by Devon McKay
“You have to open the flute, city girl.”
Startled by the sound of Blake’s voice behind her, she jumped, hitting her shoulder on the hard steel of the stove’s door. Losing her balance, she landed on her butt.
She spun around to face him and rubbed her arm. Mr. Fish and Game was leaning against the door frame wearing his annoying, trademark smile. And, despite the instant irritation, her heart fluttered, skipping a beat.
“Yeah, I got it, Einstein,” she barked, provoked by his presence and the tingling sensation just the sight of him caused.
Barely recovered from her fright, she glanced quickly back at the stove and slammed the door shut before standing and brushing off her stinging backside.
Again, she began to search the outside of the wood burner for the elusive opener. At least it gave her something to focus on for the moment. The last thing she wanted to do was delve into the reason her stomach was doing flip flops.
After a few frustrated minutes, she turned back to him. “What are you doing standing there anyway? There’s a name for that. In Florida, we call it stalking.”
Blake released a low chuckle and peeled himself away from the door frame. “Here we call it saving a cabin and the forest from fire.” He made it to her side in two long strides. With a flick of his wrist, he turned a small, silver handle on the upper side of the stove pipe. Almost immediately, the smoke rolled back into the woodstove.
“Oh, that thing.”
“Yeah, this thing, sweetheart, is called a flute,” he said, chuckling again. He walked back to the door and swung it back and forth a few times to help air out the smoke.
“Well, you could have told me yesterday,” she quipped. Had he left on the same note last night, this wouldn’t have happened.
Blake glanced around the room. “It seems as if you made it through the night okay.” His gaze landed on the bed. Eyebrow quirked in curiosity, he walked over and picked up the bright orange package of condoms.
“Expecting company?” The string unfolded into twelve neatly foiled squares. Both eyebrows shot up in surprise. “A lot of company?”
Mortified, she sucked in a quick breath. A warm flush spread up her neck, burning her skin. Oh Lord, can this day get any worse? The smirk on his face told her it could.
Snatching the packets out of his hand, she quickly tucked them back into the polka dot bag. Internally, she justified her actions. It wasn’t as if she committed a crime. In this day and age, a girl needed to protect herself. But, damn it, why’d he have to see them? How could she have fallen asleep before placing them back into her makeup bag?
“What are you doing here anyway?” she snarled, arching her neck to get a good look at him. He must have been a good foot taller than her petite five foot four. Had he been this tall yesterday? Why hadn’t she noticed? “Did you come back to mock me?”
“Damn straight,” he answered cockily. “Exactly what I’m doing. I needed a good laugh.” He made his way across the room again, pulled back the heavy, dark curtain and peeked outside. “Or, it’s six a.m. and we made a deal, remember? I promised I would show you Alaska.”
“Six…in the morning?” Whirling around, she joined him at the window. “It can’t be.” She glanced up at the blue sky before returning an untrusting glance in his direction.
“Yep. It’s coming up on summer in Alaska. Pretty soon it will be light most of the time.”
Sam still didn’t believe him. “I slept through the afternoon and the night? Impossible. I just closed my eyes for a second.”
“Time change,” he suggested, lifting his brawny shoulders up and down in a nonchalant shrug. “Sorry. I’m an early riser.”
“Well, I’m not. I need coffee and lots of it,” she retorted testily, wishing for a large latte as she blew out the remaining candles. Without coffee, she knew she could be unbearable.
He took her reaction in stride, smiling without reservation.
It was as if the sun had miraculously appeared in the cabin and was blinding her. Sam sucked in a quick intake of air. A wasted effort to make sure she could still breathe. Morning agreed with him. Just another thing to add to her list of why the man continued to irk her.
“Fair enough.” He arched a brow.
The effort highlighted the color in his eyes and stoked her irritation. Yet, she couldn’t ignore the way her insides quivered and melted like hot lava in a volcano ready to erupt. Unable to deny the attraction, her mind wandered. Maybe, just maybe, she’d have an excuse for the condoms after all?
