Finding Abby: A Romantic Suspense set in the Colorado Mountains (Whispering Pines Mysteries)

by Rhonda Blackhurst

“Yeah, don’t count on it,” she grumbled.

  “You and your biker friends could ride in the mountains.”

  “Or we could stay where we are and ride there.”

  Abby glanced at her sister and smiled at the look on her face. She was holding out hope that once Piper saw the place and felt the freedom that the space allowed, she would be hooked.

  “Maybe you’ll find a love connection and stay out here,” she said. “Then the whole fandamily would be together.”

  “Or maybe you will find one.” Piper countered. “It’s about time.”

  “No, it’s not the right time.”

  “Good Lord,” Piper said. “You’re a gorgeous single adult woman who has been alone for far too long. Let go.”

  “I have Cooper,” Abby argued.

  “And you’ll still have Cooper. One has nothing to do with the other.” Piper blew out an exasperated breath. “Abs, listen. Devoting one hundred percent of your time and attention to Cooper is not healthy for you or for him. You need to give the kid room to breathe. You’re a helicopter mom. Your helicopter is slowly crashing and taking everyone else down with it.”

  “Are you playing counselor? That’s like a priest counseling on marriage.”

  “I’m not playing counselor, smart aleck. I’m playing sister and friend. I love you. And I love my nephew. Quit suffocating him.” She opened her window, the wind whipping her hair around her face until she scooped it back with one hand, holding it in place. “Speaking of counselors, when is Holly coming up?”

  “She’s not. There’s been a change of plans. And close your window. It’s killing my ears.”

  “Or you could open yours to equalize the pressure.”

  Abby snickered and rolled her window down. “You’re so bossy.”

  When they pulled into the driveway, Abby spotted Stewart talking to Sam and Victoria. She wasn’t surprised in the least that Cooper was within arm’s reach of Victoria.

  “Who’s the welcoming committee?” Piper asked.

  “Sam and Victoria are the college kids I was telling you about that work here in the summer. Victoria is also the one that Cooper has a very obvious crush on.”

  “I can see why. Sam’s the kid whose uncle is coming?”

  “Yup.”

  “Well, if he looks anything like Sam, I’d say he’s going to be hot.”

  “Piper!” Abby laughed.

  “Who’s the guy with them?”

  “Stewart Lang.”

  “He’s uber cute!”

  Abby laughed. “I don’t think so, but …”

  “Is he married?”

  “No, he’s not married. He’s the one I was going to introduce to Holly.”

  “Why Holly? What about you?”

  “He’s not my type. Besides, I told you I’m not looking. And apparently, Holly isn’t anymore, either.”

  Piper gawked at her. “Since when?”

  “Since she met this guy online. She’s going to his family’s beach house this weekend. Sounds like she really has it bad for him. I’m happy for her, though.”

  “I bet.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Your tone says otherwise,” Abby complained. “I am happy for her.”

  “Uh-huh. Whatever.” Piper’s attention had shifted from Abby to the group in front of them. “So tell me about Stewart. And have you had the talk with my nephew? Man! He’s all but drooling over Miss Preppy over there.”

  Abby scowled at her. “I’m going to disregard that last comment. He’s barely ten! To answer your appropriate inquiry, Stewart is a guest at the resort. He’s the one I was telling you about that checked in early and saved Cooper and me from having to deal with the squirrel.”

  “Knight in shining armor. So between this guy and Gabriel, save at least one of them for me. No need to be greedy, okay?”

  “Puh-lease!” she said, sounding more like Cooper than she realized. “This guy just got here last night, I’ve never even met Gabriel yet, and I told you I’m not dating anyone. Nor do I plan to.” She looked over at Piper, grinning. “However, it sounds like you might be changing your mind.”

  “Nope.”

  Abby threw a gum wrapper at her and Piper ducked, opening up the car door and laughing loudly. “Cooper!” she called. “Save your Aunt Piper. Your mother’s getting violent!”

  “You haven’t seen anything yet,” Cooper called back. “Wait till I show you all my bruises!”

