Hell Yeah!: Falling Hard (Kindle Worlds Novella) by D'Ann Lindun (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan Hatter~

If I ever go down on a plane in the Canadian Rockies, I want my nephew to be with me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What the hell?

He was supposed to be the only client.

A week in the Canadian Rockies hunting moose. No one but him and a guide.

Yet, two deckhands loaded box after box onto the Twin Otter, packing enough crap for ten planes. Would the small six-passenger even lift off the ground with all that weight on board?

Gage Altenburg leaned on his rifle case and studied the small group waiting to board. Four women and a man stood in a tight group a few feet away from him. Although all the ladies were lovely, one in particular stood out from the others—a pretty blonde with her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail that showed off angular cheekbones. She wore a full-length maroon coat that covered her body, but he could tell she was slim with legs as long as a Texas mile. Gage felt like he knew her face—maybe from the movies—but he couldn’t place exactly where he’d seen her before. He knew they hadn’t met because she was unforgettable.

Maybe because he’d let his gaze linger on her a little too long, she glanced his way. Midnight blue eyes. Straight nose, full lips.

Their gazes collided; she lifted her chin and looked away.

He hid a grin. She knew she was a looker. Must have men staring at her all the time. Well, he wouldn’t make that mistake again. He hadn’t come to Canada to find a woman. Just the opposite.

A hunting trip in the Canadian Rockies seemed like the perfect excuse to get away and forget his ex-wife’s impending marriage.

He refused to let his mind go down that trail today.

As an avid big-game hunter, this trip had been recommended to him by friends who’d hunted with outfitter Bodie Cunningham, and loved the experience. So far, Gage was pretty happy. An easy flight from Texas, a good meal and restful sleep in the lodge last night. His only bitch? A plane full of women—at least until they dropped him off at Bodie’s camp.

He idly wondered where the group was headed. They weren’t hunters, not according to their dress anyway. All had on coats, gloves and scarves, but not the cold weather gear Gage wore. He’d hunted in Colorado, Alaska and some of the southern states, including his home state of Texas, and knew what to wear to stay warm when the temperatures dropped below freezing. From the looks of the gray sky, snow would be coming soon.

One of the hands who’d loaded the plane approached him. “Lucky you, getting to travel with the ladies.”

“What’s with the hen party? I’m headed to a hunting camp. Hope they’re not going there?” Gage’s heart sank. Surely Bodie wasn’t going to have a herd of females in camp. That’s not what he’d paid for. He’d expected to be picked up by private plane and flown to a remote location where he’d spend the next week hunting moose. With only Bodie as company.

The crew member laughed. “Not hardly. Don’t you recognize them? The two tall blondes are Teagan York and Brooklyn Moore. They’re shooting for the Sports In Pictures swimsuit edition. The older lady is Brooklyn’s mom and manager, I think. Brooklyn’s only sixteen. Can you believe it?”  He shook his head. “Man, she don’t look it in a swimsuit. The guy is their photographer. The rest of the crew flew in yesterday to set up. Damn. I wish I could ride along to watch.”

Suddenly Gage knew where he’d seen the jaw-dropping blonde before. Teagan York, supermodel, was on every magazine cover, award and music show out there. Dated rock stars and movie stars. Guys with more money than brains.

A guy like him, who raised horses for a living, wouldn’t be high on her list of potential dates. Gage did a bit more than raise horses; he managed a multi-million dollar fortune his grandfather had built from oil strikes. But most people weren’t aware of that fact and he had no need to publicize it.

It didn’t matter anyway. He hadn’t come to Canada to find a woman. He had come to forget one.

“You ready to board?” the deckhand asked, drawing Gage’s mind back to present.

“Born ready,” Gage said with a grin.

The group had loaded up while Gage chatted with the guy. He shook the man’s hand. “See ya on the return trip.”

“Sure thing.”

Ducking so his six-two frame would fit inside the cabin, Gage took a moment to find a free seat.

Damn.

The models and their managers, or whatever they were, curled their lips like he had stepped out of the shittiest cow pen on the ranch.

Not today. So what, then?

His rifle.

Although he’d carried it in a locked case, most airports would have him arrested by even carrying a gun inside the place. But this was Canada and he was free to carry a hunting rifle aboard a small, privately owned plane. Especially one he’d chartered for this trip. If anyone ought to be pissed off, it was him.

He looked for an empty seat.

Brooklyn Moore, the teen, sat next to her mom/manager.

The photographer looked especially unfriendly when Gage stepped that way.

An empty seat next to Teagan York.

She wrinkled her nose like he smelled bad when he moved toward her. Tough shit. He had as much right to sit as she did.

“Looks like you got stuck with me today.” With a grin, he folded his long frame into the seat next to her. He settled the rifle between his legs. When his thigh brushed hers, she jumped like a spring colt.

“Can’t you put that thing up somewhere?” she muttered.

“What?” He tapped the case. “This little thing? Why, no ma’am. I have to hold her steady. Wouldn’t want her accidently going off.”

“I-i-t’s loaded?” Her blue eyes grew round as a Texas moon. “In here?”

He nodded solemnly. “Loaded for bear.”

“There are no bears in the plane.”

“No, but if it goes down I want to be prepared to shoot any grizzly who might want to eat me alive.” He fought not to laugh out loud at her horrified expression. The truth was his bullets were stowed in his carry-on.

She sniffed. “We were assured we’re going into a safe area.”

His teasing tone went dead serious. “Lady, this is Canada, not New York City. You better have something besides a camera to shoot with if one of those bad boys crashes your party.”

“Whatever. We’ll be fine.” She swung her long legs away from him and stared out the window with a bored look he was positive she’d perfected for her photos.

He opened his mouth to go into details of what a grizzly could do to a victim, then thought better of it. Not his problem if this hare-brained bunch hadn’t figured out they were dropping into bear country. No skin off his nose if one of them lost life or limb due to arrogance.

The deckhand boarded and walked toward Gage. He motioned toward the rifle. “Let me stow that in back for you.”

Gage reluctantly let him take the rifle and place it in back with the luggage, although he wished he could hold onto it just to piss off the supermodel with her nose in the air.

 

~*~

 

Teagan didn’t know what it was about the tall stranger that rubbed her the wrong way. Maybe his cocky, cowboy attitude, or maybe it was the way he slung a rifle over his shoulder like some modern day Wyatt Earp. Either way, he annoyed her. When he sat beside her and started talking about bears, she hid her fear with nonchalance.

Truth be told, she was worried about the wildlife. When she’d voiced her fears, her agent blew her off. Afraid of causing waves, she’d shut up, but her trepidation remained. To be picked to appear in the Sports In Pictures swimsuit issue was a huge deal for any model. This would be her third time in the magazine, although she hadn’t made the cover. She hoped desperately this would be her year, likely her last.

For a chance to be Sports In Pictures cover girl, she’d risk bears, cougars and know-it-all cowboys.

She shifted, trying to get comfortable in the tight surroundings, succeeding only in bumping her thigh against the cowboy’s. The rock solid muscles under his jeans made her stomach clench. 

The pilot turned and looked over his shoulder. “Buckle up, everybody. We’re ready to fly.”

The engine revved and Teagan braced for takeoff. Although she flew a lot, she didn’t like it, and she especially didn’t enjoy riding in small planes. Her fingers dug into the seat until they went numb. A big hand covered hers.

Startled, she glanced at her seatmate.

“You okay?”

“Fine,” she said through clenched teeth.

The plane raced across the choppy water, then lifted off. For a moment it hung in the air like a bird uncertain of its wings before it grabbed air and soared into the leaden sky. Teagan released a breath she’d been holding, although her fingers continued to curl into the seat with a death grip. The stranger held on even after the plane lined out.

Surprisingly, she liked the comfort he provided.

The plane lurched and she gasped.

“Just a little turbulence,” the man said in a soothing tone.

“I hate flying,” she muttered.

“No kidding?” He sounded amused.

She shot him a sideways glare. “Glad you find this funny.”

“Not at all. I have things in life I don’t like.”

“Such as?”

He hesitated long enough she didn’t think he was going to answer. Finally he said, “That’s a conversation for another day.”

“There won’t be another time,” she said. “We’re getting off this plane in about an hour. As far as I know you’re not unloading with us.”

“No. I’m going on,” he said. “To a hunting camp.”

She stiffened. “To kill some innocent animal?”

“Moose,” he said. “I hear they’re good eating and I want to try moose burgers before I leave Canada. Maybe you’d like to try one?”

Nausea burned up her throat, rendering her unable to speak. As a vegan, she never ate meat. She was an animal rights activist to the point of refusing to ever wear, or even pose in fur. How a person could pay a lot of money for the chance to kill any animal went beyond her comprehension.

Her grateful feelings toward him fled. She pulled her hand from under his. “I’d wish you luck, but I have to side with the poor beast.”

“You’re a tree hugger, huh?” He made the term sound dirty.

“If you’re asking if I love animals and the environment, then yes, I’m a tree hugger.” She glanced out at the pines below. “I hope this land stays like this forever. If I can help keep it that way, I will.”

“We can agree on that,” he said.

She sniffed and pulled her iPod from her pocket. Sticking the buds in her ears, she turned the volume up loud, hoping he’d take the hint and just shut up. She’d heard enough out of the arrogant cowboy to last her the entire trip.

When he stretched out his long legs, turned his head into his right shoulder and began to snore, she resisted the urge to elbow him in the ribs. Instead she closed her eyes and tried to relax. She’d always hated flying and these little planes made her phobia worse. Every bump sent her stomach into a spin and her nerves jumping.

The plane took a sudden drop and she yelped.

When the photographer glanced her way, she grimaced. “Sorry.”

“Just a little turbulence,” Jackson said. “Relax.”

The plane suddenly made a series of little bucks. She dug her fingers into the seat, wishing the cowboy would wake up and put his hand over hers again. “Oh my God.”

Jackson straightened. “Okay, that’s a little scary.”

The pilot came over the intercom. “We’ve hit a rough patch. A bit of weather. Buckle your seatbelts and put anything you’re holding under your seats.”

Teagan glanced out her window. Gray clouds and fog surrounded them like a ball of cotton. The sensation wasn’t pleasant—sort of like being inside a pillow.

The plane lurched sideways and Teagan moaned. She tugged the earbuds from her ears and stuffed the iPod into her coat pocket.

Next to her, the cowboy slept as soundly as if he were in his own bed.

Gah! How could he sleep when the aircraft jumped up and down like it was playing hopscotch? She wanted to scream, but muffled it with her hands. No one else seemed terribly concerned, so she tried to calm herself by taking deep breaths and willing her nerves to settle down.

Just when she’d begun to relax, the plane took a sudden, wild plunge downward.

“Shit!” Teagan grabbed for the nearest thing to hold onto and found the upper arm of her seatmate. She wrapped her fingers around his bicep and held on for dear life.

He woke, scrubbed his face with both hands and glanced at her. “What’s going on?”

“I think we’re going down,” she managed through tight lips.

He raised an eyebrow. “Here?”

“We’re crashing, you idiot!”

The plane plunged and dipped again. Brooklyn screamed. Teagan might have, too. She was too scared to know for sure.

The plane seemed quieter all of a sudden.

Teagan risked a glance out her window and gasped. The propeller on her side no longer worked. The plane faltered. Tipped to its side.

“Dear God, we’re about to crash.” She moaned. “We’re all going to die.”

“Just hold onto me, honey. You’ll be all right.” Her seatmate’s calm tone soothed her a little.

When he held out his big hand, she grabbed on. How could he be so composed when she was terrified out of her mind?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cold.

Wet.

Was he lying in a pool of his own vomit?

The way Gage’s head hurt he must’ve partied like a rock star last night.

He fought to remember.

No, not partying.

He’d been on a puddle jumper. A tiny plane. He’d closed his eyes and settled in for the short trip to hunting camp. Not sure how long he’d been asleep, he’d woken to the frantic voice of a terrified woman saying they were going down.

His eyes flew open.

Left cheek pressed against a pebble-strewn beach. Waves lapping nearby. Some kind of water bird crying shrilly. Something at the edge of the lake. A moose, maybe? No, too close to shore, unless it was dead.

He blinked.

Someone struggled to their feet. A woman. She fought the choppy water, trying to stand.

A long maroon coat wrapped around her legs.

A mermaid?

No, that wasn’t right.

He’d been sitting next to someone kind of snotty. Someone famous.

Teagan York. Supermodel.

Now she waded out of a lake like she starred in a commercial.

Hot damn.

He had to have hit his head really hard to have a hallucination this good. Maybe if he closed his eyes, this unbelievable dream would continue. Maybe she’d walk out of the breakers, kneel by his side and kiss him senseless.

A blast of cold air washed over Gage, bringing him fully alert.

Not a dream.

He’d survived a plane crash. Somehow he and Teagan had both made it through.

With a groan, he pushed to his feet. Ignoring his waterlogged jeans and Sorel boots, he staggered across the rocky beach toward the water.

Teagan York had vanished. She had gone down, under the roiling waves.

Kicking off his boots and ripping off his coat, western shirt and T-shirt, he dove into the shallow, crystal clear water. Cold hit him like a shockwave, momentarily stunning him.

Taking a moment to let his eyes adjust, he scanned all around him, but didn’t see her.

Something bumped his leg and he spun around.

Long blond hair floated in a cloud, obscuring her face. She appeared to be unconscious. Jesus. Had she stopped breathing? He grabbed one of her out-stretched arms and dragged her to the surface. It had been years since he was a lifeguard at his hometown pool, but he remembered how to save a drowning victim. Reaching around her, he placed her on his chest and lay on his back.

She struggled. Coughed. “Let go of me.”

“Are you okay?”

“Let me go.”

“Not until you’re safely on shore. I think you blacked out for a minute,” He told her.

She slowly relaxed against him.

He held tight and kicked hard until he felt a sandbar under his heels. “We’re at the shoreline. I’m going to let go of you.”

“I can stand,” she insisted although she sounded weak.

Reluctantly, Gage let go and stood. He bent and scooped her up before she managed to get to her feet. She was tall, but light. Carrying her wouldn’t ordinarily be hard, but in waterlogged jeans and in knee-deep water, he struggled for shore.

“I can walk,” she said.

“I got you.” He managed to make it to the shore, where he sat with a thud. For a moment she lay in his arms, her eyes wide and unblinking. He studied her face. Perfect. Unmarred except for a superficial scratch on her forehead. As stunning in person as in pictures. “You okay? Any injuries?”

“My fingers.”

