Leif killed the engine, sat in his seat a moment and listened. All was quiet, as it should be since it was after midnight, until he heard Shep’s welcoming bark and wondered why he wasn’t out back behind the fence. He jumped from the pontoon to the dock, his duffle bag slung around one shoulder just as a dark shadow ran toward him. He sank down on his haunches and briskly rubbed Shep’s coat.
“How you doin’, friend? I can see you’re excited to see me. I don’t blame you after spending four days with only women for company.”
“I’ll have you know he enjoyed every single minute with the ladies.”
Leif straightened and focused on another shadowy figure heading toward him, recognizing Cassandra. As she moved her blonde cap of hair appeared silvery beneath the rays of the moonlight. When she reached his side the moonlight shone down on her face. He caught his breath at her welcoming smile.
“He did, did he?” At Cassandra’s nod he said somewhat gruffly, “What are you doing up this late? You know we open early.” He snatched up his bag with one hand, took her elbow with the other, and guided her up the steps. He opened the door, held the frame above her head, then followed her inside, pausing to frown down at the new screening on the door.
“I was just turning in for the night when I heard your plane.”
“Good plan,” he said as he lightly brushed past her, moved behind the curtain and ambled down the hallway. He tossed his duffle bag onto his bed, pulled out his dirty laundry and threw it into the hamper. He looked up to see her standing in the doorway. Her deep purple-colored sundress looked great against her pretty complexion. She looked good—so darned good he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.
“Shep kept an eye on you, didn’t he?” he managed to ask after swallowing the lump in his throat. Jeez, the woman affected him.
“Oh, he certainly did.” She grinned. “He’s a wonderful dog.”
“He sure is,” he agreed. “He’s been with me a long time. Your grandpa gave him to me for my fifteenth birthday.”
“And that makes him how old?”
“Fourteen. He’s getting old. I’ll miss him when he’s gone.” He met her eyes, wondering at the melancholy expression on her face.
“I had a dog for eight years. When he died I cried for days. I still miss him.”
“Did you get another dog?”
She moved closer and shook her head. “Shortly after Dandelion died, I moved away from home and into an apartment. I could have had a pet there, but it wouldn’t have been fair to the animal since I often traveled for business.”
“What sort of dog earned the name, Dandelion?” He shoved his hiking boots under the bed.
“Dandelion was a cream-colored, standard poodle.”
Leif smiled. “A poodle, huh?”
She narrowed her eyes. “You got a problem with that?”
His smile widened. “Poodles are okay. It’s just that I’d never own one.”
“Of course, you wouldn’t,” she retorted. “But maybe you don’t know poodles. Did you know they’re natural retrievers and water dogs? They even make decent bird dogs, right behind labs.”
“You sound like you know dogs, Miss Thompson. I like that.”
She lifted her nose and glared at him. “Think I’ll turn in.”
He watched her start to walk away, deciding it was a good thing she was going to bed. He had a feeling if he spent much more time with her now they’d get into an argument. Leif enjoyed a good fight, with an equal opponent. Somehow, the thought of fighting with Cassie left him feeling slightly ill. He had a good hunch he’d lose.
“‘Night, Cassie. “Be sure and set your clock.”
She stopped in the hallway and looked at him. “I’ve had no problem waking early. What about you? Aren’t you going to bed?”
“Not yet, but don’t worry. I’ll be up before you.”
“Good night, then,” she said softly as she turned and left the room.
He’d had one heck of a time keeping his hands to himself while she stood in the doorway talking with him. Temptation had struck him fast and hard, least of all was the urge to yank her across the threshold and kiss her pouting lips. It was a miracle he’d managed to control himself.
He scowled at his reaction, unhappy with himself. What was he thinking, anyway? He didn’t have much time for women, especially now with Roy gone and the burden of running Gateway on his shoulders. That was the reason for his interest in Cassie, he decided—lack of women in his life. It had nothing to do with the fetching blonde down the hall. Uh-uh. No way.
He left his room and headed for his office, making a mental note to do some socializing with women friends on the weekend. Taking in a movie and grabbing a bite to eat with Mary Ann Janusek sounded good. Maybe then he’d get Cassie off his mind. He entered the office, moved to the desk and switched on the lamp, frowning when he saw that Roy’s computer had been uncovered.
His gaze moved across the desk and he tightened his jaw when he realized that one of the two women had cleaned up the paperwork he’d left scattered across the desk. He found it hard to believe Maxie would do such a thing, but guessed Cassandra wouldn’t hesitate to invade his space. She already had.
