sooner, but I finally found that sales invoice you were interested in. The man who bought the traps from me several months ago is named David Reingold. The shipping address on the invoice is 1215 Main Street, Wilson, Wyoming. When you mail me the remaining money, I'll mail you the invoice. Thanks and have a nice day."
Sam stood and stared at the answering machine. She wanted to tell Halie the good news but wasn't sure if her call would be welcome. After a few seconds of deliberation, she reached for the phone and dialed.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Halie, it's Sam."
"Hi, what's up?" The response was lethargic.
"Nothing," Sam lied. She wanted to say more, but the words caught in her throat. She was stuck. She wanted to hang up but couldn't; she was the one who'd called. She'd have to say something and soon. "You still mad at me?"
"I'm not mad at you. It's just that sometimes I don't understand you. Let's forget about it, okay? I'm leaving tomorrow to see my folks for the weekend and I don't want us parting on bad terms. Can we let it go?"
"When did you decide you were going to your parents'?"
"Not until today. I was going to call you later. It's Father's Day on Sunday. I thought I should go."
Sam tried concealing her disappointment. "I see. Well, I didn't call just to find out if you were mad at me or not."
"No? Then why?"
Sam disliked Halie's tone, but conceded its legitimacy. After all, she hadn't apologized for her rash actions. She softened her approach. "You won't believe who left a message on my answering machine."
"Who? Jenna--Felice--or maybe another woman I haven't met yet?"
"Ouch. That wasn't fair."
Halie remained silent for a moment. "You're right, it wasn't. I'm sorry. Forget about what I said. I have a past too. So, who called you?"
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