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

  A knock on the door drew her. She pulled it open. “Hi, Mark.”

  “You look gorgeous.” His eyes roved from her face to her heels then back up.

  Her cheeks warmed, and she suspected they matched the color of her lipstick. “Thanks. You look nice too.” His black trousers topped off with a white shirt, and a black and silver tie, enhanced his physique and reminded her of a G-man.

  He flashed a smile and offered his arm. “I made reservations at Anthony’s Restaurant in the Old Mill District.”

  “I’ve heard they have great seafood.” She closed and locked the door behind them.

  Mark ambled beside her toward the car. “How’ve you been?”

  “Great. The remodel is finished, and the master suite is so luxurious!” She almost offered to show it to him later but quickly realized how that would sound. She cleared her throat. “Plus, I found a missing part of a clue from Grams that I’m trying to figure out, and the reading selection at the house is amazing. I think I’ve read three books since I last saw you. And best of all, I got a job! I had the interview this afternoon and was hired on the spot.”

  A grin lit his face. “I knew you would. I guess this is a celebration dinner.”

  “Call it whatever you want, but let’s go. I’m starved.”

  “I like a woman who speaks her mind.” He opened the door. “After you.”

  “I’ve been so keyed up since getting the job, I could barely function. You’re the first person I’ve told.” She slid into the passenger seat.

  He jogged around to the driver’s seat then got in. “Sarah doesn’t even know?”

  “Nope. Although I should call her soon. I haven’t seen her since last week.”

  “I guess that means you’re not getting in any tennis with Sarah.” He shot her a teasing grin.

  “Not since the evening we had dinner together.”

  Mark’s brow furrowed.

  “Something wrong?”

  “What? No.” He frowned and shook his head. “Why do you ask?” He had both hands on the wheel as they zoomed up the entrance onto US 97.

  “No reason. You seemed bothered for a moment.”

  Mark flashed a grin. “Nope. How well do you know Sarah?”

  “Not very since our friendship is new.” She tilted her head. “Why do you ask?”

  “No reason.” He kept his eyes on the road.

  Nicole pressed her lips together. She’d spent enough time with the man to be able to read him a little, and he wasn’t telling her something. Why would he want to know about Sarah? Oh well, she wouldn’t allow it to ruin their date. “I’ve been looking forward to our dinner.”

  He flashed a grin in her direction. “Me too. Tell me about the clue you’ve been trying to figure out.”

  “It was a note that said, home is where the heart is.”

  “Hmm. Makes me think the clue is at your place. Have you searched your house?”

  “Everywhere I can think to look.”

  “You must be missing something. Then again, maybe we’re being too literal.”

  “What else could it mean?” Nicole didn’t want to think about the game right now. She’d spent so much effort trying to figure out her grandma’s clue, she needed a break, but Mark seemed to really enjoy the challenge, so she’d let him try to figure it out. Maybe he’d even succeed where she’d failed.

  “Heart and home could be symbolic.”

  “Of what?” She turned toward him and almost laughed at the look of concentration on his face. He was getting into the hunt.

  “I’m not sure. But when I figure it out. I’ll let you know. In the meantime, I think your grandma’s scavenger hunt has been a success. Wasn’t the point for you to relax and have fun? It seems to me she accomplished that and more.”

  Could it really be that simple? Her shoulders sagged. She’d expected some kind of hoo-raw. Maybe Mark was right and Grams only wanted to ensure she learned how to relax again.

  No, that couldn’t be it. There was at least one clue she was missing. Grams never did anything without a good reason, and she would see it through to the end. With renewed determination, she set her jaw. If it was the last thing she did she’d solve Grams’ puzzle.

  Mark took an exit off the business loop and turned left toward the Old Mill District shops. “I can’t wait to eat. I’m starved too. Riding a bike all day has increased my appetite.”

  “I’d imagine so.” Nicole studied Mark’s profile. He gripped the steering wheel hard. Was he nervous about their date, or was it something else? Maybe Grams’ game was driving him nuts too.

