by Cate Masters
Her legs lost their bone structure and wobbled like a rag doll. She grasped his arms to steady herself.
His embrace closed around her. “You should lie down.”
She couldn’t stop staring into those eyes, so warm and alive. Dark eyebrows slanted downward. Strong jaw set hard, stubbled. Nose slightly flat, with flared nostrils to add interest. Altogether, a handsome man. And even better looking after a good cleanup.
What would he look like naked? In a steamy shower, sudsy water rippling down his body?
“I could help.” The offer sounded ridiculous. Stupid, I’m so stupid. And so tired.
His brows furrowed deeper. “Help with what?”
The urge to giggle bubbled up, but she stifled it and rubbed her temple. “Never mind. Yes, I think you’re right. I should probably rest.” Leaning into him, she shuffled to the hallway, which seemed to have telescoped to an impossibly long corridor. Floating downward, she landed in his arms again.
Buck cradled her against him. His voice vibrated in her ear, and she closed her eyes and held on tight, blocking out everything but the rhythm of his body as he carried her. At a blast of cold, she curled tighter against him. When he bent to set her down, she tightened her grip around his neck. “No. Don’t.”
His hands held her wrists, but he didn’t pry her loose. “You’re in your cabin.”
At the give of the mattress against her rear, she loosened her hold and he released her.
He helped her out of her parka, then removed her boots. “I’ll have someone bring your bags. You should sleep.”
“But your dog. He’s hurt.” She had to help. She’d promised him, and she never broke a promise.
He tugged a cover around her. “A veterinarian will look him over tomorrow. After we reach Jukkasjarvi.”
“How will you get your injured dog there? The others can’t pull everyone, it’s too much for them.”
“Let me worry about it.”
Despite his soft assurance, she couldn’t. The whole thing was her fault. And she hated how worried he looked, even through his lopsided smile.
“I’m so sorry.”
“For what?”
“Everything’s such a mess.” Melanie should have checked in with the show’s producers while she had the chance to use the hotel phone. Then they would have pressured her into scheduling more trips for more episodes. The deadline had passed weeks ago for her to submit a few possibilities. The producers always trusted her, and went along with whatever she suggested because ideas flowed to her organically. Until now. The buck stopped here, with her. It would throw off the show’s production schedule. She couldn’t go any further. I don’t even care. Weariness went beyond physical, and struck her deep in her soul. Since Pete’s death, she’d been running too hard, too fast. She simply couldn’t do it anymore. She didn’t even want to.
Pete had brought her here to discover that truth. She’d built a career out of chasing a ghost, and now had no clue what her life should be about. She needed more time. Here. Maybe in the frigid peacefulness under the aurora, she could find out.
With that, she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
Chapter 9
On any other trip, Buck loved coming to the base of the Vittangivaara Mountain. The majesty of it thrilled him, gave him a high, erased his worries.
Today, he gulped his coffee, blind to it. No sightseeing like a tourist. Not when his husky could develop an infection. He’d done what he could with his limited medical supplies. Now, he needed an expert veterinarian.
Unfortunately, the nearest one was hours away. Pushing the dogs beyond their capability yesterday had made Buck’s stomach churn. The mere thought of it brought the ill feeling back. No way would he overtax their strength by doubling up the teams again. He had to find another way to get everyone to Jukkasjarvi. Hell, he’d drag the damn sled himself if he had to.
What about Melanie? Yesterday’s fainting spell threw him. And worried him. He’d thought she was more hardy. Resilient. And what a weird reaction she’d had to his name. It went beyond the usual to the Almost Crazy category. Note to self: Never let Kenny use your given name again.
At the sound of approaching footsteps, and of Melanie and Gina talking, he scrubbed his face to snap out of it. Crazy? Yeah, try Day Five of the craziest he’d ever acted, and had grown progressively worse since their kiss the other night. Every time he looked at Melanie, the sensation of her lips moving against his slammed into him, looped on instant replay for hours. Some might call him a tad insane for such behavior, acting a lovesick fool. He hardly knew the girl. But at every turn, there she was, by his side. In his head.
