by Nina Lane
I hope you enjoy this next chapter in their story, I think for this couple, the adventure is only just beginning.
~Elena
CHAPTER ONE
When the voice crackled over the radio, repeating the familiar code and dispatching Sheriff Rhys Anderson to the Sugar Shack on Main Street in Cedar Springs, his initial response should have been one of concern. Instead, Rhys only smiled and shook his head because it had been way too long since he’d heard that particular call. He picked up his radio and responded.
“10-4, Janice. I’m on my way.” As an afterthought, he added, “Is there anything—”
Janice cut him off. “All is calm, Rhys. You’re in the clear for your Code 6.”
Rhys couldn’t help but smile as he pulled a U-turn in his cruiser and headed back the way he came, to the main street of Cedar Springs, which was just gearing up for the busy summer season. Not that they’d had many busy summers in the past, but that was all changing now with the introduction of the Springs resort just up the mountain, and after the successful winter ski season with the newly reopened Stone Summit ski hill, things were definitely picking up in their quiet little town. Not that he objected. As far as Rhys, and most of the locals, were concerned, the increased tourism was only a good thing. Especially considering so many of his friends worked in the industry.
Including his girlfriend Kari Fox. Just thinking of her made him smile the way it had from the moment he’d met her. Only now, the one thing that gave him pause was the term girlfriend. She was so much more than that. And he was ready to prove it.
But thoughts of Kari and how he hoped the future would look were going to have to wait, at least for a few minutes. Rhys pulled up in front of the bakery and waved at a few locals before he headed inside, where the familiar smell of cinnamon buns and freshly brewed coffee filled him up. He scanned the small room, but it didn’t take long to see his buddy, Archer Wolfe, still at the counter, chatting up the new girl who was helping out for the summer.
Rhys shook his head. Some things never changed. “Hey buddy.” He slapped Archer on the back and gave the girl, who blushed brighter than her t-shirt, a wink. “Are you harassing Dream Puff’s newest employee?”
“Far from it, Anderson.” Archer gave the girl his trademarked grin that had made panties melt since they were in high school. “I was just telling Lucy here that Friday is Steak Sandwich night at the Grizzly Paw and if she felt like coming by—”
“Right.” Rhys grabbed the coffee Lucy had automatically handed him. She’d obviously been trained well by Suzy Crosswell about the way the local law enforcement liked their coffee: hot. He dropped a few dollars in the tip jar and slapped his hand on Archer’s arm again. “I only have a few minutes. You can work on your dating life later.”
The two men found a table at the back of the shop where they could hopefully have a few minutes of privacy from any mutual friends who wandered in. That was one of the hazards of a small town, one that neither man minded too terribly much.
“So,” Rhys started when they were settled. “Why the call out for a coffee? You know you could have just sent me a text.”
“I could have.” Archer poured a packet of sugar into his cup and stirred before he answered. “But I wanted to make sure you knew how serious it was. I couldn’t have you blowing me off to go hand out speeding tickets or anything like that.” He grinned, knowing exactly how to tease his old friend.
“Right. Well, it better be important then. Because it’s been awhile since I’ve had the radar gun out, and I’m starting to get itchy fingers.”
“I’m sure you are,” Archer said. “But it is important. I need you to call off the party.”
“Party?” Rhys could pretend, at least for a moment, that he had no clue what his friend was talking about. “I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.”
The truth was, everyone knew what Archer was talking about, but he wasn’t supposed to know. Samantha Burke, Archer’s best friend and owner of the Grizzly Paw, where Archer worked as the chef, was planning a big surprise party for Archer’s twenty-eighth birthday. Everyone knew, including Archer, apparently. Rhys was smart enough to play along, at least for a while. He didn’t need to experience the wrath of Sam.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” Archer sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “Sam is terrible at keeping secrets. I knew about it probably before she did and I want you to put a stop to it.”
“No can do, buddy.”
