by Devon McKay
Disregarding both of their objections, Blake jumped on the back of a velvet gray mare and proceeded toward the trail. Stella automatically followed in his wake as he veered off in the opposite direction of her cabin.
Half an hour into the ride, they stopped to rest the horses at a small stream. Sam refused his help down this time, attempting to get off of the horse herself. But as soon as she got her right foot out of the stirrup, she knew she was in trouble. Not having a great hold, her grip slipped, and she released the saddle horn. Once again, she was enveloped in Blake’s strong arms as he caught her. Her cheeks burned as she regained her footing and murmured a sullen thank you.
He tipped his hat nonchalantly and, instead of insulting her as expected, started a conversation. “This is Granite Creek in case you’re wondering. I catch a lot of rainbow trout here. It opens up just around the bend there.” He pointed toward a curve in the creek, enticing her with just enough information to spike her interest. “That’s my secret hole. The sweet spot.”
A boyish grin spread across his face, making it difficult to stay irritated at the man. A lock of dark hair fell on his forehead, and she fought the urge to sweep it to the side. An engaging memory of the way he had gently brushed the hair off of her face resurfaced.
“I’ll bet,” she said, slightly swayed by his smile and the recollection. “I know about rainbow trout.” A little reading on the plane by no means made her an expert on the subject, but he didn’t need to know the truth.
“Yeah, they’re good eating. Hell, they’re great eating. As a matter of fact, if I’m lucky enough, maybe I’ll catch us one,” Blake said, walking back to his horse and pulling out two thin rods from his saddle bag. He snapped them together, making one long fishing pole. “I come prepared,” he admitted, flashing another heart-rendering smile.
“You’re going to catch lunch with that?” Sam questioned, doubtful, as he pulled a small pan out of his gear and started toward the water. Not quite convinced, she scurried quickly to catch up.
“You bet your ass.”
His cocky reply sent a shiver down her spine. Confidence was not something he lacked. Another sexy trait. She sucked in a ragged breath and found a large rock to sit on. True to his word, in less than fifteen minutes, the man caught one fish and had another one on the line, reeling it in.
“Look at this beaut’,” he said proudly with a wide grin as he held up the trophy so she could admire his catch.
Sam shrugged. As far as fish went, she supposed it was a beauty. He pulled a small tool out of his pocket and fiddled with the knife implement as the handy gadget transformed into a pair of pliers.
He kneeled on the ground and carefully removed the hook from the fish’s mouth before returning the make-shift pliers to his pocket. Withdrawing a knife from the sheath hanging from his belt loop, he then proceeded to clean and gut the fish.
Glued to his actions, Sam watched in earnest as he cut the meat into filets and then cast them into the pan.
“We are going to need a fire. How about you gather some small pieces of wood as kindling?” he asked, rinsing his hands off in the creek.
Sam nodded, now understanding what kindling was. Slightly embarrassed, she glanced down and searched for twigs and branches on the ground. Within minutes, she accumulated an armful of fire starter.
“It’s so remote here,” she said, dropping the pieces onto the ground. “I don’t think there is another person around for miles.”
“Yep,” Blake responded curtly as he arranged the wood into a neat pile and quickly produced a fire. He then placed the small iron skillet in the center of the flames. Almost instantly, the meat began to sizzle.
This all came so easy to him. Flushed, Sam couldn’t pull her gaze away. There was something about the man which brought forth a sense of security. It was like second nature, almost effortless, for him to provide.
Uncomfortable with the path her thoughts were taking, she continued to babble. “It’s beautiful,” she admitted, peering into the woods. “But also a little unnerving. Just the two of us and whatever else is out there.”
“I’d be more afraid of what is in the big city.” Blake found a large log and rolled it closer to the fire. He slapped the bark, offering her a seat. “You know what to expect from an animal…you can read the signs. They warn you. People on the other hand…people are unpredictable.”
“I guess you’re right.”
Boy was he ever. She sighed. The man was a perfect example of exactly how unpredictable a person could be.
He jolted her with a playful nudge of his elbow. “Say it again.”
“Say what again?”
Blake leaned forward and flipped the fish. “That I’m right.”
“Not going to happen.” She held her ground as the corner of her lips started to tug upward. It was hard not to like this new side of the man.
Starting to loosen up, she gazed into the woods. Sam hated to admit it, but Blake was right. There was something about being one with nature. Never being too far from the city of Miami, this couldn’t be further from her comfort zone, yet, the experience was proving to be empowering in an odd way.
The smell of the cooking fish filtered in the air, causing the train of her thoughts to return to food. “Is it done yet? I’m starving.”
“Just about…prepare yourself. This will be one of the best meals you’ve ever had. I swear, there is nothing as good as a freshly caught trout.” He flipped the fish again and waited a few minutes before removing the pan from the fire and placing it on the log between them.
“I hope it tastes as good as it smells.” Burning her fingers, Sam tore free a chunk. She pinched a small bite of the steamy white meat and tasted it with the tip of her tongue. “Mmm. It is good,” she admitted, popping the rest of it into her mouth.
