She slowed at a tunnel and maneuvered around annoying bars blocking reckless riders from speeding through.
“Excuse me.”
Nicole’s head jerked up and met the serious, but somehow friendly eyes of the handsome bicycle cop looking directly at her. She caught her breath and braked. “Hello again. Officer Stone, right?”
He smiled and stood, straddling his bike. “Feel free to call me Mark. And you’re Nicole.”
He pointed. “Didn’t you see the sign?”
Walk bikes through tunnel. Nicole inwardly moaned. Why did it have to be him that kept catching her mistakes? Two times in as many days she’d failed to notice a traffic sign. Hadn’t Grams warned her to keep her eyes open? She bit her lip and gave a tiny shrug. “Sorry. I had my mind on other things.”
He grinned. “Maybe you could work on concentrating on what’s in front of you instead of what’s going through your mind.” He teased. “It might make your life a little less dangerous.”
She wasn’t so sure about that since he was what was right in front of her. Of course, that’s not what he meant. But she had no intention of letting him think she was concentrating on him.
Nicole got off and walked her bike over to him on noodle legs—she really needed to get into shape. “Unfortunately, neither episode has shown you the best of my driving and biking skills. I’m really not as dangerous as I appear, but I imagine we’ll be running into each other all summer, so I hope I have the opportunity to prove my first impressions wrong.”
He chuckled. “All summer? I thought you were a tourist. Didn’t you say you’re staying at the lodge?”
“I was, but now I’m in a house for the summer. Then it’s back to real life.” She dragged her eyes away from his gaze and motioned with her head. “I was on my way to the village.”
“Have fun.”
“I will. Thanks.” With a wave she pushed off with her foot and pedaled away. Hopefully the next time she ran across Mark he wouldn’t catch her doing something stupid like ignoring a traffic sign. She could go weeks at home without seeing a cop, much less engaging with one. This was definitely going to be an interesting summer.
Mark watched Nicole zip along the path toward the village. What was it about that woman that drew him? Maybe it was her indifference—or even more—did he detect a hint of insecurity that bordered on shyness? Or perhaps she was simply reserved. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he was intrigued enough to want to know more about her. “Nicole, wait up!” He pedaled hard to catch up to her.
She looked over her shoulder and wobbled to a stop. “What’s wrong?”
Now that she was looking at him with her big green eyes, his mind went blank. He wanted to kick himself for his impulsive move. How did he tell her he wanted the pleasure of riding with her without sounding like a moron?
“Nothing. I thought … that is—” He motioned ahead. “You want company?”
“Um, sure.” She gave him an uncertain look as she started pedaling. “Are you headed to the village?”
“No.”
She gave him a sidelong glance, her face a mask of confusion.
He cleared his throat. “I thought you might like company. These trails can get lonely.”
A small O formed on her soft looking lips, a knowing look on her face. Like she knew he was the one who wanted the company. She pushed off again. “How long have you been a cop?”
He kept pace beside her. “Ten years.”
She glanced at him before focusing ahead. “Why are you working here? I’d think someone with that many years’ experience would have a big city job at the very least. Not … this.” She waved a hand toward his bicycle.
The surprise on her face almost made him laugh, but not quite. “In defense of bicycle law enforcement everywhere, there is nothing wrong with this assignment. That being said, I’m only here for the summer.” He should probably have kept his mouth closed, but he’d already said too much. “I’m a detective in Portland. But I’d appreciate it if you’d keep that between you and me.”
“Now that makes more sense. I can see you as a detective. Were you ever a patrol officer? Other than now, I mean.”
“I worked my way up like every other detective. Tell me about yourself, Nicole. All I know is that you don’t read street signs.” He chuckled, hoping to wipe away the serious look on her face.
“In my defense I’ve been distracted. I’m actually a very responsible, rule abiding person. My grandmother considered me a workaholic, and I think she was right.”
“Seriously? I don’t see it.” He winked.
“The responsible part or workaholic?” She sent him a teasing grin.
“Ha. Both.”
“Not nice.” A small smile tipped up her lips, but sadness claimed her eyes. “I’m on vacation, but believe me, were it not for my grandma, I’d be at home stressing about finding a job.” She shrugged. “Last week I applied for every opening I could find.”
“As a detective, I ran across a wide variety of people. Maybe I can hook you up someplace. What kind of job are you looking for?”
“Doubtful. I teach elementary school.”
“I hear it’s a tough market for teachers right now. Have you tried the Portland area?”
Her grip tightened on the handlebars. “You heard right, and no, I haven’t. I prefer small towns to large cities.”
“There are smaller school districts around Portland. Regardless, I’m glad you’re here. Your grandmother sounds like a spunky lady.” He eased in front of her and led the way around a jogger.
She pulled up beside him. “She was. I miss her a lot.” A rock chuck dashed onto the path, stared, and then darted into underbrush. “Did you see that cute little guy?”
Was? He was thankful for the distraction. It sounded like her grandmother may have died recently, and he had no desire to talk about death. “Those little critters are all over Sunriver. But don’t worry, they always manage to get out of the way.”
“Why are you glad I’m here?”
