~ Rachel's Rescue ~

by

Barbara Edwards

"How about sharing some of that humor? I can’t see anything funny around this arid ridge," Jake drawled dryly.

"That’s because you’re busy being in charge."

"Now that is funny," he grunted. "Have you decided I’m the boss because I know more? Or because I’m a man?"

Incensed, Rachel spun around to face him. She hadn’t realized he was so close until their bodies brushed from shoulder to thigh. If she were a cat, every hair on her body would be standing on end at the jolt of awareness that passed through her.

Adrenaline or fear caused this intense emotional overload, she rationalized, a basic human survival instinct. She wasn’t sure if she believed herself.

His mouth lingered inches from hers and she knew he intended to kiss her. Her lips parted in anticipation. She realized she’d been waiting for this moment for months.

Green flames danced like St. Elmo’s fire in his eyes as they gazed at her upturned face, then his lids flicked closed. When he raised them, the flame was gone, leaving ashes. He stepped away.

"You certainly don’t know enough," Rachel muttered. Her sharp disappointment surprised her. Heat flushed her cheeks when a crooked grin crossed his face.

"Maybe not, but I’m willing to learn."

"When there’s something I want you to know, I’ll have my secretary set up an appointment." Rachel sniffed. Her traitorous mind pictured several things she’d like to show him that she’d never seen in a standard medical text and she couldn’t think of an intelligent response to put him in his place.

"I forgot my social calendar back in the states, but let me know when and I’ll be there." He waved her forward.

She huffed and attacked the stony path instead of giving in to the childish urge to kick him. Every hundred strides, she raised her head to study the surrounding land and distract herself from her growing fatigue. Despite the thick layer of sun block, the fierce sun was broiling her exposed skin like a steak on a grill.

A cluster of boulders assumed the outline of a herd of camels. She studied the jumbled rocks. They looked familiar.

Working with Rob’s clinic meant trips to distant settlements. The elusive memory clicked and Rachel knew exactly where they were.

The small village of El Barfur, in the next valley, had been her first real taste of Africa. Veiled women walked the narrow streets side by side with females naked to the waist. Multiple gold chains clinked on slim wrists. Ivory beads decorated braided hair more beautifully than the ivory tusks had adorned the endangered elephant.

She’d been intrigued by the heavily burdened camels, young girls balancing water jugs on their heads, men from their teens to ancient grandfathers squabbling and haggling alongside the crowded paths. The strife seemed far away. The ancient tribal warfare disguised as freedom fighting remained unreal.

Until the raiders came.