  Mark wracked his brain. How could he steer the conversation back to Sarah without giving anything away? Maybe he ought to get out of the detective business if he couldn’t manipulate a simple conversation. It certainly wasn’t the first time that thought had crossed his mind.

  He parked. “I’ll get your door.” He strode around to the passenger side and opened the door with a flourish.

  Nicole stepped out with a wide grin. “So chivalrous. Thanks.”

  He closed it and wrapped his hand around hers. “My mom insisted on raising me to be a gentleman.” He shrugged. “What can I say? It stuck.”

  “For the most part,” Nicole teased.

  He opened the door to Anthony’s and allowed her to enter ahead of him. They were seated immediately at a table overlooking the Deschutes River. Inner tubers floated by on the lazy current, enjoying the last couple of hours of sunshine for the day. He turned his attention back to Nicole. “How was your Fourth of July? Did you spend it with Sarah?”

  Nicole looked up from the menu. “No. She was with Tina and Marge. I met them at the pool once. They are not my kind of people, so I spent the day reading.”

  He leaned toward her a little. “I’m sorry to hear that. I wish I’d been free, we could’ve barbequed. You must not care for Sarah’s friends to spend the day alone. What don’t you like about them?”

  “Sarah says they’re partiers. I’m not. Plus, they put off a vibe that bothers me. I can’t explain it.” Her face turned a rosy shade of pink, and she looked away.

  The embarrassed look on her face intrigued him. “What are you thinking about?”

  “Nothing.” She raised the menu to cover her face.

  “Oh it’s something all right.” He set his menu aside and gently pushed hers down. “Come on. You can’t turn colors and not share.”

  The blush deepened, and he chuckled.

  She shot him an annoyed look.

  The waiter approached and took their orders then left them alone.

  “So?” He raised a brow.

  Nicole sighed. “Can’t you let it go?”

  “Nope.”

  “Fine, but remember—you forced this out of me. I was remembering a conversation I overheard between Sarah’s friends, and it involves you.” A saucy look covered her face.

  His pulse thrummed in his ears. Maybe Nicole knew more than she’d let on. He cleared his throat and forced a casual grin. “The suspense is killing me. What did the trio have to say?”

  “I think I’ll let you wonder.” She reached for her glass of water and took a sip, never losing eye contact with him.

  Nicole could flirt with the best. But he had a job to do. “Seriously, I’d like to know.” He heard the edge in his voice and winced.

  She frowned. “What difference does it make?”

  He needed to dial it back, but sensed she was about to tell him something. “I’d really like to know. It’s important.”

  “Sorry.” Her tone had shifted from flirtatious to annoyance. “I’d rather not talk about Sarah and her friends.”

  His stomach sank. He’d pushed too hard, and if the look on her face meant what he thought, he’d ruined their date as well.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The day after her disastrous date with Mark, Nicole power-walked beside Sarah on the path near Fort Rock Park. A light breeze cooled her as day turned into evening. She replayed her date in her m
ind. Mark hadn’t been himself from the start, but he’d struck a nerve when he wouldn’t let go of his curiosity about Sarah and her friends.

  That entire evening left her feeling uptight and like she couldn’t trust Mark. Which was ridiculous since he hadn’t done anything to make her not trust him.

  “You’re quiet today.”

  Sarah’s voice startled Nicole from her thoughts.

  “Sorry. I had dinner with Mark last night, and it didn’t go like I’d expected.”

  “I suppose it’s better to find out now than later, if he isn’t the guy for you.”

  “Right.” She honestly didn’t know why she was so bothered. She knew things between them would end when he returned to Portland and she stayed here, but for some reason her heart hadn’t caught up to her brain.

  “Mark isn’t the only bachelor in Sunriver. In fact, I spotted some men on the golf course this morning . . . and since you’re sticking around I could introduce you to a few of my guy friends from church.”