“Huh?” He angled a glance her way.
“You said you were glad I’m here. Why? You barely know me.”
He held in a grin. “Easy. Tourists keep me busy, especially the ones who don’t read road signs.”
She laughed. “I’m glad to help.”
Mark almost did a double-take. What a gorgeous laugh. He’d like to hear that sound a lot more often. The village came into view. They followed the trail through the parking lot, and into the village. He braked, not wanting her to go, but not able to think of a good reason to stay with her. “Maybe I’ll see you around.”
“Probably so, since we keep running into each other.” Her eyes twinkled.
“Don’t forget to walk your bike in the village.” He couldn’t resist teasing her.
Nicole tossed him a saucy look. “Yes, officer.” Without a backward glance, she walked away.
Mark’s pulse tripped into double time. He sure hoped their paths crossed, and soon. Nicole intrigued him, and he wanted to guarantee they’d see one another again, but he would need to tread carefully with her. She reminded him of a wounded animal, and he didn’t want to cause her any more pain. Besides, he wasn’t in a good place himself right now.
Chapter Six
A bicycle flew past Mark, a boy crouched low over the handlebars. He blew his whistle. “Hey! Walk your bike in the village!”
The kid slowed to a stop, then looked over his shoulder.
Connor. A grin tugged at Mark’s lips as he raised his hand and waved. “How’s it going?” He wheeled his bike toward the boy.
Connor raised a shoulder. “Why do I have to walk my bike?” A hint of defiance brushed the words.
“It’s the rule.” He pointed toward a sign.
“It’s a dumb rule.”
Mark didn’t care to get into an argument with the boy and shrugged off his declaration. “What are you doing today?”
“Riding. I wanted a soda, but I forgot my money.�
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“Come on, I’ll get you one.” They walked through the village until they came to the grocery store. Mark handed him a dollar and some change. “I’ll wait with your bike, but hurry.”
Connor took the money. “Thanks!” He darted inside.
Mark scanned the area around the grocery store and noted families as well as lone shoppers, some strolling and others rushing, probably missing the beautiful surroundings. Connor strutted outside with a root beer. He liked this kid and wanted more than anything to steer him in the right direction. The boy was at a critical juncture in his life and could easily go either way—the side of the law, or the side of those who break the law.
He recognized the rebellious look Connor wore like a neon sign, had been there himself at that age, but at other times he glimpsed a child that only wanted attention and love.
“Here’s your change.”
“Keep it.”
“Thanks.” He pocketed the coins. “How much longer are you working?”
“Until five.”
“Oh.” Connor’s shoulders slumped. “Sarah gets off at five too. She said we could play tennis tonight.”
“What about her friends, Tina and Marge?”
“They left.”
“That’s good news, right?” Mark walked his bike back the direction they’d come with Connor beside him.
“Yeah. I have the house to myself now. No more nail polish, constant chatter, and the perfume—yuck.” He rolled his eyes. “I hate the smell of that stuff!”
Mark chuckled. “Your cousin seems girly to me.”
“Nope. Sarah is more of a tomboy. She’s nothing like her friends.”
“Odd they’d be friends with so little in common. Then again I have friends that are complete opposites of me.”
Connor shot him a sideways glance. “Before Sarah became a Christian she was into partying. That’s how she met the double-trouble-twins.”
“Huh? Twins? They don’t even look related.”
Connor laughed. “They’re not. It’s my nickname for them. So what’s with the blonde I saw you with? You like her or what?”
“Maybe, but we don’t know each other well. I just keep running into her.”
“My mom would call that fate.”
Mark didn’t respond. He had no intention of taking this branch of their conversation further.
“Where you headed?” Connor asked.
“Thought I might ride over to the lodge and around the golf course. Want to tag along?”
His eyes lit with excitement. “Sure!”
Mark held back a chuckle with a cough. “If I have to deal with anything, you’ll need to stay out of the way. Okay?” They came to the edge of the village, and Mark straddled the seat.
Connor nodded. “This is so cool! Wait until I tell my mom.”
“Will she mind?”
“Nah. She’ll think it’s cool too. She’s worried about me.” He bit his lip.
“Why’s that? She hear about the water balloons?” Mark teased as they rode slowly side-by-side.
“She thinks I’m becoming a,” he scrunched his face, “hooligan. Her words.”
Poor kid. He’d seen more than his share of kids labeled at a young age, and those labels too often stuck—or became prophetic. “Are you?” He liked Connor and didn’t want him to subconsciously try to live up to the label his mother had given him.
“Nah.”
“Good.”
“Maybe you could play tennis with me and Sarah tonight.”
“Thanks, but I don’t think so.” Nothing against Sarah, but he didn’t want to give her any reason to think he was interested. Now Nicole, on the other hand, had something about her that drew him and piqued his interest. Too bad she wasn’t the boy’s cousin. Then he’d have a built-in excuse to spend time with her.
He’d have to find ways to be with Nicole without being too obvious and scare her away. Although she was friendly, he had a feeling one wrong move by him and she’d be history where he was concerned.