He took another look at her left arm. Sure enough, her middle, ring and pinkie fingers lay at an awkward angle. “They’re broken.”

A moan slipped out of her. “Hurts.”

“I’ll bet.” His heart went out to her. By some miracle he’d somehow escaped falling from the sky without injury. “Sit tight while I find something to splint it with.”

He placed her on the white sand and stood. Scouring the beach, he quickly spotted a couple small pieces of driftwood. He grabbed them, his boots and his discarded shirts and coat. Carrying everything, he returned to Teagan and pulled on his western shirt and coat. Tearing the tee into wide strips, he lifted her injured hand and straightened her bent fingers.

She cried out.

“Sorry, honey. I know that hurts.” He placed a piece of the soft fabric around her fingers, wincing when she moaned. Then he wrapped a long piece of the T-shirt around the driftwood and tied it snug.

“Thank you,” she said, strain evident in her voice.

“I’m sorry you’re hurt.” Damn. He’d give anything to have some Ibuprofen on him.

“Not your fault.” She licked her chapped lips. “Where are we?”

“I have no idea.” He looked around. A stretch of rocky coast both directions. An enormous, unnamed lake in front of them. He shifted and glanced over his shoulder. A forest behind them.  A mountain peak. Similar to the Colorado Rockies he’d hunted. “Not camp.”

“Funny.”

“Not trying to be.”

She shifted. “Have you seen anyone else?”

“No.”

Tears formed in her eyes and she blinked hard. “Where’s the plane?”

“At the bottom of the lake, I think.” He didn’t sugarcoat it.

“My friends—”

“Are probably with the wreck.”

A shudder ripped through her. She buried her face in her knees. “My whole team….”

Gage stroked her slender back. She shook with sobs. “Hey now. You made it through. For all you know they did, too.”

She lifted her tear-streaked face. “You think so?”

No. “Anything’s possible. We’ll look for them.”

“Who are you? I don’t even know your name.”

“Gage Altenburg.” He lifted his hand and dropped it. “I’d offer to shake, but considering your fingers—”

Holding out her good hand, she said, “Teagan York.”

“I know.” He gently squeezed. “Nice to meet you, Miss York.”

“Teagan.”

“Teagan,” he repeated. “Pretty name.”

She ignored that. “Now that the formalities are over, how the hell are we going to get out of here?”

“I don’t have a clue. We don’t know if the pilot managed to get off a distress signal before we crashed. If he did, we sit tight and wait. I’m sure Mounties will send out the cavalry before long.”

“And if he didn’t?”

“Hell if I know.” Gage shrugged. “Walk, I guess.” He pointed toward the lake. “Or swim.”

“I can’t swim.” Teagan shuddered. “I alternately floated and dog paddled until I reached the shore.”

Gage stared at her. “In that long coat and with broken fingers?”

“They didn’t hurt until you found me. And I didn’t even feel my coat. It didn’t seem heavy.”

“Adrenaline.” He knew a little something about getting amped up before and during a big event. A plane wreck qualified.

“That and sheer terror.” She shuddered. “I’ve never been so scared in my whole life. I couldn’t see anything or anyone…something kept bumping into my legs. A beaver, maybe.”

“You made it,” Gage reminded her.

“To die in this hell hole?”

“I won’t let you die,” he promised, although he wasn’t so sure of his own survival. He had nothing in his pockets but loose change. If he were home in Texas, he’d have his cell phone, pocketknife and lighter. Bare minimum. But he couldn’t board the jet in Dallas with a lighter or a knife, so they were stowed in his bag. His duffle and missing cell had no doubt sunk to the bottom of the lake.

“Do you have anything in your pockets?”

She gave him a funny look, but reached into the front pocket of her drenched coat. She pulled out a Chapstick and a pack of gum. “That’s it. Guess we won’t starve.”

“Damn. I was hoping for a cell phone.”

“Why didn’t you say so?” She reached into her other pocket and withdrew the most recent model. “I doubt we’d get a signal here, and even if we could, it’s soaked.”

“Lady, I think you just saved our life.” Gage grinned like a fool as he took the phone. “This little baby can help us in about ten different ways.”

Hope sparked in her eyes. “Even waterlogged?”

“Even then.” He held it up. “Fire. Signal. Fishing line. Spear.”

“All that?”

“And more,” he said. “I wasn’t a boy scout, but I grew up in the Texas hill country.” He flashed a cocky grin. “The song is true—a country boy can survive.”

A wry smile lifted one corner of her luscious mouth. “So I’ve heard.”

“You’re about to find out,” Gage promised. He lifted his face to the sun. “I think it’s around two. Plenty of time to explore a bit and get a fire built.”

“Fire sounds good. I’m freezing.” Now that she mentioned it, he realized he had goosebumps. A long stay in the water had chilled them both to the bone. Until now he hadn’t realized how cold he was.

He slipped on his boots. “Take off your coat.”

She shivered and shook her head. “I’ll be even colder without it.”

“Wear mine.” He handed her the expensive garment made to keep out the wet and cold. “You’ve got to dry off or you’ll catch pneumonia.”

“What about you?” A shudder racked her body.

“I’m fine with my shirt.” He wasn’t so sure, but she needed his coat worse than he did.

She shrugged out of the soaked wool and slipped into his down coat. It came to mid-thigh on her. “That feels better.”

“You should take off your shirt,” he said. “I’m going to find some wood and try and figure out where we are. You okay here while I gather some wood?”

“Yes. But please be careful. There might be snakes.”

He froze. Give him a grizzly, a mountain lion or a combination of the two, but even harmless water snakes made his blood run cold. The thought of a timber rattler made his gut churn. Then he realized no such animal lived here. And certainly none in the fall when it was cold.

“I’d take the snakes if it meant I wasn’t here.” She looked around with the same disdain she’d shown him on the plane.

“It might not be the Hilton, but you’re alive,” Gage reminded her.

She sighed. “What do we do?”

He moved toward the forest. “You stay put while I gather some wood. After that we’ll make some kind of plan.” What, he had no idea. He’d been a little off track while hunting in the Texas hills a few times, but his buddy Tanner Barron, a tracker had taught him it was fairly easy to orient himself either by familiar landmark, or retracing his steps. Neither was possible here.

He took a minute to look around. In other circumstances he would be awed by the enormity of the land. Endless pines and towering snow-capped peaks.

Where the hell were they, anyway?

How far off course had the storm blown them? For all he knew they were a few miles from his camp, or that of the models. Hell, they could be anywhere. He kept expecting this to be a bad dream and to wake upon touchdown.

No matter how much he wished it away, he’d survived a plane crash and landed in the middle of nowhere. They were alive now, but for how long? They needed fire, food and shelter.

No telling how long they would be stranded here.

Was someone looking for them as he’d assured Teagan? If only he had a way to let Tanner know….

A horrible thought crossed his mind—if the plane had sunk, would the rescuers assume all passengers drowned and dropped to the bottom of the lake? Maybe no one would search for them at all.

As the rocky beach faded into towering trees, he stepped lightly with all the talk of snakes making him edgy. Depending on where they’d washed up, there might even be lurking predators. He must have really hit his head hard; his imagination was running away with him. 

He shook off that idea and found a down tree. Quickly, he gathered an armload of wood and hurried back to Teagan. The model looked worse for wear. Her face showed signs of stress and pain as she cradled her injured hand close.

Maybe a fire would help a little. Give her hope.

He dropped the wood in a pile and sat beside it. Breaking it into tiny pieces, he built a pyramid.

“Do you still have that gum?”

“It was hard, but I managed to not eat it all in one setting.” She handed the pack to him.

“I always heard you model types live on a lettuce leaf and a Lifesaver. A whole pack of gum would be overkill.”

She snorted. “You’re not far from wrong.”

He unwrapped a stick of gum, handed it to her and placed the wrapper under the dry twigs. Then, pulled apart her cell phone and withdrew the screen. Propping it so the sun would reflect onto the silver paper, he added a little dry grass he’d found around the wrapper.

“I remember doing that in elementary school,” Teagan said.

“Uh-huh. I’ve never had to use this old trick before, but I recall doing it in the third grade.” Gage eyed the makeshift fire kit intently. Finally a tiny spark lit the wrapper. Holding his breath, he prayed the grass would also catch fire. Slow, oh so slowly, the wrapper charred. Just when he thought the task futile, a tendril of grass caught the flame.

As if in slow motion, the little bundle of grass began to burn. Carefully, he placed it under the twigs.

For what seemed like forever he waited for the kindling to light. One of them turned cherry red then burst into flame.

The breath he’d been holding rushed out of him. “Got it.”

“Amazing.” Teagan scooted close and held her uninjured hand over the tiny flame. “Nice job, cowboy.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Gage added sticks to the fire, encouraging it to burn, Teagan gradually stopped shaking. While he’d been gone, she’d slipped out of her bra and shirt and back into his down-filled jacket. It smelled like the man—warm and musky and safe.

She stretched her frozen feet toward the fire. Her high-heeled boots had seemed so stylish with her skinny jeans. Now, she wished for a plain pair of tennies, or her slippers.

Comfort over style wasn’t her way.

Gage had gone out of his way to make her comfortable under the circumstances.

Her hand hurt like hell, but she could almost forget the pain when she’d looked at her rescuer’s ripped abs and oh-so-fine ass. She’d worked with some of the hottest men in the world, and this man could easily stand among them. Dark hair cut short and deep blue eyes that reminded her of a Santa Fe sky.

On a shoot in that New Mexico town, she’d fallen in love with the artsy atmosphere, the earthen tones of the land and the open blue sky. And the people. So real and down-to-earth. Nothing like the types she usually dealt with, all about looks and money and who had the most of both.

That point had been driven home right after her last trip to Japan when she’d come home a few days early and found her movie star boyfriend in bed with Victoria DeSilva, the newest face in town. She’d thrown David’s empty apologies in his face, kicked them both out, and swore off men forever.

Teagan sighed. At twenty-four, she wasn’t exactly over the hill, but with younger girls coming in by the boatload, it became more and more difficult to stay ahead of the hungry pack. She’d invested wisely, taken acting and dance classes. She wasn’t going to be one of those girls who looked around in despair when it was all over, wondering what the hell happened. Already she’d been on some TV shows and had one call back for a small part in a movie. 

She almost laughed. Here she was in the endless Canadian wilderness, thinking about David, his wandering cock and her job. She ought to be worrying how the hell they were going to get home.

Somehow, she trusted the cowboy to lead them there. Why, she wasn’t sure. He had a calm, steady approach to the situation that reassured her, too. David would have been freaking out, screaming for Valium or some other less legal drug.

Gage spoke, drawing her out of her gloomy thoughts. “I’m going to take a look around.”

She pushed to her feet. “Not without me.”

“You should stay here, rest.”

“I’m not tired.” That was a bald-faced lie, but truthfully, being left alone scared her senseless.

He hesitated, then held out his hand. “Come on then.”

She slipped on her damp socks and boots, then took his hand, warmth from it shooting up her arm. His fingers were slightly rough. A working man. Nothing like David, with his regular manicures and facials. As different as night and day.

They walked along the rocky beach. If it hadn’t been a life or death situation, Teagan would have found the stroll romantic. The heavy wind from the storm had died down and the blue waves were gentle.

“Oh, shit.” Gage stumbled to a stop.

“What?” Teagan looked to where he stared, but didn’t see anything.

He pointed down the beach to an item. She couldn’t make it out. “What is it?”

“I don’t know. Let’s find out.” He strode forward.

She dug in her heels. “Wait.”

He turned toward her. “What?”

“Maybe it’s—” She shuddered. “—a victim.”

He paled a little under his tan. “Wait here. I’ll check.”

Although she wanted to protest, be strong, she sank into the pebbles along the shore. “Okay.”

“I’ll be right back,” he promised. With a last squeeze of her hand, he strode away.

She watched him go, his ass so fine in tight Wranglers, causing her to wonder what he would be like in bed. Shaking her head, she banished the thought. There were a lot more important things to worry about than doing a cute cowboy.

Still, her gaze remained locked on his firm ass.

He walked a few dozen yards, stopped and knelt by the object. In a moment, he waved her over. With a relieved mind, she stood and hurried toward him. As she drew near, she saw what he’d found. A large gray suitcase.

He examined the owner’s tags with a frown. “Katherine Schellar.”

She blanched. “Brooklyn’s mom.”

He reached for the zipper.

“No.” Somehow she felt as if she were invading the woman’s privacy. “Stop.”

His hands froze. “What?”

“We shouldn’t do this. She’ll want it back.”

“Unlikely.” With a pointed look at her boots, he added, “There might be something in here we can use to survive.”

With a jerky nod, she acquiesced. “Open it.”

Almost reverently, he slid the zipper open. Inside laid two stacks of tightly packed clothes. As Gage lifted them out, it became apparent Mrs. Schellar had been practical. She’d packed plain undies, khaki pants, T-shirts and sweaters.

Nothing Teagan would ever look at twice under ordinary circumstances. Now a bright red cardigan caught her eye. Turning her back, she slipped out of Gage’s coat and into the sweater. 

“A little big,” Gage said dryly.

“A bit, but it will keep me warm tonight.” She slid his coat over it and the top half of her felt almost normal. Her bottom half not so good—wet jeans like ice against her skin.  

He grinned. “Lucky sweater.”

A hot flush zipped through her body at his suggestive grin. “Hopefully we’ll be rescued by tonight.” Ignoring his hot gaze, she slid her hand along the pouch sewn on the top of the suitcase. Bingo! She withdrew a long pearl necklace. “Oh my God. Look. Who brings pearls to the wilderness?”

“A city girl?” He looked skeptical.

She slid the slick strand of pearls through her fingers. “I’m as city as they come and I didn’t bring my pearls.”

“That string can do a million things for us, though.” He reached for the necklace.

“Great.” She withdrew a large cosmetics bag. Inside she found all the things women around the globe treasured—unopened shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant. Best of all, the lady had packed a brand new hairbrush. Teagan raised her gaze toward to the sky. “Thank you, Katherine.”

Gage reached for the bag. “Let me see that.”

She handed it to him and he dug around inside, but didn’t pull anything out. “Damn. I was hoping for something metal.” He repacked the clothing and toiletries. “We’ll pick these up on the way back.”

“Other than the shoes and toiletries, what good is any of it?”

“We’ll use the clothes for a shelter, or a bed.” He turned toward Teagan. “Ready to go on?”

“Yeah.” Dear God. Would they be stuck long enough to need a bed? Was someone looking for them? Did the authorities know where the plane had gone down? So many questions with no answers.