  Abby saw Stewart look from one to the other. “Stewart, they’re kidding. I swear,” Abby said, horrified.

  “No, she doesn’t.” Piper looked at Stewart and extended her hand. “She doesn’t swear, that is. Hi! I’m Piper.”

  Stewart took her hand in his own and smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Hey, Cooper, show me around the place, huh?” Piper asked. “And where’s Grandpa?”

  “In the store talking to Sam’s uncle.”

  “Really?” the sisters asked in unison, eyes wide.

  “Dad’s having a real conversation with someone?” Piper asked.

  “Uncle Gabriel can get anyone talking,” Sam said, obviously proud of his uncle.

  “Well, then,” Piper put her arm around Cooper. “Where’s my hug, dude?” She pulled him into a headlock. “Come on. Show me around.”

  Cooper looked at Abby, his eyes pleading. He looked at Victoria then back at Abby again. She knew he wanted her to bail him out from having to leave Victoria. And with Victoria’s long ponytail, denim shorts, and gray college hoodie, looking every bit the fresh-faced model, who could blame him. All the more reason to get him away.

  “Go, kiddo.” She chuckled at Cooper’s scowl. She watched as he sulked away, turning to look at her after a few steps.

  “Hey, Mom? One of the kids from school wants to come out here sometime.”

  Abby felt a surge of hope. He was making friends after all. “Of course, sweetheart. Anytime.”

  “He’s gone this weekend, but maybe next week or next weekend?”

  “That would be perfect.” She watched as Cooper led Piper toward the store to see Jeremiah. Five minutes later a man who looked like an older version of Sam with a shadow of a beard, sauntered toward them.

  “Uncle Gabriel, this is Abby.”

  He gave Sam a light slap on the back and smiled. Abby’s knees grew weak. What’s that about, Abigail?

  “I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said, extending his hand.

  She shook his hand, withdrawing hers quickly, tucking both hands in her back pockets. “I better go see to my sister.”

  “And I better go get settled in.” He turned to Sam. “I’ll see you later, Sammy. Come see me before you go.”

  “K, Uncle Gabe.”

  As Abby walked to the store, she watched Gabriel from the corner of her eye as he strode to his camper. An uncomfortable feeling cropped up in her stomach and chest that she hadn’t felt for a long while.

  16

  Holly sat on the top step of her porch, the concrete cool against the back of her legs. Thank goodness for the awning she had installed to keep the sun from making it unbearable. She spent countless summer hours sitting out here reading or talking on the phone. Her black Eddie Harrop leather weekend bag was planted beside her. She thought about the bottle of Chardonnay she had wrapped carefully in her lingerie, tucked in an interior pocket for extra protection. She had tried to prepare for any casualties that could possibly occur, including packing an extra nighty in case the wine bottle broke or leaked. This was going to be the perfect getaway. She was going to make sure of it.

  She glanced at her watch. Paul was fifteen minutes late picking her up. She snagged her phone out of her purse and typed a text message.

  Everything okay?

  The three little dots blinked below her message, indicating that Paul was reading her text. She watched and waited, but nothing. Obviously, he was caught up in something or he would have texted her back. It was unu
sual for him not to respond immediately unless he was unable to at the moment. But she didn’t doubt for a second that he would as soon as he could. He was probably taking care of business.

  Paul and his uncle are all that’s left to run the family furniture business since his dad recently passed away, so he spent most of his time on the phone or out of town handling sales. In fact, he was supposed to be in Wisconsin this weekend but he told his uncle he couldn’t make it. He had plans. With her.

  She shivered with anticipation of someone, Paul, in particular, placing her before his job. She didn’t even know men like that existed anymore. It seemed like such a different world these days. Work was first, relationships and family second. Or third, or fourth … . It was one of the many things that endeared him to her.

  Her phone indicated an incoming message. She looked at the display.

  Hey, babe. Running just a bit late. Got caught up on a business call. Will be there in 5.

