by Cate Masters
Habit kicked in, or she might have omitted the usual introductions. “This is my crew. Krueger, Chen, and Hastings.”
A curt nod their way, and Buck turned to Anakarina. “Did you have a good trip?”
The woman’s lip curled. “Fantastic.” She peered past him. “Got room for me? I need to freshen up.”
“We can always squeeze in one more. Won’t your plane ice up?”
“I’m an expert at de-icing.” She chucked him under the chin. “You should know.”
Oh, please. Melanie managed not to roll her eyes. The woman could freeze the contents of a hot tub. Hayden’s expression suggested imagine that, and she had to work twice as hard to maintain a straight face.
Buck turned to them. “Need help with your bags?”
The signal to grab them, so Melanie did. “No, we’re fine.”
The others did the same and followed Buck to the sleigh. Two long seats behind the driver provided plenty of room. Vic and Gina settled under sheepskin covers on one side, and Melanie wedged next to them. Hayden smiled at Anakarina when she sat beside him. She tucked the sheepskin cover higher on Buck and snuggled closer, though he didn’t acknowledge her.
Poor Hay. Their grueling schedule didn’t leave much time for socializing. It didn’t stop Hayden from trying. Depending on whether Gina’s on-and-off relationship currently was on or off, she might flirt with the locals. Victor’s intense focus on his career left little room for a personal life.
Others thought the same of Melanie. Only she knew the real reason she’d launched No Boundaries, and it wasn’t for the spotlight.
God, I miss you, Pete. He should have shared this journey with her. She’d imagined this scene a million times, gliding over the snow, snuggled beneath a blanket, the stars so brilliant and close, he would probably have offered to reach up and pluck a few from the sky for her.
But there’d been no sign of him, and no warmth except her teammate’s bulk.
Gina’s elbow nudged Melanie’s side. “Hey.”
“Yes?” Melanie hid her emotions behind a mask of professionalism. It helped that the afternoon had turned dark as midnight.
Until Victor leaned forward, camera and small spotlight aimed her way. “Buck was telling us about Kiruna once being a mining outpost.”
“How interesting.” She’d studied the region’s history on the flight to Sweden. Gina could later recap any important highlights she’d missed. Time to refocus on the job. “We spend the night there, and head to the Sami village tomorrow, right?”
Buck nodded. “Ovre Soppero.”
His attitude had turned kind of brusque. Had some of Anakarina’s frigid nature rubbed off on him? “Can’t wait.” She caught the pilot’s silent mimicry of her words. The girl really needed to get out more. Maybe find a guy who actually paid her attention, because despite Anakarina’s cloying, the tour guide hadn’t so much as glanced at the pilot during the entire trip.
The reminder of Melanie’s single status stung. She huddled deeper under the sheepskin blanket and took in the landscape.
Sleigh bells jingled as the driver halted the horses outside an inn. Melanie restrained herself from leaping out. Cozy as it was, her limbs needed relief from the cramped space. “Thank you for the lovely ride.”
“I’ll be right out.” Anakarina hurried inside the inn.
Buck pulled Melanie aside. “Will your people film everything? All day long?”
“And night, if we’re out doing something. It’s the general idea behind the show.” Hadn’t Mr. Towson informed him? “Is there a problem?”
He turned his back to Victor, who panned the lens across the scene. “I’m…camera shy.”
“Oh.” The last thing she wanted to do was put their tour guide on edge. His employer had had approved all filming, but hadn’t Mr. Towson filled in the guide? “I’ll ask my team to avoid you if they can, though I can’t guarantee you won’t appear at all.”
A grunt and a brief wince, and Buck strode toward the inn. He paused on the step when Anakarina intercepted him.
Odd. She’d run into some resistance before. People who found cameras uncomfortable to be around usually had a reason. Could he be a fugitive from the law? Something had drawn him into the wilderness, though still close enough to civilization since the town provided plenty of amenities. Certainly, if not born to such a life, it took a special sort of person to live this close to the Arctic.
