Chapter 115: The Remote CabinHe returned to the dock, grabbed the squatty white propane tank, and headed behind the cabin. From inside, he could hear Shasta humming happily, and he felt a flutter in his stomach. Focus, Walker. Don't get sidetracked.A few minutes later, he'd finished exchanging the tanks and was walking back past the cabin when she called to him. "Blake?"He stopped and looked toward the door. "Yeah?"She opened the screen door and stepped out onto the front porch. "What do you want to do with all these empty boxes?""We'll take them back to the lodge, use them again for another run. Did you put everything away?"Shasta grinned. "I sure did. Want to see?Blake set the empty tank on the porch and followed her inside. She opened the cupboard doors with a flourish. "Ta-dah!"The boxes and cans were arranged by color and ascending height, shorter to the left and taller moving right. He scratched his head. "You have pancake mix next to the Cheerios.""I know!
Chapter 116: Sparkly Pink Blake went outside, needing space, needing to breathe. She followed along behind him. "What do we need to do now?""Are you hungry?"She frowned slightly. "I guess I am. I hadn't thought about it until now.""How about I catch us some fish for lunch?"Her expression was doubtful. "Just like that, you can catch some fish?""Just like that." He winked at her and headed for the plane to get his rig.While Blake took his fishing rod a few yards down the shore, Shasta sat tailor-style on the dock and watched him. He flicked his wrist, and she heard a whirring sound as his line flew out over the lake and plopped into the water. Then he slowly reeled in his line, the lure bobbing along the top of the water as it moved closer to him.His open tackle box sat beside her on the dock, and she began to look through all the items it held. There were lures of all sizes, shapes, and colors. In the bottom was a clear plastic box full of lead balls of various sizes.
Chapter 117: Her SideShe followed him back to the cabin where they washed up in a sink like the one in Shasta's cabin, pumping lake water to rinse the dishes. Blake handed her the clean things, and she wiped them and put them away."Have you always been an actor?"His question surprised her. "Always. I did my first commercial when I was six months old.""Did you ever want to do anything else? I mean, at six months, it's not like it was really your choice."Shasta shrugged lightly. "What else would I do? It's pretty much all I know." She took the wet dish towel and put it in the bag of linens they were returning to the lodge. She carried the bag out onto the porch."Why are you here?" His voice was soft. She turned to see him leaning casually against the doorframe."It was all over the news."He shrugged. "I don't watch the news."She paced a bit, pulling the sunglasses into place. "I got into some trouble." She glanced back at him. "I was arrested, actually."His passive
Chapter 118: A Bad IdeaBefore Shasta knew it, they were circling her little island, and Blake brought the plane's pontoons down smoothly onto Lake Miranda. She found that she wasn't as anxious about the landing as she had been earlier.Blake expertly drew up to the lodge's dock, cutting the engine and sliding down onto the pontoon to pull them the extra couple of feet and tie off the plane. When it was secured, he again tilted up his seat and held out his hand to Shasta. Carefully, she picked her way down the rungs to stand toe to toe with him on the dock.She peered up at him through her lashes and smiled shyly. Blake's eyes darkened as he brought his hands to rest on her hips. Shasta couldn't stop watching his lower lip, wondering how it would be to take it between her own. Her eyes traveled back up to his, and his gaze bore into her soul. She could nearly feel his lips on hers, then he cleared his throat."How about we hook you up with a boat?" Blake released her and headed
Chapter 119: Digging DeeperIn the big house's kitchen, Blake made and enjoyed his steak and potatoes dinner, sharing a bit with Bear, who happily cleaned his bowl. As Blake ate, his thoughts drifted over the day. When he'd taken that firewood to the island, spending the day with Shasta Pyke had been the last thing on his mind.Shasta. Amy. He smiled thinking of the things she'd revealed about herself. There was a level of trust there. You don't share those kinds of intimate details with someone if there isn't some kind of trust involved. That was a good thing, he supposed.Because what he had in mind would require her to trust him implicitly. He shook his head. What if I'm getting way ahead of myself? What if I'm reading the situation all wrong, that it's just wishful thinking? Besides, he reminded himself, she'll only be here for a few weeks.He hadn't intended to kiss her, he really hadn't. But the impulse had been there all day. Being near her had left him feeling unse
Chapter 120: Self-LoveBack in the island cabin, Shasta made another pot of macaroni and cheese, vowing to be more diligent in finding a healthier dinner the next night. After she'd cleaned up her mess, she wandered outside. The sun was just sinking behind the hills to the west, casting an orange glow on the lake. Across the water, she could see lights on in the cabin farthest from the lodge. That had to be his. Blake's.She sighed deeply, remembering the way he'd kissed her. The heat had melted her to her core. Then she'd said something stupid about being up for more. She winced and shook her head. I don't know why I have to be such a dumbass.Still, he had kissed her. That had to mean that he was attracted to her. Right? She remembered the electricity she'd felt when he'd reached over her to help with her seat belt. And when he'd helped her fishing. Being close to Blake was intoxicating.Shasta closed her eyes, remembering the feel of his chest beneath her palms as she'
