“I’ve never seen the Deschutes River before. What’s it like?” She tilted her head and subjected him to a speculative gaze.
Marc eyed her warily. “It’s known primarily for white water rafting.”
“How exciting.”
Trying to dispel the image of Julia as an inquisitive hungry bird and he, a fat juicy worm, Marc shifted on the loveseat.
“Are you going alone?” she persisted.
“Where?”
“To the river, the town, wherever.”
“Yes,” he replied. “But I also have a few friends I visit while I’m there.”
“Would you like some company?”
Marc blinked at the boldness of the request. “Excuse me?”
He looked to Brian and Sara for help. Brian remained stoic and Sara grinned. “Uh—”
“I’m not doing anything tomorrow and I’d love to see some of the area while I’m here. Don’t let me put you on the spot, but I’d love to go.”
Marc felt his face grow warm. The thought of spending so much time undiluted with Julia unnerved him. “I’m staying for the whole weekend.”
“Are you going to sleep in a tent?”
“No, I’ll be staying with friends.”
“So then, what’s the problem? Surely there are hotels or motels or whatever around there.”
He looked at the diminutive figure before him. How could such a sweetly dominating personality come from such a little person?
“Yes, there are places to stay. But it’s very rugged. Have you ever hiked before?”
“Not really, but I know I could do it. When do we leave?”
Marc floundered for some excuse to say no, although his heart went in the opposite direction. “Are you sure you have the right clothing and gear?”
“What do I need?”
He nearly groaned out loud. He suspected the only hiking she’d ever done was on a stairway when the escalator at the mall was out of service.
Sara piped up. “Do you have jeans, hiking boots, thick socks, you know, stuff like that?”
Julia touched her chin. “Jeans? Well, no, but surely the town has some kind of clothing store?”
“You don’t even own one pair of jeans?” Sara asked, her tone incredulous. “The only down side of this pregnancy is that I can’t wear my beloved Levi 501’s!”
Julia gave a delicate shrug and sent a beseeching look at Marc. He rubbed his face. “Look, maybe we could do this another time. I’ll be working and won’t have time to do the tourist thing.”
When he saw her face fall, he backpedaled. Hard. “Well, if you really want to—”
“I do! And I promise I won’t be a bother. I won’t get in your way at all. Maybe I can even help.”
Trying to hide the look of deepening regret from his face while his heart hammered in expectation, Marc stood. “Be ready at six in the morning.”
Julia saluted him. He said goodnight to Brian and Sara before going upstairs.
He shot a glance over his shoulder and saw Sara rise from the couch and take Julia by the arm. “C’mon. Maybe I have some things you could borrow.”
Chapter Nine
The next morning when Marc descended the stairs, he found Julia waiting for him. She wore a pink blouse under a black cardigan. Black pants and sandals completed the improbable outfit.
Julia smoothed her hair, swept up in a fashionable twist, and bit her lip. “I’m afraid I don’t have any suitable clothes, but I’m sure I’ll find something when we get there.”
Marc had to smile. She looked just fine to him. “I need to pick up a few things for the class in town so you’ll have time to do a little shopping.”
“Thanks again for allowing me to come.”
Marc heard the slight apology in her tone. He cleared his throat. “Well then, are you ready?”
She nodded, picked up her purse, and followed him out to his truck.
Once out on the open road, he heard her sigh. She seemed content as she leaned her head back against the seat.
“This is wonderful. I thought I would go nuts if I stayed in Buell Creek one more minute.”
Marc’s pleasure faded. He tamped down a rush of disappointment. How foolish to think she wanted to be with him!
“And I’ve been wanting to see you work. Photography is something I’m not familiar with.”
He sent her a sidelong glance, reminding himself to stop with the assumptions. When it involved a woman like Julia, only trouble would result. She was a relative of friends. That was all.
The trip passed agreeably as they settled into light conversation. The cloudless blue sky and fragrant summer air made him glad she was along, no matter the motivation.
***
Julia gloried in the natural beauty surrounding them as they made their way up into the mountains. The road, flanked by thick towering evergreens, lacy vegetation, and occasional glimpses of wildlife, grew more steep.
The heat of the day was enough to make her wriggle out of her cardigan and don her sunglasses. She rested her head back against the seat and tried to absorb as much of the sunlight shining through the windshield as possible, as if to store up the warmth for the rainy days ahead.
They arrived at their destination a couple of hours later. Marc parked at the town’s lone clothing store. Julia stepped out of the pickup and looked around. The so-called department store was about the size of a 7-11. She hoped they stocked items more feminine than hip waders and overalls.
Marc began to lead her in, but Julia suddenly felt uncomfortable about having him wait around while she shopped. “Don’t you need to get some things for your class? Maybe you can do that now so we don’t waste the whole morning shopping.”
He hesitated. “There’s no real rush, so I don’t mind going with you.”
“I’m sure you’d be bored, Marc. Have you ever been shopping with a woman before?”
He seemed to consider the question. “I guess I’d have to say no.”
