A Love to Treasure (Sunriver Dreams Book 1) Read online

  A short time later Bailey strolled onto the deck. “Things are moving right along and the good news is everything looks as it should. No bad pipes or rotten wood.”

  “Great! Do you have time to join me for a glass of lemonade?” She stood. “I made some fresh squeezed this morning.”

  “Yum. I can’t say no to that. Thanks.”

  “Have a seat. I’ll be right back.” She went inside and quickly filled two glasses. The sound of hammering made her wince. She rushed back onto the deck. “Here you go. I hope you like it. My Grandmother used to make this all the time.”

  Bailey sipped the beverage. “It’s perfect.” She set the glass on the patio table. “I hope the remodel doesn’t become too much of a burden for you.”

  Nicole waved a hand. “It’s fine.”

  “If you say so. I wouldn’t want to listen to that racket all day.” She took another sip. “But the end result will be worth all the headaches. My favorite part is yet to come.”

  Nicole leaned forward. “What would that be?”

  “When all the finishing touches are put into place and you see if for the first time. Please promise me you won’t peek. It will spoil all my fun.”

  Nicole chuckled. “Sure. I promise.” She never dreamed such a request would be made, but there was really no reason for her to go into the master suite. She’d moved into the other bedroom containing a second full bath, so obliging Bailey would be no trouble.

  “Thanks. I knew I liked you from the moment we met.”

  Nicole’s phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number, and considered ignoring it, but curiosity got the best of her. “Excuse me for a minute.”

  “I should be going anyway. I’ll be in touch.” Bailey stood and exited through the gate.

  “Hello. This is Nicole.”

  “Hey there. How’s it going?”

  “Mark?” He must be using someone else’s phone.

  “I can’t reach Connor. He left me a cryptic message and asked me to call him. Do you have any idea what he’s up to?”

  Nicole frowned. “Sorry, no. I’ve been at my place all day.”

  “Okay. I’ll swing by Sarah’s and check on him. That boy attracts trouble like a dog to a flea.”

  She chuckled. “Okay. Let me know if you need anything, but he is probably lonely and wants company.” She said goodbye and set the phone beside her. Hopefully not being able to reach Connor wasn’t a sign of trouble, and he was only seeking companionship.

  Chapter Fourteen

  A week later, Nicole ran hard for the tennis ball, took a swing, and missed. Sarah was good—way out of Nicole’s league. Down by five points and it was her serve. Tossing the ball above her head, Nicole raised her arm and whipped it forward, sending the ball slightly past the centerline in the right corner.

  Sarah drilled the ball just out of Nicole’s reach.

  Nicole chased after the ball then pocketed it. Wiping sweat from her face, she laughed. “I haven’t been beaten that badly in a long time.”

  “Give yourself some credit. You’re not accustomed to playing someone who spends a couple hours a day working on her game.”

  Nicole’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? How do you have that much time when you work all day? No wonder I’m getting creamed. You’re practically a professional with all that court time.” She followed her friend, and they strolled toward the parking lot beside the basketball court where Connor was working on his free-throw.

  Sarah laughed. “Not even close, but thanks. Most evenings after work I head down here with Connor and a few of my friends join me for a game. It’s nice to have someone new to challenge me.”

  “Ha. My skills aren’t much of a challenge. You were holding out on me the last time we played.”

  A grin spread across Sarah’s face. “True.”

  Nicole nudged her playfully. “What exactly do you do for a living?”

  “Mortgage broker. I really enjoy my job. It’s fun helping people get into a home.”

  “Maybe I should look into doing that. This area seems to have a hot real estate market.”

  “I thought you were a school teacher.”

  “I am, at least I was, but it’s time to consider other options since I haven’t been able to find a position for this coming school year.” She loved teaching, but she also enjoyed paying her bills in full and on time, which wouldn’t happen if she didn’t find a job soon.

