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Casey lifted her foot to show her worn, clunky boots. “Yes, like these. Something waterproof and with a good tread.”
“They’re ugly,” groused Veronica, her vivid blues hostile as she stared at Casey.
Casey blinked in surprise that the girl had even heard the conversation, with her earbuds blasting whatever she’d loaded on her attached iPod.
“Veronica, be polite.” Jake admonished the girl with an apologetic glance at Casey.
Casey made a gesture for him not to worry about his daughter’s rudeness.
“I agree,” Amelia said. She stood slightly apart from the rest of the group and looked regal in her designer stretch pants and frilly top. She’d taken off the shearling jacket she’d arrived in. “Do they come in colors other than brown?”
Holding on to her patience and trying not to take Veronica’s dark looks personally, Casey said, “I’m not sure. You can purchase boots at The General Store on Treasure Creek Lane.”
Amelia moved to stand near one end of the table. Her bangle bracelets clinked as she gestured. “We have to carry all of this stuff?”
“Yes, you do.”
Amelia picked up a freeze-dried dinner package. “What’s this?”
Suppressing a smile, Casey said, “Food.”
Amelia made a face. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Nope. Each pack will hold a little over eight pounds of food that will last for the seven days we’re out.”
“Wait,” Amelia said, her gaze narrowing. “We don’t have a pack mule, or something, to carry our food?”
Casey shook her head, sure now Amelia would back out. “No. This isn’t City Slickers, the Alaska version. This is the real deal.”
Looking almost green, Amelia stepped away from the table.
Turning back to the others, Casey said, “We’ll be walking four to six miles a day, making camp each night. We’ll loop around the Chilkoot trail, crossing through some mountainous territory and skirting along the Taiya River, where you’ll get a chance to do some fishing. We should have mild weather, with the high temp in the midsixties and lows at night in the thirties or forties. But everyone should be prepared for rain, as well.”
“Just kill me now,” Veronica groaned. “I can’t walk that much.”
“You’ll do fine,” Jake said, between clenched teeth.
Casey smiled at Veronica. “Don’t worry. We’ll take breaks and have plenty of time to savor the breathtaking views.”
“Oh, goody,” Veronica replied, her tone full of sarcasm.
Amelia sidled up to Jake and Veronica. “Stick with me, kid. We’ll make it happen.”
Veronica’s gaze narrowed. “Did you make your necklace?”
Seemingly unfazed by Veronica’s surly tone, Amelia touched the gold, beaded trinket at her neck and arched her eyebrow. “No. This a Marc Antonio original. Worth way more than that iPod you’re attached to.”
Veronica blinked. “Oh, a Marc Antonio? Wow.”
Casey couldn’t believe it. The kid hadn’t even flinched at the insult, and was impressed by her sister’s gaudy jewelry. Casey didn’t even know who Marc—whatever—was.
Forcing her attention back to the orientation, Casey talked about the trip a bit more, showed some slides highlighting points from past trips and then answered questions. When everyone was satisfied and had taken a packet of necessary information, Casey headed over to Jake and his daughter, hoping to connect with the kid. Jake seemed to be having a hard time with the preteen as they conversed near the door. Veronica’s pretty face was pulled into a sullen pout as she stared at her father’s feet—while he bent to catch her eye.
“Remember what I told you. How you experience this is up to you,” Jake was saying as Casey approached. Veronica snorted.
Jake glanced Casey’s way and straightened. His be leaguered expression tugged at Casey’s heart. She could tell he was really trying. Not that she had much experience with adolescents, but she wanted to reach out to Jake and his daughter just the same.
“It won’t be as awful as you’re anticipating,” Casey said.
Veronica didn’t look up. “Yes, it will.”
“Veron—”
Casey held up her hand to cut off his words. “I remember the first time I went out on a full-blown backpacking trip. I was about your age when my uncle loaded me up with a pack that weighed more than I did. I’ll admit, in the beginning it was very tiring and I was sure I couldn’t go on, but after a while you get into a rhythm.”
“Like a conga line?” Amelia asked, as she joined them. “I can get into that.” She started doing the conga, rolling her arms, kicking her feet out to the side.
Casey blinked in surprise to see her sister, usually so very staid and controlled, act so goofy. And even more surprising was the tug of a smile on Veronica’s face.
“Well, I don’t know about the conga, but it will be fun,” Casey said.
