by Cate Masters
“Actually, we’re stopping at a Sami homestead today, the private residence of Edo and Britt-Marie Kappfjell and their fifteen-year-old daughter Isa and twelve-year-old son Davved. Tomorrow we’ll reach the Sami village for a brief stay to learn about reindeer herding, and by tomorrow night, we’ll be at the Vakkara Wilderness Lodge.” Holy hell, he was starting to sound as lame as they did, spouting off for the cameras.
“Excellent.” Gina dropped her pack on a sled. “Vakkara’s the place with the saunas, right?”
Victor hooted. “You know we’ll need a good steam by then.”
“I’m sore already.” Hayden rubbed his lower back.
Sad. Someone as young and virile as him shouldn’t exhibit such laziness.
Melanie laughed. “Seriously, Hay. We’ve been through much worse.”
Hayden’s sly smile held more than teasing, like he wanted to gobble her up. “You might change your mind by the end of the week.”
Time to weigh in with a disclaimer, and slap a boo-ya on the Brad Pitt doppelganger. “Mushing can be grueling if you’re not used to it, especially for several hours as we’ll be doing. Arctic Adventures recommends only people with the right stamina take the more difficult tours such as this one.” He swung a mock-pathetic look toward the younger man. Oh, snap.
Hayden harrumphed. “My stamina’s younger than yours, old man.”
Whoa, killer response. Buck did his best not to appear wounded. “It’s best not to make too many claims before we start the trip.”
Melanie nodded. “He’s right. You might have to eat your words, Hay. And Buck’s not old.” Her glance had a conspiratorial air, a private exchange between them—and another zinger below the belt.
Shit. Focus. “Listen up and I’ll go over the basics of mushing.” He reviewed starts, steering, braking, and stops. “I’ll be in the lead and my dogs will follow me. Any questions?” A few grumbles, but no one raised their hand. He blanched after realizing Victor had the camera pointed at him. Double shit. Hadn’t Melanie asked them not to film him?
“We’re ready.” Hayden fiddled with his bag. “As soon as I attach this to the sled.”
“Not yet. First we’ll take a short run around the field so you can get your bearings. Then if you’re good to go, we’ll be on our way.” He boarded his sled. “Leave your bags. I’ll help you before we take off. Everyone know the word to get your team moving? Mush,” he called to his four dogs.
Led by Bodo, the huskies jerked the sled forward. Four sleds followed in a somewhat orderly line. They executed a quick turn around the field before arriving back at his cabin.
“Everyone good?” Buck checked each in turn. A tad disorderly, but overall, not bad.
“So cool,” Gina said.
A whoop, and Melanie threw up her hands. “I love it.”
Her male associates showed less enthusiasm. Victor bent to attach a small camera to the front of his sled, and Hayden appeared more surly than before, but intact.
Buck had noticed him testing the brakes more than necessary. “By the way, don’t overdo the braking. You’ll confuse your team.”
Hayden smirked. “They’re not used to taking commands?”
Buck bristled. “Of course they are. Undue use of the brake will wear them out. And slow us down.”
At least the dogs appeared happy, and in this blinding sunshine, no one could complain about the weather. If they hadn’t expected frigid temps, these people had landed in the wrong hemisphere.
“Any last questions? Anyone need a final bathroom trip?” When Gina and Melanie both said yes, he pointed to the door at the end of the cabin. “Right there.” Best addition ever—a separate bathroom for guests so they wouldn’t have to go through his private space. He frowned at his modest accommodations when he rushed inside to use his own facilities. He’d hate for Melanie to see his simple, messy man-home. She probably lived in a mansion with frilly curtains, four-post bed, gold faucets on a porcelain sink, the princess works.
Buck did one last check of the place. Oops, almost forgot. He grabbed the bundle he’d prepared earlier and returned outside as the girls came out of the guest restroom. After securing the package to his sled, and then their bags to the other sleds, he put on his goggles, gloves and fur-lined parka. “All set?” They appeared to be, so he climbed aboard his sled and yelled, “Mush.”
