Chapter 15

Sam sulked, shoving the large heap of hash browns and scrambled eggs from one side of her plate to the other. “Why is it you’re so mad anyway?” she asked, feeling a little angry herself at the moment. If anyone had the right to be mad, it was her. He was the one with a girlfriend.

“I’m not mad. I’m just irritated.”

Instead of the smart remark on the tip of her tongue, she stabbed at the yellow and brown mass with her fork. Even breakfast reminded her of the color of his eyes. Just one more reason to be annoyed by the man sitting across from her. “About what?” She attempted to castrate him with a cold stare before returning her gaze back on the food.

“Not what…who.”

Her head snapped up, surprised by his insinuation. “Who? You mean me?”

“Really, Sam?”

“Yes, really. Let me have it. What is about me that rubs you the wrong way?”

Blake leaned back in his chair. Crossing his arms over his chest, he shredded her with an intensity for several minutes before answering. “I don’t know where to begin. For starters, you have this annoying habit of playing with your food.” A smirk lined his handsome face.

She nearly dropped her fork. He was right. She played with her food. So what.

“And you are a know-it-all. Always spouting off facts about things. To some, it may be endearing. To me, it’s annoying.”

Sam gasped in shock. “Don’t hold back. Tell me how you really feel.” She exhaled a loud breath as the burn of embarrassment flushed her skin. The truth hurt, but he wasn’t the first to call her know-it-all. Or annoying, for that matter.

Blake leaned back in his chair. A slight smile threatened the corners of his mouth. Her temper began to flare, and she envisioned smacking the smartass expression off his face. Just what gave him the right to judge anyway?

“And you’re always half-naked. Who answers their door in a pair of panties for God’s sake?”

Wow. That stung. So much for being daring. What kind of man complained about a woman not wearing much clothes anyway?

A man who is involved with someone else, that’s who.

Guilt pooled in her stomach, and she lost her appetite. He did have a point. Though she had enjoyed seeing the stunned expression on his face, from this moment on, she’d be covered from head to toe. Even if she had to borrow a full length parka from his girlfriend.

“It’s like you’d do anything to shock me. Or is it just one more thing you’d do for your brochure?”

Stunned, she wasn’t sure if she’d heard him correctly. What exactly was he accusing her of? Trying to sleep with him to advance her career? Ridiculous. And insulting.

She tried unsuccessfully to control the anger boiling inside. The man was completely full of himself. Of all the crazy, ludicrous ideas, this one topped the list.

And wasn’t he the ideal hypocrite? At least she wasn’t involved with someone else.

“So, Wolf, what is it you have planned for this little lady today?” Maggie interrupted, stopping Sam’s response.

“We will finish this conversation later,” she growled under her breath.

Blake shrugged his shoulders and smiled broadly before turning his attention to Maggie and the meal’s bill she held.

“We’re taking the four wheeler up to Nuuni Pass to pick low bush cranberries.” He pulled out his wallet from his back pocket. Withdrawing enough money to pay for breakfast, plus a generous tip, he handed it to the woman.

Still simmering, Sam couldn’t help but wonder if her day would get better if she was attacked by a wild animal. Or better yet, he should be the one ravaged by animals. Wolves to be exact. The man deserved it.

Receiving a frigid glare, she toyed with the notion he might be able to read her thoughts.

“Sounds like fun. Will you be bringing me back some fresh cranberries?” Maggie asked, stealing back his attention.

The waitress smiled sweetly when Blake nodded his head. By the sparkle in her eyes, Sam wondered if the woman overheard their conversation and had purposely intervened at the perfect time.

“Good, I’ll make your favorite,” Maggie said. She cast a saucy wink in Sam’s direction and spun toward the kitchen.

A broad smile stamped across his face, and Sam noted the way Maggie had been able to completely alter his mood. Why was it she had the opposite effect on the man?

Because he thinks you were trying to seduce him merely for a tourist ad.

Her self-esteem took a nose dive, taking the brunt of this hit. Ironic, considering for once, the last thing on her mind had been work.

Maggie returned to the table just as they were getting ready to leave. “Now, you two be careful. There’ve been more than a few bear sightings.”

Bear sightings? Sam gasped as fear spiked through her, overriding fury. An image of the enormous mounted grizzly from Anchorage’s airport pried itself free from her memory.

As if sensing her anxiety, the comforting touch of Maggie’s hand settled on her shoulder.

“Don’t you worry, dear, you should be just fine. Wolf will take care of you.” The waitress motioned over her shoulder at Blake.

