Men of Alaska 2: Sterling Sunshine Read Free Page A

shrugged.
    “Look, I know what he’s up to.” Tony sighed.
    “Up to?” she asked.
    “I wanted to ask you out and pursue things once you moved up here. Obviously a group situation makes it a little more complicated to date,” Tony said.
    “You think I didn’t like Ross? Or was it that Mel is with your brother and I’m living there? Is that weird?” she asked.
    “No, that’s not the weird part. You and Ross have met, and I think that has real potential. I don’t know if Jason told you about our third sometimes guy,” Tony said.
    She looked from Ross to Tony. “Jason and everyone there has been very helpful with my move and getting me adjusted to Alaska. But there’s privacy. Jason hasn’t really gone into it. Mel said she didn’t really understand the details but mentioned a guy named Matt. I think I met him. In Mel’s defense, she has three men’s families to learn and a new town.”
    “It’s not Mel’s job to play matchmaker.” Ross felt things potentially going off track. He liked that she wasn’t needy or waiting around for them but realized Tony’s point was spot-on. She might not want drama and complications. But they were all in the early to mid-thirties. Who didn’t have some baggage and deal-breakers at that point?
    “Exactly. I don’t know how this ménage dating works either. Mel was sort of locked in working with her trio in the dark of winter. I’m not planning on leaving, but I’m not underfoot, so if men are interested, they might need to work a little. Like ask me out.” She smiled.
    “Then we should tell you about Matt. He moved here from the north. He grew up in Nome and did his pilot certifications. He’s worked Medvac flying helicopters then bush planes for supplies deep into the Arctic Circle. He’s a bit of a wild guy who likes to wander every so often,” Tony said.
    “I think you did meet him at the boat launches. He blew into town for a bit not long after you were moved in and, before we could sort out anything, he headed back out.” Ross knew that even if she was okay with a guy who traveled for work a bit, he had to be around enough for her to be sure he belonged in her life.
    “So you guys just take him when he comes back, and he leaves when he wants?” she asked.
    “His dad was an ice-road trucker. So he was gone for a long stretch. Then he went out on the boats and worked the summer. He had a dad but he was always off working to make the most money for the family. Matt has that same habit only with flying. The weather can be unpredictable and he knows Nome, Anchorage, Bethel, the Kenai, and Deadhorse up by Prudhoe Bay. He’s good.” Tony shrugged.
    “Well that’s good. So he gets a lot of work. You three are an interesting group,” she said.
    “He’s got a gift for reading the weather signs, especially on the coasts where it can be tricky. He’s a great guy, but pinning him down is a pain.” Ross didn’t want to harp on the subject. “Let’s start with lunch, and you can see if you want to work with me on this tourism thing and give us a chance at a real date.”
    “Totally independent offers,” Tony said nervously.
    She laughed. “I’m not going to trade sex or dates for help with the tourism angle, and I’m pretty sure that’s not what was being suggested. This Matt, doesn’t sound like he cares much about Sterling. He loves all of Alaska.” She stood and slid her bag over her shoulder.
    “I like you even more. Very ethical business sense and you’ve got Matt down. He’s a complicated guy at times, but we’re used to him. Tony and I try to be straightforward.” Ross winked at his guy.
    Ross finally understood Tony’s reluctance. He was totally enamored of Gretchen. She was beautiful, smart, and had a strong personality. Screwing it up once might mean no second chance. Matt could screw it up for them in one bad date.
    “Café?” Tony suggested.
    “We can take my car,” Ross said.
    “Sounds great.” She led the way out and Tony