by Devon McKay
“Disloyalty?” Blake shook his head as he sat on the ground beside him. “And just who am I being disloyal to?”
“To the land.” The Alaskan native’s top lip curled in an open display of disgust.
Blake couldn’t shake the feeling their squabble was not about Alaska. No, their conflict was over a woman. An odd concept to accept. In all their years of friendship there had been many quarrels, but never about a woman.
He searched for the right words to placate him, but found none. From the moment he had first laid eyes on Sam, he knew she would somehow come between him and his oldest friend. And it wasn’t just her job. Not anymore. A fleeting picture of Sam came to life…the slight curve of a smile on her perfect lips, emerald eyes half shut with desire…
“She has filled your heart with poison. I can see it. Smell it on your skin.”
As if doused with glacier water, Blake shook away the image. “It’s not like that, Denali. I made a deal with her. Sam’s in advertising. She’s making a brochure. I’m just showing her the real Alaska, so she can inform people. I…” Blake struggled, his explanation falling flat.
Denali ignored his confession. “A deal? You’ve made a deal with the devil.” A loud snort emphasized his friend’s opinion. “To inform people…inform them of what? You are foolish…her lies will only bring more gasht’ana. You are blinded by lust.” He got to his feet, the distasteful thought of more white men coming to his state written as clear as day on his face.
Refusing to state another word, Denali disappeared into the tall brush without as much as a glance behind him.
Blake peered into the grass, his friend’s words echoing in his head. “…deal with the devil…blinded by lust.”
He couldn’t help but wonder…
****
After another long, sleepless night, Blake woke before dawn. He’d spent the entire morning thinking about Sam and came up with only one thought. His feelings for her were deeper than he realized. And yesterday, he almost got her killed.
Now, the little lady was trying to kill him. Or just really make him suffer. No, definitely death. Answering the door in only a short little pink item covering less square inch than a small towel would surely be his demise. Death by desire…was it even possible?
“You are blinded by lust.”
Denali’s words echoed like thunder in Blake’s head. Not blind yet, he scoffed, taking in the decadent vision before him. He let his gaze devour her long, endless legs, pausing mid-thigh where a slit in her nightgown left little to his imagination. He lowered his gaze to her ankle. Even with the bandage altering her skimpy attire, she was a sight to see.
This proved more of a challenge than the day before. The right thing to do would have been to glance away, but he couldn’t if he wanted to. There was no way he could get his eyes to comply.
For a long, drawn out moment, neither said a word, and he wondered if Sam could feel the heat of his desire. Attempting to get a hold of himself, he failed miserably. A repeat of what he’d suffered the day before swept through him.
He clenched tighter to the bag of freshly baked muffins he held in his hand. Determined today would be different, he had swung by Maggie’s on the way for two extra-large cups of coffee and the tart treats. He doubted the effort would soften any sexual frustration on Sam’s part, certainly not his, but perhaps it was a start. There was no excuse for his behavior yesterday. He wanted her, desired her more than any other woman he had ever met, and there simply were no excuses.
To top it all off, Denali’s words continued to haunt him. Probably because his friend spoke the truth. Lust did seem to be a strong factor. And she could very well be the devil. His gaze rested on her chest, taking in how the silk perfectly outlined the upward tilt of her firm breasts.
“Are you going to stand there and ogle me or come in?” Sam inquired, breaking his trance. “Oh thank God, you brought coffee. And donuts?” She didn’t wait for his answer, grabbing one of the large cups and the small bag he held before disappearing back into the cabin.
“It’s kind of hard not to stare when you’re always half-dressed,” Blake grumbled under his breath, trying like hell to regain his composure as he stepped into the dark room. Walking to the window, he pushed back the drapes, allowing natural light in. Needing the distraction, he stared into the forest as he took a sip of his coffee.
“This is my signature look.”
As always, her sassy retort pulled at the corners of his mouth. It never failed. The woman made him smile. He forced himself to look away from the scenery and face her. “I see you’re feeling better. How’s the ankle?”