“I told you.” He handed her another piece, splitting the remainder of the first fish in half.
“Is this normal for you? To just go out and catch your lunch like this?”
He answered her with a quick nod and tore off another sliver. “Yeah. A day like this is considered typical for most folks around here.”
“I love it,” she said, eagerly accepting more of the food he offered. “Really, I do. But I miss the noise of Miami. Here, it’s so quiet.”
She split off a small section and nibbled. Blake simply nodded as he watched her eat with a steady intensity. Feeling uncomfortable under his scrutiny, she finished the fish and wiped her hands on her pant leg.
“Do you think the porcupine’s gone by now?”
“More than likely.” He scratched his head. “They don’t tend to stick around long. In fact, I’m kind of surprised it even made its way into your cabin. And just so you know, they don’t shoot their quills, they do most of their damage with their tails. We’ll start heading back after we clean up here.”
She stood. “I guess you would know. You definitely know a lot about wild life,” she admitted and made a mental note to do a little research on porcupines. “Were you born here?”
“Yeah.” Blake rose to his feet, not offering anything further.
Taking the pan to the creek, he rinsed and filled it with water then returned and poured the water onto the fire, extinguishing the flames with the swift shower.
“Your parents live here, too?” she continued to probe.
He didn’t say anything for a minute.
Sam considered his reaction, noting the slight frown altering his handsome features. Had she overstepped her bounds, again?
“Depends on who you consider my parents.” He kicked dirt on the embers to make sure the fire was out. “Never knew my dad, and I haven’t seen my birth mother since I was about ten or so. Denali’s family raised me. They are my family.” Blake glanced at her briefly before returning his attention to the steaming coals.
She winced, noting a slight sliver of pain he wasn’t able to hide. It was all starting to make sense, segments of a puzzle falling into place. No wonder he’d been so prote
ctive of his friend.
“Seems like we have something in common, Langford. I was adopted, too. My parents died in a car wreck when I was eight.”
Adopted? She held back a scoff. More like passed around from family member to family member until she’d had enough and moved out on her own at sixteen. She never wanted to rely on another person again. Just one of many reasons her career was so important. Why she strived so hard to make it on her own.
“At least your parents died. Mine just split.”
Sam stood abruptly, the vulnerability of her confession and his last statement was more than she could handle. She rarely told anyone about her childhood, and to hear Blake had just as difficult a past made her uneasy.
“At least it was great growing up in Miami. The beach…the warm weather,” she attempted, awkwardly changing the subject.
He narrowed his eyes, studying her with a probing gaze. Not the smoothest transition. She silently berated herself as his stare bore deep into her soul.
“The overpopulation,” he added sarcastically.
“I can’t argue with you there. I do hate how crowded Miami is,” she agreed, following him as he headed toward the horses.
“What are your plans with the ranch?”
He stopped, took off his worn cowboy hat, and wiped his forehead with the back of his arm. What could’ve passed as a smile formed, and she unconsciously held her breath, mesmerized by the rugged handsomeness of his face.
“Well, first I plan on getting more stock. I have the land. I may as well use it. But my real goal is to actually breed horses. I think I have a pretty good shot at it, too. There aren’t any other ranches around here, just private owners.” He returned the hat to his head and continued his way to the animals.
“What about your job at Fish and Game?” Timid, she eyed Stella.
Without a word, Blake positioned her to the side of the large beast instead of in front and encouraged her to pet the animal. Conquering her fear, she reached out and stroked the velvet tip of its nose. The mare nuzzled up against her hand.
He scratched Stella behind the ear. “As far as Fish and Game goes, I love my job, really I do. It’s amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better one. I just like the horses more.” He shrugged. “It’s as simple as that. An easy choice.”
Her mind started racing in circles with ways to promote his business…his dream. “I can help you. This is my forte,” she blurted excitedly. “With the right kind of advertisement—an informative brochure—you could have an amazing business.”
Waving his hand in the air, Blake stopped her. “I already have one. I don’t want your help. No brochures…no advertisements. None of your nonsense. I don’t live in your world, Sam. I like mine without all the fireworks. Word of mouth’s good enough for my business to grow.”
“But that’s…” She hesitated, searching for the right word to state her opinion objectively. “That’s naïve. You’re missing the big picture. Do you realize how much money you can make if you just let me do what I do best?”
His clenched jaw informed her she’d crossed the line. Again. What had she done this time other than try to expand his business?
“It’s not about money,” Blake growled. “Don’t you get it? I don’t want to exploit the state. Or my horses. That’s the big picture.”
Without another word, he checked the saddles and helped her mount Stella. The rest of their ride was silent, both keeping their thoughts to themselves as they reached her cabin. She waited outside, still abroad the monstrous animal, while he went in to make sure the culprit was no longer occupying her home.
Blake stuck his head out the door and motioned to Sam with a thumbs up before coming to help her down.
Approaching the cabin with a cautious stride, she was pleased to find, other than a musky scent, the shelter was completely free of strange looking critters.