  Aha! So she was right. She smiled. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She leaned back, resting on her hands, and stretched her legs out in front of her. She glanced at her legs, sun-kissed and smooth, and couldn’t wait to—

  Her head jerked up when a car zoomed around the corner, screeching to a halt in front of her house. Her neighbor, Jose Romero, turned from watering his garden and shook his head with disapproval. She stood up, slung her purse over her shoulder, picked up her weekend bag, and waved at him.

  “Sorry, Mr. Romero,” she called. He was her favorite neighbor. The fact that he was disgruntled made her feel kind of bad. She held onto the hope that someday perhaps they could be as close as Abby and Henry had been. Maybe he would leave her a resort like Henry had left Abby.

  “Hey, babe!” Paul called out as he reached across the car and opened her car door from the inside. “Come on! Let’s get a move on.”

  Holly looked at her neighbor, shrugged, and all but forgot about him as she slid into the seat. She set her bag on the floor at her feet. She reached over and kissed his cheek, inhaling the subtle smell of cologne, then looked around the car.

  “Nice. Whose is this?”

  “Mine.” He grinned at her and reached for her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. “I just don’t drive it much. So what’s up with the old dude, anyway?”

  “What old dude?” She cocked her head to one side.

  He jerked his thumb in back of him. “The dude who gave me the evil eye when I pulled up. What’s his problem?”

  “He doesn’t have a problem. He was probably just worried about you going so fast.”

  Paul smirked. “He hasn’t seen anything yet.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning this car can go from zero to a hundred in seconds.”

  “I’ll take your word for it. You don’t need to prove it to me.” She giggled nervously and looked at him just in time to see him wink at her.

  “Don’t trust me?”

  “Of course I do. But in all fairness, I don’t know you that well.” She winked back at him. “Yet.”

  “Well, aren’t you just the little tease.”

  He grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he brought her hand up to his mouth and gently kissed her palm, his lips lingering there. She felt her stomach flutter with anticipation.

  “If you say so.” She smiled at him and ran a finger lightly along the side of his face, tracing a line of sexy stubble.

  The car jerked slightly as he punched the gas pedal, sending them forward at a significant speed. She reached her right hand forward and grabbed onto the dash.

  “Just make sure we get there in one piece, okay?” He continued to speed up and her eyes grew wide. “Paul, please slow down.” Her voice trembled ever so slightly. The car slowed and she took a deep breath.

  “Sorry, babe.” He looked at her, his eyes gentle and calm. “I guess I’m just in a hurry to get to the beach house and begin our weekend.”

  “I just want to be sure we get there so we can have a weekend.”

  “Point taken.”

  He grew quiet and stared straight ahead. Way to go Holly. He’s excited to be with me and I make him feel bad about it. I’m such an idiot!

  They stayed mostly quiet for the rest of the trip, making small talk about the weather and summer vacation when they spoke at all.

  “What’d your friend say about canceling your trip to see her this weekend? Was she good with it?” He glanced over at her and then back at the road.

  “Yeah. Abby’s always good. You’d like her.”

  He glanced at her again, emotion in his eyes she couldn’t identify. “You think?” he asked, his voice quiet.

  “Yeah, I do. Everyone does.”

  “Everyone?” He raised an eyebrow. “That’s a pretty big assumption, isn’t it?”

  Holly stared out her window at the countryside rolling by. She thought again about Abby’s good fortune with the resort.

  “Maybe,” she said.

  They pulled up in front of the beach house, and Holly snapped out of her mental funk and gasped.

  “Wow, Paul! This is perfect!”

  She crawled out of the car and stood staring at the quaint little house. The white shutters were perfect against the ocean blue siding. It was complete with a wrap-around porch with a wooden porch swing and two white wooden rockers. She was speechless as she took it all in.

  “How long has your family had this?” She felt his presence beside her.

  “A while.”

  “You must come here a lot, huh?”

  “Nope. Hardly ever.”

  She turned to look at him, her mouth open. “Why not? I think I would live here if I could.”

  “Maybe someday you can.” He put an arm around her shoulders. “It even has an extra room.”