  “Don’t give up, Nicole. Something is bound to turn up.” Sarah put her racket and ball bag into the trunk of her car. “Want to take a cool down walk around the park?”

  “Sure. Mind if I dump my stuff first?” She motioned toward her car.

  “Go ahead. I’ll walk with you.”

  “How is Connor doing? I haven’t seen him at all the past several days.” Granted she’d been spending a lot of time at her house, but she usually ran into the boy when she went into the village.

  Sarah waved a hand. “He’s incredibly resilient and healing fast. Without wheels he hasn’t ventured far from my place.” She lowered her voice as she glanced toward the basketball court. “But he told me he’s embarrassed that you keep seeing him make a fool of himself. I think he might have a little crush on you.”

  “Oh no.”

  Her friend nodded. “Don’t worry. These things pass. I once had a crush on one of my teachers, so I’m speaking from experience. I’m sure he’ll be back to himself in no time.”

  “I hope you’re right.” She waggled her eyebrows. “You crushed on your teacher?”

  Sarah rolled her eyes. “All the girls in my seventh grade glass had a crush on Mr. Price, but I got over it after he gave me an F.”

  Nicole laughed. “I’m sorry for laughing, but that does not sound like you at all.”

  “Good. I’d hate to think my adult self resembles who I was at twelve.”

  Nicole sobered. “Back to Connor. I feel badly about what happened at the pool.”

  “Stop. You only went there because I asked you to—which by the way, I told Connor. He had it in his head . . . well, never mind, but all is well. So relax.”

  Nicole worried her bottom lip. “Okay, I’ll try.”

  “You should come to my church on Sunday. We’re having a community potluck. I’m bringing my famous pudding salad. It’s so yummy—whipped topping, vanilla pudding, and fruit.”

  “Healthy and decadent. Sounds delicious. Count me in.” Nicole tilted her head. “I didn’t realize you go to church.”

  “I’ve been attending the community church ever since I moved here.”

  Nicole pulled her keys from her bag. She’d been giving her relationship with the Lord a lot of thought. Getting back into church would be good, and Grams would definitely approve. “It won’t bother Connor to see me there?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Good. What should I bring?”

  “If you don’t cook, I suggest something easy. How about chips or a pasta salad from a deli?”

  Nicole tossed her stuff in the trunk. “I never said I couldn’t cook. Maybe I’ll bring brownies.”

  “Great idea. There’s never enough dessert at these things.” The twinkle in her friend’s eyes belied the truth of her words. They marched back to the trail to walk until Connor was ready to leave.

  “I don’t care. Dessert is my specialty.” Nicole watched a couple of boys playing catch on the ball field near the basketball court. Seeing all the kids here in Sunriver made her miss her students. No, she wouldn’t go there. They walked past the outfield and headed away from the tennis courts.

  “Have you run into Mark lately?”

  “Why do you ask?” Nicole shot her friend a sideways glance.

  “No reason really. I thought I saw something between you, that’s all, and according to Connor the two of you are friendly.”

  “Well,” she drew the word out.

  “You have seen him!” Sarah grabbed her arm, pulling her to a stop. “Tell me what happened.” She sounded like a ki
d at Christmas.

  Nicole shrugged, trying to keep her expression neutral. “There’s not much to tell really. We’ve run into each other several times, and he responded to the break-in at my house.”

  “The what? You mean someone broke into your place?”

  “Yes. A couple of weeks ago. It was pretty awful, but they didn’t take much really. I walked in before they were finished and got whacked on the back of my head.”

  “No way! That’s horrible.”

  “I’m surprised Connor didn’t tell you.”

  “He knew?”

  Nicole cringed at the volume of Sarah’s voice. “I was upset, but it’s not a big deal anymore. Mark told me some things I could do to make the place safer, and I feel much better now.”

