Twice in a Blue Moon

by Cate Masters

  “Do something for me. It’s important.”

  “Anything. You know that.”

  “Keep living.”

  “I will, and so will you.”

  He winced. “No. You have to go on.”

  “Not without you.”

  “Listen to me. You’ll find another guy.”

  “Don’t say that.”

  “Another Mr. Right. You might think he’s an ordinary Joe at first—”

  “Stop. You’re my Once In A Blue Moon guy. No one else.”

  “Someone else is out there for you.”

  She shook her head. “Pete.”

  “You’re strong, Mel. Too wonderful to be alone.”

  “I can’t live without you.”

  “You can. You’ll be another guy’s Valentine.”

  She had no more breath to argue, only tears as he went on.

  “You’ll do all the things we’d planned to do. With him. And it’s okay, Mel. I’ll always love you. I’ll always love…”

  One last exhale, and his hand went slack in hers.

  “Pete? No! Somebody help!” Even as she screamed the words, she knew no one could.

  The ambulance doors had opened finally, but help? Beyond the emergency team’s capability, or anyone’s. The unfathomable had happened. Pete had left her.

  Sobs wracked her again tonight, and she curled on the bed, never more alone in her life. Yet Pete still didn’t appear to comfort her. Stupid, to come to Sweden, to the place they should have honeymooned. Pain tore through her in wave after wave, too much to bear. She clutched herself tighter and let the tears flow until she had no more.

  Outside, the aurora glimmered green, the same as it had earlier on the snowmobiles. Buck had watched them too. Probably why he had missed the bump that sent her flying. The way he’d run back for her, called her name… a shiver pierced her. Now he was out there somewhere, under the same gorgeous light display. Was he still watching them? With his dogs? In some tiny cabin, hopefully cozy warm against the frigid cold night. Why hadn’t he come to dinner? His dogs had probably been sleeping anyway and wouldn’t have missed him.

  At the twist of the door latch, Melanie jerked upward on the bed, swiped her wet cheek, and straightened her hair. “Hey. The boys get to bed?” Hard to disguise her shakiness.

  “They’re having ‘one more’ beer.” Using air quotes, Gina laughed. “Their asses will be sorry in the morning. I thought you’d be asleep by now.”

  She kept her head down so her hair shielded her eyes. They always puffed up when she cried. “I worked out,” she lied. “The aurora’s so pretty I got lost in it.”

  Frowning, Gina stepped closer. “Are you all right, hon? You seem off.”

  A flash of a smile, and Melanie stood, then gathered her pajamas. “I’m good. How about you? I hope the long flight didn’t throw you off too much.”

  “I’ll adjust like always. It’s not like you to be affected by the change in time zones, though.”

  She padded toward the bathroom. “Guess we better get some rest. Tomorrow might be a grueling ride on the dogsleds.”

  “Hey Melanie, you know if you need to talk, I’m here.”

  She paused to send Gina a longer, more heartfelt smile. “I know. Thanks.” A small comfort, but she’d learned to appreciate every little bit.

  Chapter 4

  Waking up in the dark had become habit. Following a night of fitful sleep, Buck rose long before he needed to. It wasn’t like him to obsess about clients, but everything about Melanie Michaels screamed trouble. Why did she have to be so attractive? So tantalizing in her innocent, unaware way that doubled her sexiness factor? Since he’d met her, she’d filled his thoughts. Completely threw him off his game—a sure sign he was about to lose.

  Eight-fifty in the morning, and soft pink light began to spread over the sky. He hoped his new guests wouldn’t let the limited sun throw them off schedule too much. Best to make use of what daylight they had.

  The camera crew should fare okay on the journey, but would Melanie Michaels? So petite, how much stamina could she have? They might have to take it slow to ensure she wouldn’t topple off her sled at every turn. He ignored the thought niggling at him that his negligence had caused her fall yesterday. Almost like worrying too much about her safety had created a self-fulfilled disaster. He had to simply play it cool, same as always. Yet he couldn’t seem to click into autopilot mode. Every time he tried, something about her yanked him back out, shook him up.