“Good. A little sore. As long as I don’t put too much weight on it, it’s bearable.”
A wave of relief washed over him. Not sure what to think of his feelings, he turned back to the window. The woman had him in knots. Everything she did confused him. And now he couldn’t stop thinking about her.
Last night had been the worst. It’d taken every ounce of willpower he had not to come back just to check on her. A scary thought. Lust he could deal with…but this…? This was a completely different emotion. One he wasn’t sure he was equipped to handle.
The springs on the bed squeaked and his body tensed. He closed his eyes, praying when he reopened them the sight of her wouldn’t be even more seductive than what he’d already seen.
No such luck. He looked, and was fully compromised by the image of her sitting on the bed wearing, or barely wearing, the silky thing which made him incapable of logical thoughts. His manhood responded, springing to life again, tugging hard and taut.
“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” She opened the lid of her coffee and inhaled a deep breath. A radiant smile spread across her face. “Please tell me bears are not on the top of your list of adventure,” she inquired inquisitively, patting a spot on the mattress beside her. “Have a seat.”
He accepted the offer and sat on edge of the bed.
Sam reached into the bag and pulled out a muffin. She grinned widely, showcasing her natural beauty.
“Well, if you feel up to it, I figured we would go fishing,” he replied in a controlled tone, even though his mind raced with decadent ideas.
Or stay in bed all day.
“Did you say fishing?” she questioned, choking on a mouthful of muffin. Sam quickly downed some coffee and cleared her throat. “Definitely sounds bear-like.” She eyed him warily, licking red juice off the tips of her fingers.
He attempted to answer, but was caught off guard by how sensual the simple act was and couldn’t speak.
“Are these real cranberries? Did you pick these, too? As in the berries we didn’t get to pick yesterday?” She bombarded him with questions while prying free a crimson berry and tossing it into her mouth. The quizzical expression on her face changed into one of pure ecstasy.
Oh, if only he could be a cranberry. Blake managed a quick nod.
“I’ve never been fishing before,” she confessed, popping another chunk of the pastry into her mouth. “I hope you brought more muffins.” She peeked inside the bag and released a squeal of delight. “Oh my, Blake, you certainly know the way to a girl’s heart. You’d better have one, too, or I might just eat all of them before you get a chance. I’m starving.” She broke off another piece of the tart cake.
He shook his head and allowed his gaze to focus on a crumb clinging stubbornly to her plump bottom lip. Devouring a muffin happened to be the last thing on his mind. Without thinking, he ran the pad of his thumb along her lip in an attempt to wipe off the crumb.
For a second, he envisioned tasting the sweet morsel. Realizing what he was doing, Blake pulled his hand away, but not before noting a spark of desire shaded the pale moss of her eyes to dark jade.
He lowered his hand as the tip of her delicate pink tongue darted over her bottom lip. Her gaze captured his, and a heavy sense of awareness sizzled between them. Unable to breathe, Blake stood abruptly.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” He walk
ed to the door, opened it and retrieved a pair of thigh-high hip waders from outside on the porch.
“I think these will fit. They’re size seven, but you’ll have to try them on. Sometimes they run big.” He placed the boots on the floor by the bed and resumed a seat on the edge of the mattress.
Sam dropped her half-eaten treat back into the bag and brushed her hands together to wipe off the crumbs. She reached for the boots and held one in the air. “How do they stay up?” She toyed with a small strap on the top of the waders. “Oh I guess these hook onto something.”
“Yeah, onto your belt loop. Why is it you have to question everything?” Blake snapped in frustration. Sam was pushing him over the edge. He didn’t know what was worse…her scantily covered body, the seductive way she devoured a muffin, or the combination of both. “Just try them on.”
Sam shrugged and slipped one long, smooth leg into the rubber sheath. Although the action seemed innocent, it was a hot, seductive move, holding him completely captive. Then, she carefully slid her injured foot into the other boot and stood. He held his breath and followed the line of the boots up the length of her leg. The top of the waders flirted with the lacy hem of her nightgown.