Chapter 121: Solo AdventureWarm sunlight dappled across the blue quilt covering Shasta. She sleepily opened her eyes, thankful for the daylight. Since her dream the previous night, she'd only slept in fits and starts. The promise of a new day was encouraging.She smoothed up the covers over the bed and dressed quickly in jeans and a t-shirt. Her first order of business was cleaning the pink vibrator from last night's session of self-love. When that was accomplished and the device returned to its satin bag, she set about making herself a breakfast of brown sugar and cinnamon oatmeal.She felt more energetic than she expected, given her lack of sleep. I need to make sure a shower happens today.After breakfast dishes were cleaned and put away, Shasta picked up the solar shower bag and took it outside. A brilliant blue sky peeked down at her through green pine branches. When she reached the clearing at the foot of the dock, she noticed a handful of soft, puffy, white clouds in th
Chapter 122: A Trip Into TownBlake slept later than he'd planned, awaking to thoughts of Shasta, of the time they'd spent together and the video footage he'd seen the previous night. First impression aside, in their time at the remote cabin, she'd been girlish, enthusiastic, even flirtatious at times. Then suddenly she would withdraw into herself, reflexively self-protective.And as much as he'd tried deny himself and to temper his attraction to her, he'd kissed her and the experience had been mind-blowing. He couldn't recall ever feeling instant heat as he had then.I'd welcome more. Her words echoed through his mind. He'd shut her down, but he knew he was up for more, too. A lot more. As he ate breakfast and tidied up, he decided to further pursue that line of thought.Before leaving for town, Blake took Bear for a walk. A glance across the lake showed that the small skiff was no longer tied up at the island dock. When he put the dog back in the cabin, he grabbed his binoc
Chapter 328: Epilogue"Just one more push, you're doing great," the doctor said."How are you holding up, Dad?"Bleary-eyed, he nodded to the pink scrubs-clad nurse. He was ready for this long night to be over.He felt her starting to squeeze his hand again. "You've got this, babe," he murmured, kissing her forehead.Eyes closed and teeth clenched, she bore down, releasing a grunting squeal with the effort."Stop! There we are, Mom. The head is out. Now don't push, just breathe for a moment."Still holding her hand, he leaned over to see the back of the baby's head. His heart was in his throat and tears streamed down his face."Now this is it. On the next contraction, go ahead and push."He turned back to her. Eyes wide, she panted, gripping his hand for dear life."Oh, God, here it comes," she cried."You're doing great, I'm so proud of you," he murmured, turning to watch as their child was born.Fifteen minutes later, he strode down the hospital corridor to the family waiting
Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present"You should go home and get some rest, Jackie."Without taking her eyes off Scott, asleep in his hospital bed, she reached for Blake's hand. "I can't. I need to be here when he wakes up.""You're sure?"She nodded, then looked to her brother. "Can you take care of the kids? I hate to impose, but…""No worries, Jackie. Now that the storm's over, we'll take them back to our house. Amy's more comfortable there, anyway. We'll have a sleepover party."Jackie sighed. "I know they're ready to be back in their own beds. But I'll be home tomorrow, for sure, at least overnight.""Okay, sis." He kissed Jackie on the cheek. "Keep us posted."In the quiet of the hospital room, Jackie pulled a chair beside Scott's bed. As soon as they'd arrived back at the lodge, Blake and some of the others had carried Scott to the battered Suburban, laying him on the back seat.At Amy's insistence, Blake had driven Jackie and Scott to town. By the time they reache
Chapter 326: Dream Versus RealityHe was staring up at an azure sky. A warm summer breeze caressed his face. He turned his head and Jackie smiled at him, her deep blue eyes sparkling. "Where were you?" she asked.Scott shrugged. "I don't know.""Well, you're back now. That's what counts." She took his hand and led him to a bed in the middle of a sun-drenched field full of flowers. The bed's sheer white canopy billowed in the breeze. Kissing his hand, she released it, reaching up to slide first one, then the other spaghetti strap of her filmy white dress, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her bare feet. His gaze slid from her sapphire eyes to her succulent lips. Then it traveled over the firm globes of her breasts with their pert pink nipples, to the flair of her hips, to the junction between her thighs where tight black curls were neatly trimmed. When he met her eyes again, she smiled knowingly and sank to her knees, bowing her head and resting her hands palm
