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

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  He grasped her shoulders and ducked to her eye level. “It’s okay. He can live here while we work. It would have been easier if he wasn’t, but we can be flexible.”

  Her face relaxed. “You’re sure?”

  “Positive. Although he might decide to stay someplace else on his own. It won’t be fun not to have a kitchen.”

  She nodded.

  A knock sounded on the door then it swung open. His team stepped inside.

  “That’s my cue to leave. Let me know if you have any problems. In the meantime, I’ll make sure Spencer is aware of what his living conditions will be like.” She greeted the crew on her way out.

  As he turned his focus to the job at hand, apprehension sliced through him. It’d been a long time since he’d done construction. Would the crew pick up on his unease? He sure hoped not. At least he’d convinced Sierra he was up to the job. Disappointment still nipped at him that she wasn’t interested in spending time outside of work with him. He shook off the thought. He didn’t have time to dwell on that right now.

  Chapter Eight

  “I can’t believe you are making me ride in the same car as that cop!” Trey’s hands fisted by his sides.

  Sierra sucked in a sharp breath. “I didn’t realize you’d feel so strongly about this. I’m sorry, but I already told Spencer we could ride together.” After thinking it over she figured she was being too cautious and called Spencer to tell him they could carpool. She’d really made a mess of things.

  “Mom, please don’t make me go with you.” The pleading look on his face tore at her. Trey never begged.

  “Although I want you to come with us, I will allow you to stay home under one condition.” Her palms began to sweat. She’d counted on having her son as a buffer with Spencer. If it was only the two of them, it might feel like a date. No, they were going to church. There was no way that could ever be misinterpreted as a date.

  “What’s the condition?”

  “You need to pray and ask the Lord to help you forgive him so you can move past what happened. Hating him hurts you a lot more than it hurts him. I don’t want you to live with hate festering inside you.”

  “Do you really think he cares about what I think? He’s a bully.”

  “No. He’s not. He was doing his job. He did not do anything wrong. You were not harmed and neither was I. If you want to be angry with someone then blame me. I’m the one who forgot to turn off the alarm.”

  His shoulders relaxed slightly. “I still don’t like him.”

  “Then stay home and work out your issue. This ends today.”

  The doorbell chimed. “That will be Spencer.” Her heels clicked on the hardwood floor as she crossed from the kitchen into the great room and then the entryway. She pulled the door open and did a double take as a blast of cold air passed over her. She’d never seen him out of uniform—well, except the time she’d gone to the design meeting at his house. He’d been wearing jeans and a T-shirt then, but he looked different now—more appealing.

  She took in his neatly combed hair, electric blue button-up shirt and black pants. Okay very appealing. Ugh! What was wrong with her lately?

  “Hi. Come in for a minute. I need to grab my purse and a jacket.”

  “No problem. We have plenty of time.”

  She rushed to the kitchen where her purse sat on the counter and her coat was draped on a chair. “We won’t be late. Last chance to come, Trey.”

  “I’ll pass. Is it okay if I watch TV when I’m finished with my homework?”

  “Yes.” She gave him a quick hug then hustled to where Spencer waited in the entryway. “All set.”

  He grinned. “Where’s Trey?”

  “Not coming.”

  His face fell. “Oh.”

  She hadn’t realized until that moment how important restoring her son’s faith in the police or perhaps in himself was to Spencer. She’d need to have a long talk with Trey later. She placed a hand on Spencer’s forearm. “Give him time.”

  “It’s fine. I’d hoped he’d gotten over it, is all. I’d hate for him to have negative feelings toward law enforcement because of me.” He shrugged. “I guess we should get going.”

  “Right.” She followed him out. He’d parked his long bed pickup as close to the door as possible. Good thing she wore pants. She wouldn’t want to have to get into that thing in a dress.

  He pulled the door open and offered her a hand up.