  Nicole glanced at Sarah and noted she was completely serious. “No thanks. I’m good. I thought you were shy about those kinds of things.”

  “Not when it comes to my friends.” Sarah slowed and stopped. “I’m finished for today. Same time tomorrow? Maybe we can warm up walking and then play tennis?”

  “Sure. See you.” Nicole marched to her car parked in the shade, and she startled when a figure moved from the other side and came toward her. She shielded her eyes with the palm of her hand. “Mark! I didn’t see you in the shadows.” Her heart tripped into double time as he stepped closer to her. This man had a dangerous effect on her.

  “I was on my way to your place when I saw your car and thought I’d wait.” He thrust the small bouquet of mixed flowers toward her. “Peace offering.” He grinned sheepishly. “I feel bad for irritating you last night. Sometimes I get things in my head, and I can’t let them go. I’m sorry.”

  “Forgiven, but really there’s nothing to forgive. Thanks for the flowers. How long have you been waiting?”

  “Not long. Do you have a minute to talk?”

  She shrugged. “Sure. I was going to go home and change then head to the pool, but I’m not in a rush.” She leaned against her car. “What’s up?”

  “I was hoping for a do-over dinner.”

  “I’d like that, but I’m curious why you were so intent to know what Sarah and her friends had said?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t say.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Can’t or won’t.”

  “Can’t.”

  “Oh.” She wanted to question him further, but what was the point? Clearly something was up, and he wasn’t going there. It was time to let it go and move on.

  “I would tell you if I could.”

  A frown tugged at her lips. Was this a police matter? Could Sarah be in some kind of trouble? This train of thought had to be off base. No way would Sarah be involved in anything criminal, and yet he said he couldn’t tell her, so it must be work related. She trusted Sarah and had a hard time believing the police would be interested in her, but she’d trusted Mark, too. Him not sharing why he wanted to know didn’t set well, even if it was a police matter.

  Indecision warred within.

  “Nicole?” He stepped close and grasped her hand between his. “Please don’t let this come between us. I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent together and . . .” He worked his jaw. “I need you to trust me.”

  “I’m trying, but secrets make it tough.”

  He nodded. “I understand.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Okay then. I’ll let you go.”

  Nicole laid the flowers on the hood of her car and tugged him toward her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and spoke softly beside his ear. “When you can share what’s going on, I’m all ears.” She placed a soft kiss on his cheek and slid into her car before he could respond. Her face burned at her out-of-character boldness. What had come over her?

  Mark watched Nicole drive away, and regret the size of the Titanic filled him. His job had come between him and relationships before, but this was the first time he’d cared so much. One way or another, they would find whoever was burglarizing homes in Sunriver and soon.

  In his gut, he didn’t believe Sarah was a criminal, but he needed to protect Nicole no matter what. He slid behind the wheel of his car. A text came in from Spencer.

  “Got something.”

  A few minutes later he walked into the station. Spencer stood in the conference room staring at the board they used to outline the crimes.

  He knocked then walked in. “What do you have?”

  Spencer spared him a glance. “Maybe nothing, but we got a tip.”

  “You think it’s credible?”

  He nodded. “A kid stopped by here a bit ago and said he overheard two people talking in the village. He took a picture of the women who were talking.”

  “And?” Spencer sure knew how to drag things out.

  “He believes the women were discussing a break-in.”

  “As in planning one?” Could this be the lead they’d been waiting for?

  “Yes.”

  “What has you concerned?”

  “The logistics. Like I mentioned, he snapped a picture of the women, but I don’t think these women are capable of carrying the stuff that’s been stolen. As Nicole pointed out, many of those TVs are heavy and awkward.”

  “You can’t tell how strong a woman is by looking at her, because women generally don’t have bulky muscles. Can you pull up the photos? I’d like to see who we’re dealing with.”

  Spencer handed him the prints.

  Mark sucked in his breath. “Do you know who these women are?”

