Nora nodded. “Yes, since I was fourteen.”
“So he was young?”
“Very.” She gulped. “Thirty-five. Prime of his life. He was a trail guide, sort of like you.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No reason to be sorry. You didn’t know. It’s just … my life changed after my father died. There’s not a lot of work in El Chaltén. As I told you, my mother moved us to Buenos Aries so she could find work. Even there, we struggled for everything. I told you I dropped out of school … so I could work as a maid —”
She stopped talking, her head lowering. Sam reached across the table again, resting his hand on hers. “It’s okay. You don’t have to continue.”
“It’s not that there’s anything wrong with being a maid. It’s just that’s where …” She licked her lips, a small shake of her head following. “I’m sorry. I don’t really want to talk about that time. You mentioned your father passed away ten years ago, but didn’t elaborate.”
Sam released a long breath. “My father died doing what he loved to do. Except … I just …” He shook his head, not sure if he wanted to talk about his father either. “I’ve never really talked to anyone about his death because I don’t want to upset my mother. As I said, it’s a small town. Everyone knows everyone.”
Nora tilted her head, offering her ear without words.
He wanted to talk about his father’s death, he realized. He wanted to get off his chest what he couldn’t say to anyone he knew, friends or family. “I don’t have proof, but I’ve always felt my brother … Alex, my only blood-related brother, might have been responsible.”
“Why is that?”
Sam pinched the bridge of his nose. “Alex had been drinking a lot at that time. He was mad because our father had asked him not to leave the business until Vince and Erik were old enough to step in. It was Friday night, so Alex had been itching to go out. I’d just received a water rescue call, so I couldn’t go with my father. So Alex went, even though I told him not to. He said he hadn’t started drinking, but I could smell it on his breath.”
Sam dropped his head, thinking back to Alex’s distress signal. Sam had just finished the water rescue and headed to the closest Trooper Detachment. After all, Alex was the pilot, not him. Alex and their father had taken the helicopter to the rescue. “My brother and father got caught in an avalanche while trying to rescue stranded climbers. When I arrived on scene, Alex was frantic, trying to rappel down the mountain to rescue our father, even though there was no way he could have survived the fall. The next day, when we located our father, I noticed he didn’t have his ice ax.”
He stared up at Nora. “My father never would have gone on a mountain rescue without his ice ax. Days later, I found his ax in my brother’s gear.” He swallowed down the bile that rose in his throat. “Alex never admitted it, but … I think he forgot his ax, so my father gave him his. If my father’d had his ax, the avalanche wouldn’t have taken him.”
“And your brother would have died instead.”
Sam sighed. “Yeah … probably.”
“My guess is that your father never would have been able to live with that. If he could have made the choice to give your brother the ax, knowing he would die, he probably would have done the same thing.”
Sam harrumphed. “He probably would have.”
“Is that why you don’t get along with Alex?”
“We get along … mostly. But yeah, that and the fact that he left me to deal with everything after our father’s death. I was only twenty-eight, and yet, I was suddenly head of the family. Daire wasn’t even eleven.”
“Is Daire your youngest brother? He was the birthday boy, right? You two look so much alike you could be twins. Well, other than the age difference. Eleven years old. So … the two of you are what, sixteen … seventeen years apart? That’s a huge difference for American families, no? He could be your son.”
Knowing he was a terrible liar, Sam averted his eyes to the raging snow that was falling sideways. The drifts would be twenty feet before the storm ended.
“Sam?”
He turned his attention back to the beautiful woman sitting across from him. “Yes … it’s a significant age difference. Like I said, it was a lot of work. I wanted nothing more than to take off too, but I couldn’t. I love Alex; I just don’t feel I can trust him, and that’s a scary thing in my line of work.” Sam dug into his stew. Maybe he shouldn’t have tried to get to know Nora better. Obviously, she was good at turning conversations from herself to him.
“Can I ask you another question, Sam?”
