Designing Love: An Inspirational Romance (Sunriver Dreams Book 3)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Sierra, right?” He recognized Bailey’s assistant’s voice from their phone conversations. “You know my name?”

  Her cheeks pinked ever so slightly. “Well, your picture is on the wall along with your brothers’ in the office. I’ve met Rick and Stephen, so you have to be John.”

  “In the flesh.” He grinned. She was as cute in person as she’d sounded on the phone. There was no way she could be the person sabotaging their company—could she? She had the brains to come up with a scheme, but Bailey spoke highly of her. Still, he couldn’t figure how she could benefit from harassing the company she worked for.

  “I’ll be in the office,” she said to Bailey then spared him another glance.

  “Thanks, Sierra,” Bailey said. “I’ll join you shortly.”

  “I didn’t mean to scare her away.” He hoped the opposite—he wouldn’t mind having missed his mother if he could get to know Sierra a little. It would be nice to be able to confirm his belief that she was innocent. He’d been charmed when they’d spoken on the phone, and now that he’d seen her, he was more so.

  She chuckled. “You didn’t. She’s focused when she’s working.”

  He nodded. “When do you expect my mom and brother to be back?”

  “I have no idea. If the doctor is on time then within the hour, if not . . .” She shrugged. “Oh, and Stephen mentioned taking her out to eat too, so it’s anyone’s guess when they’ll be back.”

  “I see. Okay.” Disappointed, he turned toward the door. Although a waste of a drive, he would try and make the best of it by visiting the bakery in the village for a donut, then circle back here. Maybe then Sierra would be free to talk. Hopefully Mom wouldn’t be gone for hours.

  “You can wait here, if you’d like.”

  “I don’t want to get in the way.”

  “Trust me. This house is plenty big enough for the three of us.” She grinned and walked toward the office. “If you can’t find something to keep you occupied, I’m sure we can find a task for you.”

  “That sounds like a challenge.” He didn’t really need a donut.

  She tossed a grin over her shoulder. He chuckled. Bailey had come into her own these past several months since taking over for his mother. The first couple of years she worked for his mom she’d been somewhat shy and reserved, but since she started dating Stephen she’d changed. She had an air of confidence about her that she’d lacked before, and she was more assertive now—in a good way.

  It was nice to see this side of her. Especially since the old Bailey would not have been able to run the design branch of the company half as well without her newly found confidence. He had to hand it to his little brother. Stephen had seen the potential in her and stoked it to life. Now it was Bailey’s turn to groom Sierra. Although older than Bailey by a few years, Sierra didn’t seem to mind having a younger boss, which bode well for all of them. From what Stephen had told him, Bailey’s assistant showed a lot of promise as a designer. The woman definitely piqued his interest—one way or another, he’d find a way to get to know her.

  Chapter Four

  Sierra grappled with nerves knowing John waited in the kitchen for his mother. He’d left for a while and popped his head in when he’d come back to see if Mona was home. What was so important he would wait for an undetermined amount of time for his mother’s return? Could be he wanted to simply visit her, but she sensed there was more to it than that. He was a busy man. Why not return this evening after work? She stood and stretched.

  Bailey looked up from her computer screen. “Everything okay?”

  “Yes. I’m thirsty and thought I’d get some water. Can I get you anything?”

  “No, thanks. I’m leaving in five. Aren’t you joining me?” Confusion covered Bailey’s face.

  “Of course. I’ll only be a minute.” Thanks to the distraction of John being in the house, she’d forgotten they had a delivery to sort through and a bedroom to put together at a client’s home. It was a fun project—a child’s bedroom.

  “On second thought, how about you grab a couple water bottles from the fridge, and we’ll take them with us?” Bailey stood and closed her laptop. “I’ll meet you in the car.”

  “Will do.” Disappointment struck Sierra as she hustled to the kitchen. So much for finding out what was going on with John. She wasn’t normally a busybody, but according to Bailey there was something different about him today—more serious. Not that she was looking for trouble, but if it had anything to do with Belafonte Designs, she wanted to know about it. This job was extremely important to her, and her son depended on her.

  “Well, hello.” John stood at the counter sipping from a mug. Coffee scented the air. He raised the mug. “Would you care for a cup? I could use the company. I’m feeling rather stupid for not thinking to call first to see if my mom was home before driving out here.”

  “Don’t. Mona is almost always here. You had no way of knowing.”

  “Unless I’d called.”

  She grinned. “True.”

  “How about that coffee?” He pulled a cupboard open and reached inside.

  “No time. Bailey and I are headed out.” She grabbed two water bottles from the fridge. “Is everything okay? Although I assumed you stopped by to see your mother, I’ve never seen you here, so it seems odd.” She turned and faced him.

  A strained look covered his face. “I have something to talk to my mom about, and I prefer to do so in person.”

  “Okay. Well, I should go. Bailey is waiting.” She fled the kitchen, grabbed her purse then rushed out to the car. She never should have questioned John. Clearly whatever the problem was, he had no intention of telling her, and to make matters worse, he seemed bothered by her inquiry. Rightly so, too. Mona was his mother, and he probably wanted to talk to her about something personal.