As they trudged along the shore, she kept her gaze locked on the ground, hoping to find another bag. No luggage, but they spotted a few pieces of paper too wet to read. Gage stuffed them in his back pocket. “Fire starter.”

She wrapped her arms around her middle. “How long do you think we’ll be here?”

“Not long, I imagine. Soon as the Canadian authorities realize we’re down, they’ll come galloping to the rescue.” He glanced at her. “You were flying into the wilderness for a photo shoot?”

“Yeah. For the Sports In Pictures swimsuit issue.” She thought of the people traveling with her. Longtime friends and associates. Her photographer, Jackson. Katherine and her teenage daughter, Brooklyn, who she managed and was so protective over. Dear God, she prayed, let them be alive somewhere. She forced her thoughts away from the grim possibilities. “You said you came here to hunt moose. What do you do at home?”

“I breed running quarter horses. Race horses.”

“Racing? Like the Kentucky Derby?”

He chuckled. “Yes, but those are thoroughbreds. My horses are quarter horses, bred for a quarter mile dash, not distance.”

“Fascinating.”

“Sorry. I like to talk horses.” He sounded slightly offended.

She touched his elbow. “I’m sorry. I’m truly interested. Never been around any horses except the ones that pull the carriages in Central Park. I love those guys.”

“Those poor damn beasts,” he muttered. “Used and abused, then sent to slaughter for their trouble.”

She stumbled to a stop and stared at him in horror. “What? People don’t eat horses.”

“Not any humane ones anyway.”

“You’re serious?” She gaped at him.

“Serious as a heart attack.” He stared at her. “You didn’t know?”

“No.” Her stomach churned.

“Unwanted horses in the U.S. are sent to slaughter in Canada and Mexico, and it ain’t pretty. No rules. No regulations. All for people who eat horsemeat in Europe and Asia.” He drew a ragged breath. “One of my hot buttons.”

“Maybe I could do something to help when we go home,” she offered impulsively. “You saved me, after all. I owe you my life.”

“You don’t owe me anything.” He turned away. “I’d have done the same for anyone.”

Stunned, she watched him walk away a few feet before she moved. Most people would jump at the chance to have Teagan York lend her celebrity to one of their causes. Fine. If he didn’t want her help, then she wouldn’t offer again.

She followed him, resisting the urge to pick up a piece of driftwood and chuck it at his head.

 

~*~

 

Gage didn’t know what made him throw Teagan’s generous offer in her face like that. It wasn’t like he had a roomful of celebrities lining up to help him fight the horse slaughter industry. He supposed it was her lack of knowledge about the subject that annoyed him. He had little use for anyone who tucked themselves in bubble wrap and ignored the ugly in the world around them.

He understood non-horse people might not know the ins and outs of the industry, but even the most casual observer knew unwanted horses were ground up for dog food and glue, didn’t they?

Could Teagan really be so clueless?

He forced his thoughts away from the horses and concentrated on scouring the shore for anything that might save their lives. The suitcase full of lady’s clothing was a good start, but he hoped they might find something edible. His stomach was about to touch his backbone, he was so hungry.

He glanced at the sun. Past four. Would be getting dark soon at this time of year. Back home he’d be feeding horses and making sure they were tucked in for the long night ahead. Time to turn back. The wind picked up a little, stirring the pines, and clouds boiled on the horizon.

“We better call it good for now.”

“I am tired,” Teagan admitted.

He glanced at her fingertips on the broken side. Swollen and terribly bruised. “You doing okay?”

“Yeah.”

By her voice he could tell she was trying to put on a brave face. The girl had probably never been outside more than an hour or two to stand in front of a camera. The rest of the time she was probably used to five star hotels, room service, massages and all the perks that came with fame.

For a pampered princess, she was holding up well. Better than he would have ever expected. Better than his ex-wife would have. Melinda would have been bitching and moaning and making everyone around her as miserable as she was.

The thought of his ex-wife made his gut churn.

Refusing to give in to the old anger, he turned his thoughts away from the past. As they walked back toward the fire, the wind picked up, making the nearby pines tremble. He glanced at the horizon. The storm that had brought down the plane still lingered. Were they going to have a pile of snow by morning? Better build some kind of shelter, pronto.

He picked up the suitcase and lugged it with them.

The fire had died down to embers and Gage tossed on a few twigs. They quickly caught in the rising wind and he added bigger sticks. He looked around. Not a good place to be if the blowing air carried in a snowstorm.

A forest of pine trees lay only about fifty yards from the shoreline. The trees would offer some cover.

He debated. If they were out of sight of a search plane, it wouldn’t be funny. However, sitting out in a storm wouldn’t be great either. Finally making up his mind, he motioned toward the tree line. “Let’s get out of the wind.”

“What about the fire?”

“I’ll take it with us,” he said. “But let’s get off this beach before we get soaked.”

She stared at him like he was crazy. “Take it with us? How?”

“I’ll carry a burning limb,” he explained patiently.

At the tree line, he angled his way into the forest.  Almost the minute they stepped into the trees, the wind died down. Gage noticed several twisted pine trees packed tightly together. Underneath them would make a good spot to camp.

Camp?

Shit, this was no pleasure trip.

If they survived, next summer he’d pack up Ole Blue with a sleeping bag and fishing pole and take a real camping trip.

This was an endurance test. One he had to win, or die trying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teagan watched Gage build a fire. He then found several sticks about the same length and stuck two through the arms of tees, then down the inside, stretching them wide.

“What are you doing?” She watched with little interest. Her hand throbbed, she hurt like hell and all she wanted to do was cry.

“Making shelter.” He paused. “I thought I saw some Ibuprofen inside the suitcase. Let me check.” Leaving his project on the ground, he knelt and found the cosmetic bag. “Yep, here it is.” He rose and handed the vial to her. “No water. I need to find some way to carry it.”

“I can swallow these dry.” She popped four tablets in her mouth. Forcing them down took effort to keep from gagging, but she managed it. “Thanks.”

“Any time.” He returned to the T-shirts and trees and stuck the limbs into the ground, making a brightly colored three-sided tent. Gathering pine limbs, he placed them on top. Last, he spread four tees on the ground. “Done.”

“Home sweet home,” Teagan muttered. She realized how ungrateful she sounded and amended her tone. “Looks great.”

“All we need is a venison steak to make it perfect.” Gage sounded almost happy.

Teagan’s stomach growled at the thought even though she was a vegetarian. “I bet there’s edible mushrooms around here somewhere.”

“Don’t eat any without checking with me first. A lot of them are poisonous.” He sat and broke the string holding the pearl necklace together, taking care to catch the beads in his hands. “Is there anything sparkly in that suitcase?”

Teagan scooted close to it and rummaged around. “I don’t see anything.”

“Shove it this way.”

She pushed it toward him. “Here.”

“This’ll work.” Twisting one of the metal zipper tags until it came free, he then tied it to the end of the string he’d freed from the pearls. He grinned and held it up. “Attach this to a stick and I have a bang-up fishing pole.” He rose and found a thin piece of wood. “Perfect.”

“I didn’t think of that,” she said.

“Good thing you have me, huh?” His grin was cocky.

Her stomach did a little tumble. “Yeah, I guess.”

“You guess?” He held his hand over his heart. “Lady, you wound me.”

“Not intended,” she assured him. Were they flirting? Stranded. Hungry. Scared. Yet there was some kind of draw between them. Probably because they were the last two people on Earth. Or at least it seemed that way. The thought of her friends at the bottom of the lake made her shudder.

“I’ll be back.” He rose and walked toward the choppy lake.

Teagan’s stomach rumbled. Even if he caught a fish, she wasn’t going to eat one. It seemed like forever since she’d shared coffee and a bagel with her sister just before boarding the jet for the last lap to the shoot site. Lord, her family must be frantic by now. She hated the idea of them sick with fear.

She couldn’t just sit and stew. There might be something edible nearby. Moving would take her mind off their predicament. With a tired groan, she pushed to her feet. Every muscle in her body ached. What she wouldn’t give for a massage. Maybe Gage would volunteer.

Huh?

What the hell was she thinking?

This wasn’t some tropical vacation with a hot guy. This was life or death, and to live they needed to eat. While Gage was doing his he-man hunter-fisherman thing, she could look around and gather some nuts or berries.

Katherine had thoughtfully packed a mesh bag—probably for dirty clothes—folded neatly inside the suitcase. Teagan grabbed it and turned toward the trees. Gage was too far away to tell him what she was going to do, so with a glance over her shoulder, she walked deeper into the forest.

Proceeding with caution, she entered the throng of trees and bushes. Instantly, the temperature dropped. She tugged the red sweater and Gage’s coat tighter around her. Brushing against a leaf, she realized they were damp. The storm that had brought down the plane had left snow, now droplets of water, behind.

A flock of birds took flight and Teagan stopped to watch them. A canopy of trees covered the sun and she shivered. Time to head back before it got dark. Doing a slow turn, her stomach knotted. In pursuit of food, she’d traveled farther than she’d realized. Which way had she come? She had no idea. Panic began to rise in her.

“Think, Teagan,” she muttered. “You survived a plane crash and an ice-cold lake. You can do this.”

A city girl through and through, she had no idea how to retrace her tracks. The movies always made wilderness survival look so easy and romantic. Any character David played would have found his way to a hidden airport, unearthed a plane and would be winging them to safety by now. He’d be planning a lobster and champagne dinner in a five star resort. 

Unfortunately, this wasn’t a film.

With a half sob, she sank cross-legged onto the ground. Unwittingly, she’d made not only her situation worse, but also Gage’s. He had no idea where she’d gone. He must be worried sick. Was he stumbling through the forest searching for her? Putting his life in danger because of her foolish actions?

Stupid-stupid-stupid.

As her gaze roamed the surrounding area, she noticed an animal lurking under a nearby tree. It bared its teeth and advanced, growling. When it began stepping her direction, Teagan opened her mouth and screamed.

 

~*~

 

At the sound of Teagan’s terrified cry, Gage turned toward the noise. He’d been focused on catching dinner, and when he looked back she’d vanished. For a few minutes, he hadn’t fretted. He figured she just took a nature break, but when she didn’t return shortly, worry kicked in.

Taking care not to trip over a tree root or a rock, he rushed toward Teagan’s scream. What he wouldn’t give for his hunting rifle or a shotgun. He paused. “Teagan!”

“Over here!” Her voice came from his right.

“Coming. Sound off again.”

“Gage? This way.” She sounded petrified.

His imagination went into overdrive. Had she fallen? Been cornered by an angry bear? With his thoughts running rampant, he didn’t see the stream until he stepped into it. His expensive, winter boots filled up with water.

“Fuck!”

“Gage, help!”

Wet feet forgotten, he plunged through the thick trees and spotted her staring at something in the opposite direction. A wolverine sat hissing at her. The creature reminded Gage of an extremely irritated cat, all puffed up and spitting mad. His heart pounded wildly. The small creatures were extremely dangerous—known to attack animals three or four times their size.

“I’m here,” he said quietly. “Don’t make eye contact, and back away.”

The wolverine snarled.

At first he didn’t think Teagan heard him, but she jerked her head, and with one unsteady step at a time, backed up until she bumped into a tree. When something fell onto her head, she screamed and rubbed her temple.

The wolverine glared at her, then turned and ran into the underbrush.

Gage hurried to Teagan, who had bent and was gathering something off the ground like a kid grabbing candy from a parade float. She stood with a triumphant smile and held out her full arms. “Look!”

He eyed her treasure. “Pinecones?”

“Yes, the seeds are edible.” She pointed to where the wolverine had vanished. “I think there are berries over there, too.”

He glanced over his shoulder. “I think we’re going to have to pass right now. I’m not going to risk making that wolverine any madder than it already is.”

Teagan held the pinecones close. “I thought it was going to eat me alive.”

“I wasn’t sure it wouldn’t,” Gage agreed. “They’re a dangerous predator.”

“You saved me…again. Thank you, Gage.” The gratitude in her dark blue eyes sent a tingle straight to his cock. Whoa. Down, boy. She’s just grateful, nothing more.

“Why’d you wander off like that?” He sounded like an angry parent. But, damn, she had scared him to half to death.

She had the grace to look ashamed of herself. “I wanted to help find food.”

“You could have said something,” he admonished her. “We have to stick together if we’re going to get out of this alive.”

“I know.” She looked so vulnerable he ached to take her in his arms and comfort her. Instead he hooked a thumb over his shoulder.

“I found a stream. We’ll be able to drink.” If push came to shove, they’d drink from the lake, but the idea of drinking where bodies lay was repugnant to him. He figured Teagan would rather die of thirst.

She immediately headed that way. “I could drink a river.”

He grabbed her elbow. “Not so fast. We have to figure out a way to boil it. Otherwise we could get sick.”

“Shoot. I didn’t think of that.” Her full lips turned down.

“Give me the pinecones. Let’s go back to camp and see if we can figure out some way to carry and boil water.” He took the sticky pinecones. “Follow me and watch where you step.”

Retracing Teagan’s steps took only a few moments. She had wandered in a zig-zag line, but it was easy to see where she’d walked by the crushed grass and leaves she’d left behind. His buddy Tanner had taught him to look for a trail in grass way back when.

At camp, Gage added a few sticks to the fire and waited until Teagan seated herself, then sat and reached for the pinecones. He placed several on a green log over the flames. “How did you know these are edible?”

“I’m a vegetarian. I often buy them in the city.”

When the pinecones began to steam, he used two sticks and lifted the cones. He offered them to Teagan. “Here you go.”

With a quizzical look, she took them. “You don’t want any?”

“Ladies first.” He reached for more cones. “That’s how my mama raised me.”

“It’s been awhile since I met a gentleman.” She turned the pinecone upside down and shook the seeds out of it. “Thank you.”

He also ate a few of the seeds and made a face at the metallic taste. “No nice guys in your part of the world?”

She licked the seeds from her palm and Gage fought to focus. “None I’ve met.”

“Guys must be falling all over themselves to buy jewelry and fancy houses and big luxury cars for a girl like you.”

She chewed and swallowed. “Those things come with a high price. One I’m not willing to pay.”

“Which is?”

“Self-worth. Pride.” She suddenly seemed fascinated by her pinecone. “If I said yes to every man who offered to buy my company, I’d be nothing more than a whore.”

“Sounds to me like you haven’t been hanging out with the right kind of men.”

She snorted. “You been reading the tabloids, Mr. Altenburg?”

“Don’t need to. You said a mouthful.” He thought of Melinda, who was more than willing to trade anything for her career. Including sex. He fought off a hot rush of anger toward his ex-wife.