Sam wasn’t sure he should say yes, but he’d started the query session. He couldn’t very well say no. “Yes … But umm … How ’bout I clean up the plates and have a drink first. I’m not sure I trust that sparkle in your eye.”
“Ahh … now you know how I won all my fights. I psych out my opponent.”
“I totally believe that.” He stood, picking up her plate.
“I can get —”
“You cooked,” Sam said, cutting off her words. “That’s the rule in my house. Whoever does the cooking doesn’t have to clean.”
“Good rule. Okay then, I guess I’ll brave the elements before I crash. I’d like to wash up.”
Sam reached for the rifle, but Nora waved him off, pulling out her bear spray. “I’m covered.”
“Okay, but make sure you’re always watching your surroundings, Nora. Remember, critters aren’t going to announce themselves. Animals rarely attack, but you want to make sure you don’t startle them.”
She lifted her eyes. “I got it, Sam. I’m a fast learner. You don’t normally have to tell me twice.”
“Sorry.”
She stopped her backward movement and stood up on her tiptoes in front of him. “It’s okay. I don’t mind you worrying about me. A little concern is good.” She offered him a quick kiss, then spun toward the door. “Besides, I have Arwen to protect me. What’s going to come after me with my protector on my heels?”
Sam dipped his head. “True.”
For the first time since he’d met her, Nora looked free, truly free. Subconsciously, she’d had her guard up ever since he’d met her. She’d even lifted her fists in self-defense a few times. He supposed that could come from being a professional fighter, but he doubted that was the cause. She wasn’t just a professional fighter; she was street-smart. Her inquisitive gaze said everything her words didn’t.
When she’d reached up and kissed him, he had wanted nothing more than to swing her up in his arms and finish what they’d repeatedly started. But, it could wait. He’d clean up their dinner while she freshened up, and then they had the entire night. Maybe even days to discover each other.
First, he needed to relax. Every muscle in his body felt on high alert, and he wasn’t sure why. He’d felt uncomfortable with the storm ready to hit, but now they were safe. There was no reason to feel so wound up. Perhaps it was Arwen. He wasn’t used to her getting excited over every shadow. She was well accustomed to wild animals. Normally, she would just eye them as they approached, silently warning them off, the way only animals could do. He hadn’t wanted to scare Nora more than necessary, but knowing someone had baited that campsite was bothering him.
He needed a nightcap more than Nora did. He poured a couple ounces of vodka into a glass and downed it in one gulp, so he wouldn’t have to taste it. He didn’t share his brother’s love for hard liquor. The ice-cold liquid went down hot. He poured another large shot, then pushed the bottle away. Any more spirits, and he’d be the one spilling secrets.
~ Nora ~
The bitter wind slammed into her chest like a sledgehammer. Maybe she could wait until morning.
“Nope. Get it over with.” She clicked her tongue and patted her leg, and Arwen leaped up, trotting across the wood planks toward her. Nora sprinted through the white fluff, her eyes scanning the area. Not that it mattered; she couldn’t see two feet in front of her.
Careful not to get
off track, she shuffled toward the other cabin. She’d read how people died within feet of their house. She’d never understood how that was possible, but now she got it. Dropping keys, for instance. If a person couldn’t get into their house or car, what would they do?
Arms outstretched, Nora felt her way along the wood wall and tugged open the door. She held open the door, and Arwen followed. Perhaps the wolfdog realized she was on duty now.
While the washhouse was large inside, with more floor space than the main house, it wasn’t as warm. Nora needed to make quick work of cleaning up.
She dug for her body wipes, but then stopped as she peered into the mirror. Sun-kissed and dark-haired, she hardly recognized herself. But there was something else. Her face looked relaxed. For the first time in years, the constant frown lines that usually marred her forehead were nearly invisible. Her eyes looked brighter, and her skin glowed instead of looking ashy. The dark circles that normally resided above her cheeks were gone.