  “What’s wrong?” Bailey asked as she pulled away from the house.

  She turned startled eyes on her boss. “What do you mean?”

  “You seem flustered. Did something happen?”

  “No.” Sierra pressed her lips together and faced forward. Bailey did not need to know how nutty her assistant behaved. She hoped to be given more responsibility soon and being an unprofessional busybody was not the way to get it.

  “Okay.” Bailey went on to talk about the project they were headed to.

  Sierra forced her focus on the job ahead, but a nagging thought nipped at the back of her mind. Something was up with John. But what?

  Spencer could not get Trey off his mind. The teen truly appeared to despise him. Spencer could handle not being liked by everyone, but the idea of the teen hating him because of what had happened didn’t set well. He had to find a way for them to make peace. He knew firsthand what kind of damage festering hate could do. He’d seen it in some of the people he’d arrested.

  Not knowing Trey put him at a disadvantage, but he wasn’t a quitter. He’d find a way to make friends with and get through to the teen. He gazed out the window of his house in Sunriver, unable to see beyond the glass into the night. He shook his head and closed the worn out drapes.

  One day, he’d like to update this home. He’d purchased it five years ago with that in mind. It’d been a turnkey property and he’d yet to put his own touch on the place. That was it! He’d renovate with the help of a designer and said designer would be Sierra. But that only solved half of his problem. How would he reach out to Trey and clear the air between them? Maybe Mark would have an idea.

  He grabbed his cell phone and speed dialed his buddy and fellow police officer. “Hey, it’s Spencer. Do you have a minute?”

  “Sure. What’s up?”

  “Remember that teen I told you about earlier?”

  “From the silent alarm house? Sure. What about him?”

  “I know I shouldn’t let it bother me, and I probably ought to let this go, but it’s eating at me. I want to make it up to him. I’d feel bad if he hates cops for the rest of his life because of me.”

  “That’
s a heavy burden. Let me talk to Nicole. Maybe she’ll have an idea. Her teacher’s mind comes up with all sorts of things that I never would have considered for almost anything.”

  Spencer chuckled. “That sounds about right. I should’ve gone straight to your wife.”

  “I like that you came to me first. Hold on a sec. I’ll get her.”

  “Hello, Spencer,” Nicole said.

  “Hi.”

  “Mark tells me you made a mess of something and need my help.”

  He winced. “Afraid so.” He explained the situation then waited. The line was too quiet. “Are you still there?”

  “Yes, just thinking. Teenage boys aren’t exactly my sweet spot. I work with younger kids.”

  “I know, but I don’t know who else to turn to. This is really important to me.”

  “I understand. I’ll do my best, but you’ve been warned. What about putting together a community event through the police department? Positive press is always a good thing for the police.”

  “I like where you’re going with this. Any idea what we should do?”

  “A run, a pizza feed, a dance?”

  He rubbed his stubbly chin. “Those all sound like a lot of work. I’m not sure I’d get much support considering the load everyone is already carrying.”

  She chuckled. “Sorry. I should’ve thought of that.”

  “No need to apologize. I’ll think on it. Maybe something less involved will come to me.” No idea was bad as far as he was concerned.

  “I had another thought,” she continued. “What about a mentoring program through the police department? I know Mark would want to get involved.”

  “Like a big brother, big sister kind of thing?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I like that.”

  “You do realize it will be even more work to pull off than my other ideas since it’s long term?”

  “Yes. However, I see huge value in this idea.” But what if he went to all the work to set up the program, and Trey didn’t want anything to do with it?

  Chapter Five

  Monday morning Sierra rushed out the front door. She needed to stop by Brewed Awakenings to get Bailey’s usual mocha on her way to work. She dropped her keys and nearly growled in frustration. She should have left fifteen minutes ago. This was not like her. She was Miss Organized, yet somehow she’d forgotten to turn on her alarm and had overslept.

  A police cruiser pulled up behind her car with Spencer at the wheel. “Again?” She plastered on a smile. There was no sense in making an enemy of the local police. Besides, she couldn’t fault Spencer for trying to make amends. She only wished he’d let it go.

  Spencer got out and raised a hand in greeting. “Good morning.”

  “Well, it’s morning anyway,” she mumbled. “What brings you by? Again,” she added softly.

  He frowned. “Sorry. Is this a bad time?”

  “It is. I’m running late. Is there something I can help you with?” She juggled her purse, phone, magazines and a travel mug before dropping her cell phone.

  “Rough morning?” Spencer bent and picked up her phone.

  “Thanks. And yes. I overslept.” She tucked the phone into her jacket pocket.

  He glanced toward the house. “Is your son around?”

  “Trey is in the shower, then he has online school.” She moved to her car and pressed the unlock button. She reached for the handle, and the travel mug she had balanced on a stack of magazines wobbled.

  “Let me help.” He grabbed the mug then pulled open the door for her. “I’m here for a couple of reasons, but they will keep.”

  “Oh. Okay.” Now she really wanted to know what was going on. “Care to give me a hint as to what this is about?”

  He grinned. “Sure. I’m looking to update my house, and I’m in need of an interior designer.”

