Romance on the Edge 01 - Hooked

cream from anyone passing by. The frozen treat was like contraband, and she wasn’t about to share it with anyone.
    Garrett led her down the wooden boardwalk, ending at a hillside ablaze with blooming stalks of fireweed. She followed him up a rarely used trail until they were out of sight of any onlookers. Here, Garrett stomped out a place for her to sit amongst the flowering fireweed.
    They sat, and she broke the seal over the pint. The first spoonful had her closing her eyes in ecstasy. The cool, sweet taste slid down her throat like a lover’s bold caress. The next spoonful Sonya offered up to Garrett. He didn’t say anything except to raise a brow in question. She brought the scoop up to his lips, wetting her own, as he opened his mouth. She slipped the spoon inside.
    He closed his eyes and moaned, stirring the ice cream around his mouth with his tongue, before swallowing.
    She badly needed to kiss him.
    The plastic spoon lay forgotten in her fingers until Garrett took hold of it, scooping up another bite and offering it to her. She opened her mouth, and he slid the spoon between her lips. Tangy, rich raspberries and sinful, dark chocolate burst over her yearning taste buds. She opened her mouth for another bite, and he fed her, taking turns feeding himself. They didn’t speak, just shared, soaked up the heat of the late afternoon, as bees buzzed above their heads.
    Most of the carton was consumed by the time Sonya lost the hold on her willpower and reached for Garrett, bringing his mouth down to hers. He tasted like her favorite treat, his lips cold from the ice cream, which quickly heated beneath the friction of hers. He gave a guttural moan and leaned his body over hers, laying her amongst the fragrant fireweed and grasses. She reveled in his embrace and wished she had him to herself. In the distance, voices mixed with the sounds of heavy equipment. Screen doors slammed, tires squealed, and a dog barked.
    “Damn, Sonya.” Garrett pulled back and stared into her eyes. “I’m going to need a cold shower after that kiss.”
    He wasn’t the only one. She reached up and fingered his bandage. “How’s your head?”
    “Believe me. I’m feeling no pain right now.” He gave her a crooked grin. “At least, no pain in my head.”
    She almost said to hell with the risk of being discovered and begged him to take her here, right now. The only thing that kept the words from escaping her mouth was the fact that she hadn’t showered and badly needed to.
    “Mind if we pick this up later?” she asked, her eyelids hooded and heavy with the promise of pleasure. “I feel the need to show my appreciation. I know it had to be extremely difficult getting that ice cream out here.”
    “It did cost me a few favors.”
    “Well, then, your efforts must be rewarded.”
    “If you insist.” He smiled.
    “Oh, I do. I do insist.”

C HAPTER F ORTY- O NE
    It was late evening when Sonya anchored the Double Dippin’ in front of camp. She brought the drift boat as close to the beach as she dared in the shallow surf. Peter and Wes waded to shore, leaving her and Garrett to anchor in deeper waters for the night.
    Something would be done about the unresolved situation between her and Garrett tonight. If anything, the last twenty-fours had taught her was that time was fleeting, and life was precious. It had also showed her how deeply she loved Garrett.
    Before she could make her move, Aidan motored his skiff out to the Double Dippin’ and asked for permission to come aboard.
    “Sonya,” Aidan greeted when he climbed on deck. His tone was low and pensive. “Garrett.” He nodded, stuffing his hands in his pockets, rounding his shoulders.
    “Any word on Roland?” Garrett asked, his feet braced apart, his arms folded over his muscled chest. He looked like a pirate of old, ready to take no prisoners.
    “No. No sign of him either. He packed up and left. Didn’t even leave a note for Lana.”
    “Have any idea where he would have gone?” Garrett asked.
    Aidan shrugged. “Home is in the Yukon, but if he doesn’t want to be found, he won’t be.”
    “Will you be able to fish out the season?” Sonya asked, concerned. With Earl dead, and Roland missing, fishing might be over for Aidan and Lana.
    Aidan glanced at Garrett and then addressed Sonya. “Don’t know yet. I called into the Fish and Game this morning. Chances are I’ll be able to get an emergency transfer for Earl’s permit within the next twenty-four hours.