The reassurance did little to ease Sam’s mind, but it did allow an opening for the number one question swirling in her head. She spared an impertinent glance in his direction before returning her attention back to the older woman. If he wasn’t going to tell her the truth about his odd alias maybe Maggie would.

“Perhaps you can explain the nickname?” Sam attempted innocence as she tried to control the fleeting emotions running through her veins. First anger, then fear, now curiosity? Was it any wonder she was such an enigma to the entire male race?

Maggie shrugged her heavy shoulders before topping off their cups. “I don’t really know.” A caring expression graced her face as she glanced over at Blake. She touched his cheek gingerly.

The unexpected gesture caught Sam off guard. Maggie appeared to fill a motherly role for him. Of course, such an observation could be as wrong as every other one she had about the man.

“Maybe you’ll get an honest answer out of him. I never did. What I do know is how good he is at tracking.”

Blake stood abruptly. “We don’t have time for this nonsense.”

Maggie rolled her eyes. Ignoring his outburst, she continued her conversation with Sam as he walked to the door. “Yep, exactly what I thought. He didn’t tell you that either, did he? Best tracker in the state. Won state recognition and everything. Last year, he found the Howard boy…horrible thing to happen. The family was a complete wreck.” The elderly lady shook her head, clucking her tongue loudly as she recalled the tragedy. “The boy had walked out of camp when his mother wasn’t paying attention. Wolf found him. Took a day or two, and the kid was a little shaken up…dehydrated. But other than that, he was fine.” She scooped up Blake’s dish and then glanced down at Sam’s full plate. “I guess you didn’t have much of an appetite this morning. I don’t have to ask why.” She spared a glance in his direction. “I swear the man should’ve been nicknamed Griz instead of Wolf.” Maggie snickered at her own joke. “Just have a little patience with him. I promise, he’ll come around.”

“Did you happen to pack me the lunches?” Blake shouted from the front, obviously annoyed.

“I’ll get them now,” Maggie replied with a sweet smile and headed toward the kitchen.

Sam got to her feet, quickly realizing how little she knew about the man. She made her way to the counter as the waitress disappeared into the back. A minute later, Maggie reappeared with the lunches. Handing Blake two paper bags, she said goodbye, and they walked out.

“So, you’re a pretty good tracker? Makes sense now,” Sam said thoughtfully, settling into his truck and fastening her seatbelt. “Your job…the caribou track…”

“I guess.” He gave a nonchalant shrug. “Maggie likes to make a big deal about some things. Truth is, I grew up with the wilderness as my back yard. I became obsessed with all the different prints animals left behind. I learned to follow the signs.” He put the truck into reverse and looked behind him to back up. “Denali and I, well…it’s what we would do, sometimes spending days tracking an animal. Or a person. Anyway, I became good at it.” He shifted the truck into drive.

“Better than Denali?” she questioned, then noted the immediate tensing of his jawline.

Blake slammed the brakes.

Sam propelled forward as the seatbelt bit into her shoulder. “What the hell?” she exclaimed and braced her hand against the dashboard.

“Let’s get something straight. He’s not part of the deal. You get me. Denali’s off limits. I don’t want anything about him or his tribe in one of your stupid brochures. No matter how dolled up you make visiting Alaska seem.”

Sam nodded her head mutely. Rubbing her shoulder, she shifted back into the seat. “I got it,” she said, turning her attention to the scene outside the window.

At least the man was consistent. He never failed to be overly protective of the state or his friend.

Satisfied with her response, he started driving again. Sam swallowed back the hurt feelings his words caused by reminding herself this was just business.

Such a task was easier said than done. She wanted to know more about him. More about his friends. His life. Apparently, more than he was willing to share.

They rode in silence for several miles before he turned off the highway onto a dirt road and shifted his Ford into four wheel drive.

Curiosity got the better of her. “Is this…ahh…Nuu…n…Pass?”

“Nuuni Pass,” he corrected. “It’s pronounced like new knee, and we’re not there yet. We won’t be for another hour or so.” Blake spared a quick glance in her direction. “You might get a kick out of this…it’s named after your little friend. It means porcupine.”

“Ha. Funny.” Sam scowled as an image of the uninvited house guest returned. “Are there a lot of porcupines there then?”

He chuckled. “I suppose you’d find a few if you were looking hard enough. I just like the area. It’s rough terrain. But it’s worth the trip. There’s a lot of history there.”

“I’m sure there is. I would be fascinated to know some of it. Well, all of it. Even though I have a good tagline for my ad, I plan on doing more research. Since I don’t have internet access at the cabin, I guess I should hit the local library. Unless…oh no, please don’t tell me there isn’t one in Carlton Landing.”