Teagan stared toward the darkening horizon. “You think anyone is looking for us yet?”

“I’m sure they are. For one thing, you and another model were on the plane.” He freed more seeds and offered them to her. This time she shook her head and frowned.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She hugged her knees to her chest. “Are you saying the authorities aren’t as interested in finding non-famous people as those who are well-known?”

“No, not at all.” He crunched his seeds, wishing again for a thick steak. “But the press will be in a feeding frenzy until you and she are found. They’re going to be going crazy with speculation about what happened to you two.”

She remained silent for a few minutes. “I guess there’s something good about being well-known.”

“It’s not a bad thing if it keeps us in the news.”

“You make being famous sound like it’s something dirty,” she said.

“I don’t have a problem with fame,” he said. “But I don’t like it when someone rides the coattails of someone else to get ahead.”

“Do you know a person like that?” She turned her intense blue eyes his direction. “Sounds like you’ve been used.”

He didn’t want to talk about Melinda and her ambition. Although they’d had no contact in the year since their divorce, he still saw her at the racetracks they both frequented, along with other events connected to horse racing. Just thinking about her pissed him off. He had plenty of other things to concentrate on without his ex-wife’s memory distracting him. 

He stood and tossed another log on the fire. “I’m going to see if I caught a fish.” Don’t leave without letting me know where you went. I don’t relish traipsing around in the woods at night fighting off predators to find you.”

“I’m staying right here,” she promised with a visible shiver. “I won’t move from this spot.”

“Back in a minute.”

His makeshift fishing pole had worked, hooking a good sized rainbow trout. Not the steak he craved, but it would ease the grumbling in his belly. The pine seeds had tasted awful and done little to take the edge off his hunger.

He reeled in the fish and killed it with one fast crack of its head on a rock. Using a sharp edge of the plate from inside the cell phone, he gutted and cleaned it.

When he figured out a way to carry and boil water, they would be in pretty good shape.

He hoped like hell what he’d said to Teagan was true—that the press wouldn’t let the authorities rest until they were found. If Tanner somehow heard about the crash, he would move heaven and earth to find them. Until then, Gage could keep them both alive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Take off your clothes.”

Teagan stared at Gage. “Excuse me?”

“It’s going to be a cold night. Maybe even snow. Wet clothes won’t be a good thing. You don’t want hypothermia. Maybe there’s something in the suitcase you can wear.”

“You’re wet, too,” she pointed out.

“I’m going to take my own advice and strip down in a minute.” He placed a fish over the flames, using two green tree limbs to hold up the trout. “But first, I need to gather enough wood to last us through the night.”

After he walked into the gathering darkness, Teagan hurriedly rummaged through the suitcase and found several pairs of yoga pants and socks. She glanced around before standing and peeling off her jeans and boots. Her legs were mottled from the cold and her toes looked like chunks of ice. She slipped into a pair of the stretchy pants, grateful for the warmth, although they were several sizes too big. She tugged on two pairs of socks. Her toes instantly felt better.

Taking a cue from Gage, she stuck sticks in the ground and draped her coat and clothes close to the fire. For the first time since the crash, she felt warm. The scent of the cooking trout filled her nostrils, and although she didn’t eat meat, the aroma comforted her somehow.

Her gaze roamed to the choppy lake. Were her friends at the bottom of that icy grave? Sweet Brooklyn, so grown up at just sixteen. Her mother, Katherine. Marty, the makeup artist who’d been Teagan’s confidante for years. Jackson, world-renown photographer. The pilot with his friendly smile.

All dead?

Her stomach clenched and she fought the bile rushing up her throat. She put her head between her knees and breathed deep.

Gage dropped an enormous tree limb on the ground and she jumped. “You okay?”

Lifting her head, she nodded and wiped her cheeks with her sleeves. “Physically, I’m fine. Mentally...another story.”

“I know it’s rough. But you’re going to make it.”

He stripped out of his shirt, his abs rippling in the firelight. She swallowed hard. Dang, the man was ripped. He sat on the ground and kicked off his boots. When he stood and reached for his big belt buckle, her gaze locked on his hands. Why, she wasn’t sure. In the modeling world, stripping backstage at catwalks was as natural as breathing.

They weren’t backstage.

He was a stranger and they were alone in the wilderness.

She blinked and looked into the flames as he stepped out of his jeans. “There are yoga pants in Katherine’s bag. You’ll swim in them, but they’re better than nothing.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she watched him hang his clothes from sticks near the fire and push both their boots close to the flames. When he bent to retrieve Katherine’s clothing, she stole a look at him. His smooth back and long, muscled legs made her stomach do a flip. He stepped into one of the borrowed T-shirts and yoga pants and turned around in time to catch her staring.

Their gazes clashed and held.

He grinned. “A little big.” Sticking out a leg, he added, “And a little short.”

“Uh-huh.” She motioned to her own borrowed clothing. “Me, too. But I’m warm.” Partly from staring at your fine ass.

He pulled on a pair of Katherine’s socks. “Ah, much better.”

“Warm toes do a lot for morale,” she said.

“They do. So does a hot meal.” Gage knelt, and using the same two twigs from before, retrieved his fish from the fire. He laid it on a large leaf that had a funny smell.

She wrinkled her nose. “That stuff stinks.”

“It’s Skunk Cabbage. It’s used in some medicines, but I don’t want to eat it. Not when I have this good lookin’ trout.” He peeled the skin back, exposing bright orange flesh. “Now this smells good.”

Teagan’s stomach turned. “Ugh.”

“More for me.” He picked off a piece of meat and ate it. “Perfect. You better eat some. You’re going to need your strength if we’re going to walk out of here.”

“I’m fine. The nuts filled me up.”

He ate more fish. “You weren’t kidding about living on lettuce leaves, huh?”

“I eat plenty,” she said. “Just not meat, or dairy.” She licked her dry lips. “I’m thirsty, though.”

“We may have to drink from that stream if worse comes to worst,” he said. “Can you hold on until morning?”

“Yes.” She wrapped her arms around her middle. “When you and I didn’t show at our respective camps, I’m sure they sent someone for us.”

Gage pointed at the leaden, nearly black sky. “Look.”

When she tilted her nose up, a snowflake landed on her eyelashes. “It’s snowing.”

“Yup.” He sounded grim. “We have to get out of here. Come first light we need to be hoofing it down this mountain.”

“Which direction?”

“Follow a creek downstream. It will no doubt come out at a river, which will eventually lead us to somebody.” He seemed confident in his plan.

“If we leave, the rescue party won’t know where to look,” she said.

“If we stay, we could be snowed in. We have to get to a lower elevation.” He wrapped the fish bones in the cabbage leaf. “I need to toss this, so it doesn’t bring in a bear, or your wolverine friend.” He carried it away, returning shortly.

“How do you know all this survival stuff?” She picked up a pebble and tossed it.

He shrugged. “I grew up with a guy named Tanner Barron back in Texas. He’s always been into tracking. He’s a world-renown tracker now. A lot of him rubbed off on me, I guess.”

“Gage?” Her voice shook a little. “Do you remember how you got out?”

His gaze snapped up to meet hers. “No. The last thing I remember is you grabbing my hand.”

A shudder ripped through her as the events of the wreck played in her head. “We started tipping toward the water. When the wing hit, we flipped. I don’t remember anything after that.”

“I’m sure you hit your head on something. You have two black eyes and your forehead is bruised.” He dropped his gaze to her hand. “How are your fingers?”

“They hurt,” she said. “But I have too many other things on my mind to worry about them. Like if any of my friends made it out alive.”

“I think being by the door saved you and me,” he said. “Although that goes against common sense.”

“I just wish I knew for sure.” She drew a shaky breath. “It’s horrible not knowing.”

“You can’t dwell on them. You have to concentrate on yourself. I’ll do everything I can to get us out of this, but you have to be strong, too.”

She played with her sleeve, then lifted her gaze. “I will.”

He abruptly changed the subject. “Is your coat getting dry?”

She touched the wool fabric. “No.”

“My clothes are. See?” Steam rose from his jeans and shirts.

Guilt gripped her. God, he had been freezing while she huddled in his coat. She reached for the zipper. “You need your jacket.”

“Keep it,” he said. “You need the warmth. I don’t right now.”

Her hands froze on the zipper. Unused to men who showed any kind of chivalry, his demand startled her. “Okay.”

“There should be gloves in the pocket, too,” he said. “Put them on.”

“I have some of my own.” She reached for her coat and dug in the pocket. Had it only been a few short hours ago that she’d stowed her suede gloves there? She pulled them out and spread them on the ground near the fire. “Yuk, they’re sopping.”

“Wear mine,” Gage insisted. “You don’t need frostbite.”

“Neither do you.” She retrieved a pair of gloves from his coat pocket. Made of the same waterproof material as his coat, they were dry. She pulled one over her uninjured hand, but there was no way to get them over her splinted fingers. She handed it to him. “I can’t wear this.”

He hesitated, then took it. “Okay. Keep that hurt hand warm.”

“I will.” She tucked it in his coat pocket. Relatively warm, dry and safe, Teagan actually began to feel a little sleepy. She covered a yawn with her hand. “Sorry.”

“Go ahead and rest,” Gage said. “I’ll keep the fire going.”

“We can take turns.” Teagan didn’t have a clue how to keep a fire going, but Gage had done so much. If not for him, she’d either be at the bottom of the lake, or frozen to death.

“I got it.” He held his palms over the heat.

Her gaze lingered on his big, man-hands. Capable. Strong. Sexy. She blinked as if coming out of a trance. “I am exhausted, but I don’t think I can sleep.”

“Let’s move under the tent,” Gage suggested as a sudden flurry of snowflakes descended upon them. He grabbed their clothes and hung them at the back of the little refuge.

She scooted over so she was under the T-shirt and tree branches. Gage moved beside her, his shoulder and thigh brushing hers. With the fire directly in front of them, or maybe Gage’s big body so near, she felt several degrees warmer. “I wouldn’t have believed a few T-shirts could make such a difference in the temperature.”

“They cut the wind a little bit,” Gage said.

Teagan giggled, on the brink of hysteria.

Gage grinned, the harsh planes of his face softening a little. Then he sobered. “Stretch out and I’ll cover you with the rest of the clothes.”

She complied and he piled Katherine’s khaki pants on top of her legs. “Just pretend this is a sleeping bag big enough for two.”

She shivered and it had nothing to do with the rising wind or the icy, uneven ground underneath the flimsy shirts. “Thank you, Gage.”

“Get some rest.”

 

~*~

 

When a soft snore came from Teagan a short time later, Gage relaxed.

So far the city girl had held up better than he’d ever expected. Like one of his highly-bred horses in the forest, she was out of her element. He still couldn’t believe she had made it out of the wreck alive and survived a bitterly cold mountain lake. 

Just recalling the frigid water made him shiver. He pushed the tree limb onto the flames and held his hands over them. He wasn’t cold, in spite of giving up his coat. Just like Tanner had taught him, the dry clothes made all the difference. If anyone saw him in a T-shirt two sizes too big and too-short yoga pants, they’d laugh themselves silly.

They could get their jollies. He was alive and warm with the gnawing in his stomach abated for a while. He’d reset the fishing line and hopefully there’d be another trout on it in the morning. Maybe Teagan would come to her senses and eat some fish. Pine nuts were fine for a chipmunk to snack on, but they weren’t nutritious enough to sustain a human for a long hike. 

Soft snowflakes began to settle around them, and under different circumstances Gage would have enjoyed the hell out of the solitude. Now, his stomach knotted with fear. Not so much for himself, but for Teagan. Getting her out of this situation was going to take every ounce of wits he had.

He racked his brain, trying to remember all Tanner had taught him about survival.

He had his doubts search planes could spot them in the dense forest. With the storm, rescuers wouldn’t be able to lift off, and even if they did, the cloud cover would obscure the campfire smoke.

He wasn’t sure if there was a black box on the plane or not. If there was, it would make all the difference. It would pinpoint the plane’s location.

As hard as he tried, Gage couldn’t remember how long the battery lasted. A week? Month? Hours? He just couldn’t recall.

Inevitably exhaustion set in and Gage fought sleep. He feared the fire dying while he was out, but finally decided to risk a catnap.

He banked the fire with a big chunk of the tree trunk. After it caught on with a good blaze, he lay on his side with his back to the flames, and tugged the empty suitcase over both their heads and shoulders like a blanket. The ground underneath him felt like a chunk of ice and a rock under his ribs poked him in a particularly unpleasant way. What he wouldn’t give for his top-of-the-line sleeping bag, made to withstand arctic temperatures, and the piece of foam rubber he had specially cut to go underneath.

The fire snapped and crackled.

The wind picked up, blowing snow sideways.

The only thing that made the situation bearable was Teagan’s slender frame tight against his body. He hadn’t planned to press against her, but the temptation to share body heat was too great and he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close. She sighed, and for a minute he feared that he’d woken her, but she relaxed against him. With the fire at his back, and the woman in his arms, Gage’s tight muscles gradually unwound and the howling wind soothed instead of irritated.

His eyes drifted shut.

Maybe minutes, or maybe hours later, a wolf howled.

Teagan jerked in his arms, thrashed and shoved the suitcase off their heads. She sat up and looked around with a terrified look. “What was that?”

“A wolf,” Gage mumbled. “Go back to sleep.”

She wrapped her arms around her middle. “Sleep? With dangerous predators wanting to snack on us? You must be crazy.”

The wolf sang again.

In a few seconds, his family joined in for the chorus.

“Oh my God,” Teagan whispered. “That is so scary.”

“They won’t bother us,” Gage said. “They’re not close. They’re afraid of us, especially with the fire. Come on, lay down.”

With another look around, as if she expected a wolf to barge in on them at any second, she lay on the ground, facing him. “Did you have a suitcase over our heads?”

“Yeah. To help keep in heat.”

“I was actually warm,” she said. “Were you holding me?”

“Until you scared the daylights out of me.” He reached for the suitcase. “I’d like to get some sleep tonight.”

Only the sound of their combined breathing filled the dark. Gage realized the wind had died down and the temperature had risen.

He feared the worst—that it could only mean one thing—snow piling up, insulating them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teagan woke feeling as if she’d been hit by a train…or survived a plane wreck. Her neck ached and her body felt like one big bruise. She winced at the smallest movement. The only saving grace was Gage’s big body pressed against hers. Not only did he offer warmth, his presence comforted her.

