Desire in the Arctic (6 page)

“None at all,” he repeated tonelessly.

“Well, no. I grew up in Brooklyn. The show wants me to say I’m from Manhattan but you said you want me to be honest.”

“Have you at least gone camping before?”

“Yes!”

“Great.” He exhaled hard, his expression showing relief. “How often do you go?”

“I’ve only been once, actually. But that still counts, right?”

“That depends,” he said, looking as if he had a sudden, severe headache.

“I went during summer camp, right after seventh grade. My whole bunk slept outside. It was fun. The counselors even let us roast a whole bag of marshmallows.”

She could have sworn she heard him swallow. It was almost as if he was choking on one of those marshmallows.

“Any hiking experience?” he asked weakly.

Be engaging, Ana. Don’t look so scared. Crack a joke or something.
She managed a playful smile. “Close. I’ve told people to take a hike.”

He bit down on his lip. It looked like he was in pain. “Fishing?”

“No. The closest I’ve gotten to fishing is picking up jars of herring from the supermarket.” Taking one look at his ashen expression, she added, “I’m a fast learner though. If you teach me how to do these things, I’ll catch on quick. I even managed to learn a whole lot about wilderness survival before I came up here.”

“I think I need a beer,” he said, abruptly changing the topic.

“I can get you one, if you want.” Ana felt her face go hot.

When he stepped away, she put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. “Look, I’m sorry I’m not what you wanted in a partner,” she said quietly. “I kinda got forced into this. With no notice for me to prepare.”

He swallowed again, seemingly making a determined effort to soften his countenance. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. Just do what I tell you, and we’ll get through this ordeal as best as we can.” His face was so scrunched up now he could have been a shar-pei puppy. “How’d they force you?”

“I’m their newest producer. I don’t have much track record yet, so . . .”

“That explains it.”

“Redd!” Gus called from across the bar, interrupting them. “You’re up in half an hour.”

“Up for what?” Ana asked. “Is it something I can help you with?”

“No. He means I’m up for Karaoke.”

Ana’s eyes grew wide. “Wow. You sing?”

“Not usually in public. I was trying to help your crew out. They were in a little bit of a financial pickle.”

He may seem a bit angry, but he is definitely a good guy.
“I can’t wait to hear you,” she responded with a tentative smile.

She was relieved to see him give her a tentative smile back. She could only hope it would become more confident over time.

Chapter 8

Gus yelled Redd’s introduction into the microphone loud enough to have not needed the extra amplification. “All right, settle down, people. Tonight I’ve got something different lined up to entertain you. Gus’ Place has some New Yorkers here to join us for Karaoke night.”

Redd observed the surprised faces of the few dozen local folks sitting around the bar and stage, beers in hand. Some guy in the back, no doubt having been served one too many of Gus’ drinks, let out a
whoop.
A lady, even drunker, screamed, “Tourists!”

Gus continued speaking, unfazed by his patrons. “And we’ve got a man here from Texas, too.”

This comment was greeted by louder hoots and hollers, seemingly more heartfelt this time. Then the drunk woman yelled out, “So what? Still a tourist!”

“Ms. McConly, you’ve got to cut that out,” Gus shouted. “Don’t make me walk you out of here.”

“Fine. I’ll be nice,” the woman grumbled.

“That’s better,” Gus announced, smiling. “Our Texan is former military, so you need to show him proper respect.”

Ms. McConly shouted again, this time chanting, “USA, USA!”

“Ms. McConly, last warning. We appreciate your patronage, and your patriotism, but you’ve got to stop yelling.” He glanced over at a thin, frail woman behind the bar. “Matty, she’s cut off.”

Matty nodded.

If Redd hadn’t been so upset to be paired with a greenhorn he would have been faintly amused. Gus’ Place was a true slice of Americana, even here at the edge of civilization. An American flag was hung by thumbtacks above the bar. A Canadian flag hung next to it. Everyone was dressed casually in worn jeans, sturdy boots, and either tee shirts or sweatshirts. A few people could be farmers, given the faint smell of earth that hung about them. Some looked like they maybe ran some of the local businesses. Two of them looked like academics, no doubt from Fairbanks’ state university. All were unified in their mission to be entertained tonight at Gus’ Place.