He opened the desk drawers and discovered they were lined with clearly marked hanging files. It was okay she’d straightened up a bit, he thought grudgingly, but after searching further he cursed when he couldn’t locate his current ledger and checkbook. He’d speak to her in the morning. When he opened the last drawer he found the items. He flipped open the checkbook and his mouth gaped at the checks that had been neatly ticked off. Someone had balanced the book.
Inside the drawer was the latest bank statement. He checked it over, noticing the checks had been checked off there as well. A flash of heat rushed through him. Cassandra had no business going into his checkbook. He slammed the drawer shut. Never mind the fact he hadn’t balanced the thing in over six months. He’d straighten her out first thing in the morning about what she could and couldn’t touch. This was his home—hers temporarily. The sooner she understood that the better.
~ * ~
Even before the sun rose the next morning on Gateway to Paradise, the air was hot and muggy. Cassandra was thankful for the breeze that billowed the tattered red gingham curtains, cooling her off as she sat on the stool behind the counter.
She leaned her elbows on the countertop, her eyes bleary as she gulped down her third cup of coffee. Six in the morning was an ungodly time to face the day. Admittedly, it was peaceful, but the early hour was something she doubted she’d ever get used to. The morning crew of fishermen had come and gone, and the thought of returning to bed appealed to her.
Leif strode into the store, looking handsome and rugged, awake and disgustingly cheerful. He’d swept his hair back from his forehead, and she scowled when his lips twitched a threatening smile. He’d donned his standard work uniform, a pair of khaki pants with lots of pockets, a long-sleeved denim shirt with the cuffs rolled back, and hiking boots.
“Awake yet, Princess?”
She grumbled, “Princess, huh? I thought royalty got to sleep in, not to mention having breakfast served in bed.”
He chuckled as he stepped around the counter.
She watched him with interest when he bent down and rummaged through some boxes on a shelf. “You know, you could straighten up. Then you’d be able to find things when you need them,” she suggested.
“Things are sorted,” he muttered. He looked up and met her eyes. “And don’t go doing me any more favors, either. Leave my stuff alone.”
Uh-oh. He was mad about her office cleaning and she braced herself for his anger. Since her arrival at Gateway she’d learned he had lots of ‘stuff’ located in various nooks and crannies of the store, and in the living quarters, too. Maxie had pointed them out to her. She couldn’t help that it was part of her nature to want to sort, organize and throw while Leif seemed content with collecting, saving, and not throwing a thing.
Cassandra’s rule for maintaining control of clutter was easy. If she hadn’t used an item, or worn it in a year, she pitched it. She stared down at his hunched figure. “What are you looking for, anyway?”
“My Phillips screwdriver. I always keep it in this bucket, but it’s not here.”
“You mean this one?”
He looked up and focused on the screwdriver in her hand. “Where did you find it?” He grasped the handle and took it from her.
She opened a drawer beneath the counter, displaying a neatly compartmented tray of tools. “In here.”
He looked stung. “You were using my tools?”
“Well, I had to pry off the screen in the door in order to take it down to the hardware store to be fixed. Then I sorted through them and did a little organizing.”
“You had the screen fixed at the hardware store?” At her nod, he snapped, “They charge a fortune!”
She shrugged. “No they didn’t.”
“I was going to fix it sooner…”
“…Or later,” she inserted. “Right. But when would you do that since you’re guiding all the time? They needed fixing and now they’re done.”
After a long moment of uncomfortable silence, he said gruffly, “Next time, ask me before making any decisions about stuff around here, and no more moving things on me.”
Cassandra opened her mouth, ready to blast him about the poor condition of the store, but managed to hold her tongue. “Uh, Leif? About Gateway. I’ve started a list of repairs. I’d like to start working on them soon.”
He gave her a long, cool look. “Your grandpa and I usually work on the place after the season ends, which isn’t for another eight weeks. Talk to me then.” He started to leave but paused and looked at her over his shoulder. “If you decide to tackle any repairs, make no fancy changes, got that? Just the basics, is all we need.”
She opened her mouth, but before she could utter a word, he strode outside. Darn it! She hated not having the last word. As she sipped her coffee, she thought the least he could do was show her some gratitude.
Maybe he was one of those people who let things build up, and up, until he exploded. God, she hated guys like that! Next time she saw him she’d bring up the idea of her managing the books for Gateway, instead of him. From what she’d found last evening he appeared to have no interest in that end of the business anyway.