  “Yes, and it doesn’t bode well for Sarah, or Nicole for that matter.”

  “Will you give Nicole a break!” he snapped. “You know as well as I do that she had nothing to do with any of this.”

  “I didn’t mean to suggest she did. I’m actually concerned for her safety. If she’s hanging around these women, she’s in danger. Whoever they are working with is trouble.”

  Mark nodded slowly. “Okay. What’s the plan?”

  Spencer laid out the plan in detail. “It will all go down tonight at seven.”

  “Why so early?”

  “No choice. According to the kid, that’s when they’re hitting this house.” He pointed to the map on the board.

  “That’s on Nicole’s street! Again.” He tightened his jaw. Why was this particular cul-de-sac so active?

  “I’m aware.”

  “I need to warn Nicole.”

  “No way. We can’t jeopardize this. I want that group stopped.”

  Mark crossed his arms. He couldn’t let Nicole sit in harm’s way, or worse yet become a victim again.

  Spencer eyed him. “What’s eating you? I’d think something like this would be second nature to a seasoned cop like you.”

  Mark glanced toward the open door and hoped no one heard Spencer. “Will you keep it down? I’m worried about Nicole.” He rubbed his chin. “You have a solid plan, but we have to make sure no one gets hurt.”

  “That goes without saying.”

  Good, they were on the same page. He glanced at the clock on the wall before bolting from the room. They had one hour to set up. Not much time, but it would be enough. First, he needed to talk with Nicole and suggest she take a drive into Bend. He reached for his cell. It went to her voicemail. “Hey, Nicole. Umm . . .” What should he say? He hadn’t counted on her not answering. Then again, she had mentioned going to the pool. Good—hopefully she’d stay there. “I need you to call me. It’s urgent. And wherever you are, stay put. I can’t say more. ’Bye.”

  Spencer breezed past. “Get a move on.”

  “I’m coming.” He threw supplies into a duffle and hustled after Spencer. It would only be the two of them to start since time was short. He slipped into the passenger seat of an unmarked police vehicle and buckled in while Spencer spo
ke on the phone to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s department.

  Unease settled in his gut. He clenched his hand into a fist. Lord, I don’t like this. What made this time different from last? Nicole. This time he didn’t know she was safe and out of harm’s way.

  Spencer pulled into the cul-de-sac and parked behind heavy brush so the car wasn’t visible from the street. “Here’s the plan. I want you in the woods behind the target house. I’ll cover the front. A couple of deputies are enroute. They will wait nearby until I give the word to move in.”

  From his position behind the house, Mark had a view of the back entrance as well as the wooded island situated in the middle of the cul-de-sac where Spencer hid among tall shrubs and ponderosa pine trees. Keeping alert to his surroundings, Mark settled between large pines and a boulder. With any luck Nicole would be away until this was over. Satisfied he was concealed, he settled in for a long wait.

  An engine slowed, and a van turned into the cul-de-sac and parked in the driveway of the house next to Nicole’s. Adrenalin surged through his veins—this was it. He spoke into his radio and called in backup. He slunk to the side of the house for a better view but was careful to stay hidden.

  A man the size of a professional football player stepped from the driver’s side of a white, unmarked van. The passenger wasn’t much smaller. They didn’t appear to be armed, but a weapon was easy enough to conceal.

  The men pulled two large boxes from the van and in no obvious hurry approached the front door, then went inside. Did they have the key? He waited, unwilling to spook them by moving in. Several minutes later the driver exited the house alone carrying the same box he’d gone in with. Where was that backup?

  He looked over his shoulder toward the entrance into the cul-de-sac and spotted a sheriff’s vehicle. Pulling his service weapon, he stepped out from behind a canopy of shrubs. A bicyclist bounced between the houses—Nicole! His heart slammed. She was riding her bicycle straight into danger. Keep going like you don’t see him Nicole. If the perpetrators didn’t feel threatened they’d more than likely ignore her.