Grumbling, the two guides meandered back into the kitchen while Lennard explained how her trip would go. “I’ll be cooking your meals while you stay here, and when you leave to find those bears, it’ll be on horseback. Jenner will take care of your gear and pack your animal, as well as cook when you are roughing it.”
“How long will we be out in the bush?”
“Depends. Jenner does things differently. If you were with Chance or Dalton, I’d say two days, maybe three. Jenner hunts until he gets his clients the experience they want, though. It’s why he’s hard to book. I never know when he’s going to have an opening for a new tour. And you’re probably wondering why I put up with that.”
“It crossed my mind.”
“Well, Jenner’s the best damned registered Alaskan guide there is. Forget that he owns half this place. He’s the real deal. His success rate with spotting, scouting, and bagging big game is off the charts. Ask anyone in any outfit around here. Jenner is a living legend. He’s turned down many, many offers to join other lodges to guide for them. For some reason, I got lucky enough that he dug his heels in here when I was about to lose the place, and he put up a huge investment just to help me keep it. He’s good, but those boys are right. He has no patience for anyone, and he’s not a big talker, so best wrap your head around that before you go out so you aren’t disappointed.”
“Sir, I’m just here to photograph grizzlies, not to make friends or have campfire singalongs. I’m comfortable with quiet.”
Lennard inhaled deeply and nodded his head. “I bet you are. You’d have to be to travel on your own like you do.”
The remark wasn’t meant to offend, but pain slashed through her middle. If Lennard knew why she traveled as much as she did, he wouldn’t be looking at her with his bright blue eyes all full of respect. He’d think her weak for running from her demons. She liked the old man, though, and wouldn’t blur his opinion by explaining why she preferred the quiet.
Likely, she and Jenner would get along just fine.
Chapter Two
Chance and Dalton had relaxed around her almost immediately and were now sitting on the big couch of the great room with their feet on the table, beers in hand, as they watched sports re-runs while Lennard was cooking something delicious smelling over the stove in the kitchen.
“You sure you don’t want us to turn the channel to a reality show or something?” Dalton asked through a grin. “Billion dollar weddings or a cat show or something.”
Lena snorted at the tease and muttered, “Fuck you.”
Chance laughed and turned up the volume to better hear the sports announcer while Lena curled her feet under her on the dark leather reclining chair and went back to sketching ideal shots she wanted to take. It was silly since she knew as well as anyone that when she was in the moment, shooting pictures, a shot never went according to plan. And sometimes a money shot was one she would’ve never imagined. But this, sketching and planning, was tradition before a big shoot. It settled her mind and her nerves and allowed her to focus on the task at hand more easily.
Biting her bottom lip, she frowned as she erased the odd angled eyes of the grizzly she’d drawn. Satisfied after drawing them back, she twisted in her comfortable chair and asked for the fifth time, “Lennard, are you sure you don’t want any help in there. I really don’t mind.”
“Yeah, make me a sandwich,” Dalton said through a teasing grin.
She smiled and rolled her wrist, lifting her middle finger with a flourish before she went back to sketching. The little crap-starter was just trying to get under her skin, but if she’d learned anything hanging around mostly men in her profession, it was that when the teasing started, it was a sign of acceptance.
“No, you relax Lena,” Lennard called over his shoulder. “Usually I’m cooking for a lot more people, so this is an easy meal.”
Lena smiled to herself and pulled a blanket from the arm of the chair. She was already showered for the night and in a pair of flannel pajama bottoms and a long-sleeved shirt. It was July, but it was cold at night in this high-ceiling lodge. Thankfully, Lennard had sent her an extensive list of clothing she would need for a guided tour, so she’d come prepared.