The roar of his heartbeat thundered in his ears. Damn. The woman even made a pair of fishing boots sexy. His thoughts began to spiral, heading toward a dangerous point of no return. He released a ragged breath, shifting again on the bed to readjust.
“They’re a perfect fit. But, I’m not sure of the fashion statement I’m making,” she teased, glancing down at the boots. Sam jutted her hip to the side in an apparent effort to lessen the weight on her ankle.
Whether it had been intentional or not, the position change only enhanced the sexy ensemble. Unable to stop himself, he let his gaze run down the length of her, completely mesmerized by the way the silk adhered to her every curve as the ruggedness of the resilient waders clung to her shapely thighs.
“What are you doing, Sam? Are you trying to kill me?” Blake finally managed, his tone low and strained.
Sam glanced up and held Blake’s hazel stare. She saw the same hunger as the day before. Her heart skipped and then roared to a rapid beat; the sound thundering loudly in her ears. A sense of empowerment came with seeing such an open display of desire.
She released a nervous giggle, suddenly aware of the effect her outfit was having on the man. At first, she’d enjoyed the attention, noting how uncomfortable he’d been when she opened the door half-dressed. But now, the tables had turned.
“Kill you? Hardly. I’m trying my best to seduce you. And don’t you dare say anything about my job. This isn’t about work. It’s all pleasure.”
Seductively, she smoothed her hands down the front of her chemise, molding the silk firmly against her skin. Her nipples responded, pulling taut against the pale colored fabric.
Continuing the torment, she turned her back and bent down, touching the toe of the boot. Slowly she rose, attempting a coy glance over her shoulder. Then, she ran her hand provocatively up the side of the slick rubber. Teasing him, she toyed with the buckle at the top of the hip wader.
Suddenly, the heat of his hands pulled her backside to him, lifting her to a standing position. So offset by the quickness of his movement and the slight discomfort of her ankle, she had to adjust her balance by bracing her weight against the rough cut timber lining the wall.
In an instant, his mouth was kissing her neck, hot and hungry, making her weak with the need his lips were invoking, and she found herself thankful for the support. Dizzy with desire, her senses swam under his commanding, masculine demand. She turned her head, and his mouth found hers, enveloping her with a deep intensity.
He wanted her, desired her with such magnitude it stole her breath away.
Oh please don’t stop. Not this time, she begged silently, breaking free from his passionate kisses to inhale a deep breath.
His lips returned to the sensitive skin below her ear lobe. His heady, manly scent and assertive, bold touch made her lose all thoughts. Head spinning, she fought for clarity before giving up the useless battle and succumbing to the ecstasy of his touch.
Blake held a firm grip on her hips before the warmth of his hands spread over her breasts, invoking a fierce need. Her nipples responded instantly, hardening like small pebbles under the confidence of his fingers. A bittersweet contradiction, the smooth silk against her skin and his calloused, rugged hands burning through the sleek material.
His rigid member throbbed against her backside, and she longed to feel more of him. Wantonly, she led his hand between her thighs. He pushed aside her silky panties and gently stroked the velvet of her skin with his fingers.
In a circular motion, he touched her until she was sure she’d die, and an uncontrollable pressure began to build inside her. One, then two fingers explored before her body quivered with an urgent release.
Gasping for breath, she spun around with a frantic desire to feel all of him. She undid his belt and the buttons on his jeans as he continued his sweet caress, driving her to the brink of madness with knowing fingers.
She reached for his penis, needing to feel his skin against hers. Sam held him in her hand, stroking the smooth, velvet sheath until she heard him moan with pleasure. The heat of his brawny arms wrapped around her, and without a word, he carried her to the bed.
He kissed her again and then moved down to remove the boots. As soon as the hip waders were gone, the warmth of his hands returned. With a slow, leisurely touch, his fingers wandered over her curves, and he explored her body as if they had all the time in the world. Squirming under his caress, she demanded more, fighting against an internal, urgent need.