She lingered in the doorway as Blake started a fire for her. He then excused himself, grabbed the reins to the horses, and headed back in the direction of his cabin.
Almost to the forest, he spun around. “I’ll meet you at the restaurant in the morning. Do you remember how to get there?”
Sam nodded mutely. She didn’t, but figured it couldn’t be too hard to find it again.
With a quick shake of his head, he turned back and disappeared into the heavy, green brush, leaving her with unanswered questions.
Why did it always have to come to this between them? Why was it always a battle of wills?
Chapter 9
Sam found her way to the café without too much trouble. As she pulled into the parking lot, she noted Blake’s truck wasn’t there yet. Good. Now, she had time to call Stanley and give him an update before starting another weary day with the moody travel guide.
“Hi, Maggie. I’m so glad you’re open. I wasn’t sure of the hours.”
The proprietor greeted her with a warm smile and a cheerful good morning. “I open every day at six a.m. If it’s not fishermen, its hunters, and both like to get an early start.”
Sam nodded, attempting a smile. “You got any coffee brewing yet? I’m not really a morning person. Especially without a hot cup of caffeine to get me going.”
Maggie chuckled and spun away to fill a mug. “Will Wolf be joining you?” she asked without turning around.
“Yeah. I’m surprised he’s not here yet,” Sam stated, glancing over her shoulder toward the parking lot. “It is the crack of dawn. I thought he’d be waiting at the door armed with one of his stabbing insults,” she replied smartly.
The waitress laughed as she finished filling the cup and then turned back around, placing the mug on the counter. “Now, now. We all have our ways. Just some of us are a little gruffer than others. All part of Wolf’s charm.”
“Is that what you call it?” She rolled her eyes. The man had as much charm as a coiled rattlesnake ready to strike. “Please tell me I can get reception somewhere?” Sam held up her phone, praying the answer would be yes.
Maggie nodded and pointed toward the back area of the restaurant. “Some have a little luck over there.” She picked up the cup and handed it to Sam. “Careful it’s hot. There’s already cream and sugar on the tables.”
Scalding coffee, possible cell service, and no snarled insults to start her morning? The day was starting to look promising.
Inhaling a deep breath of the steaming, fragrant liquid, she headed over to the small table in the back. Cozy, she thought, settling in for a few minutes before calling her boss.
Glancing down at her phone, she could see two solid bars. Reception. Fantastic. She closed her eyes and sipped at her beverage while gearing up for a hundred and one questions. After several minutes, and one coffee refill, she was ready to take on the world. Or at least Stanley. Pressing three on her speed dial, she was rewarded with a cheery hello.
“Hi, Stan.”
“Sam? I’m glad you called,” he paused. “I was starting to get worried.”
She smiled even though she knew he was lying. The only thing that distressed the man was work. No doubt he’d been beside himself…concerned with how much she’d gotten done on the brochure. “Yeah, I’ve got spotty reception. I had to call you from the local restaurant.”
“I figured as much. So, how’s Alaska? How are the accommodations?”
“Alaska’s great. And the Hilton…” Sam chuckled at the private joke they shared. “Not bad, actually. I’m getting used to it. I even had my first house guest.” A fleeting image of the porcupine popped into her head and she quickly blinked it away. “Anyway, I have a ton of pics to email you, and I plan on doing a little research later this afternoon if I have time.”
“Good. I’ll be waiting for your email. Just let me know if you want to take up residence there. Could be our next location. Take care, Sam.” A sudden click and the line went dead.
Shocked, she stared speechlessly at the phone in her hand. So much for a hundred questions. And what about that last comment? An office in Alaska?
Sam leaned forward, trying to hear a little of the conversation he was sharing with Maggie. The only thing she could decipher was something about spending the day going for a walk.
****
A walk?
Sam peered at the hiking trail with weary skepticism. She let her gaze follow up the mountain until the pathway became little more than a thin line. Even in the early morning light, the passage was intimidating and dangerous, rising straight up and disappearing into nothing but air.
Tilting her head back, she released a heavy sigh. Of course, this was right up Blake’s alley. Another daring, risky adventure. At least this one wouldn’t be on a horse. However, this little expedition hardly explained the brief stop they’d made at her cabin to get a change of clothing. Though baffled at the request, she refused to ask the reasoning behind it.
No, today she would try not to balk at anything Blake suggested…including a hike up a daunting mountain side. She narrowed her gaze and attempted to see the peak. No such luck. Too high up.
On a bright note, if Sam fell, the pack she was hauling would make certain she got to the bottom quickly. She adjusted the straps on the bulky backpack weighing her down and inhaled a deep breath of crisp, morning air. Lord knew what was in the bag Blake had supplied. More than likely rocks. She exhaled, shifting her shoulders to balance the weight as irritation simmered beneath her skin.
“There’s nothing better than waking up at dawn and lugging around a hundred pounds on your back,” Sam said, unable to stop the flow of sarcasm escaping her lips and nipping at the air like a rabid dog. So much for not balking.