His team powered ahead and the sled jerked forward. Another check behind him showed the others had gotten a relatively smooth start, too, and he settled in for the long drive.
Soon after, Melanie’s sled drew up beside his. He couldn’t read her glance, shielded behind mirrored ski goggles. High end, like the rest of her outfit. Nothing but the best for the star, he supposed.
The huskies calmed into their routine, pulling happily. Usually Buck fell into the same Zen zone, with the shush of the runners along the snow the only sound, the world falling away. It gave him a deep sense of peace on every other trip.
Not with Ms. Michaels beside him. Definite Zen interference. She distracted him to no end. The way she moved, she’d ridden dogsleds all her life.
“How long have you been mushing?” he called to her.
She shrugged. “Fifteen minutes?”
“No way. You’re a natural.”
Her somber expression broke when she smiled. “I’m a jack of all trades, master of none.”
Interesting. A glance back showed the others less enthused. He turned before they could see him laugh, imagining their even lower opinion of dogsledding after they’d made it to the Kappfjell homestead.
Will Ms. Michaels still be a bouncy cheerleader? Or a Debbie Downer? Hey, he got the cultural reference right, if somewhat out of date.
Too bad it might be the only thing he got right today.
Chapter 5
The rush of the wind in Melanie’s face, and her sled might have been floating rather than gliding. With Buck mushing at her side, the same peaceful feeling enveloped her as it had yesterday. What a perfect way to spend the day. She didn’t dare mention it, not even to Gina, but this place called to her heart. Crazy as it sounded, this place comforted her like home. She hadn’t made a mistake coming here, only to have stayed away for this long.
The huskies appeared to love the exercise, too, even after the hour and a half they’d been hauling sleds. Rather than slowing down, her four dogs would probably take off across the tundra if she gave them their heads.
In spite of the female pilot’s “hands off” warning about Buck, riding beside him gave Melanie a good feeling. The dogs obviously adored him. Despite the canines’ rowdy behavior earlier, now they responded to his commands quickly and without complaint. Not to say they didn’t vocalize, yet the noise had a joyful quality. It spoke of a deeper trust between them. All appeared healthy and happy, meaning Buck must treat them well. Even in this morning’s melee, he’d used a stern tone yet gentle treatment. More brownie points for him.
Not that she was keeping score. Okay, maybe a little. Especially after her earlier outburst, a slip of emotion. She risked a glance at him. Good, he didn’t seem to notice. Or he’d graced her with his professionalism again.
Speaking of which… Time to check her own peeps. “Everyone okay back there?” she called over her shoulder.
“Great,” Gina yelled with a wave.
“So far so good.” Vic gave a thumbs-up sign.
“Whoop-dee-doo,” Hayden fake-cheered.
Ever the cynic. He’d already cast his vote for the next gig to take place on a tropical island, with jet skiing and surfing the most hazardous activities.
After this experience, Melanie couldn’t disagree more. To no one in particular, she yelled out, “I’m loving it.” And hated to think about the next show. Maybe they could explore more of Sweden instead of some other country.
“Great.” Buck’s half-smile appeared again. “Because we have about another hour to go.”
“Did you say another hour?” Hay
whined.
“Buck up,” she called to Hay. “Oh, sorry,” she said to Buck. Is that where he got his nickname?
He gave no indication he’d heard. “We’ll arrive in time for lunch. Sound good?”
“Yes, I’m starving.” Again. Weird, she usually ate to keep herself going. A side effect of the cold on her metabolism, maybe? Anyway, she looked forward to sharing a meal with Buck. His deep, sonorous voice put her at ease. Bet he had some incredible stories to tell, if she could get him to loosen up a bit.
Time flew faster than the sled over the snow. When Buck pointed ahead and said, “There’s the homestead,” she could hardly believe an hour had passed.
“Almost there,” she called to her crew. Gina pumped a gloved fist, but Vic and Hay remained stiff as snowmen. Oh well, they could thaw out over lunch.
From the farm, another large dog barked. Melanie followed Buck’s lead, slowing her team of huskies as they circled into the yard and stopped outside a barn. A man wearing a deerskin coat waved and dragged a sled full of firewood beside the house. He called out something Melanie didn’t understand.