“But right now, we have to get going. The kids are antsy. We usually like to be on the trail before sunup.” His gaze traveled over her.
Flushed from the thorough inspection, a warmth filtered hotly beneath her skin. Decadently, she imagined more than just his gaze roaming over her body.
“You might want to change into something else. Or at least put more clothes on. You’re not exactly dressed for what I have planned.”
“No, I’m dressed for sleep,” she snarled, irritated she’d let her thoughts wander down such a dangerous path. Self-consciously, she pulled her shirt closed before glancing at him warily as his words sank in. “Did you say kids? What are you talking about?”
“How could you miss them?” He motioned out the partially opened door.
As if on cue, she heard a loud scuffle followed by a chorus of laughter and then saw three small children mounted on top of large horses. Two more of the animals were tethered to her porch rail.
“There’s no telling what the three of them are up to out there.” He opened the door farther and peeked outside before turning back to her. “In case you’re wondering, the plan is to hunt for ptarmigan. It’s better to track them early. It’s the only time you can actually see the darn birds.”
“On horseback?”
“Hell yeah. Horses are fun. Besides, it’s the perfect way to travel in Alaska. You see the best views.”
He grinned, rendering her senseless. Sam nodded mutely. Hard to believe there was a better sight than what stood before her. She allowed her gaze free rein to run up and down the length of him as she surveyed his clothing. A distinct opposite of the attire he’d worn yesterday. From his form fitting Levis, scuffed cowboy boots, and well-worn hat, the man appeared as if he was born to ride a horse. Sexy as hell.
“Great,” she retorted, the word etched thickly with a layer of sarcasm. Perhaps he was serious? If not, he played the cowboy part to a T. The idea was way too early to debate, especially without coffee. “You’ve managed to hit on two of my most favorite things…children and horses.”
She tore her gaze away from him and questioned once again the strong effect he had on her. His mere presence alone had the uncanny knack of robbing all rational thoughts. Of course, keeping a cool head had not always been something Sam prided herself on. Certainly a feat she was finding impossible when he was near.
“Well, scoot, so I can change, but I need a shower first.” She prodded him out of the cabin with a wave of her hands. “Go find me a Starbucks. Make sure you ride your horse so you can get a real nice view along the way,” she added, unable to help the second stream of sarcasm escaping her lips.
Sam pushed him the rest of the way outside and closed the door. Using the wood as a brace, she drew in a deep, calming breath.
Chapter 6
Sam grabbed her camera and toiletries as she exited the cabin, ready to face her worst fears. Kids and horses. She hadn’t had much of a choice. She couldn’t hide in her temporary home for a moment longer. Not with the insistent pressure of her bladder screaming for release.
Wearily, she cast a thorough gaze over the group and noted their sullen expressions. If this was the welcoming committee, she was in big trouble. In fact, the only thing lacking was pitch forks and a burning stake to tie her against.
Not saying a word, she hurried past the surly horde and raced to the outhouse. Holding her breath, she quickly used the makeshift bathroom, then stopped for a brisk shower before retur
ning to the waiting lynch mob.
“She can’t even ride a horse, Wolf.”
Sam heard the surly remark as she approached and tried to ignore it, but it was nearly impossible as the implied insult hit its intended target, stinging her pride. Was it so obvious she was out of her element?
The group burst into laughter, pouring salt into the open wound and answering her question. Sam was the butt of the joke. Holding her head up, she studied the offsetting balance of five enormous beasts and three small ones surrounding her and realized any attempt to fit in would be useless.
She cast a narrow glance at the dark-haired child who had pointed out the truth and advertised her fears. Ironically, his statement couldn’t be any more correct. A defiant part of her considered screaming out he was wrong, that she’d ridden plenty of horses in her time, regardless of the lie. Besides, how hard could it be? She cast a wary glance at the closest animal.
