“No, it’s not all right. Either get your head in the game or call the whole thing off, Steele.” Gunnar stomped to his team without waiting for an answer, rolling the tension off of his shoulders.
Katie Cullens stepped into his path. Her perfectly styled hair and trendy coat looked out of place among the well-bundled mass. She had to be freezing.
“Not the best way to start an expedition, Lieutenant Rebel.” The way she threw his rank around rankled. “Do you think this indicates the success of the expedition?”
What kind of question was that? If he could push past her, he would. Her chin shivered, and a vulnerability flashed in her eyes before she pressed her lips together to stop the motion. Fine. He’d cut her some slack this time.
“No. The dogs are just excited to get going. Happens.” Gunnar shrugged and stepped around her.
She wasn’t having any of his brush off, though. Blocking his way again, she flashed a fake smile at him.
“Do you think the hype surrounding the expedition has the team members distracted?” She glanced pointedly at Mason, then lifted her eyebrows when she returned her gaze to Gunnar.
“This expedition’s success will be historic. Mason understands that, and he wants all those here, all the people who’ve supported us locally and our base team, to know that they are a part of history. I’m not worried about his focus and neither should you.”
With that, Gunnar pushed past Katie with a nod and ignored her call of his name. He’d have to thank Julie for giving him words to get the reporter off his back. Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to talk to Katie Cullens again. Ever would be even better.
The string of words was exhausting. The press of people wore on him. When Mason waved to the crowd and hollered at his dogs to get up, all of Gunnar’s tension rushed from his body as his dogs raced after the other four teams.