  “Probably should have told the driver to have them here at nine.” He’d feel better once they got started and he could keep a close watch on her safety.

  What had he forgotten? Probably nothing, another case of over cautiousness, but damn if he could remember. Also not like him.

  The husky at his side nudged his hand with its nose.

  Buck stroked behind the dog’s ear. “Sorry I have to make you work again, Bodo.”

  When the dog gave a friendly yip, he bent to eye level with him. “You’re my best boy.” His favorite, but he wouldn’t let on in front of the others. He treated them equally well—okay, spoiled them—but Bodo had earned the Top Dog spot after proving his bravery during their first December together. Out on a quick tour to test repairs on his sled, they had crossed paths with a lynx, one of the largest he’d seen. And most aggressive. Bodo had proven himself equally fierce when the big cat had attacked without provocation. Buck had understood why when he’d caught sight of the three cubs peeking from under the low branches of an evergreen. The lynx would kill to protect her young.

  So would he. With a powerful roar, he’d flashed a knife and called Bodo. The growling dog had retreated with teeth bared, and the lynx had run off with a snarl. Buck had dubbed the cat Snaggletooth, and avoided its territory. Bodo’s fur had grown over the healed slash, but Buck always knew the scar was there.

  He rubbed the spot. “We’re partners, right boy?” Their connection had grown ever stronger over the past few years.

  Catinka and Anicka nosed between. He lost his balance and his butt hit the floor.

  Laughing, he lay there as others joined in. “Okay, you’re crushing me. I give.” He struggled to sit. Lucky all twenty huskies hadn’t piled on. “Let me up. I need more coffee to survive this day.”

  At the cell phone’s chime, he sighed and grabbed it. Kenny, checking in. “Wright.”

  “Everything set for today? Are they there yet?”

  He did his best to counter Towson’s anxiety with calm. “Ten o’clock, Ken.”

  “You packed extra supplies, right? So they don’t get hungry or cold?”

  “Sure.” Yeah, right. Buck prepared for this trip the same as any other. Reality show crews deserved no special treatment.

  “Seriously, we need to give the best impression possible.”

  Buck let his jaw go slack as Kenny yammered on. “Exactly. Yes. I will.”

  “This could make us or break us, Wright.”

  Too much pressure, totally uncalled for. Buck made crackling noises into the phone. “What? I can’t hear you.” Crackle. “You’re breaking up…” Click.

  He tossed the cell onto the table. “No worries, boys and girls. We’ll soon be out of tower range and not have to hear from him. At least until we return.” He clasped his hands and rubbed. “So. Who’s ready to pull some sleds?”

  Crowding around him, the dogs yowled in unison.

  “Sweet music.” Buck joined in for a quick bark, then led the huskies through the kitchen door into the garage that he’d converted into a dog flophouse. The outer door opened to a large outdoor pen. “Chill for a bit until our guests arrive. I’ll double check the sleds.” He could swear he’d forgotten an important step, but damn if he could find it. Every time he went through the checklist, Melanie Michaels popped into his head and he’d have to start over. Somehow, an hour passed.

  When bells sounded in the distance, he waved to the approaching sleigh
. Gjertrud, her bright red hat and coat matching the sleigh, waved back. Pulling up on the reins, she called, “Morning, Buck.”

  He tried not to wince as he nodded in greeting to the others. Her crew was already filming. He pitied the video editor who’d have to sift through miles of boring footage for moments the American public might enjoy viewing. No wonder they’d hired Melanie, a girl definitely worth watching. How could she look amazing? Didn’t jet lag affect her?

  Melanie stood and gathered the sheepskin covers as the others descended. After folding the blankets, she touched Gjertrud’s shoulder and thanked her. As Melanie stepped off, Buck reached up for her elbow without thinking and guided her down. When her feet touched the ground and she gazed up at him, he forgot to let go until she answered, “Thank you.”