The smirk lining his face spoke her worst fears.

“There isn’t one.” She nodded her head in quiet acceptance before nervously wringing her hands. This was it. No library to scour for old books and records, no source other than the internet…if she could even get the internet.

“It’s just…I want my work to be perfect. I pride myself on it. It’s the only thing…” She paused, inhaling a deep breath. “The only thing I do right. My career…it’s all I’ve got,” she confessed with a dramatic sigh. “I have a knack for screwing everything else up. My life, relationships…oh, forget it…I’m not even going to go there. You, of all people, already know that.” Sam threw her hands up into the air. “For Pete’s sake, I even failed at seducing you if you thought I was only doing such a thing for…for information.” Her lower lip began to tremble, and she knew the onset of tears was certain to come. Where had this sudden bout of self-pity come from? Obviously, his rejection had done more damage than she was prepared to face.

“Hell, Sam, when you opened the door half-dressed…” He ran his hand through his hair. “I couldn’t think straight,” Blake admitted with an even tone. “When I said those things…it was just a reaction. Not one I’m proud of. I’m sorry if I hurt you. I was frustrated.”

The warmth of his hand wrapped around her fingers, and she gazed down in disbelief. He was frustrated?

“As far as your work, don’t worry. I plan on showing you more of Alaska than you would ever read in a book or even on the internet. I can show you things you can’t find in the library. Just relax for once. Let me take the reins. You do remember what those are?”

“Ha. Ha. Real funny. You are quite the comedian today.” She raised her head and caught a glimpse of his lopsided grin, and her stomach did flip flops. Why did he have to be so damn handsome?

And unavailable.

She wiggled her toes in the borrowed boots and snatched her hand out of his grip.

During the rest of the drive, he pointed out points of interest and small details about Alaska’s rugged terrain. Sam took several pictures, putting the camera down only long enough to take notes.

Before she knew it, they had reached their destination, and she had jotted down several facts, filling her pad with accurate details about the state.

At the top of a small incline, Blake pulled over and backed the vehicle into a ditch.

Following his lead, Sam hopped out of the truck and joined him by the tailgate he was unlatching. Checking her camera, she reloaded a new roll of film, and then snapped a few photos of the surrounding scenery before returning her attention back to Blake, now positioned on top of the large, green four wheeler.

The man was the ideal picture of an Alaskan outdoorsman. Hell, he could’ve been the poster boy for Man Gone Wild or some other glossy covered magazine highlighting sexy, nature-loving men. Quickly, she captured him on film and was able to get several great shots before he glanced in her direction.

Flashing a grin, he flicked his wrist and started the engine. The machine roared to life with a thunderous rumble. She jumped, nearly dropping the camera.

“Have you ever ridden on a four wheeler before?”

Searching for his eyes through the freshly donned pair of sunglasses he wore, she shook her head. “No, but I’m game,” she shouted over the steady bellow of the motor.

Blake nodded and began backing the all-terrain vehicle off of the truck using the ditch as a ramp. He eased the ATV down with such surety and confidence, it quickened her pulse. Once on the ground, he revved the engine.

In his element, the man was a force to be reckoned with. More at ease. Content. He twisted his torso and patted the seat in invitation to climb on.

“How do I do this?” she asked hesitantly, broaching the large, daunting machine.

“Just hop right on.” He held his arm out to guide her. “There, that’s a girl. Now you have to hold on to me, tight. Yeah. Good. Wrap your arms around me. Tighter.”

Sam, a little intimidated by the big machine, held firm to the muscled man as the wheeler vibrated beneath her. A bit anxious, but she wasn’t unnerved enough to forgo the adventure. The burning excitement of adrenaline grew inside as she leaned into his back and wrapped a taut grip around his mid-section.

She indulged a moment by inhaling a deep breath of his earthy scent and allowed her fingers to wander, trailing the hard, defined muscles of his stomach under his flannel shirt. Her mind drifted to the kisses they had shared, and a flash of naked, intertwined bodies entered her thoughts.

Her body responded, and she tried to ignore the warm dampness between her legs where her thighs cradled his hips. Her brain became fuzzy with conflicting thoughts, and though Sam tried to regain control, she lost the will as need pressed her body closer to his.

Of course, it didn’t help having her breasts rubbing against his back. Why hadn’t she thrown on a bra? The answer came swiftly. The man had made her so mad, she’d just tossed on her shirt over the tank without thinking things through. And now she was paying for it.

“Where will we pick cranberries?” she questioned, attempting to think about anything other than the annoying longing between her thighs.

She searched the landscape. Besides the surrounding mountains, there seemed to be little more than thick grassland for miles.

