“You sound like you don’t want to be.”
Sarah laughed at Cameron’s astute comment. “Not to diminish your brother’s considerable charms, to be honest, it’s more the fresh air and outdoors setting that I prefer to the exhaust-filled streets of D.C.. I run in a park there and still can’t get away from the smell of cars and too many people.” She breathed deeply. “I imagine I could probably run for miles here and not run into another soul.”
“Only critters and the occasional bear,” Cameron agreed. He studied her for a moment, though what he was looking for she didn’t know. His expression grew quizzical. It smoothed out with a small shake of his head that made Sarah wonder what had crossed his mind. Had Liam told him about her encounter with a bear? She didn’t know and decided that it would be best to stay quiet about it.
“Probably wouldn’t have to worry about muggers,” she offered in an attempt to bring the conversation back on lighter footing.
“Not out here. You know, you should ask Liam to go on a run with you. He’ll show you the best paths and you can truly get a feel for how pristine this wilderness can be. There’s nothing like running in the morning, watching your breath on the frosty air. Kind of makes you believe that we can keep places like this wild and untamed.” Cameron pointed off to the trees. “There’s a path that starts over there and winds down around a small lake. Has Liam taken you on it yet?”
Sarah shook her head. “No, but it sounds a lot nicer than some of the places we’ve gone.” She had to give him credit, after they hiked their legs off they arrived at some pretty spectacular places. The thought that there might be one close by that Liam hadn’t shown her yet made her wonder once more what agenda he might be pursuing. “I’ll definitely have to ask. Sounds perfect for a run.”
“The loop is about four miles if you start at the front steps here. You’ve got to be careful though. The area can be a crossroads for bears. They like the trails too. It’s less work for them, and most of the paths that we use started off as wildlife trails.” Cameron rose to his feet. “I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”
Some predetermined time must have passed, because where he couldn’t get her out of the house fast enough, now Cameron led her back inside. She followed him silently to the kitchen, thinking a sandwich or a granola bar might take the edge off her hunger. She watched as he poured two tall glasses of iced tea from a pitcher in the fridge and set the sandwich fixings on the counter.
“Help yourself,” Cameron offered.
Sarah strained to hear any sounds coming from Liam’s den as she made her lunch. Pulling up one of the bar stools along the end of a counter, she sat down with her plate and her glass of tea.
“When are you thinking about going back to
Washington
D.C.
?” Cameron asked, bringing his own meal over to the counter and sitting down.
“Quite the interrogator, aren’t you?” She asked with a grin. “Are you trying to ferret out information for Liam?”
“If Liam wants to know, he’ll ask,” Liam said as he made a beeline to the food. He heaped his plate full. “So you’re thinking about going back to
Washington
D.C.
?”
“I have to,” Sarah admitted. She looked from one brother to the other, seeing minute differences in their appearance and mannerisms. Cameron kept his hair surfer short, highlighted near blond in places and stood about an inch shorter than Liam. Side by side, they made a formidable pair. “Something isn’t right with my boss. It’s the same stuff I told you about. I just can’t wait any longer. I think I’m going to call Ken and see if he can get me a ticket back. I think I’ve seen all I need to see.”
She hated giving up on her mission so soon. She knew though the more Liam showed her the less she’d want to write a pro-drilling report. It sounded as if that would be the only kind Ken would accept.
“What can I do to convince you to stay?” Liam asked. “Just for a few more weeks. I really think you ought to stay here longer. If nothing else, it’ll be an antidote to urban life when you get back to it.”
“If I say here too much longer. I won’t want to go home.” Sarah laughed, trying to make the words sound light, but fearing they were true. Her sister’s impending unemployment weighed on her. Once again, Sare-bear would have to come to the rescue. She wasn’t sure she liked it. “Except you need a Starbucks.”
Cameron laughed. “City girl.” He glanced at his brother, then back at her. Picking up his plate, he carried it to the sink and began to wash it.
Sarah watched with a knowing grin. Considering the fact that he stood right next to the dish washer, she suspected the younger twin wanted to play chaperone. “If I could take care of things back home from here, I would. My sister needs me.”
She always needs me.
She chastised herself for her uncharitable thoughts. And if she returned to DC to find out things weren’t as bad as her sister made them out to be, would she be understanding then? Sarah knew the answer and didn’t like it.
“Won’t your boss think something’s wrong that you’re returning early?” Cameron asked, clearly wanting to stay a part of the conversation. Or maybe he just wanted to egg her on and see what kind of sparks flew between her and his brother.
