Denali Dreams Read Online Free PDF Page A

you, but they’re not babysitters. They know their stuff, so listen to your guide carefully.”
    Karon nodded. John continued to talk, but Zack drew her gaze like a magnet. Why wouldn’t he look at her? Why was he frowning?
    “… I’m assuming you’ve practiced with your equipment and understand how to use the CMC?” John was looking at her.
    “Um …” The CMC. Oh, right. The Clean Mountain Can.
    John plopped one on the table. The green plastic container and black lid looked a little small.
    Focus, Karon. All she needed was for the rangers to think she was a total nincompoop. Then she’d never realize her dream. “Yes. The CMC. We understand the ‘Leave No Trace’ policy.” She wouldn’t look at Zack again.
    “Good, you’ll each be issued one at Kahiltna Base Camp.”
    Fun, fun. They had to pack in and pack out everything they had. Including human waste. Karon didn’t even want to think about the equipment she’d had to purchase to help make that possible. Practicing with it was even worse. But it’d be worth it once she reached Denali’s summit. She just had to keep telling herself that.
    Tuning back in, she realized they’d moved on from sanitation to other topics. Clint was talking about their equipment, the color of their tent, and type of stove.
    She really needed to pay attention.
    John asked about their food and fuel.
    Zack continued to frown.
    The senior ranger went on to talk about the route overview and various hazards they could face, camp etiquette, and the different weather conditions. “Basically, you need to be prepared for anything. This climb is unlike any other in the world.” He turned to the brewing ranger at his side. “Zack? Why don’t you take the rest.”
    Zack’s frown deepened. Then he dove into the National Park Service’s regulations and medical rescue policy.
    “You need to be prepared to be self-reliant and to self-rescue.” He looked straight at her. “Your husband may not be there to save you.”
    So that’s what had turned him into a grouch. He thought she was married! Karon placed her palms on the table in front of her. “I’ll have you know, that my
brother
“—she made sure to emphasize the last word—“and I have trained long and hard for this expedition. We know how to self-rescue, and we are very self-reliant.” She shot Zack a long look.
    His neck turned red. Then his face.
    John chuckled.
    Two and a half hours after they’d entered the conference room, Karon and Clint walked out with permits in hand.
    They were cleared to climb Denali.
    But even better than that? The triumphant feeling as she watched Zack’s face when he realized Clint was her brother.
    A warm rush of butterflies filled her stomach. The handsome ranger was attracted to her.

Chapter 7
    I diot.
    The word should be tattooed on his forehead.
    That’s what he deserved for even allowing himself to be attracted to a woman. To make matters worse, he’d have to spend two days with her at Base Camp. His ten-day shift started tomorrow, and she’d arrive the next day. With her
brother.
    John reached around him for the CMC. “So … you gonna fill me in on what that was all about?” The seasoned ranger stacked it on the shelf and reached for the paperwork on the table. John was the father figure of the rangers, and Zack knew he was in for a scolding.
    “Nope.” It’d be all over the station by the end of the hour anyway. It wasn’t that they were gossips, the office just wasn’t that big. And the whole station looked after one another like family.
    John walked toward the door then turned back and sat on the corner of the table. “My advice to you is simple: next time you want to come to work acting like a grizzly and jam your foot in your mouth, stick your head in a pile of snow and rethink it. Don’t offend our climbers.” The warning given, John stood and exited.
    Short and sweet. That was his way. But Zack still felt the sting. This was why he never let his emotions get