The wolves had howled all night. If she’d been alone, she would have lost her mind. Scratch that. She would have died, frozen to death on her own. Never in a million years would she have known how to build a fire or catch a fish.

“Quit wiggling,” Gage said near her ear. His husky morning voice gave her a tingle down low.

“I’m not. I’m too sore to budge.”

“As much as I’d like to offer a full body massage, the best medicine for both of us is to get up and move.” He shoved the suitcase off their heads.

Prepared for bright light, Teagan squeezed her eyes closed. In a moment, she forced them open. She faced the back wall and their clothes hanging on sticks, but she sensed the world outside was gray and dreary.

Gage pulled away from her and a blast of cold air hit her butt and legs. “Brrr. I’m freezing.”

“I’ll get the fire going in a minute.” Gage tucked the pile of pants over her legs. “Just stay put until it warms up a little.”

Rolling over so she faced the opening, Teagan gasped. Although Gage’s big body blocked the opening, she saw enough. The world had turned white as a winter wonderland. Snow covered everything. Their hut. Trees, the ground.

Gage added a few sticks to the glowing embers until hungry flames licked up the log. He stretched his palms over the warmth. “That feels good.”

Guilt gripped her. She had slept in relative comfort while he’d been without any kind of coat or blanket. He must have gotten up several times during the night to keep the fire going while she slept. When had she gotten so used to letting others do for her that she’d turned into someone so self-absorbed?

“How much snow is out there?”

He hesitated a moment. “A bit.”

From her vantage point, it looked like a hell of a lot more than a bit. He was trying to protect her again. Unused to a man like him, she didn’t know how to take his actions. Was he trying to gain something? If so, what? She shook her head. Damn. She must have hit her head really hard to be so suspicious of someone who had done nothing but be kind. He didn’t want anything. In fact, he’d thrown her offer of an ad campaign back in her face.

This wasn’t New York, and not everyone had an agenda.

Gage broke into her thoughts. “Could you hand me my clothes?”

“Of course.” She passed him his shirt, jeans and boots. Although tempted to watch him dress, she averted her eyes while he held his clothes over the fire for a few moments, then slipped into them.

He stomped his feet, presumably to warm his toes in his boots. “If you’ll hand me your stuff, I’ll heat them.”

She snapped her head his direction. Although he had a five o’clock shadow, back in his own clothing he was sexy as hell. For a moment, she forgot what he’d asked for. “Oh, right. Here.”

He toasted her clothes, then handed them to her. “I’ll leave you to get dressed. I’m going to walk down the shore and see if anything washed up. Don’t go into the forest without me.”

She shuddered, thinking about the wolverine. “Not a problem. Please be careful.”

“I won’t go far,” he promised. “Be right back.”

He turned away.

“Wait,” she called.

“What?”

“Take your coat.” She shrugged out of it. “Mine should be dry by now.”

She didn’t think he was going to accept it.

Finally he reached for it. “You sure?”

“Of course. I have one of my own.” She motioned toward her long trench coat. “Thank you for letting me wear yours.”

“Anytime.” He slipped on the down coat and zipped it. “Back in a jiffy.”

After he left, she pushed the pile of Katherine’s slacks off her legs and wiggled into her own jeans. Gage had been so thoughtful to warm them over the fire for her. He had to be the kindest man she’d ever met. The type a woman could fall hard for.

Standing, bent at the waist, she slipped on her own shirt, then pulled Katherine’s larger one over it for extra warmth. If her skinny jeans hadn’t been too snug, she would have left the yoga pants on, too. The Michael Kors coat she’d purchased special for this trip at Neiman Marcus had shrunk. She could still squeeze into it, but the buttons strained, pulling tight when she fastened them. Her beautiful suede gloves, were a shrunken mess. Gage hadn’t asked for his glove back, but he needed it as much as or more than she did.

She forced on her glove, and stuck the other one in her pocket, before pulling on her boots. Dry, but oh-so-tight. She forced them on and wiggled her cramped toes.

With a sigh, she stepped outside.

Blinking against the sudden glare of sun on snow, she looked around. What she wouldn’t do for her pair of expensive sunglasses laying at the bottom of the lake. The clouds had blown over, leaving behind a good six inches of white powder a skier would die for. Trees wore a white dusting that shimmered like glitter and the lake surface appeared sapphire blue under the sun’s morning rays. A lazy trail of smoke lifted from their campfire toward the heavens.

A fairytale setting.

If only there wasn’t such a dark reason for her to be here.

Her stomach growled and she thought longingly of the bowl of fruit sitting on her counter back home. Pine nuts didn’t sound appetizing this morning. With a sigh, she placed two pine cones near the edge of the fire. She scooped up a handful of snow and ate it. The action only seemed to make her thirstier. Hopefully Gage had an idea of how to boil water. Her need was growing mighty.

The cosmetics bag with all the goodies in it sat near the edge of the hut. Teagan brushed the snow off and opened it. With the small hairbrush, she tackled her tangled hair first, leaning her head sideways and brushing out the knots.

Her face, hands and teeth felt gritty, so carrying the little bag of toiletries, she walked to the edge of the lake to clean up. The frigid water brought her fully awake and exactly aware of how much her body ached. Every muscle screamed and her fingers hurt more than they had yesterday.

She swallowed a couple more dry Ibuprofen and licked her lips. So much water and no way to drink it. They might have to risk illness if they couldn’t figure out a way to purify it because she was dehydrating by the minute.

On the way back toward their little camp she picked up a few pieces of driftwood. The pine cones she’d placed near the fire were steaming. Using two sticks like a pair of tongs, she lifted them off the fire and laid them on a flat rock.

Gage walked toward her, carrying something. As he drew near, she saw he held up a gutted salmon and a bottle. He lifted both. “Breakfast.”

Teagan avoided looking at the poor fish by focusing on the bottle. “What is it?”

“Scotch.” He handed it to her. “Glenfiddich.”

“Nice,” she said. “We can get drunk and forget all our troubles.”

He chuckled, the sound sending a bolt of electricity straight to her lower stomach. “And afterward we can boil water in the bottle.”

“In glass? It won’t explode?”

“Nope.” He squatted and placed his fish over the flames.

“Did you see—” She swallowed hard. “—anyone?”

He looked up and met her troubled gaze. “No.”

Unsure if that upset or relieved her more, she sat on one of the pieces of driftwood and picked at the label of the expensive Scotch. “Damn.” She stared at the calm, blue lake. “How far around the perimeter, do you think?”

He shrugged. “A good day’s walk, at least. Why?”

She studied the whiskey label as if she’d never seen one before. “I was thinking maybe we should search before leaving. What if someone is stranded or hurt on the other side and we left them? I couldn’t live with myself.”

“I was thinking one more day here might not be a bad idea.” He gestured toward his sizzling salmon. “We have food, a shelter of sorts and there might be a black box on the plane leading rescuers to us as we speak.”

“What changed your mind? You were determined to leave today.” She tipped a cooled pine cone upside down, tapped the bottom until the seeds fell in her palm, put them in her mouth and chewed.

Pointing at her fashionable but impractical boots, he said, “Your footwear. I don’t think you’d make it from here to the lake without getting frostbite. Plus, I don’t think you’d last a day hiking these woods, living on pine nuts.”

“I’m in excellent shape,” she protested. “And I eat nuts all the time. They’re a staple of my diet.”

“You are in great shape,” he agreed readily. “But you’re going to find eating a few nuts isn’t going to sustain you for a hard day’s hike. When’s the last time you walked all day on uneven terrain? In the snow?”

She opened her mouth to ask him the last time he’d navigated the mean streets of New York City, then snapped it shut. Not the same thing and she knew it. “Not lately.”

As he had last night, he lifted his fish off the fire and onto the smelly Skunk Cabbage. Steam from the salmon rose in the cold air. He settled on a piece of driftwood. “Put on at least two pairs of socks, and if you can, put the pants you wore last night over your jeans. They’ll help keep you dry. There’s nothing worse than wet pants.”

She could picture him making her pants very wet. At least her panties. Blinking away the erotic image, she nodded. “Anything else?”

“Let me look at your fingers.” He took her hand with a gentleness that belied the strength in him. Gently, he unwrapped them.

A gasp slipped out of her at the sight of her blue and purple fingers. Swollen more than double their normal size, they looked horrendous. “Oh my gosh. Are they going to fall off?”

“No, but we need to wrap them well.” He carefully re-splinted and rewrapped them. “Did you take some Ibuprofen?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” He lifted his fish into his lap and began eating. “I could use some dill.”

“As in a pickle?” She quirked a brow at him.

“Sauce.” He licked his thumb and she forced her gaze away.

“You have a sophisticated palate?” she teased. “I figured you for a steak and potatoes man.”

“I am. But I like other things, too.” He ate more of the fish, then tossed the skeleton into the flames. “I dust off my boots, get out of the hills and go to town now and then.”

“Which town?”

“Dallas, mostly. Austin. Albuquerque.”

“Nice cities,” she said. “I’ve been to them all. I love the west and plan to retire in Santa Fe someday.”

“Pretty place. It’ll be prettier when you land there.”

She’d heard a lot of bullshit lines in her time, but his compliment flattered her. Especially since she knew she looked like hell warmed over. “Thank you.”

“Just telling the truth.” He stood abruptly and placed several chunks of wood on the fire. “If we’re going to search for your friends, we’d better get on it. Have you had enough to eat?”

“Yes.” She stood as well. “I need to put on my yoga pants and another pair of socks.”

“Is there any kind of container in your cosmetics bag we could use to keep the scotch?”

Inspiration struck. Why hadn’t she thought of it before? “There’s a bottle of saline solution.”

“That will work. Hand it to me and I’ll store the whiskey in it.” He took it from her and walked toward the lake, carrying both the saline and whiskey bottles. She watched him stroll away. God, with an ass like his the man should model jeans or underwear. She could picture him in a Calvin Klein ad over Times Square.

Snapping back to the tasks at hand, Teagan quickly added another pair of socks to her feet, pulled the yoga pants over her jeans and tugged on her stiff boots. She added her coat and glove. Taking a deep breath, she spoke aloud, “You ready for this, Tea? Guess you better get that way.”

Gage stepping her direction kept her from doing any more talking to herself. If he heard her, he would probably think her nutty. Or that she had a worse head injury than they’d initially thought.

At the fire, he placed the whiskey bottle full of water in a nook of one of the logs. “That’ll boil and we can drink before we go.”

“What should we take with us?”

“That net thing you had the pinecones in. Are there any more socks?”

She checked. “A couple pairs.”

“Those for sure.” He adjusted the whiskey bottle. “In case we get wet feet again we can change into dry socks.”

“The pants?”

“I don’t think so. We’ll leave camp pretty much the way it is.”

He tapped his pocket. “I have my fishing line and hook in here.”

“You didn’t reset it?” That surprised her.

“No. If we don’t make it back, I don’t want some helpless creature suffering.” He shrugged. “Survival is one thing, torture another. But we’re going to make it back without any problems.”

Her heart melted. Such a strong man, yet so kind. “You’re wonderful, you know that?”

“I don’t know about all that…”

Without thinking it through, without plan, Teagan launched herself at him. She landed in his arms and pressed her mouth to his.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a moment, Gage didn’t respond.

Then his arms went around her, crushing her against him, and his mouth opened under her assault. Their tongues met in a hot, fast rush of desire that left her breathless. He tasted faintly of fish, which should have made her gag, but she was too tormented by his teasing tongue to care.

The kiss heated, deepened.

Lips and tongues melded into one. 

Teagan wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close. He cupped her ass, dragging her pelvis tight against his zipper. Their bodies pressed together, fitting as though they had been made for each other. Her nipples peaked, ached for his touch. Two heavy coats prevented the contact she craved and she moaned her frustration.

Gage pulled away, the look in his eyes heated. “What was that for?”

Embarrassed, Teagan shrugged. “You know. Saving me. Stuff like that.”

He grinned. “Well, you can thank me anytime.”

“Don’t hold your breath, cowboy.” She glanced away to hide her lying eyes. If he gave her half a reason, she’d kiss him again in a heartbeat.

His soft chuckle let her know he wasn’t fooled. He retrieved the whiskey bottle from the flames. Water bubbled inside. He set the jug aside, on a rock. “We can drink after the bottle cools a bit.”

“Do you have our sack?” she asked.

He hefted the mesh bag. “Yup. Got socks, the whiskey and a few of your pinecones.”

“Sounds like you remembered everything.” Teagan looked around. She’d folded the khaki pants and left them on top of the suitcase in the back corner of their shelter. Their little hut looked forlorn and lonesome in the wintery landscape.

Gage checked the bottle, and apparently finding the temperature satisfactory, handed it to her. “Be careful. It might still be hot.”

She accepted the bottled and lifted it to her lips. Already the water had cooled and she drank gratefully. Nothing had ever tasted better. Used to drinking several liters a day, after not having any liquid yesterday, she was parched. But she stopped before she swallowed it all, and handed it to Gage.

“Finish that,” he insisted. “I’ll boil more.”

Gratefully, she complied.

He took the empty bottle filled it with snow. Upon returning, he placed it on the flames and held his palms over the heat. “You ready to go?”

“I guess.” Suddenly, the idea of leaving their camp overwhelmed her. She fought tears.

Gage squeezed her shoulder. “You okay?”  

She stiffened her spine and turned around. “Yeah, fine.”

After the water boiled for the second time, Gage drank then swiped his chin with the back of his hand. “Man, that tastes good.”

“I could down another three,” Teagan said.

“Only if you want to have a terrible stomachache,” Gage told her as he stowed the empty bottle in the bag. “We have to take it slow. That was actually more than we should have taken in so quickly.”

“There’s a pack of Tums in the cosmetics bag,” she said. “If we need them.”

“I guess that’s everything then.” He took a long look around and adjusted a log on the fire. “That should keep until we get back. If we don’t, it’ll burn out on its own.”

Would they make it back? A shudder of fear ran down Teagan’s back. A sudden urge to stay put filled her, but she couldn’t leave her co-workers out in the cold, alone and afraid—if anyone had even survived. She looked up at the leaden sky. More snow was on the way, and search planes were probably grounded. No one could live through a second night of bone-jarring cold without help.

Gage knew what he was doing. He wouldn’t let them get in a jam, or something they couldn’t make it through. A little reassured, she took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

Hefting the mesh bag, he said, “Stay behind me.”

“What?” She fisted her good hand on her hips. “Why? Because I’m the little woman and the big he-man has to lead the way?”

With a wave, he motioned her ahead of him. “By all means, take the lead. If you spot an angry grizzly, or moose, you can sweet talk them into moving aside.”