While gathering her bags, Melanie pretended not to hear Anakarina’s conversation with Buck. His expression suggested he’d forgotten the pilot had tagged along. “You staying for dinner?”
“I can’t, unfortunately.” The pilot tagged Melanie with a disapproving glance.
Head ducked, Melanie trudged behind them. Anakarina spoke louder, as if to be sure Melanie heard her say she’d stay at Buck’s cabin another night.
He shrugged. “Sure.” As noncommittal as it got.
Melanie couldn’t help shaking her head. Poor girl, she deserved more. On the other hand, maybe she got exactly what she wanted.
“See you in six days.” With a wave, Buck headed inside. With Vic filming, her crew followed.
Melanie turned and reached to shake the woman’s hand. “Thank you.”
Anakarina’s brief smirk morphed into a glare. “Paws off him,” came her harsh whisper.
Taken aback, Melanie blinked. “What?”
“Don’t get any ideas about Buck. He’s mine.”
“Congratulations.” The poor guy. Did all his clients endure his girlfriend’s hazing ritual?
The pilot stood too close, her face inches away. “Remember, I’m your ticket back to Stockholm. I’ll dump your ass in the remotest part of Lapland if you pull anything.”
“Got it.” Loud and clear. Melanie would rather face a pack of wild wolves than piss off this woman.
Until she gauged their guide’s sanity, she’d warn the others to take care around Buck, too. Even if the only reason she’d embarked on this journey was to encounter her dead fiancée, the last thing she’d do is curse her team to share her fate. If Buck provided her ticket past the veil between worlds, he better understand it wasn’t a group fare.
Whatever the reason Pete wanted her to come here, she’d find out. Alone.
Chapter 3
Shitstorm in a sleigh. The only way Buck could describe riding to Kiruna with Melanie Michaels and TV crew. And Anakarina had hammed it up, playing all lovey-dovey for the cameras.
He stopped at the front desk and greeted the young man on duty. “I’m with Arctic Adventures. We have a reservation for two rooms.” A nicer place than they usually booked for clients, but then, their usual tour guests could afford only the discounted places. Guess No Boundaries displayed the best for their viewers. He mustered more enthusiasm at the thought of going home to his dogs, not having to face her again until morning.
The clerk fetched the keys. “They’re ready for you. Dinner is at seven.”
“Great.” He smiled his thanks and took the keys. No sense pocketing them. Here came the crew now, the other woman—Gina, was it?—filming away.
Keeping his face in profile, he doled out two keys, a double room for the guys, a double for the girls. “Dinner’s at seven. Feel free to rest if you need to.”
Ms. Michaels glanced around. “It’s only what, three-thirtyish?”
“Right.” Still hours until their dinner reservation, and he had no reason to hang around.
She scanned her entourage. “I’m not tired, are you?”
A general mumbled consensus indicated no. Did she expect them to admit it?
She seemed oblivious to their fatigue as she faced them. “Should we go stock up on whatever supplies we need for the trip?”
Again, they agreed, and again, not exactly wholeheartedly. Oh, this should be fun. A trio of yes-people. Whatever the star wanted, she got, apparently. He braced when she turned her smile on him.
Then it vanish
ed, replaced with concern as she searched his eyes. “Unless you’re tired. Would you rather rest?”
“No, I’m good to go.” Early nightfall wearied the tourists, not him. He’d grown used to the strange daylight schedule soon after moving, like he was meant to live here.
He eased his back to the camera and hoped no one picked up on his nervousness around Ms. Michaels. Ms. Cool, Ms. American Beauty, Ms. I’m-Twenty-Levels-Above-You. No need to remind him. He understood his lowly rank too well, tour guide to the rich and famous. Someday, he’d pull himself out of the snow ditch he’d landed in. People would recognize him as a respectable businessman. Once he became the owner of a world-famous resort, on par or above the local’s. Of course, first he had to build it. And before that, he needed funds. Serious simoleons.
Melanie’s smile returned full blast. “Good. Let’s toss our gear in the rooms and take a walk around Kiruna.” She spoke the last at the camera, as if it were a sentient being, capable of answering.
