Cloudburst Ice Magic by Siobhan Muir Read Free Book Online Page B

we’ll need food. They’ll
also radio when they get a team out.”
    Lily scanned their party. “They’ll need at
least five machines to get us and the gear out.”
    “I don’t know if they have that many in
working order. This storm has taken a toll on the gear.” Randy
grimaced. “Someone might have to stay out here tonight.”
    Lily sighed. “I can. Just make sure I have
food and fuel, and I’ll be fine.”
    “I can stay with you, Sinclair. It’s not
good to be alone.”
    “No, you get your butt home to your wife.
I’ll be fine and I can wait. There’s no one expecting me at
base.”
    “What about Zach?”
    “What about me?”
    Lily raised her gaze to the impossibly
beautiful blond man with ice green eyes and a deep yearning welled
up in her chest. She wanted to throw herself into his arms and weep
with relief. But the memory of Caroline’s seductive smile killed
her emotion.
    “Randy says the base is aware of our
location, but the weather is still proving a problem. They’ll have
snowmobiles to come and get us, but they might not have enough for
us and our gear.” Lily gestured to the others. “I’ll stay here if
there aren’t enough machines for everyone. No one’s waiting on me
and he has to get back to his wife.”
    “I’ll stay with you.” Zach gave her a half
smile.
    “That’s not necessary. I can take care of
myself and there’s no need to have more people out here.”
    Zach’s eyes narrowed as he tilted his head.
“It’s better to have more than one person out here in case of an
emergency. I’m happy to stay and back you up.”
    “He’s right, Sinclair.” Randy squeezed her
arm. “I’ll make sure the hikers get down safely and the crew comes
back for you tomorrow.” He shrugged. “It could be a moot point.
They might have enough machines to take all of us.”
    “We’ll see. If not, I want you to get back
to your wife with the hikers.” She shot Zach a look. “Zach can do
what he likes since he isn’t supposed to be out here.”
    “Sounds like a plan.” Randy nodded, but a
frown creased his brow. “I’m going to check on the fire and get the
others comfortable. You okay?”
    “Yeah. I’m good. Hot water will be ready
soon.” Lily gave him a patently false smile.
    Randy nodded slowly and squeezed her arm
before he picked his way through the equipment debris, leaving Lily
alone with Zach.
    “What’s going on, Lily? Why wouldn’t you
want my company?” A frown creased Zach’s silver brows.
    “Why don’t you ask your sultry red-headed
companion over there? I’m sure she’d love it if you made sure she
gets home safe.” Lily hadn’t intended to put so much venom in her
voice, but her anger overrode her good sense.
    Zach grimaced. “I have no connection to her.
I came here for you.”
    “Yeah, I can see that.” She gritted her
teeth to hold back her unreasoning anger.
    “Hey, princess, talk to me. I can feel
you’re upset, but I don’t know why.” He stepped closer and tried to
take her hand. But Lily turned out of his reach, presenting him
with her shoulder.
    “You don’t know why? All right. Let me make
it really clear.” She faced him, tilted her head, and gave him a
coy smile. “‘Oh, thank God, Zach. You found it. You saved us. How
can I ever thank you?’” She batted her eyes at him before they
narrowed. “That give you enough of a clue?”
    Zach snorted. “She’s just grateful to get
out of danger.”
    “Yeah, you just keep telling yourself
that.”
    He frowned. “I did point out it was you who
got us here.”
    “Oh, I know you did, but you saved the day
when it counted because of your superior nose. I can’t compete with
that. Besides, I don’t have broad shoulders and a century of
experience.” Lily glanced over his shoulder and snorted. “But hey,
I’m sure she’d be fawning over me if you weren’t here. Here she
comes on the prowl again, so I won’t get in the way of your
well-deserved adulation.” She pushed past him as