One thing was clear. She needed to avoid Shane Zadopec. Hanging with him would just make her a foil for his greatness. And he was pretty great. Faith swallowed hard. Great and out of reach.
Not that she was reaching.
Her cell phone rang. Faith glanced at the unfamiliar number. It was local. She answered. Shane's voice rippled across the wireless waves.
“Hey, I forgot to ask if you wanted to head up to Bear Creek tomorrow. It's in the—”
“I know where Bear Creek is,” she said, in danger of snapping her cell phone in two.
“I could use the company and you could get some photos.”
Faith closed her eyes, then shook her head while her silly voice said yes.
Chapter Seven
The following morning, Faith had managed to collect her scattered emotions and could face the idea of a day alone with Shane with equanimity. That composure was challenged when he walked into the office, his dark eyes shining, his mouth curved in a smile.
“Merle is in his office,” she said by way of greeting. She assumed he'd want to greet his uncle before leaving. He nodded and headed to the back office.
Faith took a deep breath and double-checked that she had her camera, a fresh battery pack, and the basic hiking supplies. Okay, God, we talked about this last night. I'm going to need Your help to get through this day with Mr. Perfect. And yes, that part is Your fault. She grimaced at her petty irreverence and focused on an old Sunday school hymn. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Funny thing was, she felt like a school girl at the idea of palling around with her boss's nephew. Rejoice, rejoice...
Faith finally joined Shane in Merle's office. They were discussing the day's weather. Clear and warmer than normal. Good for a day hike, but unless there was ample rain, later in the season they could face a drought. Faith frowned. A dry period. Kind of like her life at the moment. Ugh.
“So you two are headed to Bear Creek, eh?” Merle asked, startling her from her dark musings.
Shane nodded. “My supervisor wants me to check erosion on the creek since the snow melt is making its way off the mountains earlier than usual.”
Merle turned to Faith. “Any idea of what you'll be looking for today?”
“Um, the usual nature shots,” she said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “And, I was thinking...maybe we should consider making our photography available as stock for purchase. I've got a lot of material on the hard drive that's not earning its keep.”
Merle's mustache twitched. “You've mentioned it before, but I'm still not sure how I feel about that.”
“This will be an opportunity to increase the cash flow,” she said firmly. “Besides, a lot of the pictures are only just adequate and we'll probably never feature them in anything.”
Faith sensed Shane's surprised look. She straightened her shoulders, keeping her gaze trained on Merle.
“I'll think about it,” the older man said, obviously unconcerned.
“And Shane here has a treasure trove of incredible photography you should see.”
“Oh?” Merle turned to his nephew. “I know you're interested in photography, but I didn't know quite how far that went.”
“'Incredible' doesn't even begin to—”
“Faith is exaggerating,” Shane said, shooting her a frustrated look. “Anyway, it's just a hobby.”
“How about letting me take a gander next time I visit?”
“Sure thing.”
Merle smiled broadly, encompassing them both. “Have a good trip. But watch out for rattlesnakes. They're coming out of hibernation early like all the other critters this year.”
“We got a bulletin at the station this morning about that. I guess a hiker was bitten over the weekend.”
“Seems like we get a few of those every year.”
Faith listened to their chatting, now wondering why she'd accepted Shane's invitation. She could just as easily get new shots on her own.
“Are you ready then?” he asked her.
She sent him a tight smile and nodded. After a hearty farewell from Merle, she grabbed her backpack and headed out to Shane's Jeep.
He was close behind. “Are you sure you're up to this?”
Faith turned quickly, the motion testing her ankle. She bit back a gasp at the jolt of pain. “Excuse me?”
The sunlight picked out highlights in his hair and eyes. “You don't have to go with me, you know. I mean, I hope you're not accepting out of some misplaced obligation.”
A quick retort came to mind but she suppressed it. “I'm appreciative of the opportunity you're providing me.”
Shane regarded her for several moments, as if he didn't quite buy her cardboard answer. His mouth twisted in a semblance of a smile. “So, how's the ankle?”
“Fine.”
“Not that you'd admit to it being not fine.”
She arched her brow then hoisted herself up into the front seat, stowing her backpack in the seat behind.
The drive from town was silent. Not precisely tense, but it was hardly a comfortable silence. She knew she'd annoyed Shane, but then maybe that meant they were even. Besides, why would he hide his talent? Was he just reticence because he was shy? Faith thought of the good-natured smile that usually graced his mouth. Shyness didn't factor into it. Maybe he knew his images were so much better than hers and didn't want to embarrass her in front of Merle. He was just being a gentleman about it. But that explanation didn't bring any comfort either. She sagged against the seat.
“So,” Shane said suddenly, “been to Bear Creek?”
Faith sent him a sidelong look. “Um, yes, but not often considering it borders restricted land.”
“How were you able to get onto it before then?”
She couldn't resist the impulse to tweak him. “You're not the only ranger I know, Shane.”
