Early, even for her. She’d somehow been finding her way there every evening, usually just before dark. But today she was discouraged, tired and willing to admit the only thing she really wanted to do out in the Alaskan wilderness was him. She should be back at her claim, searching for gold, at least until closer to sundown. There was one big problem with that. Emma had become completely convinced there was no gold. It was halfway through the summer and no one who had claims anywhere near hers had found any gold either. Same thing as the summer before, and the summer before that, and she was ready to give up. Emma watched James dig in the dirt as she walked closer. Strong muscles worked to move the earth, muscles she knew would feel good under her fingertips again. A branch snapped and he stopped his work to turn in her direction. “Well, you’re sure a sight for sore eyes.” James’ deep voice growled out the words and a shiver shot down her spine. “You say that every day.” He did, and she liked hearing it every time.