  “I don’t know about things where you come from, but any kind of break-in around here is a big deal. It doesn’t happen in Sunriver. I was talking to my friends Tina and Marge about that very thing before they left. They’d heard that homes were being robbed and were concerned for me. I told them they’d heard wrong, but I guess I’m the one who was wrong.”

  “Where are your friends from anyway?”

  “Bend. They were on a staycation.”

  “Seriously? That’s only a short drive from here.”

  “I know.” She stepped around a rock. “The girls actually popped in again one evening last week after spending a couple of weeks crashing in my guest room. I was sure surprised to see them again so soon.”

  Nicole shrugged. She didn’t want to say anything rude about Sarah’s friends so she kept quiet. They seemed so rough around the edges compared to Sarah, that it amazed her Sarah hung out with them. “How did you and your friends meet?”

  Sarah frowned and started walking again. “We go way back to my B.C. days.”

  “You lost me.”

  “Sorry. Before Christ. You know, before I got into church and became a Christian. It’s been kind of tough maintaining our friendship because those two don’t want anything to do with the Lord, and they give me a hard time about my faith. In answer to your question, we met at a party years ago.”

  “Sounds like you don’t have much in common with them anymore.”

  “I suppose. We still enjoy getting together every now and then, but only for short periods of time. Honestly this last visit was a little too long for my liking.”

  Nicole stayed by her side as they finished the loop and ended in the parking lot beside Sarah’s car. “So next week, same time and place?”

  “Yep, but I’ll see you at church on Sunday, right?”

  Nicole nodded and felt like an airhead. She’d already forgotten about the potluck.

  Sarah pulled open the car door and reached inside. “This flyer has all the details.”

  Nicole took the paper regarding the church potluck. She gave it a quick glance and tucked it into her purse. “Thanks. See you Sunday.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Mark stood in the buffet line at Community Bible Church. He honed in on a platter of crispy fried chicken. Something about a potluck made fried chicken taste even better than usual. Piling his plate high with an assortment of fruit, pasta, salads, and chicken, he turned from the table and collided with Connor, very nearly dropping the masterpiece he held.

  He tousled the kid’s hair. “Whoa, sorry about that. How’s the arm?”

  “Better, but still sore.” Connor nodded toward Mark’s plate. “That looks good.”

  “I’m glad your arm’s improving.”

  “Me too. Sarah’s taking me to buy a new bike this afternoon. I can’t wait.”

  It didn’t surprise him that the boy missed his wheels. “You’d better get in line before the food is gone.”

  “Sarah’s holding my spot.” He turned to face the front of the line. “Oh, she’s almost to the food. Gotta go, ’bye.”

  Mark chuckled and pivoted toward a set of chairs lined up against a wall, but stopped as his gaze landed on a familiar face. Nicole stood in the doorway. His stomach lurched. He walked up to her. “Hey there. You should’ve told me you were coming.”

  “Sarah invited me.” She pointed toward the line where her friend stood. “I didn’t realize this was your church, too.”

  “I’m really glad you came.” He motioned with his plate toward the buffet table. “Join me when you have your food?”

  A pensive look covered her face as she glanced around the room.

  “Relax. The people here are nice.”

  “That’s a relief. I was pretty nervous about coming.” She eyed his plate. “Maybe you could share some of yours. There appears to be enough for us both.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief.

  He pulled the plate closer. “No pillaging my feast. Get your own.” He pointed to the line. “I’ll save you a seat.”

  She flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I’ll remember this act of greed, and someday when you’re starving and about ready to faint from lack of food, you’ll regret not sharing.”

  Mark chuckled. He liked this playful side of Nicole very much. He watched as she scooted into the dwindling line. He spooned a bite of pasta salad into his mouth and nearly gagged on the strong taste of garlic. That was a mistake. He swallowed hard and washed it down with water. People meandered by with their plates, and a few children darted between them. It’d be a feat if they all made it to seats without spilling.

  Connor plunked down beside him and wolfed his food. “See you later.”