“Ken might, though if I told him I had all the information I need—”
“Do you? I know writing an impartial report is important to you. Do you really have all the information you need?” Liam interjected.
“Nothing a few days at a library couldn’t probably fix. I’d like to get those environmental impact numbers from you, but I can probably find them in a library just as easily. I get it. It’s beautiful up here. There’s lots of unspoiled wilderness. The animals roam freely and if we come in here to take all the oil who knows what kind of environmental catastrophes are going to happen. I believe it. The problem is, I don’t think my boss wants me to write that kind of report. I have to go back and get things straightened out. If I can return, I will.” Sarah’s stomach sank. She stared at her half-eaten sandwich, her appetite gone. Deep in her heart, she knew she wouldn’t return. This once-in-a-lifetime trip would be ruined, all because of political corruption. It made her dislike her job all the more.
Liam appeared unfazed by her words. Outside of the money issue -- the longer she stayed, the more her firm paid his for being a tour guide -- she figured he’d want to get rid of her as soon as possible. The city girl stuck up here in the wilderness with him. Sure, they’d kissed. Harmless kisses driven by the isolation and the fact that they were two healthy adults. There wasn’t anything more to it. There couldn’t be.
“If you’re worried about the money, I’m sure I can make some arrangements with my firm. My returning to D.C. has nothing to do with the contract Hodges Associates signed with you. I’m sure you’ll get your money’s worth.” Sarah sipped her iced tea. Putting things back on a business level felt right. She wished she could put her attraction to Liam in a box so easily.
“I really don’t think you should return to D.C. right now,” Liam said. He pushed his plate away and folded his arms on the counter. “Your firm paid for you to be here. I think you should be here. If Hodges Associates needs you back, they’ll let you know.”
“It’s not my firm I’m worried about,” she admitted. “It’s my sister.”
Liam understood all about family bonds. He and his brothers had worked together for so long he couldn’t imagine running Round the Bend Tours without Cameron. Blake and Johnny helped too, though Johnny was busy with his work for the Quintursa and Blake preferred archeological digs to wilderness tours. Deep in his gut, he knew he had to keep Sarah here with him. He glanced at his brother.
Cameron gave no signs that he stood on one side or the other in this conversation. An interesting turn of events considering that his brother wasn’t happy about this assignment at all. Interesting what an afternoon with Sarah could do. Apparently she’d charmed his brother as well as she’d charmed him.
Liam stilled. His gut told him he was getting too close to the situation. Johnny’s words echoed in his mind. “I think you can help your sister better here,” Liam said.
Cameron turned and stared at him. Brows narrowed, he glanced from Liam to Sarah then back again. Liam opened his mouth with the need to tell Cameron it wasn’t what he thought. He wasn’t getting emotionally attached to Sarah. Sure they’d kissed, and he hoped his brother didn’t know about them. He trusted Sarah to be discreet enough not to share.
“What? How do you know what I can do to help her?” Sarah asked with a trace of sarcasm in her voice. “You wouldn’t have anything to do with this, would you?”
“Of course not!” Liam protested. “Why would you think something like that? I believe that by staying here and finishing you’ll mission you’ll help both your company and your sister. That’s all.” Grumbling under his breath, he rose to his feet and put his dishes back in the sink. Unlike his brother, he rinsed his and set them in the dishwasher.
“I think that’s for Sarah to decide,” Cameron interceded. He opened the dishwasher and pulled out the plates to wash them.
“We have a dishwasher for a reason,” Liam muttered to his brother.
“I know. It just seems silly to let the dishes pile up,” Cameron answered.
Liam didn’t have an answer to that, not when his brother was notorious for using technology to its fullest. Usually it was Liam who did the dishes by hand. If his brother wanted to stay in the room for the conversation, he was more than welcome to. Liam didn’t care. In fact, he suspected his brother’s presence would keep him from saying things he shouldn’t. Or doing things that he shouldn’t, like kissing her again.
“Cameron’s right. This is my decision,” Sarah insisted. She stared at her empty plate, then pushed it across the counter. Liam picked it up and carried it to his brother. Without asking he grabbed the pitcher of tea from the fridge and refilled everyone’s glasses.
“I know it is. But I think this is exactly what they want you to do. Put a little pressure on you and have you come flying back to
Washington
, where they won’t let you come back. You know once you’re back home, it’ll be a long time before you return.” Liam sat down across from her. He curled his fingers into a fist to avoid reaching out to cup her hands. She looked so lost, so fragile, as she sat there on the cusp of an important decision.