“Hey, you okay?” Gina halted as if fearful to come any closer.
He raised his mug in cheers. “It’s debatable.”
“He’s worried about his dog.” Melanie poured coffee into two cups. “Did you get any sleep?”
“Some.”
After handing a cup to Gina, Melanie beamed at him. “I have a surprise for you.”
The things that leapt to mind, he could be tortured for in some third world countries. Shoot. Me. Now. “Oh?”
Eyes bright, she gave a tiny bounce. “I found a sleigh driver to take us to Jukkasjarvi.”
Gina veered away. “I think I hear someone calling. Excuse me.”
Questions flew through his mind. “What about my dogs? I can’t leave them here.”
She shook her head. “They’re coming too. Gunnar will ride with us. Instead of having to work, the other huskies can run beside the sleigh.”
Holy hell. Kenny would kill him. Dock his pay for the additional cost.
She knit her brow. “Won’t that work better?”
He wished he shared her enthusiasm. “Sure. It’s worth the cut.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The extra cost.” He waved the thought away. “Never mind.” Money didn’t rank above his furry family.
She brightened again. “No Boundaries is paying for it, if that’s what you mean.”
He leaned back against the counter. “I can’t let you.”
“It’s already done. Your dog was hurt because of our mistake, so it’s only right.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you have a vet waiting in Jukkasjarvi.”
Easy enough. “I do.”
“Great. I feel much better now.”
“Me, too.” Surprisingly. Things had taken a definite upswing. He wouldn’t think about life’s counterbalance, the inevitable downturn that always followed.
“How’s Gunnar doing?”
“He’s pretty sore. It will take a few days to heal.” At least he’d enjoy a less stressful ride today.
She stepped beside him. “I feel terrible he got hurt. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
“You’ve already done plenty.” More than most clients would have. Then again, he had trouble of thinking of her as his client.
“It’s our fault. I just wish I could have prevented it.” She sent an angry look toward the dining room where the cameraman sat.
Our. After yesterday’s bullshit, she still sided with the asshole. “I learned a long time ago to deal with things and move on.” Like he’d soon have to do.
“Wish I had your strength.” She strolled to the window. “Wow, such an incredible view.”
“One of my favorites.” Usually. “I’m glad you didn’t ask for a tour of the mountaintop, though.”
“It’s probably excellent for extreme sports.”
“Plenty of snowboarders and skiers agree.” When he had extra cash, he even indulged in those activities, though a more leisurely version, not the extra-dangerous sort.
She peered out at the peaks. “Anyone ever hang glide from the top? Or wingsuit jump?”
“One or two hang gliders over the years. No clue what the second one is.”
“A special suit with panels between your arms and your sides
and between your legs. They trap the air to keep you afloat, like wings.” The way she held out her arms and widened her stance, he got the idea. And plenty more.
Still, he couldn’t fathom the concept behind the suit. “You jump off a mountain wearing it?”
She shrugged. “Or a cliff, or whatever’s high enough.”
“That’s insane.”
Her laugh held no humor. “When I explain it, it does sound kind of crazy.”
“Kind of? What if the suit tears at a seam and opens a wing panel? What if a gust of wind slams you into a craggy outcropping?”
A slow shrug and wan grin. “Guess I’d need a few days to heal, too.”
Or an undertaker. He shuddered. “None of your crew has medical training. Why risk your life doing dangerous stunts?”
“Not true. They know CPR.” Her smile appeared designed for the cameras.
He recognized a brush-off when one ran him over like roadkill. Might as well argue with his dogs. He’d be more likely to win. “Fantastic. If you choke on a grape or something, they can give you the Heimlich. Excuse me.” He slammed his mug on the counter with a thud and plowed through the room to distance himself from her before he made any more stupid remarks. The blast of cold air as he strode outside hardly registered. Why should I care if she kills herself? She obviously doesn’t give two shits.