Even if he wanted to put a stop to Archer’s party, which he didn’t, he couldn’t. Sam couldn’t be stopped. Once she got her sights set on something, there was no changing her mind. They both knew that. Besides, Kari had been looking forward to the party. She’d been working so hard up at the Springs, taking on more and more responsibility, she was long overdue to let her hair down a bit. And Rhys planned to take full advantage of that, because when it came to Kari, he had plans of his own. And if it all went according to plan, they’d have their own news to celebrate that night as well.
“Besides,” Rhys said. “You and I both know that when it comes to Sam, you just need to let her run her course. And it’ll be a good excuse to get everyone together. Things have been crazy around here lately.”
“That’s for sure.” Archer looked resigned to the topic change, and Rhys knew he’d won. Not that anyone could actually win when it came to Sam’s plans. And if Archer knew the half of what she was planning, he’d be running for the hills. Literally. No one knew how Archer would react to the birthday present that was being arranged for him: a backpack and a ticket to South America. Sam decided it was long past time for their homebody friend to go out and see the world. And maybe fall in love. Everyone agreed and had chipped in for the gift. But there was no way Rhys was going to be the one to say anything. He took a sip of coffee while Archer filled him in on things at the Paw and how busy they were lately with the increased tourism.
“I bet the McCormicks are keeping you busy.” Archer raised his eyebrow and shook his head a little. No doubt in memory of all the trouble they used to get in with the McCormick brothers.
“Actually, I haven’t seen Ian McCormick since Beth and Slade’s wedding. It’s almost like he’s gone into hiding. But I guess he’s only been back a few days. There’s still time to see if he’s anything like when we were kids.” And nothing but trouble, Rhys thought but didn’t say out loud. The McCormick brothers had been summer residents who were known for their wild parties, both on the lake and off, and although some of the local boys like Rhys and Archer had made friends with them, mostly it was the local girls who liked it when summer rolled around and the McCormick brothers reappeared. “His little sister is working at the Paw, isn’t she?”
Archer nodded. “She is. But I’ve only actually met her the one time. Nice kid from what I can tell, but quiet. Of course, she doesn’t know anyone.”
Not even her brother. There’d been a big scandal years ago when it came out that the McCormick patriarch had a secret family with two daughters no one knew about. That was the last summer they’d seen any of the McCormicks. That is, until just a few weeks ago when Ian had made a reappearance. There was definitely more to that story, but Rhys had no interest in getting involved in it. As long as Ian and whichever of his siblings who showed up decided to behave themselves, everything would be just fine in Cedar Springs.
Rhys was about to say as much when his radio crackled to life. A minor accident out by the highway. Nothing major, but enough that he should check it out. “Thanks for the coffee, buddy.” Rhys swallowed the last few drops and pushed up. “Sorry I couldn’t be any more help about the party.”
“Try none.”
Rhys laughed and smacked Archer on the shoulder. “I don’t know why you fight it so hard. She just wants to do something nice for you. There’s no harm in that.”
Archer shook his head, but at least he looked resigned.
“Oh, and there’s one more thing I was goi
ng to run by you,” Rhys added. “If you were going to buy a diamond ring, who would you talk to about that?”
“Diamond?” Archer lifted an eyebrow. “Does that mean you’re going to—”
Rhys nodded smugly. “Absolutely. It’s time I made that woman my wife. Long past time.”
Kari Fox handed the key cards to the last set of guests in what had been a way too long line at the front desk of the Springs. Of course, as far as she, and her customer service standards were concerned, two people in line was two too many. She set high standards for herself and her staff as the customer service manager of the upscale resort.
Customer Service Manager.