“I’m looking forward to being out in nature and away from all the electronics,” Jake said, his gaze directed at Casey.
“Whoa. What? No electronics?” Veronica looked scandalized.
“No electronics,” Jake stated, firmly.
“You won’t miss them. I promise,” Casey interjected.
The grateful and approving look Jake sent her way made her cheeks heat up.
“No iPod even?” Amelia asked, looking nearly as traumatized by the prospect.
Jake slanted her a cutting glance. “Nothing.”
Amelia and Veronica shared a long-suffering look.
“Can I talk to you?” Casey took her sister by the arm and led her away before she had time to protest.
“Don’t do that,” Casey said, keeping her voice low as they halted a few feet away.
“Do what?”
“Undermine Jake with his daughter.”
Amelia gave her a look that clearly said she thought Casey was nuts. “Please. I wasn’t. When did you become Miss Goody Two-shoes, anyway?”
Casey frowned, stung by that assessment. “I’m not.” At least she’d never thought of herself that way. She had responsibilities, and she took them seriously. Uncle Patrick had taught her the importance of that.
Amelia rolled her eyes. “Whatever.” She walked away and headed straight back to Jake and his daughter.
Casey had a sinking feeling Amelia was trying to worm her way into Jake’s heart through his daughter. A few minutes later, Amelia called out to Casey. “Hey, sis, we’re heading over to Lizbet’s for milkshakes. You want to come with us?”
She did, with everything in her. But it was her responsibility to put away the orientation gear and close up the tour company. Trying to keep her disappointment and frustration from echoing in her voice, she said as neutrally as she could, “I’ve got to close up.”
“Okay, then,” Amelia said, with a satisfied smile, before she walked out the door with Veronica following closely behind.
Jake strode over to where Casey stood. Her heart fluttered at his closeness. “Come to Lizbet’s when you’re done,” he said.
Liking that he’d think to make the suggestion, Casey nodded. “I’ll will. Thank you.”
He held the packet of information up. “There’s an awful lot of stuff here. Would you be willing to help Veronica and me purchase everything we need?”
Thrilled by the request, she tried to keep excitement out of her voice. “Of course. I’d love to.”
He grinned. “Great. How about tomorrow morning?”
“Perfect.”
“You’re the best.” He saluted and jogged away.
“The best,” she repeated, though inside her head the refrain “one of the guys” mocked her. Did Jake see her as “one of the guys”?
And did she care?
Jake stirred his melting chocolate milkshake while his daughter and Amelia chatted nonstop about fashion and makeup. He’d long since tuned them out, staring through the front window of Lizbet’s Diner. At least he had a view of the main street through Treasure Creek to occupy his attention.
He wasn’t keeping watch for Casey to join them for milkshakes. He really wasn’t. He’d heard she was a serious loner. Way too independent, too self-sufficient to ever want a family. So not his type.
Behind him the little restaurant buzzed with activity. It was a Friday night, after all. Lots of people were out for a bite to eat, or, like the three of them, here for one of Lizbet’s delicious milkshakes. The rustic eatery, with its wooden tables and benches, plank floors and mason jars filled with flowers as centerpieces, was a popular hangout for the locals. The menu ranged from good old-fashioned hamburgers and fries to more fancy salmon steaks, to basic breakfast fare, which they served all day.
Jake glanced at his watch. Forty-five minutes. Did it really take Casey that long to close up the tour offices?
“Do you have somewhere to be?” Amelia asked.
Jerking his gaze to Amelia’s lively blue eyes, Jake felt heat rise up his neck. He’d made it too obvious that he was bored. “It’s getting late,” he said, inanely.
“Dad, it’s not even nine o’clock,” Veronica whined, with a toss of her long mane. “And tomorrow’s Saturday.”
Old pain rippled through his heart. The way Veronica flipped her hair was so reminiscent of Natalie. Amazing how Veronica shared so many of her mother’s physical gestures, even though she was an infant when Natalie left. Genes were powerful things.
“Yeah, Jake. Tomorrow’s a sleep-in day,” Amelia interjected, with a mocking tone.
“Fine. We can stay a little longer,” Jake said, at a loss as to why he was so antsy.
Amelia gave him a regal smile. She really was a pretty woman, Jake thought. Very polished and striking. He’d watched several male heads turn when they’d entered the diner. His daughter certainly had taken a shine to Amelia, once Veronica discovered their common interest in fashion. He couldn’t believe his luck.