The next afternoon, with freshly painted nails, Nicole left the resort spa and crossed through the parking lot to her car, shifting the large gift bag from one hand to the other. Sunlight glinted off the windshield of a parked car, blinding her for a moment. She stopped next to her car door and felt through her purse for her keys.
Grams really had her perplexed. She’d expected a note with a clue at the spa, but what she’d received left her confused—a black dress and slinky sandals, but no note. What was she supposed to do? Clearly Grams had planned something, but sadly she forgot to let Nicole in on her plan. Was the game over already? No, Grams always ended with a bang and usually a life lesson too.
“Hey there.”
Nicole looked over her shoulder. “Hi, Mark. How’s it going?”
He coasted to a stop beside her. “Fine. Is everything okay? You look troubled.”
She held up the bag. “Another surprise from my grandma. Only this one I can’t figure out. I wonder if I missed another clue?” She had run the last clue she’d found over and over in her mind, but nothing helped.
“Sounds intriguing. Maybe I can help.” He rested his elbows on the handlebars and looked expectantly at her.
She shook her head. “Not unless you can explain what I’m supposed to do with a little black dress and sandals.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “You don’t know what to do with a little black dress and sandals?”
“She usually leaves a note or a clue of some kind.”
He straightened and reached for the bag. “May I?”
She handed it over and watched him dig through it. “What are you looking for?”
“I thought maybe there might be something you missed, but it appears the clothes are the clue.” He gave the bag back.
“I have the clue I found at the house. Do you think that might help?”
He shrugged.
She pulled it from her bag and held it out to him.
He unfolded the white sheet of paper. “‘Congratulations on following the clues that led to the house. I hope you are game for all I have prepared for you. Have you enjoyed your stay so far in Sunriver? Did you try the spa? If not, your skills are slipping, dear one. Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open so you don’t miss another clue. Don’t forget to bring along a good book.’”
“What do you think?” Nicole reached for the paper, then tucked it back into her bag.
“It’s interesting. Especially the part about a good book. Any idea if that part is significant?”
“Probably, but I have no idea which book she’s referring to.”
He shrugged. “She said to keep your heart open. Maybe she’s hoping you’ll find love or at least go on a date. And that’s why she gave you the dress.”
Nicole’s cheeks burned. She should have thought of that. It sounded exactly like something Grams would do. Now she regretted letting Mark read the clue. How humiliating. “I . . .” How was she supposed to respond? Words escaped her. She looked everywhere except at Mark. How did she get herself out of this embarrassing situation?
Mark cleared his throat.
Her gaze swept to him.
He stared at his handlebars for a moment before looking up, straight into her eyes. “I clean up pretty good. If you’re interested, we could get dinner together.” He dipped his chin and raised a brow.
Nicole’s heart pounded. Was he asking her out? What should she say? She’d never been skilled at relationships. Mark seemed like a good guy, and she didn’t want to hurt him.
“What? Do I have a dead bug on my face or something?” He lifted a hand to his cheek.
She chuckled, grateful for the note of humor. “No. You just surprised me.”
“Oh. So, how about dinner?”
“Thanks for the offer, but to be honest I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
“Why? I mean, I know we didn’t get off to the best start, but I think we could manage to get along for an evening.”
She too
k a deep breath and let it out slowly. “When you put it like that. I suppose I’m making a bigger deal out of this than it is. It’s only dinner. Not a marriage proposal.”
He laughed. “Nope. I’m not in the market for that.”
“Good, because my ex-boyfriend said I’m terrible at the relationship thing.” A flush crept across her face, and her heart beat a rapid staccato as lightheadedness washed over her. She swayed slightly and felt a hand on her arm. Her gaze traveled from the hand up the arm and rested on Mark’s face.
“Are you all right? Maybe you should sit.”
“No. I’m fine other than being embarrassed. I’m probably dizzy because I’m dehydrated and need to drink more water.” She had to lighten the mood. She glanced around the parking lot and spotted a couple of kids near the Bike Barn. “I hear Connor is pretty taken with you. All he could talk about was you and how he got to ride along while you were patrolling the bike trail yesterday.”
“You know about that?”
“Sarah called and invited me to join them for a game of tennis last night, and let’s just say you made a lasting impression on the kid.”
“He reminds me of myself at his age.”
“You had a deadbeat dad and a mom that didn’t have time for you too?”
He lifted a brow.
“Sarah told me a little about Connor’s home life, and it’s not pretty.” She felt bad for Sarah’s cousin but didn’t really know how to help. It wasn’t like a twelve-year-old boy would want to spend the day at the spa with her. But, maybe she could think of some way to ease the monotony of being alone all day. After all, she was a teacher; surely she could think of something.
“I only know that his dad left, and he blames himself.”
Her breath caught. “I didn’t know he blamed himself. That’s sad. I wish I could help him, too. Any ideas?”
“Be his friend.”
“Yeah.” Easier said than done, but she’d make sure the boy had her number in case he needed something. “I should be going. And about dinner. Yes.”
A slow grin spread across his face. “Okay. I’ll be in touch.” He waved, then pedaled away.
A Love to Treasure (Sunriver Dreams Book 1) Page 4