  She took it and stepped onto the running board then eased inside. The interior was clean—not so much as a gum wrapper littered the cab of his pickup, which seemed odd considering his house had been a little cluttered the first time she’d seen it.

  He got in beside her and started the engine. “I feel bad that Trey is missing church because of me.” He backed out of her driveway and set out in the direction of the north entrance to Sunriver.

  “Don’t feel bad. My son is stubborn, and this is on him. He’ll come around eventually. Stop worrying. I know Trey, and although he’s still holding a grudge, he will get over it.” At least he better. She would not tolerate his attitude much longer. She prayed he would work it out tonight like she’d told him to.

  “Who does he get his stubbornness from?” He glanced her way.

  “His mother,” she said drily. “Although I don’t consider that a flaw. My stubbornness, or determination as I like to call it, is an asset.”

  He chuckled. “If you say so.”

  Even though he chuckled she had the feeling he disagreed. “I do. I hope you don’t have an issue with my determination.”

  “No I don’t. What gave you that idea?”

  Sorry, it’s been a rough day and I’m not thinking clearly I guess.” Perhaps she was allowing her son’s attitude to rub off on her too—not good. She couldn’t wait to get to church and really hoped they had a time of worship. Singing always made her feel better, especially when she focused on the Lord rather than herself.

  “It’s okay. I’m sorry I made you feel judged. I think determination is a quality to be desired. Stubbornness can be an asset in the right circumstances.”

  “Thank you. I’m glad you see things my way.” She shot him a cheeky grin.

  They merged onto US 97 heading north toward Bend. She closed her eyes and rested her head against the headrest and prayed that Spencer’s life would be touched by tonight’s message.

  Spencer cast a glance toward Sierra and noted she sat with her eyes closed. She must have had an exhausting day. If she had anything to do with the disaster he’d found at his house, he understood, but even still, she looked fresh in black slacks and a purple top with sleeves that went to just below her elbows. Her blonde hair fell softly around her slightly flushed cheeks. He slid his gaze back to the road.

  “You were right about my house.”

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “It’s going to be difficult to live there while the remodel is going on. I’m glad it’s spring and I can grill outside, but . . .”

  “But what?” She shifted to face him.

  “The water is turned off. So it kind of makes living there a bigger challenge than I realized.”

  “The water’s off?” She sounded surprised. “We aren’t moving any pipes. I wonder what’s up.” She pulled out her cell. “Hey, John, it’s Sierra. I’m with Spencer and you’re on speaker. He tells me his water is off. Was there a problem?”

  “Yeah. I left him a message,” John said. “I guess he didn’t get it, which explains why he didn’t call me back. We had a mishap with the main water line that leads to the house.”

  “What happened?” Spencer asked.

  “I wish I knew. But at some point today the connection at the house was compromised. I asked the crew about it. One person remembers seeing someone in that general area but didn’t recognize the guy. I’ve talked to everyone and no one will admit to damaging the pipe. I’m really sorry, Spencer. This has never happened before.”

  “Do you think it was deliberately sab
otaged?” Spencer’s hand tightened on the steering wheel. It didn’t sound like an accident to him since there was no reason for anyone to be messing with the water main. His stomach tightened. Could someone he’d put away in the past be messing with him, or did this have to do with the Belafontes?

  “To what end? Why would someone do that on purpose? It makes no sense.”

  “I’m not sure, but something about this bothers me.”

  “Me too,” Sierra added. “Bailey mentioned strange things happening at other sites. Nothing so nefarious though.”

  “I don’t know what’s going on,” John said. “But it will get fixed. Unfortunately, the plumber Rick said to use is busy until Friday.”

  “You can’t be serious!” Sierra looked ready to pummel someone.

  “Afraid so.”

  “I hope you find whoever is responsible and fire him. And why not use someone else to fix it? There has to be a plumber available sooner. It’s ridiculous to wait so long. I’ll make some calls and have one there tomorrow.”

  “No. We need to do this Rick’s way.”