The rest of the day passed as an occasional vacationer entered the store to purchase souvenirs and bait. Cassandra had plenty of time between the infrequent customers to inventory supplies, noting certain things that were purchased more often than others. She flipped through catalogs and found little to interest her, and thought again about the possibility of buying unique items from local artisans.
She’d fallen in love with Gateway, and had come closer to making a decision to remain permanently. Even though he’d left this earthly place, she felt her grandfather’s presence. Besides, she’d had an offer this morning for Pretty Woman Cosmetics from Saunders Carlisle, heir to Pandora’s Cosmetics that she truly contemplated accepting.
Thirty-one and single, she had no ties. It was a perfect time for her to make changes in her life. Tears gathered in her eyes. The death of her grandfather had cheated her from ever getting to know him. But, the fact that he’d given her half of Gateway before he died told her he’d loved her and had wanted her to move here permanently.
Night had fallen and Leif hadn’t appeared yet. He’d been called to guide a fishing group for the evening. It was after eleven and she’d just finished cleaning up the kitchen and dropped into the hammock when she heard a boat engine heading toward the dock. It slowed, then stopped. Soon footsteps pounded across the wooden decking. She sat up in time to see Leif step onto the first step.
“We’re you successful?”
His footsteps stopped. Even though it was dark and she couldn’t see his eyes, she could feel him staring at her. “Yep, we killed them,” he finally said.
He took the rest of the steps and stopped beside the hammock, the light from inside the store silhouetted his face. “How come you’re not in bed?”
“I guess I drank too much coffee today.” He worried about her bedtime hour way too much. “Besides, it’s only eleven. I’m used to staying up until one and sleeping until seven. It’ll take me a while to change my sleep-wake pattern.” She looked at his hands. “Where are all the fish?”
“The paying customers took them.” He sank down on the top step. “If I fish for myself I keep the bare minimum for a meal and throw the rest back. It’s called ‘catch and release’ and helps maintain a lake’s fish population.”
She dropped one foot over the side of the hammock and pushed herself back and forth. “Sounds like an ecologically sensible thing to do. Will you fry a meal of fish for me some time?”
“Sure. How about tomorrow night? It’s the slowest night around here.”
“Sounds great. But you said you just gave away all the fish.”
“I’m fishing tomorrow so I’ll catch enough for us.”
She kept her eye on him, noting the direction of his gaze as he looked up at the sky. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen so many stars,” she said softly.
“You really are a city-bred woman, aren’t you?”
“Growing up in Chicago had many advantages. Unfortunately, the only time I saw any wildlife was when I visited the zoo. And with the bright city lights and smog its difficult seeing stars.”
“I feel sorry for you. I think I’d die if I had to live in a big city.”
“Why do you think that?” she asked, curiously.
He pointed at the lake and at the stars overhead. “You like what you see, don’t you?”
“Yes.” She sighed. “It’s lovely here.”
“There’s your answer.”
She pondered his simple response. “Yes, well, don’t you ever get bored? The inactivity and lack of stimulation might drive me insane after awhile,” Cassandra added. “But only time will tell. Don’t you miss cultural things like going to plays and to the ballet? Or even a football game.”
“Hold on a minute. I’ve been places and done the things you’re talking about. I’ve seen enough plays, although I’ll be the first one to admit I wouldn’t be caught dead at a ballet. And since business is slow in the fall I travel to Minneapolis whenever I feel like seeing football games.”
“Even if you loved a woman and she wanted to see the ballet, you wouldn’t go with her?” Cassandra asked curiously.
He sat in thoughtful silence, his hands clasped between his legs as he focused on the lake. “I guess I might make an exception in that case.
“Your grandfather sent me away to college in. I lived there for five years, earning my degree in Natural Resources. Believe me. I saw plenty of culture there. The whole while I couldn’t wait to come home. I guess I can understand why you would find Gateway boring,” he continued, “so don’t feel bad about wanting to go home some time soon. Any idea when that will be?”
Cassandra heard the hopeful sound in his voice. She stiffened her shoulders, readying herself to give him her news. “I’ve already told you I plan on staying awhile.”
He rose swiftly and loomed over her a moment before sinking down on the hammock beside her. She nearly tumbled out, but he grasped her shoulders and held her in place, she prone, and he sitting beside her.
“You can’t stay,” he snapped.
She met his eyes, saw the heated glint of fury in them, but she wouldn’t back down. “Yes, I can. And there isn’t any way you can convince me to leave before I’m ready—that is, if I decide to leave.”