Blake’s muscles tightened beneath her hands. Assuming it was because she was clinging so securely to his backside, Sam loosened her grasp and hooked her fingers into his belt loop.

He pointed to a treacherous incline, and she heard herself gasp. He was joking, right? A nervous giggle escaped her lips.

Twenty minutes later, she realized just how serious he had been. Clamping her eyes shut, she clenched her arms tautly around his middle. Blake tensed again, but she wasn’t going to allow his reaction to affect her judgment. To hell with him, she scoffed as the four wheeler climbed effortlessly up the steep slope. Sam didn’t care if he was repulsed by her touch. She’d be damned if she tumbled to her death because of not being able to keep seated on the four wheeler.

Slowly, the ATV crept up the hillside, and Sam kept her eyes closed. Holding her breath, she wondered how long before they reached the summit. After several minutes, the machine lurched to a stop, and was shut off. The air stilled.

Surrounded by the abrupt silence, she cautiously peeked from beneath lowered lids. Another loud gasp escaped her lips as she took in the beauty below. Immediately, she was lost in its vast, untouched glory, and a calming tranquility overcame her.

No wonder Blake was so at peace in the wilderness. Here they were, miles away from civilization, no human inflicted noise, only the undisturbed quietude of nature.

She suddenly became aware of how misled she’d been all of her life. Everything she thought important didn’t hold much value. The material things…her car…fancy office…even the expensive high-rise condo. None of it seemed important. In fact, none of those things had made her as happy, as full of life, as embracing the serenity below her did right now.

“Do you know what to do in case we come across a bear?” Blake asked, breaking the silence and shattering the peaceful moment.

Bear.

Just saying the word brought her greatest fear to life, and she tightened her death grip, refusing to let go.

He attempted to get off the machine, but was stopped by her hold on his pants. A low chuckle escaped Blake, and he softly pried her fingers from his belt loop before jumping off the vehicle.

Embarrassed, she gazed over the scenery and then back to him. Sam was rewarded with a crooked grin. In the back of her mind, she questioned such a reaction from him. The man sent mixed signals. She glanced down at the boots she wore. Not that it mattered much at this point.

He walked to the front of the machine, unzipped a large, black duffle bag, and pulled out an ominous gun and holster. He inspected, loaded, and checked the weapon before snapping the gun and holster snuggly through his belt loop on his right side.

The gun flushed firmly against his hip. She had to admit, the black steel did seem dangerously menacing. Other than the day they’d spent hiking, Sam had never seen a gun this close up before and eyed the weapon warily. Was this some kind of omen? A premonition? She scanned their surroundings again with a keen stare.

At the moment, they were in an open landing, but there was a wall of four foot high grass encircling them. They could be sitting ducks. She shuddered, unable to see through the panel of jade and brown. Just about anything could be lurking in those fields.

Apparently, this wasn’t as daunting to Blake, who continued unpacking, nonchalantly pulling out a couple of gallon sized plastic bags. He handed her one, then zipped and unstrapped the bag from the wheeler and slung it with little effort over his left shoulder. Without a word, he began walking toward the grass.

Sam followed close on his heels, scared to be left behind without his protection. Suddenly, the gun didn’t seem so sinister. The curtain of weeds closed in, surrounding them completely in its green veil. Every step became a chore as the marshy ground pulled at her boots like a vast suction cup, but she shadowed without complaint as they descended downhill.

“Hey, bear…coming through,” Blake shouted into the fields.

Forging their way through the weeds, a small open valley appeared at the bottom of the hill.

In her quest to keep up with him, she stumbled on some uneven terrain, causing her ankle to fold beneath her. Pain shot up her leg, and Sam landed in an ungraceful heap on top of the spongy tundra.

“Are you okay?” Blake kneeled beside her.

“Yeah, I just twisted my ankle,” she said, rubbing the throbbing appendage.

She attempted to stand, trying unsteadily to get to her feet. He stretched out his hand, and Sam accepted the help, but as soon as she put weight on the ankle, the affliction was unbearable.

“Oh! Maybe I need to sit down for a minute,” she confessed, angry at herself for being so careless. In an instant, she was encompassed by his arms and carried to a clearing surrounded by clusters of low bush, red berries.

“Nuuni Pass?” she asked, attempting to brush off the pain as he gently set her on the ground.

Blake answered with a curt nod, placing the black duffle down beside her. He unzipped the bag and retrieved a large blanket. Spreading the covering on the ground, he moved her onto the soft quilt. Gently, he grabbed a hold of her boot and began to unlace it. Blake eased it off her foot along with her sock and rolled her jeans up to her knee as he inspected her injury.