She put a hand on his arm. “Trust me when I say I’m rescuing you from what most males consider a fate worse than death. It’s probably right up there with how they feel about opera.”
“I like opera.”
“Now why doesn’t that surprise me?” She fixed him with her most winning smile. “Let's meet back here in, say, an hour?”
Marc put his hands in his pockets. “I guess I know when I’m not wanted.”
Julia laughed at his expression, and turned in the direction of the store while he walked off down the street.
The moment she was alone, she missed him. Julia knew it was silly, but when she looked around and saw all the couples and families, she felt adrift.
Shaking off the sensation, Julia entered the store. She was pleased to find they carried an adequate selection of women’s clothing. Instinct took over from there, and the agreed-upon hour passed quickly. By the time Marc came in the store looking for her, she’d purchased two pair of denim jeans, a pair of hiking boots, heavy socks, a darling daisy print flannel shirt, and several thick cotton t-shirts screen printed with local art and logos. She also bought a small backpack replete with all the items the salesman had insisted were necessary for a day trip on the Deschutes.
Marc smiled when he saw her with all her shopping bags. “It looks like you single-handedly improved the economy of the town.”
She laughed softly, amazed at how wonderful she felt now that they were together again. An attractive man and shopping were a heady mix. Or maybe there was more to it than that—but she decided not to dwell on the possibility.
They had a leisurely lunch in a small restaurant. Afterwards, Marc drove to the local community center where he’d teach the class.
At the center, Julia changed into some of her new clothing in the bathroom. When she went into the activity room Marc had pointed out, parents and excited children milled about while last-minute preparations were made for the class. Julia found herself swept along in the barely restrained frenzy of restless kids and ha
rried adults.
Once everything became organized and brought to a semblance of order, Marc took his place and began the class. Julia watched with interest from the back of the room while he explained the complexities of photography in a way that proved fun and easy to understand. His enthusiasm even made her want to be a part.
He announced that groups were to be formed to take a nature walk in the wooded grounds surrounding the community center. Julia lost sight of Marc in the ensuing mayhem. Somehow she ended up with a squirming child at the end of each hand as the groups reassembled outside to begin the walk.
The purpose of the walk was for the children to collect things like leaves, pinecones, and twigs to use in a photography experiment. Struggling over a fallen log with the two kids in her keeping, she was glad she wore her new boots and jeans.
They all spent an hour foraging through the vegetation for various specimens of nature. At one point Julia looked up from tying the laces of a little girl’s shoes to find Marc watching her from a distance. A pleasant flush spread through her that had nothing to do with the warmth of the day.
Back at the center, they spent the remainder of the afternoon working on experiments involving specially treated light-sensitive paper and boxes pierced with tiny holes. To Julia, it was nothing short of miraculous that in the midst of near chaos, each child ended up with a nature print they could show off to family and friends.
After talking to a myriad of people while helping clean up, she was relieved when Marc appeared at her side to take her to his truck. She sagged against the seat of the Toyota while he drove her to the town’s only hotel. She checked in, and he helped her carry her bags into her room.
Before leaving the room, Marc reached up to her hair to pull out a small leafy twig. It took a minute to completely untangle it, and when he succeeded, Julia smiled tiredly and thanked him.
“I’m the one who should be thanking you for all your help today. I didn’t plan for you to be dragged into the fray.”
“You didn’t plan for me at all. I invited myself, remember?”
“Well,” he said softly, “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me, too.”
Silence burgeoned before Marc spoke. “I’m meeting some friends at a restaurant for dinner. Think you’d be up to coming along?”
Julia nodded. She'd almost be enthused if she wasn't so darn tired.
Marc glanced at his watch. “We have a couple of hours before we need to go.”
“Actually, I was hoping to rest for a bit. Would you mind meeting me here when it’s time to leave?”
“No problem.” He turned to go. “I’ll see you then.”
“Bye.”
The minute the door shut behind her, Julia collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep.
***
As Marc knocked on Julia’s hotel room, he worried about her obvious fatigue after the 4-H class. He assumed she'd hang out at the back of the photography class as an observer—not actually end up on the hike. But she'd been a natural with the kids. He remembered her sweet smile as she engaged her small companions. It was only on the way to the hotel that her manner had seemed subdued, her eyes heavy.
When she opened the door and smiled up at him, he wondered if he’d been imagining things. She looked fresh and lovely, wearing a sleeveless blue dress. Her hair glowed softly in the lights from the hall. He was becoming familiar with the light fragrance of her perfume and tinkling sound of her ever-present bracelets.
To not touch her was unthinkable. Marc held out his hand. When she placed hers in his without reservation, he had to remind himself that she was just being gracious. They walked a short distance to the restaurant. He couldn’t remember why he meant to avoid her.
The restaurant was small, homey, and dimly lit. Marc led Julia around clusters of tables to a curved booth near the back. His small group of friends looked up expectantly at their arrival and made room for them in the booth. After introductions were made all around, Julia turned on her palpable charm, and any awkwardness dissipated into natural, enjoyable conversation.
He could almost imagine they were a couple.
