Facing The Fire

Jordan Wells lifted the old metal bucket out of the icy stream and set it beside her on the bank. Shivering, she rubbed her wet, chilled hands on her jeans to warm them. She'd forgotten how cold these Montana streams were. They were little more than glacial melt rushing down the mountains.

But the place was beautiful, she had to admit. Smiling, she glanced around the tiny clearing. Early-afternoon sunlight sifted through the Douglas fir trees, making the water sparkle. The clear stream raced over rocks and overturned pebbles while the pine boughs moaned above.

She inhaled the deep-forest air, that complex mix of ancient pines and earth, so unlike the cornfields and woods of Virginia. She'd loved this place once. Being here had filled her with peace, serenity. She'd felt protected from the world, sheltered in the tiny cabin with Cade.

She closed her eyes and, just for a moment, let the images swamp her. Cade's hard face. His low, rough voice. That devastating grin.

The shocking thrills, the wild excitement she'd felt in his strong arms.

But that was before the fire season had started and the loneliness set in. The weeks apart. T ... read full excerpt from Facing the Fire ebook