The tip of his tongue traced over her nightgown until her nipples hardened through the silk and became taut against the smooth fabric. Gently he nipped, and teased with his teeth until the necessity of his flesh against hers forced the removal of her chemise. The blaze of his stare roamed the length of her, taking in every inch of her body and setting her skin on fire.
His mouth found hers again, and he kissed her passionately. The heat of his lips continued to scorch down her body, returning for a few moments to her breasts, then trailing down along the bare midriff of her stomach. He continued lower, teasing her as he tugged at her panties with his teeth, until she could stand no more of the playful taunting and begged him to completely free her of the last barrier.
Blake granted her wish, but he took his time, slowly removing the silky undergarment with a disciplined restraint Sam did not think was possible. After what seemed like an eternity of sweet torment, he covered her body with his, and she welcomed the warmth of his skin as he kissed her hungrily. His rigid member, hot against the tender flesh of her thighs, demanded her attention.
“Wait…we need protection.” She fumbled for the makeup bag she kept on the nightstand. Unzipping the bag, she grabbed one of the bright, orange packages and handed it to Blake.
He took over, tearing the foiled square open with his teeth and slipping the condom on. For a moment, they didn’t move, catching their breaths. He gazed into her eyes before his mouth found hers again. The kiss, soft and sweet, deepened with a demanding possessiveness before he entered her with a slow, steady stroke.
She immediately tightened around him, welcoming a decadent wave of release.
Chapter 17
“Come on, let’s go,” Blake urged, waking Sam with a tender kiss on the side of her mouth.
“Mmm. Again? You are insatiable.” A smile pulled at her swollen, thoroughly kissed lips. Sleepily, she reached out, cupping his penis with an eager grip.
“No, not that…well not this minute.” He chuckled, squeezing her hand. “There’s something I want to show you.”
“I’ve seen it,” she replied saucily. Stretching wantonly, Sam turned her back to him, entirely too comfortable with her nakedness now. She peeked over her shoulder, noting his appreciative smile.
“No…something else,” he prodded, spanking her backsi
de playfully. “Let’s go. You’ll love it.”
“Go? You’re kidding, right? Go where?” Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she glanced at the clock on the small, rustic nightstand. “It’s almost midnight.”
“I know what time it is, that’s why I woke you up. Here, just throw these on.” Blake got out of bed and tossed his thermal long john bottoms at her.
She eyed them warily, informing him with an unsure expression they were far from any fashion statement she was willing to make.
He laughed again, the sound bouncing off the cabin walls. “No one will see you but me. Scout’s honor.” He held up two fingers in a peace sign.
Sam smiled at him and shook her head, certain it was not the Boy Scouts’ code of honor.
Blake shrugged and showcased a sheepish grin. He slipped into his jeans and sat back down on the bed to put his boots on.
Reluctantly, she put on the long johns and a tank top, topping off her new style with a bright red and black plaid flannel shirt he handed her and the borrowed hip waders.
After an approving wink, he slipped on his T-shirt and headed out the door with Sam in tow. He led her along to a trail behind the Hilton and took a path the opposite way than the one they’d taken before when they went hiking.
“This is crazy. Midnight, and it’s just now starting to get dark out.”
“Yep. Summer in Alaska. Isn’t it great?”
“Summer?” she quipped. Shivering in the cool, brisk air, she was thankful for the warm, borrowed long johns and flannel shirt. “Not quite the balmy heat of Miami, but it is nice.”
Blake chuckled. “You just aren’t acclimated yet. This is T-shirt weather,” he teased, showcasing his exposed biceps.
“Yeah, right. Where are we going anyway?” she asked, now barely keeping up with him. The man was somehow reenergized in the night air. Quite a feat considering they had spent the entire day and half the night in bed making love.
“You’ll see,” he replied excitedly. He jutted off to the side, pulling her down another path.
“Go slower. Injured party here. Remember?” Sam reminded Blake playfully.