Of course, Buck understood she spoke to millions of viewers huddled around their televisions. How could she act so poised and natural? Not get freaked about it? The very thought of a bajillion people watching, ready to pounce on any small mistake, left him tongue-tied. Now, he had to follow the camera-toting crew around like a freaking puppy.
Suck it up, all part of the gig. He’d simply have to treat them like any other paying client. He nodded agreement and headed for the door. “I’ll wait outside.” Any excuse to get out of camera range.
The lighted streets of Kiruna cheered him, reminding him again how much he loved this part of the world, sitting way up on top of the globe. He’d come here three years ago expecting a last-outpost-of-humanity type deal, never expecting the vitality of the people to inspire him, the outstanding beauty of the wilderness to take his breath away, then invigorate him. Had he come here to run away? Maybe in the beginning. He stayed because he belonged. Now, he couldn’t imagine himself anywhere else.
The inn door swung open, accompanied by a burst of conversation and laughter. The tall guy bringing up the rear shouldered a video camera. Buck flipped up his coat hood, though he usually preferred his head bare unless out mushing. This would be one long tour.
“There you are.” Melanie stepped beside him.
A rush of familiarity swept over him, an intimacy that plucked his pulse to race faster. Hell, she probably spoke to everyone as if she’d known them since grade school. It must be part of her job.
He swiveled toward her long enough to give her a professional smile. “Right where I said I’d be.” Did she have to stand so close? He hadn’t noticed before how petite she was, wrapped in her big coat. Now wearing a sweater, scarf and down vest, she appeared too…fragile. Like she’d snap in two if she fell. He’d have to take care to watch out for her. It would mean extra precautions to keep her from harm, tricky if he intended to avoid the camera.
“Oh,” she gushed as she scanned up and down the street. “What an amazing view.”
Keep quiet. “You expected maybe Santa’s village?” He couldn’t help himself.
Her laugh held the same ring of friendly familiarity. “I did my research. Photos don’t compare to the real thing.” She spoke to the camera next. “You guys have to come up here and see for yourself. I can’t even describe how great it is here. Make sure you look up my charming guide, Buck Wilson of Arctic Adventures.”
“Wright.” When her smile wobbled in confusion, he clarified, “Buck Wright. Not Wilson.”
“Yes. Buck Wright. Sorry. It’s not like me to make mistakes.” Her brow knit. “Interesting name.”
He couldn’t help a condescending wince. How did this girl survive out in the world? Her crew must work double-time watching out for her.
Gina yawned. “What time is it anyway?”
“Almost four,” Buck volunteered. “Still three hours until dinner.”
“Daylight’s gone,” Melanie said, “so it’s too late to ski or snowboard. What about a dogsled ride?”
Buck shook his head. “The next five days are all about mushing. You don’t want to burnout early.”
Hayden gave a low whistle. “What he said, man. Don’t want the tour to go to the dogs too early.”
Buck seethed at the dig, but let it pass. They’d soon understand the value of his huskies in this environment. He’d trust his team with his life.
“Snowmobiling?” Melanie turned to each. “It’s mostly effortless. And a fast, scenic tour to break us into the area.”
“Whatever you’d like.” Buck lowered his voice and leaned toward Melanie. Vanilla. Sweet and inviting, the scent flooded his senses, and he closed his eyes to keep his wits about him. “You might want to grab your coat.”
“Good idea.” She squeezed his arm and bounced toward the entrance. “How far’s the rental place?”
“A few blocks.” He called after her, but she’d disappeared inside. “Is she always so downbeat?”
“Melanie’s the most upbeat person I know,” Gina said.
Victor examined a small gadget. “Me, too.”
“What’s that?” Buck jerked his head toward the device.
“Clip-on camera.” Vic held it up for his inspection. “So I don’t steer into a tree trying to film and drive.”
Handy. And good to know. Staying out of Victor’s headlights would keep him out of the film frame.
Melanie reappeared wearing her coat.