He pushed inside the outbuilding. The dogs’ heads turned in unison, and they began to stir and yip.
“Calm down. It’s not time to go. You guys have an easy day today.” He still couldn’t get over the fact Melanie had hired the sleigh. Probably a PR move. They’d film the whole process, of course. The thought soured his mood. He crouched near the injured husky. “How’s it going, boy? We’re going to fix you up today.”
First, another application of antiseptic. The dog whined and twitched when he applied a dose. Such a champ. Buck slipped him an extra treat, and then set to work rearranging the teams’ harnesses. After he’d set everything in order, he sat with Gunnar. “You’re going to be good as new. Rest for now.” He slipped the dog’s head onto his lap and stroked until Gunnar closed his eyes.
Later, Melanie popped her head in the doorway. “The sleighs are here. How’s it going?”
He eased the dog’s head to the straw and rose. “I’m almost finished with the harnesses.” Hoping the other huskies wouldn’t put up a fuss about the new setup.
She slipped inside. “Can I help you get them ready?”
“No, I’m used to doing things myself.” Apparently, something he’d continue.
“It doesn’t mean you have to.” She spoke more softly.
He tried not to wince. Right. Get used to having someone around. Then she ditches you. “It’s better if I do it myself. Make sure it’s right.” A half-assed explanation. He felt worse when her pleasant expression turned to a sad frown. Exactly what she’d based her profession on—putting up a false front.
She blew out a sharp breath. “Guess I’ll wait outside then. Let me know if you change your mind.” Her soft voice cut into him.
A curt nod, and he turned away before she could change his mind for him. At the creak of the door, the word wait surged into his mouth, but he clamped his jaw shut. Don’t be a sap. He’d always given in during arguments, had always taken the first step to smooth things over.
No point this time. After today, she’d fly back to America or to some other part of the world to film her stupid reality show. Funny, though, despite Kenny’s initial warning, she hadn’t performed one stunt since arriving. Hadn’t risked her life once. Much to the chagrin of her crew.
“Hate to have them on my side,” he told his team. “I’d much rather have you guys.” He roughed the fur of the nearest husky. No sooner did he begin fastening the dogs inside his redesigned harness than the usual canine chorus erupted. He stepped back to examine his handiwork and frowned. No time for a test run. They’d have to wing it. “You guys remember what ‘heel’ means, I hope.” The opposite of their usual mode.
He peered outside. Gina, Victor, and Melanie were stuffing their bags under the sleigh’s seats. Hayden filmed the others. One person I won’t be sorry to tell goodbye.
Snow crunched under Melanie’s feet as she approached. “Hand me your stuff. We’ll pack for you.” She held out her hand. “Don’t argue. Give it over.”
His expression must have given him away. “I’d do it myself if these guys weren’t so wound up.” After he passed the duffel bag through the entrance to her, she slung it over her shoulder as if it held feathers. Amazed, he got so caught up in watching her, he forgot to lead out the dogs until she slid the bag onto the sleigh and waved him on.
To Gunnar, he commanded, “Stay.” The others, he headed the pack, hoping they wouldn’t run him down. He fastened the lead harness to the rear of the sleigh, then hurried back for Gunnar and carried him out. As gently as possible, he set him onto the sleigh floor then hopped in. The husky crawled onto his lap, and Buck covered the dog. His real fear was that the other dogs wouldn’t be satisfied to follow the sleigh, but circle to the front in an attempt to pull it as they’d been trained. The only thing working in his favor was that the team normally followed Bodo, and Buck counted on his lead dog to behave as usual.
Hayden squeezed between Gina and Melanie. When the sleigh jerked forward, he said, “This is more like it.”
Buck didn’t think so. Gunnar weighed a ton. When the husky rested his head against Buck’s shoulder, he smiled until Gunnar yapped to the others following behind. It took many reminders for the dog to finally sit still.
Wincing, Hayden stared out. “Nope, I was wrong. This is boring as hell. In fact, this place would be hell for me.”
Buck and Melanie said at the same time, “Not for me.”