Thank goodness Amelia had elected to join their tour. He thought she’d be a good influence on Veronica. Amelia related well to his daughter, and it seemed like she would be a good role model, considering she actually had a paying job in the fashion industry that fascinated Veronica so much.
A strange sensation pricked the back of his neck and he looked out the window. His gaze collided with Casey’s. The prickle at his neck became a buzz that shot through him. Man, she’d startled him. She was standing on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. He raised his hand to wave her inside, but she was already turning away and hurrying down the street.
Why was she leaving? And what was that odd expression on her lovely face? She looked…upset.
Abruptly, Jake stood, startling Amelia and Veronica. “I’ll be right back,” he said, and rushed out of the diner.
Casey moved down Treasure Creek Lane at a fast clip, passing the carefully designed building façades that created a feel of an era long past. In its heyday, Treasure Creek had been a booming gold-rush town, because its location made a perfect point for prospectors to embark from on their quest for gold up the Chilkoot and White Pass trails.
Tonight however, Casey’s quest was to nurse her wounded pride in the privacy of her own home, before her sister returned. How silly of Casey to think that joining Jake, Amelia and Veronica was a good idea. From the way Jake and Amelia were making moon eyes at each other, Casey knew there was no room for her in the equation. Her heart squeezed tight.
Why that hurt so much she didn’t know. Well, okay maybe she did know. Jake had gone out of his way to make sure she’d been included, and had even asked for her to help in acquiring the appropriate gear for their upcoming tour. She’d let that attention go to her head. She’d let herself believe he was interested in her.
Of course he’d gravitate to Amelia. Everyone did. Casey really shouldn’t be concerned that Jake would get hurt by her twin. The man was an adult. He could take care of himself.
But still…Casey sighed and silently chanted, “Not my problem. Not my problem.”
She would get through this tour by keeping things professional and detached. And by locking her heart up tight. It had always worked in the past.
She veered left and crossed the street, barely slowing to allow a car to pass. She picked up her pace and had made it halfway down the block when someone grabbed her elbow from behind.
“Hey,” she yelped, and wrenched her arm away, preparing to strike out. She blinked in stunned surprise to see Jake standing next to her, bathed in the glow of the streetlamp. Light reflected off his dark hair and kissed the angular planes of his handsome face. He jammed his hands into the pockets of his jeans, stretching the pale yellow-colored pullover across his muscular chest.
“Whew, woman. You can hustle. Didn’t you hear me calling your name?” Jake asked, sounding a bit winded.
“No. I guess I was lost in thought,” she said, relaxing her stance. “What are you doing here? Where’s Amelia and Veronica?”
“They’re still at Lizbet’s. I saw you through the window. Why didn’t you come in?”
Ugh. She’d hoped he hadn’t noticed her standing there, gawking at them. Like an outsider looking in. “It’s late.” She scrambled for a reasonable explanation. “I figured you all were about done anyway.”
“We’d have still welcomed you,” he said, studying her face. “The orientation went well. I’m excited about this trip. And thank you for your willingness to help us shop tomorrow. I think it will be a good experience for Veronica and me.”
She smiled. “That’s my goal.” Nothing more.
Right?
The door to the church opened. Pastor Ed Michaels and his wife, Jenny, stepped out. Grateful for the interruption to the embarrassing encounter, Casey waved. She really liked the forty-something couple, even if she didn’t regularly attend services. Pastor Ed locked the door and then escorted his wife down the walkway.
“Good evening, Casey,” Pastor Ed said. “Jake.” The two men shook hands. “Have you met my wife, Jenny?”
“Nice to meet you,” Jake said.
Jenny, a petite brunette with a sunny disposition, smiled back. “Hello.” Her gaze bounced back and forth between Jake and Casey. “What are you two up to this evening?”
Casey nearly groaned aloud. The last thing she needed was for the pastor and his wife to think she and Jake were dating, when that couldn’t be farther from the truth. News like that traveled fast in a small town, and if she didn’t nip in the bud now, everyone would have them hitched and setting up housekeeping before she knew it.
Helping Jake shop tomorrow didn’t count. That was business. Nothing more.
“My daughter and I are taking a guided tour with Casey in a couple of days. Casey has graciously agreed to help us pick out our backpacks tomorrow, and we were discussing that.”