Her ankle was red and tender even under his ginger touch. There was already a promise of bruising along with a little swelling, but he reassured her if she was careful and didn’t push it, she’d be fine.

Sam felt anything but fine as his fingers danced lightly across her skin, causing a fire to spark inside her. Strange how easily his stroke took away the pain. Nimbly, his caress moved up and down her leg, massaging her calf muscles, and she had to force back a moan of pleasure.

Internally, she warred against an out of control yearning to have those confident hands touch more than just her calves as a heat smoldered inside her. Needing to get a hold of herself, she searched for a distraction and noted a claw hung loosely around his neck. She reached for the necklace and lightly skimmed the ominous talon with her fingers. The claw was smooth, cool to her touch. A distinct opposite of the warmth his skin radiated.

She raised her gaze and was locked in his stare. A blatant desire burned in the hazel depths. The hunger fueled Sam’s internal fire and tormented her beyond measure. She leaned in, teasing him with a silent dare, close enough his breath brushed her lips.

His mouth crashed down on hers, the kiss insatiable.

Oblivious to the pain of her ankle, she surrendered the remainder of her reserves to his demanding lips. How was he able to do this? How could he make her forget everything with just a kiss?

The kiss deepened, and her world twisted and spun out of control as the chiseled hardness of his chest firmly pressed against hers. She struggled with an intake of air, aware she’d lost all control. Longing to feel his bare skin against hers, she pulled him close.

What about his girlfriend?

The thought shook her out of the desire-enhanced stupor. Damn it, she cursed inwardly. Guilt scored her insides, and she placed her palms against his muscled pecks. Pushing him away, Sam condemned herself for betraying another woman’s trust.

“I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing Blake Langford…Wolf,” she sneered, catching her breath. “But I am nobody’s idea of a good time.” Sam held him at bay as her words repeated themselves in her head. Had she actually just said something so stupid? Frustrated, she sputtered, “I am not a home-wrecker.” The expression of shock he wore spurred her anger. “Don’t act so surprised. Do you think city girls are without morals? Or do you think I’m so stupid I couldn’t figure out you have a girlfriend?” she questioned, poking him with her index finger.

“Girlfriend?” Blake chuckled. The mocking laughter rumbled low in his chest as he reached for her hand. “I don’t have a girlfriend. What I have…is this strong urge to kiss you. And a whole lot more…” He gently eased her back on the blanket, kissing her neck and making a trail to her ear lobe. “So much more.”

“No, we can’t…” she contested in a feeble attempt to shake free of the strong desire his kisses provoked. The feat proved difficult as his lips continued to distract her. Somehow, his words filtered and cleared her head. “You don’t have a girlfriend?” A warm heat spread across her cheeks as his confession started to sink in. “But, the boots…and all those horrible things you said?”

“Those boots belong to Denali’s younger sister, McKinley. I had to borrow them because the nearest store is over an hour away,” he whispered huskily before his lips returned to set fire again on the sensitive skin of her neck. “She’s like a sister to me, not a girlfriend. And all those things I said? I meant them. You are a city girl, a know-it-all, and an admitted workaholic, who would probably do anything to make a damn brochure. As far as the seducing part…go ahead, seduce me. I dare you.”

She pushed against his shoulders trying to regain her composure. An impossible chore as his mouth continued to scorch a heated trail down to the side of her breast. A moan escaped her as his hot breath teased and tempted her through the thin cotton tank top.

“I don’t trust you,” he said, gently gripping her hands and placing them above her head. “But I’m giving it a good shot.”

Before his words had time to register, his mouth completely enveloped hers. The kiss intensified, causing the slow burn inside to magnify into an inferno. Yielding, she melted into him. Whether he believed she toyed with him or not, Sam couldn’t resist the passion in his kiss.

“Then why do you do this to me? This is your…” She broke free, searching for the right words. The task deemed difficult with every one of her senses heightened and her thoughts dizzily surrounded by his earthy scent. “This is your fault. You can’t kiss me and just stop.”

“I’m way past the point of stopping, Sam,” he confessed as his mouth found hers again.

Taunting her, he returned to her breasts, nipping lightly at the thin fabric until she could take no more. She longed to feel him, skin against skin, and struggled to shed her clothed confinement.

He tightened his grip on her hands, silently letting her know he was in control.

“I swear I can’t take much more,” she declared, trembling with desire. The concept was bittersweet, pure torture, knowing she was at his mercy as he continued to torment her body.

Sam squirmed against the restraint, grinding her pelvis against his leg positioned between her thighs as she searched for release from the intense pressure building inside.