Good luck to them.
It had been a heck of a long time since he’d sang, and even longer in public. He was half surprised he was willing to do it now. Somehow, all involvement with Teleworld seemed “do or die,” including this mission.

Gus raised his voice louder, causing the microphone to emit a high squeal from feedback. “Okay, let’s give a big hand to our military man from Texas.” Gus extended an arm in Redd’s direction. Redd stepped up onto the bar’s makeshift stage and quietly cleared his throat.

Gus placed his hand over the microphone and whispered, “What’s your name again?”

“People call me Redd.”

“Get ready for Redd!” Gus called out, causing the room to break out in applause.

Amongst the audience, Redd sought out Ana. She was quirky. Spunky. Really cute. And completely clueless as to survival. Worse, he’d be spending twelve days alone with her. Twelve days to remind himself there was no possible way he was getting involved. No matter how attractive she was. No, the only “hands on” experience he’d be having would be keeping her alive.

Ana quickly realized that Redd wasn’t the only one staring at her. Everybody at the bar was probably wondering why she was standing frozen with her mouth agape. But then they might not be feeling the same pull of attraction to this enigmatic man as she was.

Although she couldn’t imagine why they wouldn’t be. Redd stood on stage looking better than any rock-n-roller could. His cut off tee shirt and tight jeans were part of the reason. His commanding presence the rest.

As if on cue, the music for Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” started playing on the karaoke machine. Redd belted out the vocals. The audience immediately clapped their approval and the drunk woman sang along loudly. Her voice was so off-key, Ana couldn’t tell whether she was trying to harmonize a duet or sabotage the performance. A moment later Ana observed Gus walk behind her, lean down to whisper in her ear, and then escort her out.

Well, good. Why throw off Redd’s song when his voice was so wonderful? Just like the rest of him. Something about him was almost sultry.

Redd’s song was quite popular, if the reaction of the listeners was any indication. “Excuse us, please,” a group of incoming people said to Ana. She stepped to the side to let them through. He was obviously drawing an audience. Maybe people were texting others to come over? Or perhaps passersby could hear through the open windows? However they knew, Ana was finding herself lost in an ever-growing crowd.

Jostled by somebody, she moved out of the way before noticing the person standing next to her was Devon. He, however, was oblivious to her. He stood as open-mouthed as she was and staring straight at Redd.

“He’s good, isn’t he?” Ana remarked, trying to keep her voice casual.

“What? Oh. Sorry, didn’t see you there. Yeah, he’s good. Real good.”

He’s as awestruck by Redd as I am. No wonder Devon and I relate so well to each other.
Ana laughed. “Maybe you want to spend the twelve days with him instead of me?”

Devon nodded, though he still stared at Redd as if in a daze. “Trust me, if Mark allowed it, I’d take your place in an instant.”

“Seriously? You’d risk a gruesome death by wild bears for a chance to be with him?”

“Yup.”

Just then, Redd started the next song. Looking straight at her, he sang, “Heat of the Moment” by Asia.

She was feeling pretty hot herself. She used harsh reality to cool herself down. Redd no doubt saw her the same way everyone else did—funny and sweet but quirky, flighty, clueless and not too bright, either. No matter how hard she tried to prove them wrong. She was still no one to be taken too seriously. And when it came to Arctic survival, no one even remotely qualified. Ana exhaled hard.

“Hey, you okay?” Devon asked softly.

“Yeah, fine.”

“I know you’re scared to be out in the wild for twelve days. I would be. Heck, anyone would be. I’m sure even Redd is nervous.” He put a hand lightly on her shoulder. “You’re going to do great.”

“Devon, can I ask you a question? I want your honest opinion.”

“Sure. Shoot.”

“Why did Mark promote me?”