“I know.” Sarah rested her head in her hands. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths. “But I can’t leave my sister all alone. Well I could, but she wouldn’t like it, and I’ve always been the one…oh hell.” She shook her head.
Behind him water stopped running in the sink. Liam rose to his feet. He couldn’t let her face this all alone. He moved to the other side of the counter then took the stool beside her. Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he pulled her against his chest. She snuggled willingly, and he relished the moment.
“Sounds like you have a lot to deal with. I’m the eldest, so I know all about worrying about your younger siblings. I’m sure your sister can take care of her family.” Liam pressed his lips to her temple. “Now come on. There’s something I want to show you. It’ll take a few days to put together, but I think it will be worth the wait. You can’t leave now.” He released her with a grin.
“Okay,” Sarah relented. “I suppose you’re right. But I want to check in with my sister daily.”
Liam rose and motioned to Cameron. “Deal.” He led his brother back to his den. An idea had formed while he had been talking to her.
“What do you want?” Cameron asked once he closed the door behind him.
“I’m going to take her down the trail that leads to the lake. I want to introduce her to a grizzly bear, and I want you to be that bear.” Liam leaned against the desk and crossed his arms over the chest.
“What are you thinking? My god, you’re in love with her, aren’t you?” Cameron stepped back against the door. “No way, bro. This is madness.”
“Come on. I told you about her encounter with a real grizzly. I think if she saw one up close, maybe even had you sniff her fingers or something, it’d really help show her how special this place is. You’re the safest bear I know, outside of myself.” Liam tried not to think about the implications of his brother’s words. How she reacted to the bear would determine whether he could trust her with his secret or not.
Cameron studied him for long moments. “All right. But if this goes badly, it’s your fault. Okay?”
Liam nodded, more than ready to accept the responsibility. “Okay. Thank you.”
Cameron straightened and shook his head. “I sure hope you know what you’re doing. The Quintursa is going to be pissed if they find out.”
“I know, bro. I know.” He grinned and hoped he really did know what he was doing. If his idea flopped, more than their secret would be at stake.
~* * *~
Sarah sat on the stool and watched Liam and his brother leave. Something had passed between the two men and she suspected it involved her. The cell phone on her hip rang. Grabbing it from its holster, she flipped it open. “Sarah here,” she answered.
“Oh, I’m so glad I caught you. I was afraid that you’d be out in the woods again.” Her sister sounded breathless. “Everything okay?”
Sarah shifted on the stool. Not only was she faced with the decision. Liam called it correctly. If she went home now, she knew she’d never return to
Alaska
again. At least not for work. It saddened her to think that political wills could get in the way of what should have been a pretty straightforward assignment.
“Yeah, everything’s okay. I’m worried about you. Do you want me to come home?”
Nat hesitated. “No, that’s okay.” She sounded hurried, her voice low as if she were afraid of getting caught.
“Are you at work?” Sarah slid from her perch and went to a large, glass door overlooking the lodge’s backyard. She stared at the trees, the softly rustling leaves, the cerulean sky overhead and felt worlds away from her job. “You’re not getting more pressure are you? I talked to Ken.”
“You shouldn’t have. I can handle this myself. I’m a big girl.” Now her sister sounded defensive. Sarah didn’t like the mood swings. She feared her boss had intervened, but it hadn’t been with the senator.
“Did Ken tell you not to bother me?” Sarah asked.
The silence on the other end of the phone line spoke volumes.
“I don’t like this. I think it might be best if I come home.” Her heart sank as she spoke. Closing her eyes, she leaned her forehead against the cool glass. Taking deep breaths, she tried to calm her thoughts. If she for one moment ever expected Ken to pressure her sister not to talk to her, Sarah would have been on the first plane back to
Washington
. Now, Liam had something planned. Her stomach fluttered. Even if she wanted to go home, she’d promised him she’d stay for a few more days. Anything could happen in a few days.
“Sarah, you’ve been wanting this for a while. You made Ken give you this assignment. Don’t let my problems keep you from pursing your goals.” Her sister sounded like a completely different woman. More mature, more grown-up. Sarah liked it.
Whatever Ken must have said, it had to make this change in Nat. Except she’d still called and still tried to drag Sarah into her problems. “If you’re okay with it.” It felt awkward, like the first time her parents took the training wheels off her bike to hear her sister sound so adult. Since when had Nat stood on her own two feet? “I know you’re worried about your girls and making ends meet.” Deliberately, she didn’t mention her sister’s husband. She felt catty for wondering why he couldn’t get a job to support his family.
“I’m okay, sis. You don’t have to worry about me.” Through the phone, rustling sounded along with the murmurs of hushed conversation.
