Denali Dreams Read Online Free Page B

lady. You’ve smiled twice in one day. That’s got to be a record.”
    “Yeah, whatever.”
    His friend grinned then headed to the door.
    “Don’t do it.”
    “You gonna stop me?” Nobody messed with David. He was huge.
    Zack growled. “Fine. Her name is Karon.”
    “And?”
    “That’s all I know! Other than the fact she has tiny feet and a beautiful smile.”
    David smacked him on the back this time. “I knew it! You like her. Let’s get to the café for dinner and you can tell me all about it.”
    “How ‘bout we just get dinner? We’ve got lots to review for the season.”
    “Two incredible bachelors like us?” David jangled his keys. “Nah, your love life is way more interesting. Considering there’s never been one before.” He laughed. “Besides, I don’t want to talk shop. There are too many tourists right now, and a bunch of rich kids climbing my mountain that we’ll probably have to rescue.”
    David’s grousing about the climbers on “his mountain” was a standard at the ranger station. Hearing him grump about it made people think he was in the wrong vocation. But when it came to teaching and rescuing, he was one of the best. David hated for anyone to get hurt on his mountain. “What about
your
love life? Why can’t we discuss that?” Zack said.
    “Nice try, Taylor. I’ll make you a deal. When someone catches my attention, you have full permission to grill me.”
    “Deal.” Zack’s stomach growled. “Let’s get some grub. I’m starved.”

    Check-in day. Karon’s heart soared. And plunged. All at the same time.
    Clint hopped out of the rented SUV and walked with her to the door of the ranger station. “You ready?” Ever since his arrival in Alaska, he’d been back to his usual supportive self. Maybe her little temper tantrum had done its job.
    “As I’ll ever be. We’ve checked in our equipment with AMS; we’ve trained; we’ve prayed.” She giggled. “I’m ready to get to the mountain now.”
    He opened the door for her. “I hate to admit it, but I’m really looking forward to this.”
    “So you’re admitting I had a good idea?”
    He grinned. “Nope. I’m just gonna beat you to the top.” Make that his
usual-supportive-competitive
self.
    “Not a chance, you wimp.” She poked him in the side and laughed. “I’ll be the first one to—” Her face collided with a backpack before she could spit out the word
summit.
    Attached to the backpack was ranger Zack Taylor.
    Heat flooded her cheeks.
    He frowned at her and walked away.
    Her heart sank. So much for the hope he found her attractive.
    Missy waved from the desk. “You guys here to check in?”
    Karon straightened her shoulders and attempted to banish Zack from her mind. “Yep! We’re ready for our briefing.”
    “All right, follow me.” Missy led them into a conference room.
    Karon sucked in a small gasp when she saw Zack leaning over the table discussing something with another ranger.
    He looked up.
    Missy spoke, “This is Zack and John. Two of our best mountaineering rangers. Zack is also a helicopter rescue pilot. They’ll be doing your briefing today.” She turned to leave and smiled at Karon.
    “Thanks,” Karon croaked.
    Zack straightened and crossed his arms. “So it’s just the two of you with your guide?”
    Words wouldn’t come.
    Clint cleared his throat and gave her an odd look. “Yes.” He reached out a hand to Zack. “I’m Clint Granger.”
    John smiled. He shook Clint’s hand as well. “Nice to meet you.” He turned to Karon. “And you are?”
    Cotton. Her mouth was filled with cotton. How did Zack hold the power to tongue-tie her every time they met? She blinked. Swallowed. “Karon.” She stuck out her hand as well. “Karon Granger.” Great. Clint’s eyes drilled holes into her. He knew. Ugh.
    John turned to look at Zack and then sat down. “Well, why don’t we begin? We’ve got your paperwork. You’re registered with AMS guide service. They’ll take good care of