The moment his hand slipped beneath the confinement of her jeans and touched her flesh, her body quivered in wanton appreciation. His adept fingers circled the velvet skin until the pressure rose to an intolerable level and pushed her over the edge, almost to the brink.

Abruptly, he stopped and was on his feet, peering into the field surrounding them. He sniffed the air. “Damn it, Sam. We have to go. Now.” His words, loud and stern, left little room for argument.

“What? We have to go?” Dazed, she didn’t understand. Her body didn’t understand, longing for the missing warmth of his fingers. She’d been so close.

“Yeah, we have company.”

His statement didn’t make any sense. Company? She attempted to clear her fuzzy head, still trying to understand the meaning of his statement through her heightened state of desire.

“Put on your boot, and no matter what, don’t make a sound like you are in pain.”

She placed her foot in her boot and laced it tightly, biting her bottom lip to hold back a scream the act inspired.

“Now, get up. Slowly. No sudden moves, okay?” He extended a hand down to help her to her feet.

Accepting his aid, she stood and tried not to put any weight on her injured ankle. She followed his gaze. Squinting, she saw no movement. “Porcupines?”

He stepped in front of her with his gun drawn. “No, it’s a bear,” Blake said softly. “Smell it?”

She noted a musky odor of wet grass and clover in the air. The scent, not unlike the surrounding tundra, was slightly stronger, but definitely not something to fear. It couldn’t be further from the smell of a wild animal, especially a bear. They smelled like fish. Not wet grass. Certainly, the man was trying to scare her? Perhaps teach her some kind of lesson on how to stay alert in the woods or something. A heated flush warmed her neck, and she realized she was the brunt of a joke.

“Okay, I get it, Wolf,” she sneered. “Nice try. What’s next? A moose stampede. Or how about a herd of caribou?” Sam readjusted her stance to balance her weight. Wincing, she tried to hide the pain the movement caused and folded her arms across her chest. The man had a lot of nerve. If he didn’t want anything to do with her, why did he kiss her in the first place?

Blake cast a wary glance over his shoulder before returning his gaze into the tall grass. “I’m not kidding. I wouldn’t joke about something this serious.”

The crackle of a branch breaking not more than twenty feet away made Sam nearly jumped out of her skin. Her pulse spiked, and she grabbed a hold of him, quickly reconsidering her doubts.

“Believe me now?” he questioned, sparing her a stern glance.

Speechless, she bobbed her head.

“It doesn’t make sense. Usually a bear will avoid any human contact. Unless he’s curious. Or hungry.” He glanced down at the tote they’d brought.

Sam followed his gaze as guilt pooled in her stomach, twisting her insides. This was her fault. The culprit, her ankle, painfully reminded her she was to blame. If it hadn’t been for her clumsiness would Blake have set up in this spot? She raised her head and cast a weary glance about their surroundings. Probably not.

“We are downwind. It’s likely he didn’t smell us yet, but we don’t want to surprise him either,” Blake said with a grimace. “Hey, bear. Whoa, bear,” he shouted into the brush as if to scare the animal off.

With a cautious movement, he bent down and slowly pulled out a canister of bear spray from the rucksack. He handed it to her and then opened one of the bagged lunches. Zipping up the duffle bag halfway, he threw the blanket on top of it. Sam watched in silence, assuming there was a method to his madness. Perhaps, it was done in hopes of delaying the scent of food?

“I want you to appear tall, got it?” He returned his focus on her. “Stand on your tiptoes if you have to and don’t back down. I know you’re scared, but don’t show it. Whatever you do…don’t run. And depending on the type of bear, you might have to fight back. The spray may help. Don’t be afraid to use it.”

A rustling off to her right garnished her attention. Terrified, she nodded her head.

“If it’s a black bear you can fight it off. If it’s a brown bear, a grizzly…play dead.”

She nodded again as fear spread through her limbs, gripping her insides.

“That’s if this .44 Magnum can’t hold it back. There’s a good chance it heard us, and we scared it away. Hopefully, it’s headed in the opposite direction.”

Another branch folded in the grassy foliage. This time closer.

“No such luck,” he said under his breath, glancing toward the direction of the noise. “Okay, I want you to back up slowly.” He raised his voice, calm and steady, as the sound bellowed across the grassy field.

“Slow. Good, Sam. You’re doing great.”

A section of the meadow swayed and Sam held back the scream lodged in her throat.

Hunted.

Her heart hammered in her ears. This was how she was going to die, torn to shreds by a hungry bear. An image of the claw Blake wore around his neck came to life and was quickly replaced by the stuffed grizzly from the airport.

