Ill Take Forever

her lashes, remembering he'd said he'd sleep with her before he left. Did he remember, too? She looked at her hands. Did she want him to? She’d never had a one-night stand–would it come to that?
    One night of ecstasy. It would be a memory to last her all her life. Was it worth it? She took a deep breath. Time would go so fast.
    'How long have you been here?' she asked softly.
    'Since Stuart brought me the bike. Jason and Mac are staying in Strawberry.'
    'But only to sleep,' Jason grumbled quietly. 'We're here from dawn till ten or so every night. Don't know when they'll come to check on their precious crop. I wish they'd hurry up. It’s boring as hell sitting here in the heat. We just need them to visit–we'll get them when they do.'
    Jenny looked again at Kyle. His brooding gaze was fixed on her. Nervously she looked away.
    'Now what?’ she asked.
    'You can stay here for a little while, with us. You wanted to find out what I’m doing, now you have.'
    Jenny refused to look at Kyle. He was angry she'd come. If she had known that would be his reaction to her attempt to help, she wouldn't have tried. She didn't want to make him angry. Squirming back to lean against a tree, she tried to relax. And not think.
    Time and again she let her gaze move to Kyle. He’d resumed watch on the field and seemed to ignore her. So much the better for allowing her to gaze at her heart’s content without him catching her.
    It was peaceful in the thicket, sheltered from the hot sun—quiet and restful and very warm. A slow contentment gradually stole over her.
    Once or twice during the afternoon, Jason glanced over to Kyle or Jenny, then back to the field, camera always ready to go. Mac was hidden part way up the hillside, ready to signal if the growers came from another direction. They didn't talk, just watched.
    Kyle never looked at her. Still, she found pleasure in being with him, just being near him.
    'Hey, Kyle, when Jenny leaves, go with her and bring back some burgers. I'd love to have something hot to eat for a change,' Jason said softly as the afternoon waned.
    'And just how do you propose I get back, without turning the road into a damn freeway?' Kyle growled.
    'Take a chance?' Jason offered half-halfheartedly.
    'You could hike back from my place,' Jenny said. 'I have an insulated carry-all that'll keep the food hot.'
    'You're an angel!' Jason said fervently.
    'Sure, easy for you to say,' Kyle remarked drily. 'You don't have to carry it.’ He considered it for a moment then shrugged. ‘Okay I’ll see what I can do. Let's go.' Kyle stood as much as the confined space would allow and led the way out.
    'I want everything on mine,' Jason called softly.
    Jenny rose to follow, smiling. 'Bye, Jason.'
    'Bye, Jenny. See you again some time.'
    She nodded and followed Kyle. He stayed near the trees, working his way up to Mac.
    'We're going for dinner. Where did you put the SUV?'
    Mac tossed him the keys. 'About a mile and a half up on the left, a nice culvert, by a tall cedar.'
    'We'll find it. Hamburgers okay?'
    'Sounds good. I like everything on it.'
    'Right. I'll be hiking back from that direction.' Kyle pointed to the east.
    Working their way back along the perimeter to the road, Kyle paused and looked carefully before they stepped out to the dusty dirt fire trail then quickly headed for the car. Trudging along, Jenny watched his profile as he walked a step or two ahead of her.
    'I'm sorry,' she said slowly. 'I see now I could have ruined everything. But honestly, I thought it'd be a good surprise for you.'
    Kyle stopped and looked at her, then looked back down the road. He reached out and drew Jenny to his chest, looking down at her upturned face. Slowly his head bent and he kissed her.
    'I've been wanting to do that all afternoon,' he said against her lips, his breath intermingling with hers, soft kisses accenting each word.
    Reluctantly, slowly, he set her back with a sigh. 'But this isn't the time nor the place. Come on, let's find the blasted car.'
    Jenny smiled to herself as she hurried to keep up with his longer stride. It was as good as she remembered. She would miss him so much when he'd gone.
    Jenny was cooking the hamburgers for Kyle to take back with him when the phone rang.
    'I'll get it for you.' Kyle rose from the table where he'd been watching her and moved down the hall. Jenny put down the condiments and moved to the door, wondering who was calling.
    'No, I can't make it tonight, I already have plans, but