She was still getting used to that title. It had only been about a month since her promotion, which had come right after she took sick days to help out her friend Cynthia Giles by watching the Store Room when her mother was dying. She’d been worried about how Carmen and Dylan would react to her taking the time off, but there was no way she could say no. Cynthia was pregnant with her first child and her mother was losing her battle with cancer, so there was no way Kari could say no to Cynthia’s boyfriend Seth when he asked. And she’d known that Dylan and Carmen would feel the same. They weren’t just the owners of the Springs; along with Dylan’s brother, Trent, they were also amazingly caring people who would do anything for their friends. It was something Kari still had to get used to. She’d been in Cedar Springs and working at the Springs for a while now and had been completely absorbed into the most amazing group of friends she could have imagined. Just thinking of the group who’d so readily adopted her as one of their own made her heart swell. And of course, there was Rhys.
Rhys.
Thoughts of her boyfriend, who’d become so much more than just a boyfriend since they’d been together, filled her with more happiness than she’d ever known.
Then what exactly is the problem?
The little voice in the back of Kari’s head spoke up again, the way it had so frequently in the last few weeks. She couldn’t quite pinpoint what was bothering her about her relationship with Rhys. It wasn’t anything specific. Everything between them was perfect. And that was the problem. It was too perfect. Never in her life had she been in a relationship that was so perfect. Except once and that one had turned out to be anything but.
She needed to clear her head. Rhys was not her ex-husband Brice. He was the exact opposite. Where Brice had been controlling, Rhys gave her the freedom to be herself. Brice had been abusive. She’d never met anyone more caring and loving than Rhys. He was her hero, her protector, her friend, her lover, her…everything.
Then why couldn’t she let herself enjoy it?
“Hey, Kari. How are things up here?”
She was saved from her thoughts by the arrival of Carmen, with baby Hunter—who was practically a toddler now—on her hip. Carmen used to be the customer service manager at the Springs before the baby was born. And while she’d tried to do it all, it became apparent quite quickly that she needed help. Which was where Kari came in. It was an arrangement that worked perfectly for both of them, but Carmen still liked to be involved and made frequent visits to the front desk. Old habits died hard.
“Busy today.” With a few quick keystrokes, Kari clicked open the reservation list. “And we still have about ten more rooms to check in by three.”
“That’s fantastic.” Carmen stuck the baby down on the floor behind the desk to crawl around. “I think the promotions Trent lined up must be working. I’m really surprised that we’re so busy in bump season, but I’ll take it. Usually the in-between time is rough, but Dylan and Trent were crunching the numbers and it was looking good. Really good. The boys are happy, anyway. And that makes me happy.”
Carmen threw her head back and laughed. She was clearly happy. Motherhood agreed with her, and it was easy to see that Carmen was blossoming under her new life at the Springs.
Kari couldn’t help but feel a twinge of what could be. If she let it.
But she pushed the thought out of her head. When things seemed to be too perfect, they usually were. At least they were with Brice. Not that the same thing would happen with Carmen and Dylan. Not at all. Dylan was a doting father and a loving husband. He’d never behave the way Brice did. Neither would Rhys.
“Well, I’m glad the guys are happy.” Kari was happy to get out of her thoughts and back to the subject of work. It was something she could control and more and more lately, she needed to grab onto anything she had control over. “I think we may need to look at hiring more staff,” she added. It was a subject she’d been a little afraid to bring up with Carmen, because it meant increasing the budget they’d already set. But that was before the reservations had started to pick up so dramatically. It was a legitimate expense, and definitely one they’d have to consider. At least, it would be if Kari didn’t want to work seven days a week.
“I’m glad you brought that up.” Carmen bent down to pull a file folder out of the baby’s hands and relief flooded through Kari. “I think you might be right. I’ve seen the crazy hours you’ve been putting in and maybe it’s time to hire you an assistant.” The relief was quickly replaced by panic. She couldn’t be replaced. For the first time in her life, she had a job that she was good at. No, great at. And it was more than a job: it was a career. She had responsibility and people respected her. More than that, with her job at the Springs, she didn’t depend on anyone.
Not even Rhys.