“Hopefully, the bear goes for the food,” Blake said.

Sam nodded, unable to pull her gaze away from the thick wall of grass. Not focused on where she was stepping, she stumbled on the uneven tundra. With quick reflexes, Blake grasped onto her arm holding her upright. Once her balance was righted, they climbed backwards up to higher ground. Each agonizing step reminded her of how foolishly ungraceful she was.

Once at the top of the hill, they raced back to the four-wheeler, and Blake retrieved a pair of binoculars out of the hard case on the front rack. He exhaled a loud breath of relief.

“The bear took the bait. It appears to be a young, grizzly male. Probably only a couple of years old.”

Sam grabbed for the binoculars. With a reluctant sigh, he handed them over, pointing in the direction of the animal. She peered through the glass, not really sure she wanted to see. Her trembling hands made the landscape shaky, but she dialed in on a large, brown mass and focused.

Stunned, she dropped the binoculars. Unable to speak, Sam took a step toward the four wheeler and faltered, suddenly feeling faint. Muscular arms caught her, and she surrendered into Blake’s hold.

He tightened his grasp. “We have to go. The bear is distracted for now. But I’m not sure for how long. Are you all right?”

She lifted her chin and met his gaze. Floored by the genuine concern in the hazel depths, an odd awareness spiked through her. He’d protected her without a second thought to his own safety. He saved her life. The notion, though somewhat unsettling, was also comforting.

“Lord, Sam, I should’ve never put you in that position. You could’ve…”

She silenced him by placing an index finger on his lips. “I’m fine.” Standing on the tips of her toes on her good foot, she reassured him with a chaste kiss, even though her insides shook like gelatin.

Blake stared at her for a full minute before replying. “Yeah.” He spared a final glance down the hill. Shaking his head, he grasped her hand and helped Sam mount the machine. “We’d better go. I’ll get you home so we can take care of your ankle.”

Neither of them spoke on the trail back to the truck. Praying the constant rumble of the four wheeler would keep all predators at bay, Sam kept a keen eye on the landscape, searching for any movement in their surroundings while clenching her teeth against the throbbing pain in her ankle matching the vibration of the machine.

Once they got to his vehicle, she accepted his help and limped to the truck. As he loaded the ATV, she locked the door and scanned the scenery one last time. Silly idea. She smirked. If only a door lock could stop a determined bear.

The entire ride back to the cabin, she was engrossed with the way Blake had shielded her with his body. She stole a sideways glance at him. No one had ever cared enough about her well-being to do something so heroic. And she had no idea how she felt about it.

No doubt it was just part of his job, she justified. However, it had seemed like more…

A flurry of emotions jolted her senses. Confusion being the first. Did Blake actually care about her?

She couldn’t deny there was something between them, and Sam couldn’t help but think it was more than just a mutual attraction. Especially if she considered the way his kisses shook her to the core.

The foreign thoughts occupied her mind during the long drive, until they pulled into the driveway of her cabin.

Blake stopped the truck and shifted the gear on the steering column into park. He got out and was at the passenger’s side in an instant. He attempted to open the door at the same time Sam realized it was still locked.

Embarrassed, she fumbled for the switch. “Sorry. I know the lock wouldn’t have stopped a bear, but it did make me feel safer.”

He responded with an endearing grin, and her heart skipped a beat before quickening unexpectedly. She exhaled a loud sigh. She was in over her head. All the man had to do was smile, and she melted like butter.

Blake leaned in and cupped her chin with a tender grip. Lightly, he brushed his lips over hers. Despite the gentleness of the kiss, she yearned for more as he pulled away and reached across her lap to release the seat belt. Without a word, he scooped her up in his brawny arms and lifted her out of the truck.

She entwined her arms around his neck and breathed in his heady scent as he carried her to the cabin. Sam reached out once they got to the door and pushed it open.

Being a damsel in distress certainly had an appeal.

Blake gently laid her on the bed. He propped up her leg with a soft pillow, and with nimble fingers, untied the laces of her boots. Delicately, he tugged free the footwear and tossed both boots onto the hardwood floor. As if she were made of glass, he removed the sock from her throbbing ankle and examined the injury.

“Can you move it?”

She nodded. “I think so.” Able to point her toes, she cautiously flexed her heel and then rolled her ankle to the side. Pain shot up her leg, and she released a loud gasp.

“Don’t overdo it. I’ve seen enough.” The warmth of his hands returned, and he cradled her foot before laying it gently onto the pillow again. He removed the extra quilt draped over the footboard and covered her with the blanket.