He frowned then began to rattle off a list of possible names.
She nodded her head, amused for some reason. “I know a lot of rangers. In several counties.”
“And I bet they were always ready and willing to help out a pretty photographer.”
“It was always for professional reasons of course,” she said in a lowering tone.
He laughed without much humor.
“I didn't know you were sexist,” Faith said sweetly.
“Hey, I'm not the one bragging about knowing a lot of rangers.”
“What's that supposed to mean?”
“Faith, I know you're not as ignorant as you'd like me to think.”
Her eyes widened in hurt. “Trust me,” she said, “I wouldn't want to let anyone in on my ignorance.”
Shane looked over at her, apparently taken aback by her reaction. “Whoa. I just took a wrong turn with you. Again.”
Faith didn't trust herself to speak. She turned her head to look out the window. This excursion was a stupid idea.
“Faith,” he said, his voice gentle. “Look at me.”
Not wanting to appear as grouchy as she felt, she turned to him, sending him a limpid look.
“I just meant that you don't give yourself enough credit.”
She held his gaze for a long moment while they sat at a red light. Not wanting to go down this road with him conversationally, she attempted a weak smile. “Oh.”
But it seemed he wasn't ready to give it up.
“Why did you bring up my portfolio to Merle like that?”
Faith cleared her throat. “Sorry, I didn't know it was a surprise.”
He headed across the intersection and took the highway that led to the mountains. “That's not it and you know it. You purposefully elevated my photos over yours. Why would do that?”
She looked at him with wide eyes. “Just being honest.”
“I doubt it was that simple,” he said, his smile now absent.
“I'm not that complicated, Shane.”
“Believe me,” he said quietly, “you are.”
She stuck her tongue out at him. His shocked expression turned to a reluctant smile. “Exactly.”
The remainder of the drive passed with an unspoken agreement of civility. They talked of soil erosion issues in Oregon compared to the other states where he'd worked. Faith sensed a lot of his information came from reports and official documentation. She wondered how many farmers and ranchers he'd actually talked to about the issue. Some of the families who'd worked the land for generations took a while to warm up to the new rangers. Some never warmed up at all.
“I'm sure you've heard about how gold mining was responsible for much of the past erosion in Wheeler County,” she said.
“Yes, I read about that. But in the last few decades it's primarily been due to farms and ranches that share the creek.”
“So, are you going to tell the farmers and ranchers to stop farming and ranching?”
Shane sent her a pointed look. “I can tell you're trying to set me up.” He sighed. “I actually wanted to use today to just introduce myself to them and open up a dialogue.”
“They've already been talked to endlessly by the feds.”
“So, what, I'm a G-Man now?”
“I'm serious, Shane, they're just trying to survive out here like anyone else.”
“Then this will be a continuing conversation. It's part of my job to maintain both economic stability as well as environmental.”
“Sounds like that came out of a book.”
“Faith,” he said exasperated, “this isn't something new to me. In Arizona and Idaho I talked to farmers and ranchers without offending anyone. As I said, today will primarily be an introduction so I can get to know the people around here.”
“I thought you were going to get me access to restricted land.”
His shoulders relaxed slightly. “That was the carrot. Business first, then pleasure.”
“Restricted pleasure, Shane? Are you sure about that?”
He sent her a look that said he wanted to give her at the very least a noogey.
They arrived at the first ranch, Harrison Acres. Shane had called ahead, so he was met at the gate while she remained in the Jeep. Shane introduced himself and mentioned a quick overview of issues to be aware of, then gave out his card with his personal cell number on it. Despite assuming the meeting would be strained, Shane's demeanor apparently won over the rancher, his wife and adult sons, based on their open expressions. Mr. Harrison kept a congenial conversation going for several minutes beyond what was necessary. It seemed he and Shane were both intent on making good impressions.
“That obviously went well,” Faith said as they climbed back into the Jeep.
“Why didn't you come out and say hi? I assumed you knew everyone in the area.”
“I said I knew the rangers around here, not the ranchers. Besides, you were on official, federal business.”
“Ah,” he said, a knowing look in his eye.
As they drove to the next place, she sensed Shane's assessment from his side of the cab. “So excluding ranchers, do you know anyone else around here aside from rangers?”
“Of course. John Day is a small town.”
“I mean who are your friends? Surely you don't go hiking alone on a regular basis?”
Faith sent him an accusing look. “So that's what this is about? You're babysitting me so I don't hike by myself?”
“I have to admit that taking you along whenever possible might curb some of your loner hikes, but what I'm asking is do you ever go with anyone else?”
“So not only are you insinuating that I can't handle myself on my own, but that I also have no friends?”
He shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road. “Just making conversation.”
Faith felt like punching his shoulder. Why did he have to be so snoopy? “Merle is getting a little too old to be following me up mountain trails.”
“I wasn't actually referring to Merle.”
