Wildfire Read Free Page B

saying he’d lost his cell phone and hadn’t checked e-mail lately, because he’d gone north to hike Mount Moran.
    Tessa breathed a sigh of relief when he pulled up by the barns and stepped out of his old ‘87 Ford pickup with an easy smile on his face. Tall and lean, with the wiry build of a long-distance runner, he looked as if he hadn’t eaten in days, and as always, her first impulse was to invite him in for one of Sofia’s wonderful Mexican meals in an effort to fatten him up.
    “Supper?” She smiled, anticipating his answer.
    His eyes closed in an expression of sheer bliss. “Is Sofia still here?”
    “She and Gus have been here since before I was born, and I hope they’ll stay the rest of their lives. Supper ought to be ready in just a few minutes, so let’s head on up to the house.”
    Danny fell in step with her. “I heard you got shot. You okay?”
    “Just a scratch—some fool target practicing, I suppose. No big deal.”
    He angled a doubtful glance at her leg, clearly noticing her slight limp. “Gonna be up for any pack trips or trail groups this summer?”
    “Absolutely.”
    “How’s the schedule so far? Got many reservations?”
    “It’s always light the first few weeks of the season. But you can still start the end of next week, right? I’ve got a party of four scheduled for a pack trip up into the high country starting Thursday and coming back Sunday.”
    Danny’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. “Fishermen, right?”
    “You got it. With the spring run-off, the water’s too cloudy downstream, but it’s crystal clear up in the high mountains. I’m thinking the confluence of streams below Reacher’s Canyon ought to be nice. The snow has melted at that altitude.”
    He nodded. “Are we dropping these guys off? Or do they want a guide?”
    “Guide. I’ll help you pack them up there, then I’ll meet you on Sunday afternoon to help you bring them back down.” She smiled. “These four are flying in from New York, so if all goes well you’ll probably earn some nice tips.”
    He beamed at her. “Awesome!”
    “We need to talk, though, just so there aren’t any misunderstandings later.”
    They walked up the steps of the big wraparound porch, where she ushered him through the main entrance and past the spacious living room, to the main floor bedroom that she’d converted into an office. She waved him toward a chair, then settled behind her desk and pulled out two copies of an employment contract. She handed him one.
    “Same as last year. Starting date is May 21 which is next Wednesday, through November 1. Same rules—absolutely no alcohol, drugs or cigarettes at any time, whether on Snow Canyon Ranch property or up in the high country. No rough language, either. People spend a lot of money to come out here for the fresh air and clean, beautiful environment. Understood?”
    He ducked his head. “You almost make that sound like an accusation.”
    “I had nothing but compliments about you last year, believe me. Clients said you were a great guide, and many said they’d never been on a better pack trip.” She smiled warmly at him. “I just figured we should start out on the right foot.”
    With his red hair and freckles, his fair skin had always betrayed his emotions all too easily. Now, a bright flush worked up the back of his neck. “You heard about last winter. About that party.”
    She met his eyes. “Yes, Danny. I did.”
    His gaze veered away. “I might have run with the wrong crowd in high school, but that isn’t who I am now. I want to make something of myself, and that one night in January was just a big mistake. Wrong people, wrong place, wrong time. It won’t happen again.” A corner of his mouth lifted in a rueful smile. “I suppose you heard about it from your brother-in-law.”
    “It’s public knowledge. It made that little court reports section in our newspaper. I just wanted to make sure that you and I were square about expectations.”
    He thrust out