Hayden’s expression turned sickly. “Please. After days of these freezing temps, we’re lucky to still have fingers and toes.”
Gina sighed. “Such a drama queen.”
With a mock shiver, Hayden said, “Give me a beach anyday.”
Vic nodded. “Me too. Too much white makes me a little crazy.”
Hayden tilted his head toward Buck. “It sure would explain a lot.”
Buck set his jaw. Don’t give him what he wants.
“It’s more than snow,” Melanie said. “The tall evergreens and the mountains…oh, and the aurora. I’d never get tired of seeing the northern lights.”
Buck’s heart did a tiny pirouette. She’d expressed his same thoughts. “Boring for one person is peaceful for another.”
Hayden’s lips curled. “How very Zen of you.”
Give me five minutes alone with the asshole, and I’ll show him Zen. Buck didn’t have to force his grin then.
“Relax, Hay,” Melanie said. “We still have a few hours. Let’s not ruin the ride for everyone.”
“Anymore than he already has,” Buck muttered, petting Gunnar’s head. He’d choose a dogsled over a reindeer sleigh anytime. Cooped up with four other people and an injured husky extended the trip far too long. Preoccupied, he had the vague awareness of his knee bouncing constantly.
Instead of putting him at ease, Melanie’s grin ratcheted up the wired tension in his limbs. Hmm. If only she shared the sleigh ride with him, he wouldn’t mind at all. Snuggling into him instead of the dog. Her warm breath on his face. Soft lips moving against his….
Heat wound through him, and Buck let out an involuntary groan. Startled, he cleared his throat loudly.
Melanie opened her knapsack. “I packed cakes for a snack. Anyone hungry?”
Hayden reached out. “I’ll take some.”
Buck’s stomach grumbled. Stupid of him to skip breakfast earlier, but he’d let his emotions overtake his normal level-headedness.
“Here.” Melanie leaned over to hand him one. “You have to eat.” When he hesitated, she leaned closer. “I know you didn’t earlier. You need the energy to take care of your dogs.”
“Yeah, and
I’m not picking you up if you faint.” Hayden chewed.
Buck accepted the package from her. And energy for kicking his ass. “Thank you.” Not usually something he ate, yet the sugary bread did smell good. He bit into it. Mm, not bad.
She smiled and finished off her cake. A lock of hair drifted into her mouth and she absently hooked the strand with her finger and drew it out. Something about the simple, yet sensual, act stole his focus. From behind his hand, he watched. His teeth dug into his glove when the memory of her kiss hit him again. Professionalism and a sense of duty had prevented him from returning her kiss. That, and the haunting thought someone might be lurking in the darkness, filming them. Now, he regretted it. What he wouldn’t give to go back to that night. He wouldn’t hold back like he had last time.
The very reason her departure would be a good thing. No Boundaries would make or break Arctic Adventures. He’d prefer the former over the latter, no matter how sexy she was, or how sweet. He read too much into her smiling glances at him. Actresses treated everyone the same.
Until they reached Jukkasjarvi, he did his best to avoid eye contact with her. The others hadn’t recorded much since they left Sevuvuoma Lodge, complaining the scenery appeared the same as every other day. Still, he couldn’t risk a camera capturing his puppy dog expressions.
After what seemed like forever, the town appeared in the distance. His nerves grated, anxious to get his dog to the vet.
“Where should we go?” Melanie asked him.
He gaped at her. What was she suggesting? The two of them going off together? Alone?
She searched his face. “Where do you board your dogs? Or should we stop at the vet’s office first?”
His elation deflated. “The kennel. I’ll contact the vet from there.”
“No, we will bring you both places.”
“I appreciate it. The driver will know how to get you to the Icehotel.”
Surprise and anger sharpened her features. “You have to come, too.”
Had he missed something when they booked the trip? “No, you don’t need me.”
“Yes, I do.”
Hayden grimaced. “Don’t you mean ‘we?” But you’re right,” he told Buck. “We don’t need you.”