Page 1 of Holiday Hostage
PROLOGUE: PAYTON
“I can’t get over the beauty here.” I lifted the camera and snapped another picture.
Everything about Alaska looked like it had been torn from a dream of majestic beauty.
Pictures could never do this place justice, but I had to try, not just for me but for my travel blog readers.
A bright laugh rolled out of Liam’s throat.
He’d met me at the lodge and introduced himself as my guide for the week, and we’d struck up an instant friendship over hot chocolate and donuts.
“Good thing digital cameras exist, huh? Can’t imagine how people survived when they had to deal with film.” He nudged my snowshoe with the edge of his. “How are you holding up, Payton?”
I shrugged and snapped another picture, then turned to grin at Liam. “My legs feel like I’ve been walking in snowshoes for threemiles, climbed a small mountain, and can barely breathe from the majestic views. In other words, I’m perfect.”
I dropped the camera, letting it dangle around my neck as I adjusted the pack strapped across my back.
The puffy coat kept it from digging into my shoulders, but the waist strap didn’t do me any favors when I tried to inhale the crisp air.
“Yep. Alaska will do that to you.” A cloud of white erupted from Liam’s mouth when he laughed again. “I’m glad you came along.”
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss something like this.” I held out both hands toward the snowy mountain range ahead of us.
A trail of winding steps trekked up the mountainside, and a bubbling river traversed a narrow ravine just out of sight of where I stood.
We’d walked along the shore on our way up, our group laughing and calling out to each other so often that we’d probably scared off the wildlife for the rest of the day. “I still haven’t seen a bear.”
“And I hope we don’t.” Liam scowled at me, the good-natured look in his eyes causing them to sparkle even when he tried to be the gruff and serious trail guide.
I’d taken up the challenge of visiting Alaska as a bit of a dare for myself. Why not visit one of the most hostile but beautiful places on earth?
The excitement of the adventure carried me through the first four days, all the way up to agreeing to today’s snowshoe excursion with Liam and nine other visitors.
I rolled my eyes for Liam’s benefit and scribbled notes on a piece of paper. “I’m adding reluctant wildlife to my list.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” Liam narrowed his eyes and put his hands on his hips, puffing out his chest with a mock scowl.
When I first arrived, I’d considered the potential of a short fling with a cute guide.
Liam fit the bill, except from the moment he spoke, I’d felt zero romantic interest. “You know, if I had a brother, I bet he’d be like you.” I poked him in the chest. “Obnoxious.”
“Yeah, well, if I had a sister like you…” He grinned and shook his head. “I’d probably be doing the same thing.”
“Guess it’s a good thing I came here.” I edged closer to the drop-off, sending bits of snow tumbling down the mountain.
Liam grabbed my arm. “Stop that.”
“What? I’m just looking,” I huffed, but moved to a safer spot closer to the trees and the rest of the group.
We’d stopped beneath a cluster of trees for a break, and many of my group were sitting around enjoying their water and food during the lunch break that Liam insisted was necessary.
I’d wanted to see more of the landscape, especially the river. And I had a thing about eating in front of other people.
My own lunch remained in my backpack. I’d barely looked at it when the lodge cook handed out the plastic containers.
One thing I loved about this trip was that I’d booked the all-inclusive package that included having meals prepared for me. Better to let someone knowledgeable take care of nutrition than to allow me to muddle through.
Heck, maybe I’d lose a little weight with all the climbing and walking.