She swallowed hard. “I’ll let you handle this one.”

“I thought you might.” He turned away, and she caught the hint of a smile playing on his sexy lips.

Although her cheeks were heated, a chill ran over her as soon as they left the fire. She crammed her hands into her pockets and dipped her chin into the collar. The wind rushing across the lake cut through her inadequate clothes like she wasn’t wearing any. She tried to imagine modeling a swimsuit in this weather and shivered harder. 

Posing was often uncomfortable, but not unbearable like being in a swimsuit in frigid water would be. The production people had assured her and Brooklyn that they would be in chilly, but not cold weather.

She snorted. And sobered at the thought of sixteen-year-old Brooklyn. Had she survived the crash? The icy lake? She held in a sob.

Gage glanced over his shoulder. “You okay?”

“Fine. Carry on.” Teagan forced herself to not dwell on Brooklyn’s or the others’ fates. Doing so could cripple her emotionally. And that could get her killed.

They had been walking an hour or so by the time Teagan warmed enough that she wasn’t shivering any more. Following in Gage’s tracks, she had her gaze down when she spotted an item in the snow Gage had stepped past.

She stopped and bent to examine the object. Brushing the snow back, she gasped. “Gage, wait. I found something.”

He spun around. “What?”

Holding up the item with shaking hands, she fought tears. A filthy white sweatshirt with NYU and the school’s logo across the front. “I think this belongs to Brooklyn.”

“Damn. I didn’t see it.”

“How could you? It looks like a muddy piece of snow.” She held it with her fingertips. Barely recognizable, dirty and torn, it was no wonder he’d stepped over the garment. “Should I keep it?”

“Up to you, but with the state it’s in, I don’t know how much good it’ll do.” He touched a sleeve. “Was she wearing this?”

Teagan fought to remember. “I think she had it tied to her carry-on bag.”

Gage took the soiled garment from her and draped it over a rock. “Let’s leave this here. When we come back, we’ll pick it up.”

When they walked away, Teagan knew she wouldn’t retrieve the sweatshirt. Heaviness settled around her heart, and her feet dragged. She somehow felt as if she were leaving a grave marker.

 

~*~

 

This time when Gage took the lead he slowed his pace and paid better attention to where he stepped. He couldn’t afford to miss something valuable. As soon as the thought formed, he spotted something floating on the waves. He stopped and stared. A seat cushion. The downed plane might be nearby.

“What?” Trepidation filled Teagan’s voice.

He pointed. “A seat cushion.”

She followed the direction he pointed. “I see it. I thought after Brooklyn’s sweatshirt it might be—”

“Just a cushion.”

They watched it ride the waves for a few minutes, but it didn’t make any progress toward shore. Although they sorely needed that piece of equipment, waiting for it to come to them might take all day.

Time they couldn’t afford to lose.

He glanced up and although hovering gray clouds obscured the sun, he could guess the time to be around ten-thirty or eleven. Not many hours of light left. “We better go.”

“Okay.” Teagan sounded exhausted and he took a long look at her. The bruises around her eyes were more pronounced, the scratch on her forehead scabbing over today. Her skin tone seemed paler and she appeared shaky.

“You okay?”

“I’m good,” she insisted.

He didn’t believe her for a moment, but guessed suggesting they turn back would only aggravate her. “You need a snack?”

“No.” She shook her head. “Not right now.”

“You have to keep up your strength.”

“I’m good.”

She was a grown woman; he couldn’t force feed her. “Let me know when you need a break.”

“Let me know when you need one,” she shot back.

He grinned. Tough lady. More than he would have ever guessed. “Come on, then.”

By noon they had found a few more items—a Detroit Lions baseball cap, a waterlogged flight journal and an empty pistol case. What he wouldn’t give for that gun, or better yet his own hunting rifle. He could survive on fish all winter long if he had to, but the idea of a good moose steak made his mouth water.

No chance of that happening any time soon.

Moose were dangerous if caught off guard. One wasn’t going to just let him walk up and stab it with his belt buckle. They weren’t the only unpredictable animal, either. That wolverine could have torn Teagan to pieces.

They’d been lucky to not stumble across a big grizzly. This part of the world was full of them. He’d been careful to dispose of the fish entrails deep in the lake, and they didn’t have anything that smelled good enough to bring a curious bear into camp. But sooner or later, one would investigate.

Gage had no idea what he would do when it happened.

He couldn’t wrestle a thousand pound animal with his bare hands.

The idea of something happening to Teagan made his blood run cold. She depended on him to keep her safe. He couldn’t let her down.

Something on the lakeshore drew his attention away from his grim thoughts.

A bright orange cooler had gotten stuck between some rocks at the edge of the lake. The New Yorkers had brought along piles of snacks and drinks for the airplane trip to their camp. Gage clearly remembered the deckhand carrying several coolers aboard the plane.

He walked to the prize with quick steps. Teagan followed, hot on his heels. “Is that one of ours?”

“I’d say so.” He knelt at the lake’s edge and reached for the orange cooler. After dragging the heavy box toward him, he then stood and carried it several yards onshore. “Maybe there’s something good to eat in here.”

“God, I hope so.”

Gage grinned at her. “Tired of pine nuts already?”

“A little,” she admitted. “But I’ll survive.”

His admiration for her grew. She wasn’t whining, lying down or quitting on him. “You will. We both will.”

He knelt and opened the box. Inside lay several boxes of granola bars, a bag of fruit, candy, cheese, crackers, bottles of iced tea and energy drinks. It was like heaven had opened up and gifted them. He was especially happy for Teagan. She needed the extra calories more than he did.

“Holy crap.” Teagan sounded like a kid at Christmas. “This is wonderful.”

“You hungry?” He lifted out a bag of beef jerky. “I’m betting you won’t care if I take this?”

She pretended to pout, then laughed. “Not at all.”

He stuffed the snack in his coat pocket and picked up the cooler. “Let’s move over by the trees. We can eat there and rest for a while.” In front of a downed tree, he placed the cooler on the ground. He waited for Teagan to sit, then opened the treasure box again. “What do you want? Cheese and crackers?”

“Crackers, please. An orange, too.” She eyed the goodies. “And a sports drink.”

After handing her the items, he sighed. “Someone was thinking when they packed all this.”

“It was Marty.” Teagan stopped peeling her orange and stared across the lake. “My makeup artist. She’s a junk food junkie and she always brings enough for the entire crew.”

“She’s tops with me right now. Remind me to thank her later.” Gage opened the teriyaki beef jerky and inhaled the spicy scent appreciatively. Truthfully, it hadn’t been that long since he’d eaten a decent meal, but with the snacks spread before him, it suddenly seemed like forever. He popped a piece of the dried beef in his mouth and chewed. Damn. Nirvana.

It didn’t escape Gage’s notice that they were talking about Teagan’s friend as if she were still alive. Which she very well may be. If she were extremely lucky. Gage doubted it, though. He attributed their survival this far to his skills. All the years camping and hunting in the wilderness with Tanner had given him an edge that most city dwellers probably didn’t possess.

The pilot probably knew his way out of a life threatening situation. If one of them could make it out alive, it most likely would be him. Unless he’d been injured and was incapacitated. In this weather, he wouldn’t last long if hurt.

Gage doubted any of the women aboard had wilderness training. He opened his mouth to ask Teagan, then closed it. Why upset her by bringing up grim possibilities? She’d held herself together remarkably well so far. He figured she had a tenuous hold on her emotions, and he didn’t want to do anything to upset her.

Glancing at her, he noticed she only nibbled part of her orange and set the rest aside. “Hey, give me a slice of that if you’re not going to eat it.”

She handed it to him. “Take it. I’m not very hungry.”

“You feeling okay?”

“A little tired.” She yawned and closed her eyes.

He scanned the lake and surrounding forest for any sign of life. “Better wake up,” he said in an urgent tone. “Because you aren’t going to believe this.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The urgency in Gage’s voice woke Teagan faster than a splash of cold water in her face. She sat up and looked around. “What?”

He was grabbing their food and stuffing it in the mesh bag quick as a winner in a grocery store grab-all-you-can contest. “Look across the lake. Do you see it?”

She scoured the opposite shore. Finally, she spotted what had him so excited. “Oh my God. There’s a cabin over there. Back among the trees.”

“Yup. Let’s hustle and get inside before nightfall.”

Teagan’s exhaustion melted away. “How long before we can make it?”

“A few hours at a steady pace.” He closed the cooler and placed it under the fallen tree. “Ready?”

“Absolutely.” She jumped to her feet. Visions of hot tea, a fireplace and a real bed danced in her head. Heaven. Made doubly perfect by Gage sharing those things with her. She froze. She was getting too attached to him. Couldn’t let it happen. Her heart couldn’t take another beating like the one David had handed out.

He slung the mesh bag, now full of food, over his shoulder. With a determined stride, he led the way.

About thirty minutes later, Gage abruptly stopped. “Damn.”

Teagan moved to his side. Up until now, the lakeshore had been pebbly, but not difficult to navigate. As they rounded the northern corner, it suddenly became nightmarish. Downed trees and boulders littered their path.

“Can we get through?” Her stomach knotted. Camp lay hours behind them, the cabin miles ahead. Without their little tent, and the pile of khaki slacks to keep them warm, she feared freezing in the night.

“It’s not going to be easy.” Gage’s tone sounded grim. He glanced to the right and Teagan followed his line of sight. A maze of tangled trees and brush met her gaze. “Stay close.”

Once out of the dim sunlight, the dark forest seemed to close in on them. Although Teagan shivered, Gage led the way through the dense woods with confidence. Teagan stuck so close she feared tripping over his heels.

A bramble stuck to her sleeve, and held her prisoner. She twisted, burying the barbs deeper in the wool coat. “Gage, help!”

He whirled around and spotted the problem immediately. “Hold still.”

With gentle, firm tugs, he freed her. “Watch out for those thorns. You don’t want to get them stuck in your skin. They hurt like hell.”

“Thank you.”

He stepped closer. “Gonna kiss me again?”

She wanted to. Badly. But if she gave into her desire, they might be delayed. For a very long time. She sidestepped him. “Not right now.”

“Later?” Hope lit in his eyes.

“I’ll let you know.” She gave him a gentle push. “The cabin?”

With a long-suffering sigh, he turned away.

Teagan thought she was in good shape. The treadmill and elliptical at her gym were her friends, but after the hundredth tree she climbed over, she began to think she didn’t know squat about fitness. Gage, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. He climbed over the debris like he was part mountain goat. She half expected him to grow horns and a tail at any moment.

“You work out a lot?” she wheezed.

He glanced over his shoulder. “I own a ranch.”

“That’s great, but do you go to the gym ten times a week?”

“No, but I clean stalls, fix fence, move hay.” He helped her over another log. “And that’s just in the morning.”

“What do you do for fun?”

“Fish. Hunt. Ride horses.”

“After this, I bet you’ll want a nice trip to the Bahamas. Somewhere nice and sunny.” She shivered. “I doubt I’ll ever get warm again.”

He looked at her like she was crazy. “I’m going to finish my hunting trip. I still have a moose to bag.”

“What? Are you insane?” She opened and closed her mouth. “You’re not flying straight back home?”

“Nope. As soon as I get my equipment replaced, I’m going to finish my vacation.”

Shaking her head, Teagan muttered. “Not me. I don’t know what’s going to happen with this shoot, but I’m never letting my agent book me anywhere cold again. If it’s not at least eighty degrees and sunny, I’m not going.”

“How soon will you go back to work?”

“I don’t know. I think I’ll take a few weeks off. However, I can’t take too much leave. I can’t afford too much time away, or the powers that be and the public will forget me. There’s always another girl and another and another fighting for my spot.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much. All the talk shows will want you on to tell them about your experience and the big publishers will fight over you to write a book. They’ll probably offer you a million dollars to tell all.”

“I have to live through it first,” she muttered. “Dang, this hike is endless.”

“Hang tough. We’re making progress.”

“Great.” The boots she’d so loved, and that had seemed so perfect for Canada back on the Macy’s showroom floor, had put blisters on both heels and her little toe. She refused to complain or whine, but every step was agony.

The sound of running water reached them. “Is that a stream?”

“I think it’s the one that feeds the lake,” Gage said. “We’ll find out here in a minute.”

The forest thinned and a dim light filtered through the branches. The sound of gurgling water grew louder. Clearly, it was more than a stream. Would they be able to forge it? As they drew closer, grunts and snorts filled the air. What the heck? Teagan tried to look around Gage’s broad shoulder, but he blocked her view. “What’s that noise?”

“Quiet,” Gage hissed. “Bears.”

Terror raced up and down Teagan’s spine. She grasped Gage’s coat with a death grip. He took her uninjured hand and pulled her forward. She moved a couple steps ahead on unsteady legs.

Several enormous animals lined both sides of a rushing river, scooping fish with their giant paws. “What are they doing?”

“Fishing for spawning salmon.”

As they watched, a bear snagged a fish out of the water and gobbled it whole. Equally impressed and sickened, Teagan stared in awe as the big beasts filled their bellies. She trembled violently. “Are those—?”

“Grizzlies. And they aren’t friendly.”

“Will they attack us?”

“We won’t give them a reason to, but we do have to be stealthy. As long as they’re busy eating they shouldn’t pay any attention to us.” His low, confident tone gave her courage. “Now back up slow and be quiet as a mouse.”

Like a pair of ghosts, they faded into the forest.

When they had backtracked far enough Gage apparently felt safe, he sat on a fallen tree, pulling her next to him. “Well this puts a knot in our rope.”

“What do we do now?” Her stomach twisted. “Go back to camp?”

“Sneak around them,” he said. “Far around.” He looked into her eyes. “Trust me. We made it this far. We’re not going to end up as a bear’s snack.”

“Not funny.” She grasped at a last straw. “Maybe we could wait until they go to bed?”

He shook his head. “Right before hibernation, they’re stuffing themselves up to twenty hours a day. They’ll nap right there on the river’s edge when they get full.”

“Tiptoeing through bears wasn’t on my bucket list,” she said. “But I guess there’s still time to add it.” She made a check on an imaginary piece of paper. “There. Done.”

Gage chuckled. “Can’t mark it done until it’s accomplished.”

She stuck her tongue out at him. “My list, my rules.”

“What else is on that list?”

Truthfully, most things she’d wanted to do, she had. But she did have some biggies left to accomplish. “Sing with a rock band. Act in a film. A good movie, not some slasher flick. Move to Santa Fe. Paint. Take pottery classes. Have a child.” She slanted a sideways look at him. “Date a cowboy. Ride his horse.”

