A Love to Treasure (Sunriver Dreams Book 1) (5 page)

The spa? A good book? Grams never wasted words in her messages. Somehow she’d missed the spa clue, but the book was definitely a clue. She flipped the page over hoping for clear instructions on which book. Nothing. Hmm. She went downstairs and dialed the lodge spa. “Hello, this is Nicole Davis.”

“Ms. Davis, we’ve been expecting your call,” a professional sounding female voice said. “Would you like to set up your appointment now?”

“Um, sure. What exactly am I having done?”

“You’re pre-paid for a facial, manicure, and pedicure.”

“Wow. Okay.” She scheduled a time and hung up. Grams had thought of everything, but Nicole would give it all up to have her back. She swallowed the lump in her throat and marched to the master suite. The space, though adequate, lacked the posh feel of the rest of the house. It needed a makeover. The wood bedframe had multiple scratches, and the finish needed to be refurbished. The linens looked clean but were faded and worn. She turned and noted the dresser didn’t look any better than the bedframe. At least the space appeared to be clean.

Midday sunlight streamed in through the large window. Voices traveled from the bike path not far from her home. She loved bicycling and was anxious for an excursion. The person at the rental office said that there were bikes in the garage. Trying not to run, she darted to a door that looked like it should lead to the garage. With a yank it swung open, but not without a loud squeak. A little WD-40 would work wonders on those hinges.

She flipped on the light. Two bikes, a blue tandem and a red cruiser leaned against the far wall. Excitement bubbled inside her, as if she was five on Christmas morning. She closed the door and walked over to the pair. Other than being well used they seemed to be in good condition. She pushed down on the red bike’s seat—good.

Three helmets hung from a wall peg. She grabbed one that looked like it would fit and snapped it under her chin. It had been so long since she’d ridden the trails in Sunriver. After opening the garage door, she wheeled out and locked up the house.

Straddling the seat, she pushed off.
Wahoo!
The warm breeze lifted her hair, cooling her neck. The pine scent unfolded around her as her tires bumped over every rock and dip in the rough terrain. She finally made it through the stand of pine trees to the paved path and made a right toward the village. At least she hoped she was going the correct way. The circular nature of Sunriver’s trails had a way of turning her around.

She slowed for a trio of bicyclists hogging the pavement and rang her bell. Relief washed through her when they moved to one side allowing her to pass. Riding that slow would drive her nuts. An annoying bead of sweat trickled down her back, settling at the base of her spine. She eased off the pedals to slow her pace and catch her breath.

Shifting down, she pedaled up a hill. Her thighs screamed at her to stop. She was more out of shape than she had realized. With one last thrust, she crested a hill and coasted. Her speed accelerated as she flew down the other side of the hill. Hair whipped in her face and across her sunglasses. She laughed, feeling true freedom. When was the last time she’d let loose like this?

She slowed at the bottom and couldn’t help the smile that refused to leave. That was too much fun. She looked over her shoulder and sobered. Ugh. The old saying ‘what goes up must come down’ hit her like a brick. Going home would be a challenge. She’d probably end up walking instead of riding up the hill.

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.”

“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.