“How would you know, Keetna?” Blake stepped forward, blocking Sam’s examination. “Besides, Dixie isn’t just any horse. She’s special. Aren’t you, girl?” He patted the animal with sincere affection then turned back to the children and introduced her. “Kids, this is Sam. She’ll be joining us today. Sam, the loud one is Keetna. The shorter one is Ivan. And last, but not least, is Little Su.”
She studied the motley crew. Label her a coward, but Sam wanted nothing more than to run back inside the cabin and disappear underneath the warm, quilted bedspread. One of the children, a slim girl with long, stringy hair, floored her with a sly grin, and she couldn’t help but wonder if the child read her thoughts.
The boy on her right completely ignored the introduction, too involved with his horse, and she sucked in a relieved breath until her gaze landed on the boy who had been so vocal. At the moment, he was killing her with a death glare.
“Is this part of your job?” she asked Blake, confused and slightly intimidated by the group.
He chuckled, obviously amused by her bewilderment. “Unofficially,” he answered. “This is my real job, Langford Trail Rides. I’d prefer to work it full time, but can’t swing it yet. I’ve only got a dozen horses, which isn’t bad, considering I’m still trying to build the business. And as far as the kids go, I’m doing a favor for mankind by keeping these troublemakers in line.”
He appeared nonchalant about the children, but Sam could tell by the way he showered them with a fond smile he felt quite differently. It was evident the man cared more than he let on.
She returned her gaze to the sweet-looking girl. She seemed to be anything but trouble.
“Don’t let her fool you. She may look innocent, but she can be a real handful. On second thought…you two ought to get along just fine. You both have a lot in common.”
Sam released a shocked gasp, garnishing a smile from him as he continued with his explanation.
“I teach the kids how to ride and track animals. They seem to like it, and I enjoy doing it.”
“So, these aren’t your children?”
“Not likely,” he stated casually and tipped back his hat. “I guess I could be considered an adopted uncle to Keetna. His dad, Denali, is like a brother to me.” Blake pointed to the child with the angry glare. “Don’t mind him.” He laughed, dismissing the child’s unfriendly demeanor. “The boy is the spitting image of his father, right down to the sour disposition and distrust of outsiders…of new people.”
“Denali?” she questioned.
A tensing of his jaw hinted she had overstepped her boundaries; a silent warning she should curb her curiosity at the risk of invading his separate, secret life.
“Yeah. No more questions,” Blake rashly dismissed her inquiry, holding her gaze with a gritty stare. “And don’t start thinking I’m some kind of saint. I’m not…far from. This is as much a favor to the kids as it is to me. Two out of the six riders I had scheduled for this week’s trail ride canceled, so I rescheduled the group for next week, but the horses still need to be exercised daily.” He paused, gazing at the beasts. “You and Dixie will be taking the rear, while Captain and I lead the pack,” he informed her before facing the group. “Since you are such an expert on the subject, Keetna, you can ride in front of Sam and show her the ropes.” Without another word, Blake returned his attention back to the horse she was supposed to ride.
Sam spared a glance at the boy. A scowl altered his face, and she couldn’t hide the smug smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Obviously, babysitting her hadn’t been a part of the kid’s plan today. Unable to resist, she stuck her tongue out.
Keetna, more of an adult than she was at the moment, ignored her behavior. His earlier words came back to haunt her. The boy was right; she didn’t know a darn thing about horses.
“The kid’s on to something,” she confessed, nearing Blake’s side.
He didn’t acknowledge her admittance. Instead, he checked a strap on the horse’s underside. Pulling it snugly, he made sure the buckle held and was clasped in its keeper before locking her in an intense stare.
She continued, completely out of her comfort zone. “I don’t know how to ride a horse. And furthermore, I know even less about taking the rear.”
Blake chuckled. Coming up behind her, he wound two thin straps of rawhide into her resistant hand. Surrounded by his warmth, her senses swirled. She breathed in his trademark scent, leather and manliness; the bawdy mix made it difficult to concentrate.
“I’ll teach you,” he whispered into her ear.