“You’re fast.” Had she run all the way? Heat shivered up his spine when she smiled up at him.
“I’m excited to get started. I can’t wait to explore. It’s so weird, though, how this place feels like home.” She gazed out at the town with an affectionate yearning, like she was trying to absorb every detail.
Seriously? Of course it was home to him. But why would she say that?
She headed up the street. “This way?”
“Yeah.” Buck followed. “No need to run, though.”
She slowed her pace. “Sorry, old habit. Years ago, I read about French women not exercising, instead incorporating extra walking into their daily routines to stay fit. Guess the idea stuck with me.”
“Plus,” Hayden added, “she’s excited to be here. In case you missed it.”
Jerk. Buck ignored him. “So, you don’t exercise?” Hard to believe.
Trudging behind, Gina’s laugh sounded gruff. “I wish. Every morning at six.”
“Like clockwork,” Victor grumbled. “No matter what part of the world we’re in.”
Melanie laughed. “I keep telling you guys you should workout with me. You’d feel much better.”
Trudging behind, Hayden huffed. “I get worn out watching you.”
Gina muttered into her scarf, “No, you get horny watching her.”
Hayden met Buck’s sharp glance with a look of suspicion. “What’s your problem?”
A shake of his head was his only answer. “Two more blocks.” He strode ahead, hoping to put some distance between him and them. To his surprise, Melanie kept pace.
“Have you lived here long?” she asked, not a bit winded.
“Three years.”
Something crossed her face, too fast to identify.
“How long have you been in reality television?” He couldn’t help the extra emphasis on reality. To him, nothing could be further from the truth.
“Three years.” She smirked. “I’m guessing you’re not a fan.”
Shouldn’t have insulted her, especially before the tour even started. He stared ahead so she wouldn’t see his embarrassment. “I don’t watch much, honestly.”
“Good for you.” Her words held no sarcasm, no accusation.
It didn’t stop his guilt. “There’s so much more to do up here than sit around in front of a TV.”
“I’m sure. I’d be the same way if I lived in this area. I’d want to be outside as much as possible.”
Testing him for a reaction? He couldn’t imagine h
er in this environment. “You? In this stark, frigid landscape?” Some described Lapland as such. Not him.
“Hardly stark. This place is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the aurora.”
Well, wasn’t she a bundle of surprises. “Yep, definitely one of the perks.”
“And bodies adapt to their environment. How long did it take you to get used to low temperatures?” Her dark eyes searched his as they walked.
His brain hung up at the mention of bodies. Her body. Naked. Warm to the touch. “Huh?”
“The cold. You apparently adjusted to it. How long did it take?”
He couldn’t shake the image of his hands traveling across her bare skin. “What makes you say that?”
She gave him a serious-faced head to toe scan. “No hat or gloves. You don’t zip your coat, your scarf hangs loose.”
With that description, others might interpret his behavior as irresponsible. “It doesn’t mean I’m reckless.”
“I’m sure you’re not.” She spoke with no animosity.
Then why didn’t he believe he’d convinced her? He halted to make his case. “I’m fully prepared for every tour. Outfitted as needed. And I make certain my tour guests have everything they need.”
“I know. Like I said, I did my homework.” She glanced at the shop window. “Hey, we’re here.”
So they were. He opened the door and held it while Melanie and company trooped inside. His jaw had clenched tight, so he swiveled it until he heard a pop, a slight relief of tension. Way too early in the tour to be this uptight.
After entering, Buck gave a nod of greeting to the proprietor. “Hey Bjorn. Any rentals available?” A full fleet, he’d guess.
“Good afternoon, Buck.” Bjorn held his gaze on the cameraman a beat, then went on. “How many do you need?”
“Hi. I’m Melanie Michaels.” She shook Bjorn’s hand. “Three snowmobiles? We could double up, save on gas. We’ll probably have them out about an hour.”
Double up? Buck stiffened. But then, she’d probably ride with Gina, and the other guys would share another, with him leading. Doing the guide thing.
Bjorn unlocked a glass cabinet, removed three keys, and handed them to her.