Buck waved and responded in what sounded like the same language, and stepped off his sled to shake hands. After a brief exchange between them, the man gestured them toward the house. No need to speak Sami to interpret the invitation.
Melanie smiled and nodded, then went to help Buck unfasten the dogs’ harnesses. “Do they speak English?”
He pushed down his hood to his shoulders. “Fluently. But it’s more polite to speak their native Sami.”
Noted. “Oh.” Her brain stopped working when he unzipped his parka. The man must be more hot blooded than most.
“They don’t expect you to know their language.” Buck led the huskies toward the barn. “We’ll let the dogs rest in here. If anyone needs help, I’ll be right back.”
So businesslike. Guess Anakarina had no need to warn her off. Another head-scratcher of a couple—she’d never have put the two together but they must be happy. Buck treated Melanie with the same cold professionalism as the rest of her crew. Who, at the moment, had barely moved from their sleds. “Come on guys. Unharness your pups like Buck showed you. They need some TLC after their hard workout.”
“So do we,” Hayden snarked.
“You’ll get yours.” She bent to release Catinka and Lars, her lead dogs. They licked her face, straining against the straps. “Thank you. I love you too.” Her laughter stopped when she realized someone stood close. Buck. Mouth in a grim line, watching her intently.
“Need help?”
She stood with the dogs’ leads in hand and tugged the animals away. “Nope. Got it.” She jerked her head toward the others. “I can’t vouch for them though.”
In a grunt of agreement, Buck strode off.
Melanie got lost in his swagger, easy and confident. Was the man impervious to the freezing temps? I wouldn’t mind sharing some of his body warmth. The dogs jerked against her hold. “Sorry, babies. Come on, let’s go get you settled.” The huskies dragged her inside the tall doors. No doubt they’d stopped here many times and knew better than she what to expect.
With a kerosene heater lit atop a slab of stone, the barn had a cozy atmosphere. In the center of the barn, the panting dogs sprawled atop the hay. The man who’d greeted them minutes ago filled tin pans with water.
Melanie unclipped the dogs’ leads. “Hello. I’m Melanie.”
With a nod of greeting, he smiled. “Welcome. I’m Edo.”
“Can I do anything to help?” Her dogs had already run to him and had begun lapping.
Stroking their fur, he winked. “Not yet. We’ll put you to work later.”
Hayden entered first, camera panning the barn.
Holding the harnesses of all four of Hay’s dogs, Buck followed with Gina and Vic and four of their dogsled team. “Everything okay?” His gaze bounced from her to the host and back.
“Fine.” Melanie headed outside. “I’ll go back for two more dogs.” The crisp air practically sparkled with sunshine, cold and pure. The huskies’ tails swished across the snow as she approached. “Poor babies. We didn’t forget you.” She bent to rub their necks, then snapped leashes on two more and released them. Surprisingly, they heeled pretty well on the walk inside, only straining ahead when Buck approached.
He said something to them in another language. Just one word, and they calmed. “I could have gotten the rest.”
“I wanted to help.”
He reached for the leashes. “You should go in and warm up.”
She pulled the leads out of the way and steered the huskies ahead. “I will when we’re done.”
He glanced back to where Hay stood, video cam pointed their way. With a grunt, Buck strode to the two sleds.
After releasing the two huskies, Melanie watched them join the others in flopping onto the barn floor. “Isn’t this great?”
Gina grinned. “Yeah, it is kind of fun.”
“A real blast.” Hayden appeared beside them.
She sent him a frown. “Shh.” No insulting the host, or Buck.
In half the time it had taken her, he’d collected the rest of the dogs and guided them en masse to the barn.
Edo started for the door. “You must be tired. Come inside and rest. Britt-Marie should have supper ready for you.”
Hayden headed toward their host. “No need to ask me twice.”
Melanie let Edo lead the way. “Sounds great, thank you.” Her team strolled outside, and she followed more slowly while Buck did a last scan of the dogs. He caught up to them outside, then latched the door behind him.