A shiver ran up her spine as his lips brushed against the tender area, and she tried to ignore her body’s response. It wasn’t easy.
“First rule…don’t show fear. Kids smell it. I think they feed off it. And so will your horse. Riding a horse is the easy part. And this is just the basics…riding 101.”
He pulled away, and she immediately missed the heat against her backside.
“First, we gotta get you on her. A few things to remember…I always mount the horse on the left side. Most people do. It’s just easier if you are right handed. Are you?”
She nodded.
“Good. Hold onto the reins in your left hand.”
Sam did as instructed.
“That’s right. Now grab onto the saddle horn,” he encouraged and pointed to a makeshift handle on the saddle.
Unsure, but game, she followed his direction.
“Steady. There you go, foot in the stirrup…now, pull yourself up.”
He helped, lifting her onto the horse’s backside as if she weighed little more than a ten pound sack of potatoes. She adjusted her position in the seat, fighting against the unsettling aftermath his hands on her hips inspired.
“Good. Now, the reins will be what you use to steer her.”
Heeding his advice, she glanced down. Shocked by how far off the ground she was, Sam reached out an unsteady hand and grasped the saddle horn in a tight grip. After a minute, she braved her situation, running her fingers through the horse’s dark, chocolate mane.
Dixie neighed in response, tossing her head back and causing Sam to lose hold on both the thin straps and the saddle horn. The small group erupted into a bout of laughter at her expense again as Blake returned the reins. This time, she gripped the leather so tight it cut into the soft flesh of her palm.
“Try to keep a hold of those. If not, you have to control Dixie with your thighs. A lesson I haven’t shared with you yet.”
A warm flush crawled over her skin as his words hinted at a double meaning. Her gaze caught hold, and he captivated her with a roguish wink. Spiraling, her thoughts traveled down a wanton road again.
Was the man flirting with her?
Refusing to fall prey to his charms, she glanced away. But the off-color statement had hit its mark, awakening lustful images and ways she could control the man with only her knees.
“Oh, I almost forgot, every cowgirl needs a hat,” Blake said in a casual tone. He walked to the back of his horse and untied the headgear off the saddle bag. “Here you go.”
&n
bsp; She bent forward and allowed him to place the worn, brown hat on the top of her head. A perfect fit.
“Cowgirl, huh?” She welcomed the new title, relishing for the first time the fact he hadn’t insulted her with his usual city girl insult and the sneer which always accompanied the reference.
Blake left her side to jump on his mount, ready to lead the pack. As if on cue, the horses formed a line behind the large, black monstrosity he claimed.
Keetna commandeered an equally enormous horse to her side and peppered Sam with a shrewd, dark glare. “Let’s go.”
The kid made it seem easy. He had a natural confidence, maneuvering the huge beast with ease. Perhaps this wasn’t going to be as difficult as she’d imagined.
“Are you ready yet, cheechako?”
Sam had no doubt the word hadn’t been meant as a term of endearment, and wished like hell she had her laptop to look it up. Not one to back away from a challenge, though, she refused to let the child intimidate her.
“Oh, I’m ready, Mowgli,” she retorted, pulling the name from a faded memory of the Jungle Book. It just so happened the boy bore a remarkable resemblance to the wild child character.
He responded with a questioning glance.
She quickly focused her camera and snapped a picture.
The boy, thrown off by her actions, failed to hide the flicker of surprise in his hard glare as he tried to maintain an expression of indifference. “Your horse will follow mine. Dixie is used to following Midnight anyway,” he said with a snort.
Another implied insult, she had no doubt. But the kid was right. Her horse trailed his without hesitation.
As they delved deep into the woods and she became a bit more comfortable atop the mare, Sam took advantage of the untouched beauty, snapping pictures of the wilderness. After an hour, Blake veered off the makeshift trail and into an open field. Jumping from his horse, he let the reins fall to the ground. Keetna followed his lead, as did the other two children, climbing down without fear. Sam, however, found the descent far more formidable.