Chapter 325: Warrior Princess"Jacks, you can't go out there." Blake's face twisted with concern."He won't come back until he finds Pierce. But he won't find Pierce, because Pierce is here. You can't leave Amy. I'd never even ask. And if Ned Hart won't go out there, I have no other choice." Her voice was deadly calm.She grabbed her grey coat, then put it back on its hook, heading into the dining room. Blake followed. "Jackie, seriously, I don't want you going out there." He grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Scott wouldn't want you going out there.""He can tell me that when I find him. Can I borrow Amy's pink parka? It's brighter than mine, easier to see."Blake exhaled sharply, his tone resigned. "I've known you long enough to know that once you've set your mind on something, that's it. At least let me put together a pack for you."While Blake scavenged from the survival students, Jackie put on Amy's parka and spoke to Grant and Emma. "I'm going out to let Scott know
Chapter 324: From Bad to WorseAway from the wide-open expanse of the lake, the trees blocked a certain amount of the wind, but plenty of snow filtered down. Try as he might, Scott couldn't make out any tracks left by Pierce. He continued up the trail, slipping and sliding as he made his way up a steep ridge. The designated campsite was the clearing at the top, but once he arrived, the area was empty. Even the snow was thin, having been blown into drifts against the bases of the trees surrounding the clearing. Where are you, you little shit? Scott turned in a circle, considering the most likely way Pierce might have gone. The clearing was exposed. He'd have wanted to find a spot that afforded more shelter. Which meant he would have gone lower. But in which direction?Rolling the dice, Scott headed west, where the clearing dropped off in a bluff about thirty meters above a ravine created by a now-frozen creek. He peered down into the gully, willing Pierce not to be there at
Chapter 323: Who's Missing?An hour later, Scott sipped his coffee and gazed out over the room. A handful of his campers had volunteered to help with lunch, and they'd all enjoyed potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now, a group of guests was working on chili for dinner.Out of habit, he mentally counted his group. Tom and Patty Payton, who'd headed up lunch, were playing cards with Justin Sapp and Paula Martinez. Dan Spinelli was talking fishing with the father and sons from Cherub Lake. Not finding Pierce, Adams, or Bennet, he frowned slightly. A trip to the restaurant kitchen revealed Brian Bennett and Keely Adams working on cornbread to go with the chili.That leaves one. Scott returned to the dining room. Jackie was across the room checking on Amy. He cruised by the table where Dan was swapping fish stories. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Pierce?"The younger man frowned. "Not since we ate. But you know, now that you mention it, his backpack is gone." H
Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the LodgeAs Jackie and the children hiked toward the main lodge, they heard the snowmobile returning from the island. Jackie sent Emma and Grant ahead with their backpacks, Max galumphing along behind them, while she waited for Scott to secure the snowmobile."How'd it go?"Scott's lips were a grim line. "About how you'd expect. There's nothing we can do about it with the storm coming. Everybody understood, really. Except for Pierce. He's such an asswipe."Jackie's eyes widened but her lips curled impishly. "Oh my, Sire. Language."He popped her ass lightly. "And now my Princess requests a spanking. My day is complete."They both laughed as the entered the lodge. Trina had a huge fire going in the dining room's fireplace, and she'd already been to the cabins to invite guests to gather in the main lodge, where there would be food and heat."Hi, guys," she greeted Jackie and Scott. "I called the crew to let them know to stay home today. Then
Chapter 321: Blizzard WarningFrowning, Scott watched the latest weather report on the early morning local news, his mouth set in a grim line. Beside him, Jackie stirred. "What is it?" she murmured."It's alright," he answered softly. "Go back to sleep. It's not even 5:00 yet."She sniffed loudly and yawned. "I'm awake now. What's the matter?" She pushed up on an elbow and rested her head against his shoulder.He shook his head derisively. "The blizzard. They're predicting the storm to hit by this afternoon.""I thought it was supposed to skirt us to the south.""I hoped it would. But now we're under a blizzard warning." He kissed her temple and slid out of bed."What are you going to do?"He stepped into a pair of fleece-lined jeans and shrugged into a grey thermal Henley. "I'm heading to the island to let the campers know. Obviously, we're postponing the solo outings. I'll offer them the chance to return for free to finish their second week of this session." He glanced
Chapter 320: Winter SessionPulling the hood of his black parka lower over his head, Scott ducked behind the windscreen of his snowmobile and headed back to the lodge. At the bunkhouse cabin, he'd just welcomed Tom and Patty Payton, the only married couple he'd had thus far in his wilderness school.Having checked in with Jackie in the reception area of the lodge, the pair had made their way on foot across the ice to the island where they joined fellow survival students Justin Sapp, a stocky young man with an infectious sense of humor, and Paula Martinez, an attractive thirty-something Latina who wrote a Spanish-language adventure blog.Everyone in this session had broad outdoor survival experience, including the Paytons, who had once spent a year in the Amazon cataloging wildlife. They'd told Scott they were excited to learn winter survival skills in the wilderness of Ontario.That leaves four more clients yet to arrive, Scott mused as he pulled up the slope to park beneath the lodg