  His statement caught her off-guard. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and saw him look at her, smile, and then look out at the ocean. Did it mean something or was she reading into something that wasn’t there? Maybe it meant nothing at all. She decided it was best to let it go. For now. Except she wasn’t sure she could. The seed of hope had already been planted.

  She reached in the car to pick up her bag and felt Paul’s hand on her arm, holding her back.

  “Not yet. There’s plenty of time to unpack. Let’s go for a walk on the beach.”

  She raised an eyebrow and bit her lower lip lightly. “And you’re a romantic too. I think I hit the jackpot.” She felt almost shy. Maybe her ship was finally coming in.

  As soon as they reached the soft sand of the beach, Holly stopped, steadied herself by holding onto his arm with one hand and reached down with the other to remove her shoes. She slipped her finger through the straps and carried them in one hand, keeping the other on Paul’s arm.

  They walked in silence for a few moments until a breeze caught Holly’s skirt and lifted it up around her waist.

  “Oh!” she squealed and laughed. “I just had a Marilyn Monroe moment.”

  Paul stood and watched her smooth it back down. “By all means,” he said, grinning, “don’t keep it down on my account.”

  She looped her arm through his and they continued walking. She enjoyed the feel of the cool sand squishing between her toes. She’d never been one to particularly like going barefoot, but out here, it somehow gave her utter freedom.

  “Tell me about your friend. Abby,” he said quietly, his words riding on the breeze. “I sensed you going off somewhere back there in the car when we were talking about her.”

  “Busted, huh?”

  “Yeah. Let me make a suggestion. Don’t play poker.”

  He wrapped an arm around her and she lay her head on his shoulder for a moment as they walked.

  “Abby hasn’t had a very easy life and yet she’s the luckiest person I know.”

  “Life isn’t easy, Holly. Why should Abby be any different?”

  “I know, but she has had it really hard. Her ex-husband was a jerk. He beat her up so bad she almost died.”

&
nbsp; She felt Paul’s muscles tighten. He pulled his arm from around her shoulders and took her hand in his, lacing their fingers together.

  “It’s a good thing he’s her ex then, huh? What happened to the guy?”

  “Nothing happened. It’s not like he died or anything.”

  “You said he almost killed her, though. Did she say what happened?”

  “He used to hit her a lot and was super controlling. They have a kid together, too, and I guess the guy was a real tool with him, too. Cooper, that’s the kid’s name. I’ve gotten to know Cooper well over the last couple of years. Good kid.”

  “Has he ever said anything about his dad? He must really hate him, huh? I know I would if my dad did something like that.”

  They stopped and looked over the ocean. Paul bent over and picked up a seashell, brushed it off and lay it in the palm of Holly’s hand. He looked deep into her eyes and leaned over, his lips lightly brushing hers, his lips lingering until she pulled back, slightly breathless.

  “Now who’s the tease?” she whispered, her voice hoarse.

  He sat down on the sand, pulling her down beside him. He put his arm around her, pulling her in close to him.

  “So what makes you think everyone likes her? She can’t be nearly as gorgeous as you.”

  “Says you who has never seen her.”

  He leaned back slightly and looked at her, his eyes dancing in amusement. “Is that a streak of jealousy I see?”

  Holly smirked. “No.”

  “No?” he said, toying with her.

  “Just because she has the longest legs ever, is naturally thin without putting an ounce of work into it, has the most gorgeous long, honey-colored hair, naturally wavy, no less … what reason could there ever be to be jealous?” She chuckled. “Oh yeah, and the fact that her neighbor just happened to leave her an entire resort in the Colorado mountains when he died.”

  “Her neighbor? They must have been pretty tight. How’d he die?”

  His voice sounded odd and she turned to look at him. “I’m sorry, Paul. That was pretty insensitive after your father just passed away.”

  “We weren’t that close, actually. He never liked me much.”

  “What?” She looked at him, her eyes wide with disbelief. “I just got a feeling of Déjà vu. Like I’m at work talking with a student who feels unloved and misunderstood by his parents. It’s so sad how often it happens. How often children feel unloved, that is. How could a father allow his child to feel unloved?”