Gage’s throat worked. “Good list.”

She studied him with open curiosity. “What’s on yours?”

“Win the All American Futurity with one of my colts. Look into moving to Santa Fe. See if a certain model would like to take a ride.” The huskiness in his voice suggested he meant something other than on a horse.

Her thighs trembled. “I bet she would. Call her.”

“I’ll call,” he promised.

“You better,” she said softly.

~*~

What the hell had just happened here?

Gage had come to Canada to forget his ex-wife and not a week later, he was talking about packing up and moving to New Mexico? Dating a woman he barely knew? Thinking about making babies?

He must have hit his head harder than he thought in the crash.

He knew better. This woman was unlike any other he’d ever met. And it had nothing to do with her fame. Beauty, yes. Without a doubt, she was one of the most gorgeous women he’d ever seen. She was also strong, and funny, and smart as a whip. The keeping kind.

He stood and held out his hand. “Come on. This is the last leg.”

“I feel like I’m on my last legs.” She took his outstretched hand and he pulled her up.

Although he would have loved to continue to hold her hand in his, he let go. He had to concentrate on finding a way around the feeding grizzlies. One cautious step at a time, avoiding a dry twig that might snap and alert the bears to their presence, he worked upstream. Thank you, Tanner, for teaching me how to live off the land and survive out here.

Gradually, they made their way through the forest, back to the river. While still hidden among the trees, he looked both ways. Not a bear in sight. No grunts or snorts. Just the gurgle of fast moving water over rocks.

A small waterfall crashed over mid-sized boulders.

This was a perfect spot for bears to catch salmon swimming upstream to spawn. From his vantage point of several dozen feet away, Gage could see the fish leaping out of the rapids, trying desperately to make it over the cascading waterfall.

The grizzlies must believe their spot further downstream a better location. Sooner or later, they would migrate this way, though. Now, while they were busy gorging was the prime time to get across the river and back into the trees on the other side.

Just one small problem.

Rather, a couple of big problems. Fast, high water. Slick boulders.

To their left lay an enormous pine tree that had fallen across the water. The needles had long since fallen off, leaving bare, spiky branches sticking out. Could they navigate it? Gage didn’t see much choice.

With Teagan tight on his heels, he walked to the deadfall.

“Oh, my God. We have to cross that?” She sounded horrified.

“That, swim, or wade,” he said grimly. Upon closer inspection, he saw the tree was about a foot across, plenty wide enough to navigate. The branches would give them a good handhold. “Easy as crossing a bridge.” He forced cheer into his voice.

She snorted. “Give me the Brooklyn Bridge over this any day of the week.”

“At least you won’t get mugged here.”

“Unless it’s by a bear,” she shot back.

“True enough.” Gage secured the mesh bag over his shoulder and took the first step onto the snow-covered tree. His boot slipped. “Damn. Be careful. One step at a time.”

“I will.”

He grabbed hold of a big branch to steady himself. Once solid, he turned to Teagan. “Slow and steady.”

She eased onto the log. Using the branches as handholds, she edged forward. “I’m good.”

The branches were both a help and a hindrance, maneuvering through them something like walking through a puzzle. Using them as braces, one inch at a time, he moved ahead. Each step had to be planned ahead. Taking time to make certain the soles of his boots got a good grip before he took another step, he made slow progress. His Sorels had been made for the outdoors; Teagan’s fashion boots had not been crafted for more than walking a city street. But she seemed steady enough.

Rushing water splashed against the log, making an especially hazardous spot.

As he passed the soaked, icy middle, Gage’s heart pounded a fast, uneven rhythm and his breathing was harsh. The tree narrowed and became slicker. One foot slipped and he cursed. “Damn it. Watch yourself. There’s an icy spot there.”

“I see it.” Teagan edged by the slick place.

After she made it, he breathed easier. Only a few more feet.

He jumped onto the snowy bank and waited for Teagan to make it. She hesitated, then leaped toward him. On the slippery bank she scrambled for footing. He grabbed her and pulled her tight against him. She shook like a newborn foal. “You’re safe.”

“I was scared to death,” she confessed with wide eyes.

“You were my brave lady.” His arms tightened around her. His lady? For now, anyway.

A shudder rippled through her. “You give me courage.”

He brushed his mouth over hers. Longed to deepen it. Later. Danger lurked all around them. The priority right now was getting to the cabin.

“I’m starving,” she said. “Can I have one of those granola bars?”

“Not until we’re further from the bears,” he said. “Then you can eat as many as you want. You can do whatever you like once we’re safe.”

She stood in his embrace a moment longer. “I have some ideas.”

He did, too. None of his had anything to do with food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teagan didn’t know why she’d thought the far side of the lake might be a little easier to navigate. In fact, it was every bit as difficult as the shore they’d left, with logs and boulders making roadblocks everywhere. At least no hungry bears greeted them.

Gage paused and sniffed the air like a bloodhound. “Smell that?”

“No. What?”

“Smoke. Specifically a campfire.”

Hope leapt in her heart. “The cabin?”

“I think so.” He tugged her hand. “Let’s find out.”

As they continued along the lakeshore, it began to open up and become less cluttered. The maze of fallen trees had been cleared and the boulders turned to small rocks and pebbles. The relentless fog settled around them like a soft cotton sheet. But instead of being comforting, it chilled her to the bone. Her fingers and toes resembled shards of ice. She didn’t think her body would ever get warm again.

The idea of a fire and something hot to drink encouraged her to pick up her pace until she was almost clipping Gage’s heels. Suddenly he stopped. She stumbled into his back and he turned around.

“Why did you stop like that?” she asked.

He hesitated.

She licked her dry lips. “What is it?”

“It’s not good.”

The grim look in his eyes scared her. “What is it, Gage?” A tremor ran through her. “Just tell me.”

Instead, he stepped aside. She blinked once. Twice. Her eyes had to be deceiving her, but she knew they were not.

The plane’s tail stuck out of the lake like that of a diving whale. The nose, along with most of the body, was submerged. It had not been visible until now because it lay hidden in a small, secluded cove.

Teagan’s knees shook and she began to sway. Dimly, she felt Gage grab her. In her heart, she knew it was unlikely that anyone else had survived, but to see the wrecked plane in Technicolor was a shock.

Gage spoke, his words seeming to come from a distance, or a deep tunnel. “Teagan. Stay with me.”

She shook her head to clear it. “I’m not going to pass out.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” he said.

“I’m all right now.”

“We just have this last bit, then we’re at the cabin.” He pointed across the inlet. “See? It’s right there.”

The log structure, with a lazy trail of smoke lifting from the chimney, would’ve been picture perfect if the half submerged plane didn’t lay like a dead fish.

Teagan stared at the wreck. Images of her friends’ lifeless bodies flashed through her head and she choked back a sob. She swiped at her cheeks with her hands. “Dammit.”

“Hey, it’ll be okay.” Gage wrapped her in his strong arms and held her tight for a few moments while she fought her grief. “Let’s get to the cabin and find out if someone’s looking for us.”

“Okay.” She reluctantly slipped out of his embrace. “Sounds good.”

The rest of the trip passed in a blur.

As the cabin came into sight, Teagan’s heart pounded erratically. The scent of wood smoke filled her nose and she knew she’d never smell it again without thinking of this trip, and of Gage. She gripped his hand like the lifeline it’d become. Unsure of what bothered her, she tamped down her trepidation.

From the outside, the cabin looked well cared for. Firewood had been neatly stacked on the west side, covered by a blue tarp.

Gage lifted his hand and knocked on the door.

For a moment, nothing.

Teagan’s heart sank. Then she realized it didn’t matter if no one was home. They had found shelter; they were not going to leave it unless the owner forced them away.

Someone swung the heavy wood door open.

An enormous bearded man glared at them. His squinty eyes were topped by bushy red brows. “You in the wreck, too?”

Too?

Had someone else survived?

“We were,” Gage said. “We’re injured, tired and cold. Can you offer us shelter?”

The man jerked his head. “’Spect I could.” He moved aside. “Come in.”

Gage gave her a reassuring look and stepped over the threshold. She knew it wasn’t in his nature to not let a lady go first. He must have entered first to protect her if there was danger inside.

He stiffened and she stood on tip-toe to see what had him agitated. “Oh my God.”

Staring back at her were her friends: Jackson. Marty. Katherine. Brooklyn. And the pilot with a white bandage wrapped around his head. Their mouths hung open and their eyes were huge. Much like hers must be.

Teagan snapped her jaw shut. Overwhelming joy surged through her. “You’re alive.”

Katherine came to her feet, rushing toward them, arms open. The others surged around her and Gage, embracing them in a group hug. The pilot, Mike, hung back, along with the bearded man.

“My God. We thought you both were dead,” Marty said.

“So did I, but Gage saved us.” She touched Katherine’s arm, then took a slow look into each of their faces. “Everyone is unharmed?”

“Bruised and scratched, but thanks to these two brave men we all made it. Rudy and Mike pulled us out of the lake.” Marty smiled at the pilot much like Teagan had been toward Gage. Interesting.

Teagan looked at the silent bearded man. “Rudy?”

He nodded. “Yup.”

“Thank you so much for saving them.” At his brusque nod, she turned her attention to the pilot. “Thank you, Mike.”

“Anyone would have done the same,” he said modestly.

“Are you hurt?” Katherine asked, noticing Teagan’s splinted hand.

“My fingers are broken,” Teagan said. “But Gage set it and I’ve taken some Ibuprofen.”

“Oh, dear.” Katherine blinked hard and her lips trembled. 

“I’m fine,” Teagan hastened to reassure her. “They hurt, but I’ll be okay.”

Gage spoke for the first time. “How did you get out of the plane?”

Rudy moved to the stove and lifted a stoneware pot. “That tale might require a cup of coffee.”

“Sounds good.” For the first time, weariness crept into Gage’s voice. He’d been so strong and invincible that it took Teagan aback to hear him otherwise. She squeezed his hand and he tightened his fingers curled around hers.

Normally not a coffee drinker, Teagan couldn’t think of anything she’d like more than to sit and let some of her exhaustion roll off her shoulders. “Please.”

“Take off your coat and rest.” Rudy waved a hand. “I only have the two chairs, so you have to sit on the floor.”

“After sleeping on the ground in the snow, I’ll take it.” Teagan unbuttoned her coat and let it slide off her shoulders, then sank onto the wood floor. She held out her hands toward the stove. The warmth felt like heaven to her chilled body. “That’s nice.”

Gage sat next to her, and he also stretched his palms to the fire. “Feels good.”

Rudy poured the coffee, then retrieved a can of condensed milk from a shelf. “Milk?”

Teagan nodded and he poured a generous amount into the dark brew. After she tasted it, she wished he’d added more. The coffee about knocked her over, it was so strong. Gage hadn’t even taken a drip of the milk; he took it black. Somehow that didn’t surprise her.

After Rudy filled everyone’s cups and added condensed milk, he replaced both, then stood with his back to the fire. “You must have landed on the other side, eh?”

Teagan shrugged. “I honestly don’t know what happened. I hit my head on something. When I came to, I was in the water.” She shot a sideways glance at her cowboy hero. “Gage pulled me out.”

“Last thing I remember was settling in to take a nap, and the next thing I know I woke up to screams, then laying on a rocky beach, freezing my ass off, with no clue how I got there,” Gage said.

“My plane lost its engine, and I tried to land on the lake. She sat on top of the water long enough we all climbed out.” He shook his head. “I shoved you out, but couldn’t go in after you because I had too many other drowning people to take care of right then.”

“I don’t remember hitting,” Teagan said. “Just coming to the surface, fighting for air.”

“It’s a miracle we weren’t all killed.” Marty shot Mike an admiring look. “Mike’s skill kept the plane on the water so we could all escape.”

“You’re a hero,” Teagan agreed. “Thank you.”

“If I was a hero, my plane wouldn’t have gone down,” he said.

Gage spoke. “I don’t see how you could have predicted engine failure. We’re all alive, that’s what matters.”

“Amen,” Katherine said fervently. “If I’d lost Brookie—”

“You didn’t, Mom.” The teenager hugged her mother.

Teagan’s eyes misted. The relief of finding her friends alive was almost too much to take in. That Katherine still had her daughter and Marty was interested in the handsome pilot made her heart sing.

Gage questioned Rudy. “Do you have any way to contact the outside?”

“No, but I have a friend who drops off supplies on the first and fifteenth of the month.”

“Only a week until the fifteenth of October.” Gage glanced at the pilot. “Did your plane have a black box?”

“Yes. But I’m afraid the battery is dying as we speak.”

“I imagine the storm has rescuers held up,” Gage mused. “Were we on course when we crashed?”

“We were,” Mike said. “Why?”

“I have a friend whose a world-famous tracker,” Gage said. “He might be on our trail as we speak.”

Teagan released her pent-up breath. That meant someone was going to find them. Although grateful for shelter, she wanted to go home.

“How on Earth did you survive the night outside?” Katherine asked.

Teagan pointed at Gage. “His wilderness skills. He built a shelter, a fire and caught a fish.”

He shrugged. “Just doing what anyone would.”

“Not true. I would have died without you,” Teagan said. “You know it’s true.”

“Maybe.” He shifted uncomfortably.

Because she knew she embarrassed him, Teagan looked at Katherine. “We found your suitcase. Your clothes are gone, I’m afraid. We used them for a shelter and as covers last night.”

“Oh my goodness. I don’t care about clothes. I’m just happy they could help you.” She blinked a little. “I will miss my mother’s pearls though.”

Gage reached for his coat and dug in the pocket. He held out a handful of loose jewels. “Here you go. I used the string for a fishing line, but the pearls are here. I’ll pay to have them restrung, of course.”

She took them with trembling hands. “Oh bless you. Crazy as it is, I take these everywhere I go.”

“I’m sure glad you did.”

Katherine clutched them to her breast. “My mother would be so happy they helped you. As am I.”

“Thank you again.”

Rudy stood and filled everyone’s cups again, topping the brew with more condensed milk.

“Thank you.” Teagan sipped the hot drink, grateful for the way it heated her insides. “How did you find this lovely cabin?”

He replaced the big stoneware pot on the stove. “I built it with my own two hands.”

“My goodness. That’s amazing.”

“Not so much. I grew up near here. My mother took off when I was a kid. My dad raised me and three brothers in the woods and it’s all I know.”

“Impressive.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“My friends are blessed to have found you here,” Teagan told him. “And it was my good luck to have Gage pull me out of that freezing water.”