  Camera rolling, Hayden closed in. “Lose your balance, Melanie?”

  Buck dropped his hold and raked a hand through his hair.

  “I think,” Gina said, “that huge smile weighed her down.”

  “You’re so right, Gina. Funny, it disappeared when Dog Man left yesterday, but now it’s back.”

  Melanie’s glance at her team held a back off warning before she hoisted two bags from the sleigh. “Grab your stuff, guys.”

  What was up with the crew’s hazing? Did they always tease her? At least she paid them no attention and pointedly ignored him, as well.

  “Let me help.” Buck slid one from her grasp, the weight pulling him down. “Whoa, heavier than it looks.” Ms. Michaels hid some major muscles in her petite frame.

  Yapping, the huskies paced along the wire fence. Buck gestured in vain for them to quiet. They knew the drill and couldn’t wait for their harnesses.

  Her face filled with delight. “Your dogs are beautiful. What are their names?” She brushed past him. After he ran through the list, she bent to pet them through the fence. “Two females?”

  “Anicka and Catinka, yes. They’re not usually as friendly to other females, so be careful.” Though at the moment, he might as well not have existed. His huskies only had kisses for Melanie.

  “Such sweethearts, you are,” she cooed to them, scratching their necks.

  “Brownnosers.” Proving him wrong, lapping up her full attention. Not that he blamed them; she looked delectable in her form-fitting ski outfit.

  “Do you snowboard,” Buck asked, “or are you a skier?”

  She stood. “I try everything once.” A glance up at him turned into a double take, then a wide-eyed stare.

  At her intense scrutiny, he became aware of his goofy grin. “What?”

  “Your smile. Or half smile.” Her expression held something like disbelief, bordering on shock. So did her voice.

  “What about it?” His stomach did a strange clench-flutter-twist when she stared at his mouth intently.

  “Do you always smile like that?” Her tone had turned breathy, like she’d taken a punch to the gut.

  A low buzz filled his head. He had no clue what she’d said, but he sure liked the way she said it. He eased closer. “Yes.” To whatever.

  She blinked, tears welling fast when she met his gaze again.

  “What?” How could yes be the wrong answer?

  A shake of her head, and she fled.

  “Melanie?” Gina’s concern morphed to anger, and she glared at him. “What the hell did you say to her?”

  At a loss for an explanation, he shrugged.

  Vic focused his lens on Melanie, and Hayden’s followed Buck. Prick. He turned his back on the cameraman, trying to remember what he should be doing next. Dammit, he had this routine down pat, and on every other trip, executed each step by rote. To a freaking tee. Today? When the world watched? He became a bumbling idiot, making the No Boundaries star cry, of all things. Why? Because he smiled crooked? Hell, he’d have to remember not to show any amusement around her.

  He stole a look at her standing with Gina.

  “I’m fine. It’s nothing.” Melanie glanced over. Her face reddened, and she turned away.

  Gina frowned. “It’s obviously not nothing. What’s going on?”

  Buck tried not to listen, but couldn’t help overhearing.

  “Maybe I should have passed over this trip. I don’t know.” Melanie held a gloved hand to her forehead and stared toward the tree line. “I probably shouldn’t have scheduled it for Valentine’s Day.”

  Wait, today was only the twelfth. By the fourteenth, they’d be at the Icehotel. It made no sense to him. But then, women rarely did. Even his bitches Anicka and Catinka had proven him clueless.

  He should go find out what Melanie wanted to do. Cancel? Reschedule? What if she started crying again? Christ, helplessness might overcome him and he might snag her in a bear hug until she shed all her tears. Part of the fine print of the contract, he’d tell her crew. He called, “Do we harness the dogs or not?”

  Melanie straightened, visibly pulling herself together. “Yes. We have a show to do.”