***
It was late when Julia followed Marc’s lead and got up to leave. After saying their goodbyes, they walked out into the cool night air.
Julia smiled as she thought of the last few hours. “That was a lot of fun. You have great taste in friends.”
Marc caught her hand and gave it a light squeeze. “I’m sure the feeling was mutual.”
Julia had planned to say something else, but the instant he touched her, all thoughts went flying out of her head. An occasional car passed by while they strolled along the sidewalk of the main street. Laughter from nearby conversations drifted along the breeze and the song of crickets filled the air. When they arrived back at the hotel, Marc saw her to her room, and seemed reluctant to leave.
He leaned against the door frame, still holding her hand. “Are you sure you want to brave the wilds tomorrow?”
She noticed the way his dark eyes glinted down at her—and tried to remember why being with him was a bad idea. “Yes.”
“Did you get two pair of socks to wear with your boots?”
“Yes, again.”
“Did you get a first-aid kit and a canteen for water?”
She nodded.
“Good, because I might need to borrow them.”
Julia laughed softly. “I had a nice time tonight.”
“Me, too.” His expression shifted and his gaze dropped to her lips. The air between them became charged. Julia knew he planned to kiss her. She caught her breath, inexplicably longing for his touch with all her heart.
A door slammed and loud voices rang out down the hall, ending the moment. She bit her lip when he released her hand and sighed.
“I’ll meet you in the lobby at seven, okay?”
She nodded, somehow comforted by the fact that he seemed as disappointed as she was about what had not happened. Julia murmured goodnight and watched him leave.
***
Marc entered the lobby at seven sharp and saw Julia chatting with the man behind the hotel check-in counter. Regaled in stiff new blue jeans, boots, and a flowery shirt, she looked utterly green.
Julia glanced up and saw him. “There he is!” she hissed to the man. “He’s that author I was telling you about. Oh, I can’t believe it’s really him. I’m so nervous!”
The man looked with forced interest at Marc, apparently trying to figure out just who he was.
Julia approached Marc with a trembling piece of paper and a pen. “Mr. Dorin, may I please have your autograph?”
Marc stifled a grin. A long night of telling himself he was a fool to even hope for a chance with a girl like Julia evaporated in light of her sweet silliness. In that moment he knew he was head over heels. Trying to talk himself out of the fact didn't change anything. On the paper he wrote you’re crazy and handed it back to her.
She took it, brushing her hand against his. “I touched him!” she said over her shoulder. “I will never wash this hand again!”
Marc took her other hand and led her out the door. When they were outside, he turned to her. “What was that all about?”
Her eyes shone in the early morning light. “I noticed they didn’t have your book in their tiny gift shop, so I thought a little PR was in order.”
He laughed. “Despite the fact that it hasn't technically been released yet, are you interested in becoming my agent? Maybe you could get me on a talk show.”
“At least I can try and create buzz.”
“I'm truly appreciative.” As they walked to his truck, Marc wondered how he ever dreaded her company on this trip.
Once inside the cab, Julia pointed at the white paper sack on the dashboard. “What’s that?”
He stowed her backpack behind the seat. “Breakfast.”
“I don’t eat breakfast.”
Marc started the truck and pulled out of the parking lot. “You do today.”
“Why?”
“You need energy to trek the trails.”
Julia peeked inside the bag. “This isn’t energy. This is grease and dough.”
“Mmmm. You’re whetting my appetite.”
Julia made a face when he pulled out a powered sugar donut. He took a huge bite and smiled, knowing he had a little white mustache above his lip.
“Those things give you a sugar rush and then you crash and feel tired,” she said, wrinkling her nose.
“That’s why I also brought peanuts.”
“Peanuts are fattening.”
He held out the bag. “Choose your poison.”
Julia gave a little shiver and peered into the bag. Gingerly, she pulled out a plain cake donut and held it up for inspection like it was a bug. “I don’t think I’ve ever eaten one of these things before.”
“I suppose it would be considered fashionably incorrect to eat a donut in southern California.”
She smiled ruefully after taking a nibble. “You’re not far off. I think I started dieting before I turned ten.”
“Well, don’t worry. You’ll burn it off today.”
***
Julia felt sure she’d burned that donut off an hour ago. She was ravenous and they were still hiking to some elusive place along the Deschutes River.
They were surrounded on all sides by the roar of the water and the majesty of the flora that lined the riverbanks. Julia couldn’t appreciate the view too much. She was too busy trying to keep up scrambling over huge boulders that ran alongside the river. Suddenly, Marc stopped. Julia nearly ran into him.
“Here,” he announced, and began to unload his camera equipment.
Julia gratefully sank onto a moss-covered rock nearby. She grimaced and rubbed her blistered ankles only when sure Marc had his attention elsewhere.
She watched while he set up his tripod and put a light filter onto the lens of one of the two cameras he’d brought along. He became consumed in his task; it seemed she no longer existed. Julia didn’t mind. She found it fascinating to watch him work. Every move he made was methodical and meticulous.
Lights and Shadows (Oregon In Love) Page 7