“That lake was a little nippy,” Gage said. “We’re all lucky we didn’t die of hypothermia.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever get warm again.” Teagan edged closer to the stove.

“It’s a miracle Rudy happened to find us,” Marty said. “We were so dazed and confused when we hit shore it’s likely we would’ve frozen to death if he hadn’t been there.”

Rudy motioned toward the wall. “I was outside chopping wood when I heard the engine sputter. I knew she was coming down, I just didn’t know where. Imagine my surprise when you landed on my doorstep so to speak.”

“This is one for the record books, all right,” Gage said slowly. “Just one lucky break after another.”

Something in his tone made Teagan turn his way. He met her eyes and the look in his was grim. Her stomach dropped. “Gage?”

He gave her a long unreadable look, then turned toward Mike. “I just want to know one thing…what would you have done if you killed us all? Would a plane crash be your excuse?”

Mike’s face turned as white as the bandage on his head. “What? Are you accusing me of deliberately crashing my plane? Now, that’s just crazy talk.”

“Is it?” Gage pushed to his feet. He took an educated guess. “The engine never sputtered, or died. You dipped and spun us around a bit, but we were landed on the lake deliberately. And I’d wager your buddy Rudy was waiting onshore to bring us all in.” The bearded man moved in front of the door as Gage continued. “You never meant to wreck the plane. It was a bonus if anyone died. It was a sloppy landing gone bad.”

Teagan gasped. “Gage? But why?”

He glanced at her. “My guess is some kind of kidnapping plot. Most everyone on board has a little money, and I think our boys here saw a way to take some. I’m betting they planned to set down, hold us here and ask for a ransom. Something on the landing went wrong and the plane tipped ass over elbow.”

Everyone began to talk at once.

Until Rudy reached for his rifle above the door and cocked it. “Shut up!”

Mike held up his palms. “Give it up, Rudy. We’re caught.”

He brandished the gun. “Not if I kill them all and dump their bodies in the lake.”

“All of us?” Gage pointed at Brooklyn. “Including a sixteen-year-old girl?”

Katherine’s gasp could be heard in the silence. “No.”

“No,” Mike echoed. “I thought this was a harebrained idea from the beginning and I don’t want any more of it. I’m going to call the authorities and put a stop to it before someone dies.”

“I’m not going to prison.” With a bellow like an enraged bull, Rudy opened the door and slammed through it.

After his exit, everyone sat in stunned silence.

Finally Mike said, “My cell has service. I’ll get someone headed to pick you up straight away.” He sank onto the bed, head in his hands.

Teagan leaped to her feet and rushed into Gage’s arms. “How did you know?”

“Look around you. This cabin isn’t a home. There are no supplies. The wood pile hasn’t been used. That sleeping bag is brand new.”

“You’re a genius.” Teagan pressed her mouth to his. “And I love you.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a whirlwind rescue and speaking to the authorities, Teagan and the others were taken to the only hotel in the small town where the flight had originated. She and Gage were given rooms next door to each other. Whether by coincidence, or not, she wasn’t certain.

There hadn’t been time since they’d been found to talk, and Teagan’s emotions were all over the place, from joy at being found to despair at never seeing Gage again. She’d called her mother and sister and cried during their conversation. She’d see them in a day or two, as soon as a flight out could be arranged.

There were more calls to make, to her agent and friends, but they would keep. First, she had to see about her hand and get cleaned up. A doctor waited to examine all of them, but Teagan let the others go first. Other than her fingers, she was fine.

Gage handed over her key. “Would you like to have dinner with me?”

The knot in her stomach from blurting out she loved him loosened a fraction. “Yes, very much.”

“I’ll pick you up around eight.”

“Great.” She held up her room key. “You know where to find me.”

“I do.”

Teagan turned to the desk manager. “I lost everything in the crash. Do you have a general store? Is there anywhere I can buy clothes?” She looked at her filthy outfit and wrinkled her nose. “These have had it, I’m afraid.”

“We were radioed ahead your party was coming in and we had basic toiletries placed in your rooms. There are also robes.” He shook his head sadly. “But I’m afraid there is nowhere to buy ladies clothing here in Bear Falls. If you want us to launder what you have on, we can do that. Just ring the front desk and one of the maids will pick them up for you.”

“Okay, thank you. I’ll do that.” Teagan turned away, her head spinning. What the hell was she going to do with no clothes?

Gage touched her elbow. “Grab your friends. I know what to do.”

Puzzled, she motioned to everyone. “Gage has an idea.”

When they all turned their attention to him, he spoke. “I’ll charter a plane to bring us in clothing and other essentials. You can do an overnight order for the items you need and they’ll be here by tomorrow afternoon.”

Although she wanted to hug him again, Teagan only smiled. “That’s so generous. Thank you.”

“Yes, thank you,” Katherine said.

The others all voiced their gratitude.

“It’s no trouble,” he told them.

 

~*~

 

After the doctor wrapped her fingers, complimenting Gage’s job, Teagan used the computer in the lobby to order clothing, beauty products and makeup. She then climbed the stairs to her second story room. Cozy, with a red and black plaid bedspread, pine dresser and side tables, it looked like heaven after her night on the cold ground. Although she’d take it if Gage were there beside her.

Maybe it was the trauma of the crash or PTSD, but her declaration of love had been real. People might think you couldn’t fall in love in two days, but Teagan knew she had. Unfortunately, she wasn’t as sure of Gage’s feelings toward her.

She walked into the bathroom and turned on the water, tossed her filthy clothing in the wastebasket and stepped into the tub with a contented sigh. Although the toiletries supplied by the hotel were basic, nothing like the top of the line products she usually enjoyed, Teagan was delighted to have them and scrubbed her hair and body until they finally felt clean.

She soaked until her skin turned pink and wrinkly. Reluctantly, she climbed out of the tub and wrapped in a large, fluffy towel. As promised, the hotel had supplied a white robe and after drying, she slipped into it. She hoped this hotel offered room service, because she wasn’t going anywhere in only a robe.

After drying her hair, she wandered into the bedroom. The bed looked wonderfully inviting and she sank onto it. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Five-thirty. Two and a half hours until Gage was to arrive for dinner.

Plenty of time for a nap.

Dropping the robe on the floor, she climbed between the sheets, closed her eyes and was out before her head hit the pillow.

A light knock woke her.

For a minute, she lay still, disoriented by the strange surroundings. When she realized where she was, and that Gage waited on the other side of the door, she jumped from bed and grabbed the discarded robe from the floor.

“I’m coming.”

Tying the sash as she went, she hurried to the door and opened it. Gage stood there, looking like a million bucks. Apparently, he’d either had his clothes laundered by the hotel staff, or he’d found something in the small town, because he wore a long-sleeved Henley, Wranglers and his own boots. He’d shaved and looked wonderful.

“Can I come in?”

She stepped aside. “Of course.” Her heart pounded wild with anticipation of what she had planned.

When he moved, she saw he had a serving tray with several covered platters on it. At her curious look, he said, “I figured you’d rather stay in.”

She indicated her robe with a wave of both hands. “I’m not exactly dressed for anything fancy.”

“You look great.” The admiring look in his eyes warmed her insides.

“Thanks, come in.” She waited until he pushed the cart inside and closed the door behind him.

“Are you hungry?”

She leaned against the door and shook her head. “No.”

He waved a hand over the trays. “I brought a lot.”

“It’ll keep.” She folded her hands behind her behind and flattened them on the door.

“Do you have something else in mind?” His voice deepened.

Seduction had never been her strong suit, unless a camera was aimed at her. Taking a page from that part of her life, she lifted her chin. “Maybe.”

“Talking?”

“Not right now,” she said.

How a big man could move so silently or quickly, she had no idea, but in a blink of an eye he stood in front of her. “Then what?”

She met his eyes. “Are you going to make me say it?”

Instead of responding, he tipped his head and claimed her mouth with his. With his tongue, he teased her lips apart. He tasted of minty toothpaste and desire as hot as her own. One large hand cupped the back of her neck, holding her still. As if he needed to imprison her. She met his thrusting tongue with her own.

With his free hand, he untied the sash holding her robe together. Slipping his hand inside the open garment, he laid his palm flat on her hip. Although her hips were not normally the most erotic place on her body, Teagan had never felt anything more exciting.

She tugged at his shirt, pulling the hem free from his Wranglers. Once it came loose from his jeans, she popped the buttons. He straightened and took his mouth from hers long enough to and help her slide it from his shoulders and remove his gray T-shirt. She splayed her hands across his flat abdomen, loving the feel of his supple skin and the defined muscles underneath. His skin blazed under her palm.

He pushed her robe back from her collarbone and nipped it gently. Teagan tipped her head back against the door, baring her breasts. Gage cupped them with his big hands, squeezing and kneading until she writhed.

With ease, he picked her up, carried her to the bed and placed her on the edge of it. She shrugged out of her robe as he undid his buckle, then the button and zipper on his jeans. With shaking hands, she helped him push his jeans and shorts from his hips. They pooled around the top of his boots and he stepped out of them, then kicked them away, along with his clothes.

Gage edged between her legs and she lay back on the bed. He knelt and circled her lower legs with his arms. Pressing kisses along her right thigh, he moved up until his mouth covered her center. She arched and gasped when his tongue delved into her.

Her uninjured fingers curled into the blankets as he tormented her. “Gage.”

When he turned his wicked tongue to her clit, she raised her hips from the bed. The sensation became almost unbearable and she tightened her knees against his shoulders. Her lower stomach began to pinch and she knew it wouldn’t take much to push her over the edge.

She cupped his neck and he responded with a long, deep tug on her clit. A scream ripped from her throat as she came for him. Her entire body shook from the intensity. Finally, his laving became almost painful and she scooted away. She covered her eyes with her arm and was surprised to find tears on her face.

He slid next to her and pulled her close. “You okay?”

“Amazed,” she managed.

His chuckle vibrated through her. “Me, too.”

Gradually, as her own tremors subsided, she became aware of his erection against her hip. With her fingertips, she traced the tip, then the ridge, and the hard length of him. Next to her ear, his breathing increased.

Circling his cock, she stroked until it became impossibly hard. She turned her head and touched his lips with her tongue. He tugged it into his mouth and she tasted herself on him. A moan slipped out of her throat.

His fingers found her wet core, parted her and slid inside. She hadn’t thought she could become so aroused again so quickly, but when he pressed upward, her body responded instantly, clenching around his fingers.

Before she crashed over the edge, he removed his hand. “I want my cock inside you when you come again.”

He rolled away and rustled around in his jeans for a minute. The unmistakable sound of a wrapper being opened told her he had a condom. She tugged him over her and he placed his palms on both sides of her face and looked into her eyes. “I want you to see how I feel when I make love to you.”

No one had ever said anything like that to her before, and Teagan’s heart expanded. Her eyes widened, but before she could respond, he slid his cock into her. She gasped. Her fingers dug into his back. His gaze locked on hers.

He moved his hips, pressing deep.

Taking his hands from her face, he slid them up her arms and tethered their fingers in a tight knot, above her head. His chest hair brushed her ultra-sensitive nipples and she cried out.

“Feel me?” He pushed further.

“Oh, God, yes.”

He pulled completely out, and she moaned a protest. “Gage—”

His response was to push back inside her hard enough she was shoved across the bed. With each thrust, he went deeper. She wrapped her legs around his to anchor herself as their pace increased to a fever pitch.

One of them panted, maybe both.

Teagan’s lower belly tightened. The tautness grew unbearable. She was going to fall over the edge again. Her fingers, wrapped in Gage’s, squeezed until she thought they might break.

“Grab on, baby,” Gage muttered. “We’re gonna fly.” He let go of her right hand and slid it between their sweat-slicked bodies. With his first and middle finger, he pinched her engorged clit.

It was almost painful.

Teagan screamed his name. She dug her heels into his calves. With her free hand, she raked her nails down his back as she peaked, and as Gage had promise, flew.

He grunted, pushed one final time. A shudder ran through him as he came. A moment later, he slumped over, onto her. His gasps harsh near her ear. She wrapped her arms around his waist and held tight.

Slowly, their heartbeats slowed.

Gage rolled onto his back, tugged her tight against him. He brushed her hair off her face. “Damn, girl.”

She traced a circle around his nipple. “Damn?”

He chuckled. “Yeah. Damn.”

“So romantic.” She lightly pinched his nipple.

“Hey.” He pulled her on top of him and kissed her lightly. “I love you, Teagan.”

“You’re just saying that—”

He looked hard into her eyes. “From the moment I dragged you out of the lake I knew we had a bond.” He grinned. “I’d say we just sealed it.”

“It was just sex—”

“It was more than that, and you know it.”

She did. There had been an undeniable connection between them almost from the time they sat down on the plane. She’d never felt about any other man the way she did this one. Could it be the same for him?

“Where do we go from here?”

“How about dinner first?” he suggested. “And we work out the details later?”

After they dressed, they sat cross-legged on the bed, their meal spread out between them. He had a thick elk steak, fries, hot, yeasty rolls and two ears of corn.

Although it wasn’t steaming hot, he ate it all.

Teagan had a salad, corn and a bite of bread. More than she usually ate all day. She nibbled on a French fry stolen from Gage’s plate.

With a contented sigh, she said, “This is perfect.”

Gage cleared their plates. He held up a dessert plate. “Apple pie? I wish there was ice cream.”

She groaned. “Are you kidding me?” She patted her stomach. “I’m stuffed.”

“You eat like a bird.” Gage stuck a fork into his treat.

“I’ve trained myself to not want much,” she said. “A pound turns into five on camera.”

He abruptly pushed away his pie. “When do you go back to work?”

She drew a deep breath. Here goes nothing. If he agreed, a lifestyle change of unimaginable magnitude. One she was ready for. “You know that bucket list we talked about?” At his nod, she continued. “I thought I might jump to the part where I leave New York and try life on a ranch with a cowboy.”

“Any certain cowboy? Or will just any old cowhand do?”

“I was thinking maybe you might want to show me the ropes,” she said. “Teach me everything I need to know about your way of living.”

A grin as wide as Texas split his face. “I think this old cowboy would like that.”

“Are you saying yes?”

He set the plate on the side table and crawled toward her. “Baby, I’m saying yes to anything you want.”

Joy filled her heart. “Anything?”

“Anything.”

She held out her left hand and wiggled her wrapped fingers. “Put a ring on it?”

“As soon as I can buy one.”

With a squee, she threw herself into his arms. “I love you, cowboy.”

He sealed the deal with a kiss.

Hell Yeah! Kindle World

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