Kirk spoke first. “Most of the women of our acquaintance would never offer to help.”
“Maybe they need to find some manners,” Fiona said sweetly. “I only have my day pack. Coffee is a great idea. Would you like one or, if you’re too busy to drink a hot drink, I can get you a can of soda?”
The two men gaped again, which made her wonder about the women in their lives. Given their rugged and handsome looks, the brothers must have women falling over themselves to spend time with them. A flash of something resembling jealousy caught her unawares. The low growl that escaped, shocked her more.
“Um, sorry. My mind drifted,” she said, praying they wouldn’t notice her guilty blush.
“A soda sounds perfect,” Stig said. “We’ll be here loading our freight. Take your time since it will be at least an hour.
Fiona nodded, flashed them a quick smile. “Can you recommend a café?”
“There are two. Either is fine,” Kirk told her. “That way.”
With a wave, she hustled in the direction he’d indicated. The weight of a stare settled on her shoulders. Two stares, probably, given the heaviness of the prickly sensation itching between her shoulder blades. Happiness filled her at the knowledge the two men considered her worthy of the attention.
Robert had been wrong.
Other men considered her attractive and her weight didn’t deter them. Her heavy coat added to her bulkiness, but they’d still studied her with masculine gleams in their eyes.
Half an hour later, Fiona wandered back with drinks, sandwiches and snack food—enough for three.
Kirk saw her arrive and waved her toward the cab. “It’s open. Stow your gear on the seat. We’ll find a place for it later. You can sit in there out of the cold.” He continued stacking boxes on the sled while Stig toted them from the train.
Both men had worked up a sweat and discarded their coats.
The boxes didn’t appear heavy. She could help. After dumping her gear and purchases in the cab, she trotted toward the train.
“I want to help,” she told Stig.
His brows drew together in a combination of horror and astonishment.
“You’re not charging me. I can carry boxes.” When it looked as if he’d argue, she plucked two boxes from the nearest stack. Yes, she could manage three, but she’d limit herself to two in case the clumsy bug struck her without warning.
“What are you doing?” Kirk demanded.
“Getting some exercise before I spend hours sitting,” she retorted. “Don’t argue.” She set the boxes down and returned for her second load.
Stig shook his head. “Kirk failed to dissuade you too.”
“Yes,” she said cheerfully, excited about her upcoming journey to Churchill. She’d see more traveling across the frozen lands and if she were lucky, she might see polar bears sooner rather than later.
Thanks to Fiona’s help, they loaded quicker than Stig’s estimate. Kirk had packed the vegetables so the boxes wouldn’t move around. The late order for a pallet of dried dog food meant their two sleds were full. This first trip would be a good test, and now eagerness to get moving simmered in his gut.
They settled in the cab with Fiona in the middle. Kirk grinned at him, and Stig knew his excitement wasn’t solely because of the start of their new business venture. It was Fiona. Something about the woman pushed their bears, attracting them like the forming of the sea ice snared the attention of every bear in the vicinity, and he couldn’t wait to see where this attraction might lead.
His senses told him she wasn’t immune to them either since she kept peeking at him and Kirk when she thought they weren’t paying attention. He picked up his phone and rang Leif.
“Hey, we’re loaded and about to leave,” he said when Leif answered. “What’s the weather forecast? I haven’t checked.”
“Snow is forecast for early tomorrow morning, so push as fast as you can. No problems your end?”
“Nope, we have a full load. Have Josef and Arve left yet?”
“They’re almost ready to leave. Ma dropped by for a visit. Things went to crap and—”
“Watch your language. We have a lady onboard, hitching a ride to Churchill. She wants to see polar bears.”
Leif chuckled. “You’re kiddin’ me.”