And that was important to her. More than even she had realized.
“Kari, is something wrong?”
“No.” She quickly shook her head and refocused on her friend, who watched her with a strange look. “I’m fine. Sorry, I must have just been thinking of something.”
“You know we’re not going to replace you, right?” It was as if Carmen had read her mind, and Kari was so thankful to hear her words she could have kissed her. “We all think you’re doing a fabulous job and quite honestly, I can see a very long and successful future here at the Springs for you.”
“That means a lot, Carmen. Thank you.” Kari’s smile was so broad, it stretched her cheeks. But it didn’t matter; she’d never been happier.
“Honestly,” Carmen continued. “It’s such a relief to find such quality employees in a small town and to know they’re not going anywhere. It’s so good that we can count on you.”
“What do you mean, not going anywhere?” Kari wasn’t planning to go anywhere, but something in Carmen’s voice gave her pause. “You didn’t think I was leaving, did you?”
“Oh, no. Not at all.” Carmen’s smile was broad and even when she bent to pick up the baby, Kari could tell there was something she wasn’t saying.
“Then what?”
“Kari, really. It’s nothing. I just thought...you know...”
“I don’t, actually.”
Clearly caught out, Carmen ran a hand through her ponytail before she finally said what was on her mind. “It’s just that you and Rhys are getting pretty serious.” Alarm bells went off in Kari’s head. “And I may have heard—”
The baby let out a squawk and grabbed a fistful of Carmen’s hair, distracting her. “I should go. It’s time for lunch and a nap.”
“Wait.” Kari tried to stop her. “What did you hear, Carmen? What about me and Rhys?” She was afraid she already knew the answer. And wasn’t that part of the problem with her? Part of what was bothering her when it came to Rhys?
“I just heard that maybe the two of you were thinking about marriage.”
It wasn’t until Carmen actually said the words that Kari started to panic. To hear her fears voiced out loud was harder to handle than she expected.
“What?” She didn’t expect the word to come out so violently, but the look on Carmen’s face told her it had. “I meant…” She forced a smile she hoped was convincing. “What do you know that I don’t?” Kari tried for a casual tone, and either Carmen couldn’t tell she was panicking on the inside, or she totally fell for Kari’s innocent a
ct because she was all too happy to shift the baby to her other hip and lean in conspiratorially.
“I’m not supposed to say anything,” she whispered. “But I overheard Dylan on the phone with Rhys talking about diamonds. It’s so exciting, Kari. How do you think he’s going to ask?”
Kari heard the question, but the words floated around her head, not really resonating at all because all she could think of was that Rhys was going to propose, and getting married was the last thing in the world she wanted to do again.
CHAPTER TWO
After yet another look at his bank account and armed with the information Dylan Harrison had given him about a friend of his who sold quality wholesale diamonds, Rhys had the distinct urge to cry. The truth was, small-town cops didn’t make a lot of money, and as much as he’d been saving, he didn’t have enough to buy Kari the type of ring she deserved. “Dammit.” He slammed his fist against his desk, at the exact moment Kari walked in the front door. He quickly snapped the lid of his laptop shut. “Hey babe.”
To his surprise, she didn’t ask him what he was doing, but only gave him a quick smile and moved to the closet to hang up her sweater. His eyes followed her sexy little body. Her uniform pants hugged her curves just right and his fingers itched to unbutton the top buttons of her blouse. They’d been together over a year now, but he still couldn’t get enough of her. She was perfect, in every single way. Rhys left his computer and his money issues behind, and moved until he was behind her at the closet. Close enough to feel the heat of her, but not close enough that their bodies were touching, he slid his hands from her hips down her thighs and up again, splaying his fingers to take in as much of her as possible.
“Welcome home.” He bent to whisper in her ear, using his teeth to nibble on her lobe as he did so. His lips traveled from her ear to her neck, while his hands pulled her hips close so she was pressed up against the front of him.
