By mid-afternoon, they were ahead of schedule. When Mateo reported a series of water holes linked together by an ancient chain of falls that dropped down the side of the mountain, Gage called for a badly needed break.

Though the falls were dry, worn smooth over eons, the recent rain had completely filled the rock basins at the bottom of each one, creating pools on three different levels.

While Gage studied the maps, Kyle watered the mule and tethered him to graze, took a quick swim, then stretched out with his hat over his eyes for a nap. Mateo, happier when he was off on his own, had enjoyed the pools earlier and headed back up the trail.

Abby was busily snapping photos and shooting video as Gage grabbed a towel out of one of the panniers and disappeared down the game trail toward the middle water hole. Ignoring a little voice that warned her to head for a different pool, she tucked the camera away, grabbed a towel, and silently fell in behind him.

By the time she caught up, Gage’s clothes and his weapon were neatly stacked on a rock near the edge of the basin, and he was already in the water, which was only waist deep. Bare-chested, his muscles bunching with every move, he was an amazing sight.

Backing into a shadowy alcove, Abby unlaced her hiking boots and toed them off, unzipped her jeans and shoved them down her legs, then pulled her T-shirt off over her head, leaving her in her bra and panties.

Her gaze returned to Gage as she unbraided her hair. She could hardly wait to go into the water, but instead, she remained in the shadows, entranced by the beauty of the man in front of her.

He had a thick chest dusted with fine dark brown hair, wide, heavily muscled shoulders, six-pack abs, and a pair of incredible biceps. A sliver of warmth slid into the pit of her stomach as Gage scrubbed his hair and body with a handful of sand, then ducked under to rinse.

Abby remained in the shadows as he rose like an ancient god out of the sea. His legs were long and muscled. His thighs and calves flexed and tightened as he walked out of the pool.

Gage took a couple of steps and reached down to pick up his towel. Water sluiced down his back and over his tight buttocks. Even with his back to her, he must have caught some sign of movement because his head came up and for several seconds he stood frozen.

Slowly he turned, seeking, then finding her in the shadows. She could have sworn his nostrils flared. Her eyes widened as she realized he was fully aroused, his shaft high and hard against his flat belly.

Their eyes locked, their gazes held. Completely unembarrassed, Gage wrapped the towel around his waist and stalked toward her like a lion who had scented his prey.