Devon looked at her thoughtfully, head cocked. “It’s not like Mark and I hang out, Ana. But if I had to take a guess, I’d say it’s because you have a solid reputation. You knew what the producer job entails better than anyone else who came in after Stephanie. Maybe because you actually worked with her. Mark hadn’t come close to filling her shoes when she quit, so after a few tries, he figured he’d try you.”

Ana was silent as she took all this in.

“He must think you’re capable, if that’s what you’re concerned about.” Devon frowned. “Is it?”

Ana nodded, her face flushing with heat.

“I’m not going to tell you something trite like
Don’t be nervous
or
Buck up, little camper
. But I will tell you that we were sent out here because Mark thought you could make the show a big hit. I’m assuming he also thought you actually being on the show would be helpful for you producing shows in the future.”

Ana’s mouth dropped open. “Do you really think so?”
There is hope. I need to keep reminding myself of this.

Devon laughed. “I didn’t fly all the way out to Alaska to watch you get eaten by a grizzly.”

Despite her tension and her doubts, Ana let out a small laugh. Her heart felt a thousand pounds lighter. “Thanks, Devon.”

“No problem.” He winked. “Us New Yorkers have to band together. Especially out here.”

If Devon was right, maybe she really wasn’t seeing herself accurately anymore. Maybe she could survive not only the wilderness but Teleworld. Ana and Devon waited until Redd was done with his three-song set. He wrapped up his performance with Elvis Presley’s “A little Less Conversation.” Gus’ crowd hooted and hollered their approval. With an almost-shy nod of acknowledgment to them, Redd stepped down from the stage and walked over to Ana and Devon.

“Hey,” Redd greeted them.

“You were great,” Ana said. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Tom and James walk over to join them.

“You were absolutely fantastic,” Devon confirmed. “Don’t you guys agree?” he asked the newcomers.

James cocked his head to the side when he addressed Redd. “How come you didn’t tell anybody you could sing like that? Teleworld would have selected you on the spot if they’d known.”

“Because my voice is my own business. I wanted to be on a survival show. Otherwise I would have applied for
America’s Got Talent
.”

“You’d have a shot to win that show, too,” Tom said. “Can we tape you singing before we drop you in the Yukon?”

“No way,” Redd responded calmly. “I only sang now to help you out of a money situation.”

“Please? Mark will love us if we can get you to agree.” Tom’s eyes were round and hopeful.

“Sorry. I only wanted to make sure Mark didn’t kill you.”

James held a full beer glass out to Redd. “Here, drink this as a thank you for helping us today. If you change your mind about singing, let us know.”

Ana smiled to herself. James’ low-key way of trying to persuade Redd made him worthy of his lead camera role. If Redd was going to relent, she didn’t know. With the twelve days they’d have together, she’d have time to figure him out.

Devon waved over the skinny female bartender for more beers. When she handed them out Devon raised his glass in the air. “To Ana and Redd,” he shouted, “our soon-to-be millionaires.”

“Here’s to their having an exciting adventure,” James offered.

“Here’s to their becoming overnight celebrities,” Tom chimed in.

Redd stared intently at Ana over his beer glass. “Here’s to me keeping my partner safe.”

Ana trembled. Redd’s voice sounded so ominous.
He thinks I don’t know what the heck I’m doing. He’s right.
“Thanks, to all of you, too,” she answered softly. “Cheers.”

They clinked glasses, finished their beers and headed back to their bed and breakfast. Ana knew her night in the soft, warm bed, would be her last for a long while.

Chapter 9

Redd awoke the next morning to the sound of a loud bang.
Gunshot?
He tensed, ready for battle, before realizing where he was.
Man, I need to learn to stand down.
Upright in the bed, he hoped his heart would stop hammering. He noticed his right hand was fisted, no doubt from his initial urge to grab a gun. He tried to relax.
I’m safe. I haven’t even left the inn yet.

The loud sound reverberated again through the thin walls of his room in the little bed and breakfast. Whoever was pounding on the door was going to be very sorry. He was contemplating just how sorry when the phone on the night table rang equally loudly. Grumbling, Redd picked up. The banging on the door subsided.