“Sure there’s a way,” he stated matter-of-factly. “Your stay here could get real uncomfortable.”
She narrowed her eyes and softly inquired, “Was that a threat?”
“No, just a reality check for you.”
“Why won’t you give me a chance? Tell me the real reason you don’t want me here.”
“Plain and simple, you don’t belong here. Look at you.” He flicked a quick glance over her body.
“You’re this fragile, frilly woman who’s barely let the sun touch her skin. Your choice of dress is inappropriate for the north woods, although I’ll admit that can be changed. Have you ever gone camping or fishing? Hiking or canoeing?”
“I’ve done some canoeing back home,” she said, emphatically.
He laughed dryly and got to his feet.
She struggled out of the hammock and stood in front of him, her hands jammed on her hips. “You could teach me those things.”
He stared down at her derisively, walked a few steps away, and looked out at the lake again.
“Yes,” he said thoughtfully, “I suppose I could, but I don’t believe I will.”
She raised her brow. “What? Afraid I’ll prove you wrong?”
Leif ambled to her side, tucked his fist beneath her chin, and asked softly, “Are you challenging me?”
Don’t do it, Cassandra. “Maybe I am, Wilderness Man.” She stepped back and his hand fell from her chin.
He gave her a devilish grin and folded his arms across his chest. “You’re on, sweetheart. We shorten Gateway’s open hours in early September. That would be the perfect time for me to show you the territory. How about a portaging-canoe trip through the boundary waters? That is, if you’re still here come fall.”
She stuck out her hand. “It’s a deal, Mr. Eagle.”
He took her hand and reeled her in close.
Her eyes widened, her heart stopped pumping blood through her body. His heat warmed her, and the woodsy smell of his clothes was like a balmy breeze to her senses. She caught a hint of tobacco, as well, although she knew he’d quit smoking since her arrival. It probably came from one of his fishing guests.
“It’s not too late to change your mind,” he warned. “Why go through all that hardship? You haven’t a prayer of winning.” He wound an arm around her waist and she gasped when he suddenly lowered his face to hers.
She pressed her hands against his chest to give herself some space. Her body nearly melted at the inviting warmth of his embrace, and even though she hated moving away from him, she forced herself to do so. Her mind told her one thing, her body another.
“Why not just sign complete ownership of Gateway over to me?” he murmured in her ear. “I’ll let you visit whenever you want.”
She remained mute in his arms as he drew her closer still, his lips just a breath away from her own. She found herself on the verge of nodding in agreement as she waited for his lips to touch hers. Breathing softly, a frown creased her brow when his words sank in. Leaning back, she met his blue-eyed sultry expression.
“No way am I handing over my share of Gateway to you.”
His lips narrowed, his eyes as well as he released her. Then he held up his hands in a fend-off gesture. “Hey, suit yourself.” He turned away and reached for the door handle.
“He was my grandfather,” she said, her voice trembling.
“And my foster father,” he said coolly, peering at her over his shoulder.
“Yes, but you were lucky to have him with you for several years. You had a relationship with him all the time I never knew him. It wasn’t my fault he and my father never reconciled. Don’t you see that Gateway is my grandfather?” She moved around him and down the steps until she reached the edge of the dock before turning back to him, her arms wound around her waist. “I can feel him here,” she said gently. “Can’t you?”
His soft treads down the stairs reached her side. She glanced at him and found him staring intently at the sky again. “Yes, I can. Every moment of every day and night.” He sighed. “I miss him, damn it.”
“Then don’t resent my wanting to stay. I’m no threat to you.”
Groaning, he moved up behind her and wound his arms around her waist again. “Sure you are.”
Cassandra relaxed in his arms, felt the warmth of his broad chest, even though warning bells rung inside her head; bells that reminded her of her choice to live a celibate life, until the right man came along and proposed marriage. But being held by Leif felt right. That surprised her because between the two of them she couldn’t think of any two human beings who had less in common. Yet, a small voice inside her whispered he might be the one. She thought over their conversation about dogs and figured he was twenty-nine, two years younger than her thirty-one years. Scott had also been younger. This was not good.
No, it was impossible. He couldn’t be the one. She’d seen his heated gaze meeting hers often enough to know that he was physically attracted to her, but she wanted him to see beneath her physical beauty. She wanted him to seek out and learn to love the true essence of her.
She forced herself to remain quiet, but nearly protested when he released her and made his way up the stairs again. Just before entering the house she heard him say, “No threat? Oh, baby, if you only knew.”