“So, what’s the verdict, doc? Am I going to make it?”

“Yeah. I think you are going to be just fine,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m not even close to being a doctor, but I did have to take first aid classes for my job. I’m pretty sure it’s just a sprain, so it needs to be wrapped up. I have an ace bandage in the first aid kit I carry in the truck. I’ll be right back.”

He headed out the door, and Sam thumped her head back on the headboard. Clumsy oaf, she berated herself. Flipping the blanket off, she peeked at the injury and immediately her mood soured. Her ankle was definitely swollen. Great. The timing couldn’t be worse. Now, she’d probably be laid up in bed for the rest of the afternoon. Hopefully not longer.

Before she had time to dwell on her situation, Blake returned with a tan, rolled up bandage and a bottle of ibuprofen. He handed her the pain reliever and sat on the edge of the bed before grasping her foot with a firm, but gentle grip. Tautly, he wrapped the stretchy gauze around her ankle. When finished, he turned his attention to the woodstove and threw a couple of logs in before filling the teapot with water and placing it on the top to heat. He then rummaged through the cabinets, and retrieved a box of tea. He tossed it on the counter.

“I hope you have some food in here, too.”

“Yeah. Chili,” Sam replied and pointed to the farthest cupboard. She opened the bottle and popped two of the ibuprofen into her mouth, swallowing the pills without water.

He pulled out a can and a frying pan. Apparently searching for something to open the container with, he soon found an opener in a drawer and pried off the top. Pouring the contents into the skillet, he then placed it on the woodstove to simmer.

“Wow, you sure know how to show a girl a good time,” she said sarcastically.

He displayed a lop-sided grin. “I certainly do.”

Being stuck in bed wasn’t setting well. “So, is this the plan?” she asked surly, not amused. She glanced at the closet where she’d placed her computer earlier. Maybe she could get some work done?

Or continue what they’d started?

The thought burned brightly for a minute, but she blinked it away. She glanced down at her foot. No. Fun and games were exactly how she ended up here…bedridden with a throbbing ankle injury. Not quite the good time she’d been looking for. Might as well focus on the advertisement.

Scooting to the edge of the bed, she placed her good leg onto the floor.

“Whoa. What are you doing?”

“I’m getting up. What does it look like?” she retorted smartly. She couldn’t just lie around and do nothing.

“Oh, no you aren’t.” Blake rushed to her side. He pushed her back with a stern hand on her shoulder. Lifting her leg, he placed it back on the mattress. “You are staying in bed. At least for the rest of the afternoon. Doctor’s orders.”

Sam scoured him with the nastiest scowl she could muster. “Fine. I need you to get my laptop then,” she demanded, pointing toward the closet.

He walked over, opened the door, and withdrew her black bag. “Is it in this?”

She nodded curtly as a sudden wave of irritation prickled underneath her skin. “You don’t have to do all this. Cooking me dinner and all. I’m not used to being waited on.”

“I kind of figured that much by the way you’re acting.” He brought the case to her and laid it on the bed. “And just so you know, I don’t mind.”

“Well, I do. I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Wow. Are you sick of my company? Or just a really bad patient? Usually I’m the grump,” Blake teased and then headed across the room to the kitchenette.

He opened a few drawers, found a spoon, stirred the chili, and then set the utensil aside to search the cupboards again. Pulling out a large, green mug and matching bowl, he filled the crock with chili and the cup with hot water from the kettle before tossing in a tea bag. He walked back to the bed and placed both on the night stand.

Why? Why was he taking care of her?

“Apparently, I’m really bad at this,” Sam confessed, suddenly feeling quite guilty. She reached out and grabbed his hand. “Thank you for taking care of me. I…ah…I’m just not used to it.”

“Yeah, you mentioned that.” He smiled and squeezed her fingers gently. “Do you think you’ll need anything else?”

She replied with a quick shake of her head.

“Good then. Now, I want you to try and stay off your leg. I mean it, Sam. At least for tonight.”

“And you mentioned that. It’s not like I can go too far anyway,” she smirked and pointed down at her ankle. “I’ll be fine.”

Blake nodded and walked to the door. He paused at the exit and spared one last glance in her direction before leaving.

Sam waited until she heard the motor of his truck start before she attempted to get out of bed. Hopping to the window, she braced her weight on the window ledge and watched until the taillights of his truck faded away.

She spared a glance toward the bed, and her gaze was drawn to the steaming bowl of chili. Limping, she made her way back and sat on the edge of the mattress. Grasping the crock with one hand, she stirred the hot meal and tried to decipher her feelings.

Not only had the man risked his life for her, he had cared enough to make her dinner.