A frigid gust of air made Gina gasp and fluttered Buck’s parka open wider, but he seemed not to notice.
Melanie hugged herself. “Aren’t you cold?”
“Used to it, I guess.” Expression stern, he gestured her forward.
Okay then. No personal questions allowed. Likewise noted. The pang of disappointment hit her, and she pushed it away. As much as the trip felt like play, everyone had come here to work. Huddling against the bite of the freezing breeze, she trudged behind her crew. No sound came from behind, and she couldn’t help checking over her shoulder.
Buck had gone back to the sleds.
What’s he doing? “Need any help?” They didn’t need to unload their gear, did they?
“Nope.” He unstrapped the large bundle he’d stowed and carried it toward the house.
“Please.” The host gestured from the doorway. “Come in.”
Yikes, caught staring. She sent Edo a smile and trudged his way. The warm glow of firelight helped cheer her as she entered the homestead. Vivid reds and yellows brightened the open space. Like the outside of the hand-hewn cabin, its furnishings and decorations appeared to be crafted with skill and love. Nothing like the fast-food, fast-everything lifestyle Melanie had grown used to.
“Ah, you’re here.” Bent over a large pot cooking over the fire in the huge hearth, a woman smiled at them. After smoothing her apron, she approached. “Welcome. I’m Britt-Marie.” She swept back her loosely braided, long dark hair and clasped Melanie’s hand. Although small, her hands held such warmth. “I’ll take your coats. Come warm yourselves by the fire.”
Already warmed by the homey atmosphere, Melanie introduced herself and her team, then said hello to the teenage boy and girl. “What are your names?”
“Isa,” the girl spoke into Victor’s video lens as if she did it every day.
Not camera shy. Good for her. “And you’re Isa’s brother?”
The boy nodded. “Davved.” His gaze traveled to Gina and stayed there.
How adorable. Puppy love at first sight. Vic already had his gear out, but Melanie asked, “Is it all right if we shoot video during our stay?” Hopefully Arctic Adventures had already arranged it, but she always liked to get permission in person. She relaxed when both said yes. “I really appreciate it.”
The woman opened her arms to
Buck, who stood apart from them.
Melanie gulped hard when Buck aimed his teasing half smile at Britt-Marie, and crouched to receive her hug. Nice to know he’s pleasant toward someone. She envied their conversation, flowing with easy familiarity, and wished again she understood the Sami language. Her envy turned slightly greener when he slid the bundle from behind him and presented it to the Sami woman.
Britt-Marie’s hands flew to her open mouth. She must have argued against the gift because Buck pressed the parcel closer to her, then set it atop the table. “Open it.”
Murmuring, Britt-Marie untied the strings to reveal a bolt of royal blue linen. Tucked inside a smaller bag were needles and threads of every color. Cupping his cheeks, she kissed each.
Buck’s smile vanished when he noticed Hayden’s lens pointed at him. He cleared his throat and stepped out of frame. He muttered something to Edo, and both men went outside.
Why? He didn’t smoke, did he? Melanie hadn’t smelled it on him. On her way to Britt-Marie, she circled by the window. No sign of the men. Much as she hated to intrude on the hostess’s moment, her job demanded she interact with everyone, engage them in conversation. Get them on camera, basically. “How lovely.”
Britt-Marie’s expression said it all. Buck had chosen well. “Last time he was here, I mentioned admiring some fabric. I haven’t had a new dress in a long time, but now I will. I have the perfect pattern for this.”
“So thoughtful of Buck.” More brownie points for him for remembering. “Do you sew your own clothes?”
“For Edo and myself. Isa and Davved prefer store-bought.” The mother arched a disapproving brow at her children.
Oops, apparently a touchy subject. “Kids like to keep up with trends.”
Britt-Marie’s nod had a sadness about it. “Yes. Enough about that. You must be hungry.” She folded the linen back inside its wrapping and lifted it tenderly as if it were a baby. “I’ll be right back and we can eat as soon as Edo and Buck bring in the firewood.”
Aha. So that’s what they’re doing. “What can I do to help you?” She wouldn’t stand idle while others worked on her behalf.