Sarah stiffened. When Nat said she didn’t have to worry, that’s usually when it was time. “Are things okay otherwise? Girls doing okay in school?” Sarah struggled to steer the topic away from her assignment.
“Yeah, everything’s great,” Nat replied with a forced cheerfulness.
Sarah thought about pressing the issue. Her sister never lied worth a damn. But no, she said she was an adult and could handle things. Maybe it was time to do so. “I can be there in a heartbeat. Just give me a few hours to make arrangements if you need me. Okay? Don’t be shy about asking.” Liam’s words taunted her, his suggestion that she’d like what he had planned.
“You need to stay where you are, Sarah. It’s for the best. Look, I have to go. I’ll talk to you when you get back in town, okay?” Her sister disconnected the call without waiting for an answer.
Sarah stared at the silent phone. She hadn’t planned on returning for a few weeks yet. Her sister wouldn’t talk to her until then? Something strange had happened in
Washington
and Sarah wasn’t quite sure if it was for the best or not. Pursing her lips, she turned from the window and nearly ran smack into Liam.
He cupped her shoulders to steady her. “Everything okay back home?” He looked truly concerned.
“Not sure,” she replied with a sigh. At least with him, she felt like she could be honest. And she really did want to stay here for as long as possible. Somehow, she knew Liam would tell the truth. He seemed so real, so solid when she’d faced him before. And he truly loved this place. Deep in her gut, she sensed he wouldn’t do anything to hurt it, or her mission of an unbiased report.
“Changing your mind about leaving?” His hands lingered. He stood a little too close, heat from his body radiating into hers. The musk of his aftershave lingered in the air, making her think about that moment when he’d tucked her against his hard chest. Being snuggled against him kindled all sorts of emotions deep inside her, ones she didn’t want to think about. Eventually she’d return to
Washington
. Liam was right. She doubted she’d get to visit
Alaska
ever again.
Sarah shook her head. “Nat told me to stay. I don’t believe her, but I’m staying. Both of you have good points about my not returning right now.” She stepped away, afraid if she stood in his arms a moment longer she’d stand on tiptoe and kiss him. That wouldn’t be a good idea at all.
“Good. I’m glad you’re staying.” He released her and turned on his heel, presumably to head back to his den.
Sarah watched him leave, noticing the tight fit of his jeans across his rear and his long, muscled legs. Staying here was good for her job. She wasn’t sure yet about her peace of mind.
~* * *~
Two days later Liam led her down the path his brother had recommended for jogging promising something special. She still held reservations about staying, but knew she was doing the right thing. At least that’s what her conscience told her. Her heart, on the other hand, wished she were back in
Washington
trying to smooth things over.
If Liam had any concerns about her remaining here, he didn’t show them. Instead, he’d gone out of his way to be helpful, answering her scores of questions about his tours and how the drilling affected his business. He’d been quite forthcoming with information, including showing her some of the returns and the diminished income if increased drilling closed off access to certain parts of the national park.
She stared at Liam’s broad back, wondering what the surprise he kept mentioning was. They had minimal gear making an overnight stay in the woods out of the question. He motioned for her to stop just before a gateway formed by several low bushes. “I’ll be right back.” He hurried through the passageway leaving her alone in the middle of the trail.
She waited there, her stomach fluttering. Before she had a chance to let her mind run away from her, he motioned for her to follow.
“Quiet. I want you to see something.”
She nodded, feeling like a school girl traipsing toward Old Lady Kennedy’s house. No sooner had she passed through the bushes than a flash of brown caught her attention. She froze. A large grizzly bear stood on his hind legs pulling down ripe late-season berries from a tree.
Liam moved beside her. He placed his hand on her arm. “Just watch.”
Out of the corner of her eye she watched him, wondering how he could be so calm with such a large creature so close. The bear looked magnificent, easily weighing several hundred pounds. His fur shone, the shaggy hair tipped with lighter brown, giving him the classic grizzly appearance. This close she saw his large teeth, the gaping maw of his mouth as he devoured the berries.
She struggled to keep from shrinking away. Liam’s strong hand on her arm reassured her. Surely if something were to happen, he wouldn’t have brought her here. She hoped. Mauled by a bear would make a pretty good story for going back to
Washington
with, but she doubted it’d help Liam’s cause of stopping the drilling. The power of the bear captivated her. His big paws, larger than Liam’s hands, gripped the branch so tenderly not even a claw marred the bark. Though he lacked the dexterity of human fingers, the combination of his muzzle and paws did an amazing job at getting to the berries.