  He blew out a breath. Right. Viewers might get more of a show than they bargained for. He’d keep his head down, literally, and stay out of their way. Check the sleds. Logic argued he’d already performed the routine twice, but for appearance’s sake, and to keep himself occupied, he stepped himself through the process again. Four dogs for each of the five sleds, loaded with blankets, food, and a thermos. Earlier he’d strapped a hunting knife to his sled, and a bow and arrows. Though some mushers did, he refused to pack a gun. With his luck, he’d hit a bump and the weapon would discharge on him. Though the No Boundaries audience might get a real kick out of it, bleeding out on the pure white snow held zero appeal.

  Like this gig. Why oh why hadn’t he asked Avery to take over? The thought of the other guide leering at Melanie sent a plume of hot anger through his veins. Do your job. Get her there and back in one piece. If what Kenny said was true, and business picked up afterward, then he could build his savings account faster and quit this crap job sooner.

  That brought a smile. “Who wants to volunteer to help me harness the dogs?”

  “I will.” Avoiding his gaze, Melanie shuffled forward.

  “Great.” People showed more enthusiasm heading for the executioner’s chopping block. “I’ll get Catinka and Lars first.” As he approached the fenced pen, a canine chorus erupted and grew into a frenzy when he unlatched the gate. In a stern tone, he called the two huskies and told the rest to wait their turn.

  “Do you always pair them up the same way?”

  In the din, he hadn’t realized Melanie had followed him. Her expression gave nothing away as she watched him clip leashes onto the dogs’ collars. Guess she’d put on her professional mask.

  “Not always,” he yelled over the raucous barking, “but these two work well together. Here, take the leads for Lars and Catinka.”

  Her slim fingers wrapped around his and grasped the rope. The touch shocked his system, and the buzz shot to his groin. He shifted away to save himself the embarrassment of his sudden boner. Smooching at the dogs, she led the pair toward the sleds.

  Fuck fuck fuck. Exactly what he should have done to the blonde at the bar in Stockholm. Then he wouldn’t be reacting like a mindless, horny teenager. He snapped leads on two more dogs, kicked the gate shut, slammed the latch, and tugged the huskies.

  Three steps later, a riot erupted in the pen behind him, and the other sixteen dogs bounded past. “What the…?” The latch must’ve bounced up again, freeing them. In their joyful pre-drive mode, the dogs had pawed at the gate and let themselves out. “Aw shit. Carsten, Edrik, Franz. Halt!”

  In their frenzy, the huskies swarmed around and past the television team.

  “Bodo!” The one dog Buck could count on to follow orders. Not today, because Bodo merely looked at him once and kept on going. And two No Boundaries photographers were filming it all. Kenny would have a conniption. Buck could see him now, sitting in front of his TV with his microwave dinner, mouth gaping in horror. A stream of curses
would follow.

  Buck had to fix this mess now. To Melanie and her team, he yelled, “Stay put. I’ll get them.” He couldn’t guarantee that in their ecstatic state, the dogs wouldn’t nip at a person who attempted to grab them. Nor would he reprimand any animal for doing so. Much, anyway.

  He stormed to the center of the dog cyclone and handed the leashes he gripped to Gina. “Hold tight.” Two by two, he nabbed the yelping huskies and led them to a sled. Within minutes, he’d harnessed all twenty dogs in teams of four, and the five sleds were nearly ready.

  “Nicely done.” Melanie nodded her approval.

  Fastening Bodo to his sled, he whipped an angry face toward her, but her admiration melted his frustration. “I apologize for the confusion. It was entirely my fault.”

  Gina laughed. “It was fun.”

  “Glad you think so.” Not the orderly harnessing he’d hoped to display to the American fans of No Boundaries.

  “What’s life,” Melanie said, “without those unexpected bumps in the road?”

  He narrowed his eyes at her. A reference to yesterday’s mishap? He couldn’t tell. She’d already walked off, instructing the others to pack their gear on the sleds.

  Hoisting her bag, she trudged toward him. “Did you assign sleds or can we grab any of them?”

  He patted the rails of his sled. “Take any other except this one. This baby’s mine.”

  She claimed the one farthest from him by dropping her bags on its floor. “What do you say, pups? Ready to haul us to the Sami village?”