“William Redding,” he barked.

“It’s Devon. James is banging on your door. Don’t you hear him?”

“Obviously. The whole inn hears him, I’m sure. Y’all are gonna get thrown out of here. Ana and I have park accommodations. Y’all gonna join us?” He was so pissed he didn’t bother hiding his Southern drawl.

“I wouldn’t exactly refer to the park as
accommodations,
but I’m happy if you’re happy.” Devon laughed. “Anyway, we were trying to give you a head’s up before you came downstairs. You guys are leaving now to start your twelve days. Be prepared to have our cameras in your face.”

Redd felt his whole body tense up.
This is it. Time to do or die.
He swallowed hard. “Thanks for letting me know. Did you tell Ana?”

“Yes, a minute ago. She sounded just as thrilled as you. Better get going.”

A dial tone kicked in. “I’m sure she is,” he muttered, hanging up. Without lingering any more on the unpleasant prospect ahead, he tossed the bedding aside and got himself on his feet. He flung off the tee shirt and underwear he’d slept in and headed off to the bathroom. He turned on the hot water in the shower but walked back to take a last look at his guest room. The next time he saw this place he’d be a million dollars richer. Either that, or the next wooden structure he’d be staying in would be a pine box.

The thought made him jolt. Immediately he stepped back into the bathroom and closed the door. Shutting out the memory of how he’d last seen Hailey.

Ana stepped gingerly downstairs to the inn’s reception area. She had no idea why she bothered walking softly. Thanks to Devon’s
head’s up
she knew the film crew was there, waiting to tape her descent. And not just her descent down the stairs—her descent from society. She’d literally be going wild.

Seconds later the cameras were rolling, Tom, James and Devon’s faces behind their shoulder-borne video cameras.

“Tell us what you’re feeling right now,” Tom called out.

Not much, since I’m in panic mode.
“Excited to go on the adventure of a lifetime,” she answered.

The cameras swung around to focus on Redd, who was already in the lobby. “And you?” Tom asked him. “What’s going through your mind?”

“In twelve days I’m going to be a million dollars richer.” Redd’s arms folded across his chest, his demeanor cool.

Ana was impressed, and jealous. The best she could do was not throw up.

“What’s your biggest fear?” James shot out at him.

“Not winning the million dollars,” Redd answered dryly.

“Not meeting a grizzly?” James pressed.

“Or a freak storm?” Tom asked.

“Starvation?” Devon suggested.

Ana shot each of them a look. On the one hand, they were only doing their job. If they didn’t follow Mark’s marching orders, they’d be marching right down to the unemployment line. Ana certainly didn’t want pink slips aimed for them. At the same time, these questions were ratcheting up her fear factor. They were also forcing her to answer questions she didn’t feel she could answer truthfully. Telling the world she was terrified, and that the only way she’d been able to get this far was by blocking out bad thoughts, was not an option. She pictured everyone back home writing her off before she even started.
Down for the Count Ana.
The painful thought had a positive impact. She squared her shoulders, ready for the cameramen to turn their lenses back on her.

“What about you,” James shot out. “What are you afraid of?”

“Nothing. I just gotta stay focused,” Ana answered in a voice surprisingly strong and firm.

Maybe if she acted like she believed it, it’d come true. And the faster, the better, because her knees were getting weak and her forehead was starting to break out in a sweat.

Redd looked at her. “Ready to start our journey?”

Again mustering her conviction she answered evenly, “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

“Then let’s go,” Redd said.

Ana tried not to show any emotion. Her eyebrows wavered, fighting the urge to crease. She would not give in. She would be strong.

The crewmen parted and Redd walked over to her. “C’mon, partner.”

She took the outstretched hand he offered. It felt warm and dry, a stark contrast to the swamp hers were. If he picked up on her nervousness, he said nothing about it.

Together they walked out the front door of the inn. Him in the lead, her following close behind. Exactly the way it would be for the next twelve days.