  “Nice talking to you.” How the boy managed to eat a plateful in less than two minutes escaped him.

  He looked sheepish. “Sorry. I can’t talk and eat.”

  “I guess it’s safer that way.”

  “Huh?”

  “Less chance of choking.”

  Connor chuckled. “Right. See you.” He waved and slipped into the throng of people milling about.

  Mark bit into the chicken.

  “How is it?”

  He looked up into Nicole’s emerald green eyes. “Cold but delicious.”

  She sat in the folding chair beside him. “Good. I’m glad I grabbed a piece.”

  He noted her selection of food and was impressed by the healthful choices—fresh fruit, green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, a whole-wheat roll and one piece of chicken. “You’re missing a major food group.”

  “Huh?” She studied her plate.

  “Dessert.”

  She nudged him in the shoulder. “I try and skip that food group as often as possible.”

  “Bor-ing.”

  He broke his brownie in half and placed it on her plate. “You can’t sit by me and not indulge a little.” He lowered his voice and leaned close. “I heard one of the other men say these were the best brownies he’d ever tasted.”

  Nicole beamed a smile toward Mark. Knowing that the church people enjoyed her baking made her all the more happy she’d decided to come to the potluck. She’d popped in before the service ended to drop off her contribution to the meal then waited for Sarah. “I baked those brownies. It’s my grandma’s recipe.”

  “You made the brownies? And you don’t eat dessert?”

  She nodded.

  He took a bite. “They’re really good.”

  “Thanks.”

  “What are your plans for the rest of the day? I’d love to take a few brownies to work tomorrow. I’d be willing to help bake.” He tilted his head to the side.

  Nicole stuffed a large bite of salad into her mouth and chewed slowly. She’d had a lot of downtime lately, which meant an abundance of time to think. She liked Mark and enjoyed being with him, but she could see the direction their friendship was taking, and it made her uneasy. His profession wasn’t exactly safe. Did she really want to pursue anything more than friendship? The more time she spent with him, the more she worried. “How about I make up a couple batches and drop them by the station sometime this week?”

  “Really? That’d be great. Thanks!” Mark took the last bite of chicken and grinned as he set his plate aside. Hol
ding a napkin, he touched it to the tip of her mouth. “You had a little dressing.”

  A tingle zipped from her toes to her fingers. “Uh, thanks.”

  “If you’re not busy, we could go do something else today. The weather is perfect for being outdoors.” He quirked his head to the side, his eyes vulnerable.

  She blinked rapidly. How could he look so adorable, vulnerable, and strong at the same time? She wanted to say yes. But what about keeping her distance and sticking to friendship? Granted being outdoors would be much less confining than baking in her small kitchen.

  “Come on, Nicole. I can tell you want to.”

  “May I be honest?”

  “Of course.”

  “I like you, Mark, but you’re a cop and that makes me nervous.”

  “I’m a regular guy who wants to spend an afternoon with the prettiest girl in the room. Forget about my occupation.”

  Her cheeks burned as she studied his face. “Okay.”

  He pumped a fist in the air.

  Laughter bubbled up from deep inside her. Once she gained control, she sobered. “What did you have in mind?”

  “Do you hike? We could hike to Benham Falls.”

  Hiking wasn’t her favorite activity. She much preferred tennis or water sports or something that didn’t involve climbing over dusty trails and risking an encounter with a snake. She pursed her lips then snapped her fingers. “Are you interested in helping fulfill a girl’s dream?”

  He quirked a brow.

  “The house where I’m staying has a tandem bike, and I’ve always wanted to try riding one.”

  He made a face.

  She quickly added. “It’s okay to say no. I could ask Sarah sometime. I know you spend a ton of time on a bike seat.”

  He groaned, then flashed a crooked smile. “I suppose there are worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon. But . . .”

  Nicole could tell by the twinkle in his eyes he was going to say yes. She stood to toss her garbage. “You ready?”