“Shane,” she said patiently, “I know almost everyone in John Day. I know everyone at church.”
“I'm talking about tight friends. Bosom buddies.”
“Why are we talking about this at all?” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.
“I just noticed at church you didn't seem to have any relationships beyond passing acquaintance.”
“And you gained all of this insight from a couple of Sundays? Just like you get all your information from books?”
“I'm just asking a question.”
“Why is it any of your business?”
“I guess it isn't. I'm just concerned.”
“Concerned?” she said aghast. “Concerned?”
“You shouldn't be on your own so much. I know Merle worries—”
“Okay, so far you've told me I'm ignorant, can't get friends, need a babysitter—”
“I'm not sure why you're being so defensive, Faith.”
“Shane, maybe I didn't grow up in the inner city of Detroit, but let me tell you my neighborhood wasn't exactly Easy Street. So not only can I handle myself in any situation, but I think you'll find yourself a new trail buddy if I have to endure the third degree every time I get in the Jeep with you.”
“This isn't the third degree. It's called a relationship.”
“We don't have a relationship!”
“Yet. That's what I'm working on.” He pulled to a stop at the next address on his list.
Faith struggled to keep her expression neutral. “Why would you want a relationship with someone with all my negative qualities anyway?”
He sent her a bemused look. “The only negative quality so far is your argumentativeness—”
“Oh, so for us to be friends I have to agree with everything you say?”
“Of course not. But friends let friends finish their sentences.”
Faith glared at him. “Have your say, Shane. Take your best shot.”
He grabbed the door handle. “It will have to wait. We're here.”
Shane eased out a frustrated breath as headed up to the ranch house. He was beginning to think he'd be better off avoiding road trips with the very brambly Faith. Then again, there was a reason for her attitude. He knew she was hurting. And he didn't want to pretend the issue was invisible. At the same time did he have to rub her nose in it? He chided himself for losing his cool and goading her into a response instead of easing into it down the road when they were more comfortable with each other.
But he was impatient. And his impatience was tempered by attraction. Even when she was riled up, Faith's loveliness held all the wild appeal of the cathedral pines and painted hills of Wheeler County. He wanted to explore every inch of her personality, get to know all the zones and climates, finding the hidden places tucked away off the beaten path. Of course, people were usually trickier terrain than...well, terrain. He smirked at himself, pressing the gate buzzer.
Of course, he probably had no business assuming he was the one to do the exploring. But he couldn't seem to help himself. Just the thought of Faith's flashing hazel eyes sent his pulse quickening.
Shane made a concerted effort to let none of his discombobulation show as he introduced himself to the rancher who met him at the gate. After a twenty minute chat, he headed back to the Jeep where Faith sat fulminating. Shane could almost see steam coming out of her ears when he climbed into the truck.
“That went well,” he said in a pleasant tone. “Now to Bear Creek.” A peek from the corner of his eye caught Faith lifting her stubborn chin.
“That sounds wonderful,” she said with saccharine sweetness.
Sha
ne suppressed a grin. Hostility and sarcasm he could deal with. He'd take it over apathy any day. The drive lasted about an hour—everything was far-flung in eastern Oregon—and he took the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather. The sky was a deep blue. The golden mellowness arching overhead was not usually seen until summer. Looking into the forests on either side of the road, he saw signs of abundant wildlife. It seemed all the woodland creatures were out enjoying the weather too.
They came to a spot just outside the border of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Shane pulled off the road into a graveled area. He wanted to avoid the trail head where people might be fishing and instead find a less populated trail.
Faith exited the Jeep and slung her backpack over her shoulder. Her expression was blank, but he could still discern annoyance in her eyes. They headed down the pine needle trail, not speaking, just putting one foot in front of the other. Jay birds swooped through the pines and baby chipmunks scattered at their presence. He inhaled the tangy scent of the trees. Being in the woods never failed to calm his spirit. Hopefully it had the same effect on Faith.
After about half a mile, they broke through the trees to a rocky area leading down to a wide, sparkling creek, bubbling with mini whitecaps. Maidenhair ferns sprang intermittently from the rocky soil, and tree saplings grew along the bank, shadowed by their larger counterparts. It would be a great place for a picnic. He glanced at his recalcitrant partner. Someday maybe.
Now to business. Shane walked along the length for several hundred feet, looking for evidence of erosion on either side. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Faith setting up her camera equipment on a large flat rock. He fished a water sample kit from his own backpack and dipped it into the rapids. From this spot check he didn't see any obvious problems. He hoped that held true for the rest of the creek.
Shane crouched down and jotted some descriptions in his notebook, surreptitiously keeping one eye on Faith. She had found a fragile flower struggling up from between boulders and was trying to frame the shot. He decided it was a good metaphor for her. Fragile yet tough enough to blossom in improbable circumstances.
Rock and A Hard Place (Cascade Brides Series) Page 7