  “I see.” Relief surged through her. Business she could handle. Her son’s words about the cop being interested in her had sprung to mind, and it was a relief he was not here on a personal mission. She reached for her purse and pulled out a business card for Belafonte Design then handed it to him. “Give me a call later, and I’ll set up an appointment for you with Bailey. She’s the lead designer.”

  “What about you?”

  “Me?” Unease gripped her. “I don’t understand.”

  “Aren’t you a designer too?”

  “Technically, yes, but I work for Belafonte Design. As an employee there I can’t freelance.”

  “That’s too bad. I’ll give you a call later to set up an appointment.”

  “Sounds great. If you’ll excuse me, I really need to get going.” She clicked her seatbelt into place while looking pointedly at the car door that Spencer rested his hand on.

  “Oh, sorry.” He pushed the door closed then marched back to the police cruiser.

  She watched in her rearview mirror as he backed out then followed. She was so late it was ridiculous. At least Bailey was a nice boss and wouldn’t hold being late this once against her. She got behind a car going just below the twenty-five mile per hour speed limit. Of all days! At the next circle, when the slow car went one way, she branched in the opposite direction from normal taking a chance it would be faster.

  Her cell phone rang. She answered it with her car’s blue tooth. “This is Sierra.”

  “Oh, good. I’m glad I caught you,” Bailey said. “Have you gone to the coffee shop yet?”

  “No. I’m running very late.”

  “Not a problem. This works to our advantage. We have a big client coming in this morning, and I was hoping you’d pick up some muffins and whatever else looks good.”

  “Would you like me to go to Hot Lava Bakery and Coffee then? Or get what they have at Brewed Awakenings?”

  “Whatever is easier for you. I can make tea and coffee here today.”

  “Are you saying you don’t want a mocha?”

  Bailey chuckled. “It’s hard to believe, but yes. I’m addicted to those things, and I need to cut back.”

  “Sure thing, boss. I’ll be there in about thirty minutes.” Since she’d begun working for Belafonte Design, they had switched office locations a few times and were now back at Mona’s house, the matriarch of the family’s home office. It was a beautiful house in the middle of the woods and closer than the family offices in Bend, so this location worked well for her current living situation.

  She finally pulled into the parking lot and rushed into the bakery. Relief coursed through her when only one person stood in line ahead of her.

  He glanced over his shoulder, then an easy smile crossed his face as he turned to face her. “Hey, we met the other day at Mrs. Drake’s place.”

  “Carl, right?”

  “Good memory. Remember to give me a call if you have any trouble.”

  “I will. Thanks.” A moment later she placed her order, including a chai tea latte for herself. She generally didn’t buy a special drink, but she needed one today. The past several days had been challenging. Too bad she didn’t have time to relax while enjoying the treat. On her way out, she waved to Carl, who sat at a table near the window.

  Twenty minutes later, she sat across from Bailey in her office, the chai tea latte long gone.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Plato will be coming in shortly,” Bailey said. “They recently purchased an older house and want to renovate before moving in. They have a sizable budget. I went by their home on Friday to catch their vision and take measurements.” She turned her computer screen around to face Sierra. “What do you think?” Her eyes glowed with excitement.

  Sierra studied the kitchen layout and nodded her approval. “Did Belafonte Construction get hired too, or will we be working with another company?”

  Bailey nodded. “Belafonte Construction will be doing the job.” She clicked a button and a new screen popped up. “What do you think of the master suite?”

  “I like it. The ceiling beams are a nice touch.”

  Bailey clicked through every room in the
house then sat back grinning. “I spent my entire weekend working on this.”

  “You should’ve called. I could have helped.”

  Bailey shrugged. “Stephen helped.”

  Sierra sucked in her bottom lip and bit down to keep from saying something she’d regret, like why wouldn’t Bailey trust her with a design? She graduated at the top of her class, and her professors spoke highly of her work. Although grateful to be working in her desired field, she’d hoped to be given more responsibility by now.

  “What’s wrong?” Bailey’s brows furrowed. “Did you see something that concerned you?” She stared at the computer screen.

  “No. Nothing like that.” She took a deep breath and let it out in a puff. “May I be honest?”

  “Of course.”

  “I’m disappointed that you didn’t ask for my help.”

  “Oh.” Bailey frowned. “I honestly never considered bothering you on your days off, other than to drop by the stuff I needed you to order. You’d just moved, and you seemed a little discombobulated last week when I stopped over. I didn’t think you’d be up to helping me.”

  “When you put it like that, I guess your decision makes sense. So tell me more about what you’re doing.”

  Relief covered Bailey’s face. “It’s a huge project, and the biggest one this company has ever been hired to do according to Stephen. I’ll probably need to assign you to any smaller projects that come in until this is at a point where it doesn’t need my full attention.”

  Sierra sat up taller and couldn’t help grinning. This was exactly what she’d been waiting for. “What do you have for me?”

  Bailey looked back at her with sad green eyes. “Uh. Well, I don’t have anything at the moment. I’m not comfortable handing off something I’m already working on, but you know how this business is. A new contract is right around the corner. Don’t worry.”