Sam hadn’t been kidding when he talked about the gleam in her eyes. Running from Sergio was partly responsible, but she couldn’t honestly say that if she was on her own right now she would feel so calm.
No, Sam had caused the unprecedented feelings. Never in her life had she felt so … she wasn’t even sure what she felt, but she liked it. His very presence put her at ease, even as his delicious kisses stirred her. She looked down at Arwen, who’d curled up near the door, ready to leave the moment it opened.
“You too, girl.” Arwen’s ears twitched. “You’re part of the reason I feel so relaxed. Well, when you’re not growling at some invisible monster.”
Nora turned back to the sink and brushed her teeth and hair. She took a long look in the mirror, then shook her head. “What’s the plan right now, Nora? You know what’s going to happen when you walk back in that cabin, right? If you want it, that is. Is this what you want?” She stared at her reflection. “Fine. Do what you want, but remember: no matter how safe Sam makes you feel, you can’t stay here forever. As comfortable as you are physically and mentally right now, when the storm clears, Sergio will send someone after you. Your only hope of escaping your past is if he believes you’re dead, which means you have to get away from Sam and continue with the plan.”
She blew out a breath.
“I know …” She closed her eyes, blocking off her view. “But I deserve one night of happiness. One final night with Sam.”
Chapter 14
~ Nora ~
Nora shuffled back to the cabin, Arwen on her heels. The night had arrived. Blackness closed in on her. Only the warm glow emanating from the cabin revealed the way.
Sam was right; if the storm kept up, they wouldn’t be heading anywhere soon.
Nora grasped the handle, inhaling deeply as she pulled open the door. She turned to Arwen, and the dog just stared up at her, then settled herself in a ball right outside the entry. “You sure, girl?”
“Brrrr … close the door, Nora. I swear she’ll tell us if she wants in.”
Nora pulled the door tightly behind her, then slid the silver latch into place. Sam’s bedroll was still on the floor, and he was using his rolled up sleeping bag as a backrest. Dressed just in a long-sleeve black T-shirt and jeans, he looked as good as she’d ever seen him. The blazing fire cast a brilliant glow over his skin and hair, as if the Greek gods had dipped him in a radiant bronze coating.
Nora worried her lip as she stored her toiletries back in her sack. For the first time since she’d started her hike, she decided to wear the one pair of pajamas she’d packed. Before she’d set out, she’d done her research. Alaska could easily reach eighty degrees, and she couldn’t sleep if she was hot.
Her back to Sam, she removed her jacket, hanging it up on one of the hooks by the door. She removed her boots and slipped into her Crocs.
When she turned, Sam was there. Similar to the bear, he’d inched up on her without a sound. “How do you do that?”
He tilted his head as he held up a cup with blue liquid inside. “Do what?”
“Move so quietly. It’s unnerving.” She took the cup from him and sniffed. “What is it?”
“I told you. Blue raspberry BCAAs and just one shot of vodka.”
“Where’s yours?”
He laughed. “I already had two shots, so you need to catch up.” He took her hand and led her to the bedroll on the floor, holding her hand as she lowered herself in front of the fire.
Nora touched the cool liquid to her lips, then took a sip. “Not bad.”
“Hey … something good for you with something bad for you. I figure they’ll cancel out each other. And there are no carbs.”
“Ahhh … my coach would be so proud.” She took a larger sip, and immediately felt the warmth in her chest.
Sam settled down beside her. “Your coach … Is she one of those vicious trainers who shouts instructions from outside the ring?”
“He … and he’s not vicious. Mostly encouraging.”
Sam’s lips twitched, but not in a smile. More like a — she wasn’t sure what it was, but he looked irritated. No, he looked … jealous.
Not that she needed to defend herself, but she was curious whether he’d admit it. “My coach is about seventy … looks a lot like Mick in Rocky I.”
“Oh … yeah, of course.”
Nora laughed and snuggled against his side. “You’re jealous …”
Sam’s body shook with a small chuckle. “Not really … just envious of the time he’ll get to spend with you when you return home.”