  Spencer admired her fire, but if the look on her face was any indication he needed to jump in before this escalated further. “I was afraid of something like this. I realize the cut line was man-caused, but the plumbing in that house has been a problem from day one. Maybe you can have the wonder plumber check it out.”

  “I’ll have the lines and connections inspected to make sure everything is working as it should, Spencer,” John said. “If there are any other problems that need fixed I’ll let you know. Don’t worry. This is only a hiccup. And Rick says this guy is the best and worth waiting for. So we’ll wait as long as you’re okay with that.”

  “It’s a pipe. Not rocket science,” Sierra mumbled. “I’m sure any plumber will do fine. Do we have money in the budget for this?”

  “The pipe will be taken care of at no cost to Spencer. As far as the issues he’s having, I’m not sure yet. I’ll let you both know as soon as I can.”

  At least he had a little positive news. “Thanks, man.”

  “I wish I had something more positive to report.”

  Sierra sighed. “It’s okay. Things happen.”

  “True. And unless you enjoy roughing it, Spencer, you’ll want to find someplace else to stay for the next several days.”

  “Thanks, John,” Sierra said. “Spencer and I are on our way to church to hear that prophecy speaker.”

  “Oh, yeah. I heard he’s supposed to be good.”

  “That’s the best news I’ve had all day. Well, talk soon. ’Bye.” She disconnected the call and tucked her cell into the pocket of her purse. “I’m really sorry about this, Spencer. I’ve never heard of something like that happening before. But I’m new. Your house is my first real project. I usually only place orders and stuff.”

  “I’m your first?” He glanced her direction. As much as he wanted to get to know her and her son, maybe hiring an unseasoned designer and contractor was a mistake. Fifty thousand was a ton of money, and he couldn’t afford mistakes. Then again the Belafontes had a stellar reputation, so he knew they’d make it right.

  “Yes. But don’t worry. Everything was approved by both Bailey and Stephen. I allowed for a larger than normal contingency in case problems arise. Not that this will cost you, but, budget wise, you’re fine.”

  “Unless there are more issues.”

  “I’m sure John would have told me. If any of the plumbing needs worked on, there will more than likely be enough in my contingency fund to cover it. Everything is going to work out. And if you need a place to crash tonight, there’s plenty of room at my house. I’m sure Mrs. Drake wouldn’t mind you staying over for one night while you work out accommodations.”

  “She’d mind and so would Trey.”

  “Never mind about Trey. He goes to sleep early for a teen. You know Mrs. Drake?”

  “Unfortunately, yes.” The woman thought she was the queen, and the rest of the world were her subjects. He never enjoyed running into her.

  She chuckled. “Ah. Come on. She’s not that bad, and she was nice enough to let me and my son housesit for an entire year while she travels.”

  “Oh, she is that bad. I realize it was a few months ago, but I’m surprised she hired Belafonte Designs. I heard she was in the process of opening her own interior design business.” He shook his head. “I must have heard wrong, though. She wouldn’t leave the country for a year at the start of a new venture.”

  “That’s news to me. I’m sure you’re mistaken. If she’s as bad as you say, I seriously doubt she’d allow someone who worked for the competition to live in her house.”

  “You never know, but I will say no more. I’ll take you up on the offer to stay over in the guestroom, but only for tonight. It can be our secret. Speaking of secrets. I found Randy.”

  Sierra gasped.

  Chapter Nine

  Sierra stared into the darkness beyond the windows of her house. She hadn’t heard a word of the message at church tonight. What was she going to do? She hadn’t expected Spencer to find Randy so quickly. The man moved fast. Too fast for her liking.

  “You’re awake.”

  Spencer? She whirled around to face him. “Too much on my mind to sleep. What are you doing up. It’s past midnight.”

  “Same. That prophecy speaker gave me a lot to chew on.”

  She nodded. “What’s troubling you?” She walked into the kitchen and put a kettle of water on the stove. Maybe chamomile tea would help her relax.

  He sat at the granite-topped island. “It’s difficult to believe that events happening in the world today were predicted in the Bible so long ago.”

  “Makes it hard to doubt there’s a God, in my opinion.” She pulled two white ceramic mugs from the cupboard. “Do you like herbal tea?”

  He shook his head. “But if you think it will help me sleep, then I’m game.”

  She added a tea bag to each mug. She had so many questions about Randy, but Spencer appeared to have a few questions of his own he needed answered. The kettle whistled, and she poured the boiling water. “There’s milk and sugar if you’d like.”

  “This will be fine. Thanks.” He drew the cup to his lips.

  “Be careful. It’s super hot.” She liked to give her tea time to steep and cool.

  “Thanks for the heads up.” He blew on the liquid. “We know why I can’t sleep, and I have a strong suspicion I know why you can’t. Finding your son’s dad is a pretty big deal. You don’t have to do anything with the information I gave you.”

  Her gaze shot to his. Of course, he knew where her head was. He was a cop, and it was part of his job to read people—a survival skill. “I’m considering my options. What can you tell me about him?” She asked. She knew nothing of the man other than what he’d been like more than a decade ago.

  “He’s married, lives in California, has two kids and a dog.”

  She crossed her arms. “You forgot the white picket fence.” He was living the American dream and left her to fend for their son. Whatever. She didn’t want Randy’s money, or him, for that matter.

  “You sound bitter.” Spencer sipped the tea and winced. “You weren’t kidding. That burned my tongue even after blowing on it.” He set the cup down.

  “Sorry. I suppose I do sound like that, but I’m not. Not really. I’m sad for how everything went down, and I’m sad my son doesn’t know his dad, but his half-siblings get to have a dad. Does he have a record?”

  “No. Only a couple of speeding tickets.”

  “He always did like to drive fast.” He lived life that way too. Would reconnecting her son with his dad do more harm than good? Definitely not a decision she should be making at this time of night. “I’m going to bed.”

  “You didn’t drink your tea.”

  “I’ll take it with me. Good night, Spencer. Oh, Trey doesn’t know you’re here, so I’ll knock on your door when it’s safe to come out in the morning.”

  �
��I’ll be out of here long before he’s up. I start work early.”

  “Try and get some sleep.” She patted him on the shoulder as she passed by. “And thanks for finding Randy.”

  John spotted Sierra the moment she walked in the front door, and she was not smiling. He’d hoped she would have accepted the plumbing issue and moved on. Apparently not. “Good morning.” At least one thing positive came of the situation—Sierra was officially off his suspect list. As angry as she was, there was no way she had anything to do with this. She could be acting, but his gut said her anger was real.

  “If you say so. Any news?”

  “Nothing has changed from last night.” He studied her face. Something more than this project had to be bothering her. She looked deeply distressed. “Everything is under control here, and I could use a coffee break. We can talk about what has you wound up tighter than the strings on that piano.” He pointed to a small studio piano in the corner.

  Surprise filled her eyes. “I’m not good company today, John, but thanks.”

  This must be serious. She didn’t even deflect his attempt to spend time with her. “That’s fine. I’ll risk it. Come on. Where do you want to go?”

  “It doesn’t matter. Maybe someplace with a drive-thru. That way we won’t have to get out.”

  “The place in the business loop makes good coffee.”

  “Fine.”

  He followed her outside. “I’ll drive.” He pulled open the passenger door on the company truck.

  “Thanks.” She climbed in as he moseyed to the driver’s side. Not that he knew Sierra well, but he could tell she either didn’t want to be around people, or she didn’t want to get stuck inside a coffee shop and forced to sit and talk—perhaps, too much like a date. Probably the latter. He cranked the key and pulled out. “Other than the plumbing issue, the house is coming along nicely.”

  “I noticed.”

  “Really? You were hardly in the frame of mind—”