And there it was … Nora couldn’t talk to Sam without having to hide the truth or lie about it. How could she explain she wasn’t returning to that life? If she admitted that when she’d said home she’d meant Argentina, he’d wonder why she couldn’t stay here longer, or why she was going to have to take months to get home. Even then, no one could know. Everyone — even Sam — would have to think she was dead so she’d be able to live.
Sam turned her to him. “I’m sorry … I said I wouldn’t push you, and I won’t. But would you honestly feel better if I didn’t care that you’re going to leave me?”
Nora released a long breath. “I’m not leaving you, Sam.”
He forced his mouth up. “No, you’re not leaving me … you’re just going home. I understand.” He lowered his lips to her head, and just rested there for a moment. “But we have tonight, and if I’m lucky, the worst snowstorm in Alaska’s history will snow us in and we won’t be able to leave for weeks.”
“That wouldn’t be fair to everyone else —”
His mouth moved to hers, cutting off her words. His kiss was desperate, passionate. He broke away and stared at her. “I don’t care about everyone else. In fact, I’ve never felt so selfish in my entire life.”
His lips crushed hers again, and Nora felt the same way. She inched her fingers up his chest, working them into his hair. Sam shifted, then reached for her, pulling her onto his lap.
Nora wrapped her arms around him, letting him know she was right where she wanted to be.
His mouth moved away from her lips. He dropped light kisses along her jaw, working his way to her ear, then down her throat. He inhaled, then exhaled, his wide chest rubbing against her breasts with every breath.
“Oh, God, Sam.”
He stopped his kisses, his lips spreading into a wide sheepish grin this time. “Maybe we should … umm … dance or something.”
“Dance?”
“Why not? We have this great wooden floor.”
“Uh … no music.”
Sam reached behind him, scraping his iPhone across the floor. He tapped a few keys, then stood up, cradling her. He set her down as the soulful music of Fleetwood Mac filled the room.
“Oh! I love this song!” She bit down on her lip, swaying her hips to the perfectly blended rhythm of rock, folk, and country.
Sam tapped his bare foot against the floor to the beat, then pulled her into his arms. “Listen to the wind blow …” he sang soft
ly.
Nora threw back her head and laughed. “Perfect!”
“Running from the shadows …” Sam sung different words than the song, but they fit.
Nora cringed as she thought about the next two lines about love and lies. Sam was talking to her through a blasted song. But she couldn’t be mad, because she knew it was true. She wanted to damn the lies that she had to keep telling him, and the fact that she was falling in love with him.
Still, as his rock-hard body pulled her closer and his warm breath tickled her neck, she knew he was telling her that despite the limitations, he wanted her too, and damned if she wasn’t going to have this man tonight.
Somehow, some way, she’d find her way back to Sam, so she refused to look at tonight as a one-night stand. “Snow … keep us together …” She changed the words to match their surroundings, too.
Sam smiled, and they took turns singing the final lines of the song as he rocked her back and forth, keeping time with the tempo. “No more running from the shadows …”
“Snow … keep us together …”
“No more running from the shadows …”
The song ended, and Sam pulled her in for another hot kiss. As a new slow song started, Nora drew him back to the floor. “Snow … keep us together …” she sang over the intro to the next song. “We have tonight, Sam. Let’s not think about tomorrow.”
Sam reached to a spot beneath the bed, pulling out a square packet he’d evidently placed there. She hoped it was from his wallet and not one that had been sitting with the vodka for God knows how long. “Are you sure?”
Nora gulped, but only because her mouth was dry, not because she wasn’t sure. She’d never been surer of anything in her life. “Yes, Sam.”
Sam whipped his sleeping bag over his bedroll, and she inched onto it, pulling him with her. He hovered over her, his lips moving against hers again. Nora reached for his shirt, pulling it up.
Sam's Folly (Midnight Sons Book 1) Page 14
