by Tanya Agler
His voice brought her out of her thoughts. “Can I come in? It’s starting to rain.” Caleb shook water drops off his windbreaker, taking care to send them in the opposite direction of Lucie and her clean floors.
“Of course.” Since they’d established they’d remain friends and nothing more, she should be able to concentrate on substantive issues rather than pay attention to what her heart was telling her. “I’m glad you came by today. Any updates about the woodpecker? I’d like to know what Owen said.” Every detail, in fact.
“Nothing new to report. Park Service is still compiling the information needed for a thorough report.” He crossed the threshold and water droplets landed on her overalls. “I came because I needed to talk to someone.”
“That’s what friends do. Listen.” Her chest tightened at the word friend.
Awareness of the real reason for her dismissal of him last night dawned on her. She wasn’t upset with him for getting close. Her concern was really directed at herself. After her divorce, she’d promised herself she’d stay far away from any romantic entanglements.
The first man who turned her head in all this time would have to be Caleb, an attractive man who didn’t want a matchmaker, was content to be a confirmed bachelor.
And why would he think of her as anything more than a friend? Lucie was no longer the high school homecoming queen, and it was time to remember how much was riding on the success of this center. She’d best take the reins and act in an appropriate fashion, and cooperating with the local Park Service in the interests of an endangered species was her smart choice. If the final report showed her property was the primary habitat of the woodpecker and she lost her entire livelihood, it would be better to hear the news from Caleb than someone else.
Then again, that made it sound as if she wanted him to give her inside information. She shuddered. She’d never take advantage of their friendship in that way.
Nor would she ever have him risk being accused of any impropriety that could jeopardize his professional reputation. She had to keep her distance.
She and Caleb would be friends and nothing more. Like they’d agreed.
“Caleb—”
“Lucie,” he interrupted while he crossed the threshold into the lobby of her new world. “If I rushed you, I’m sorry.”
What? In the few times she’d met with Justin after his arrest, not once had he ever offered an explanation or an apology. She blinked and let out a deep, cleansing breath. Justin was her past. This business was her future. And what safer friend than a park ranger? The confident air he projected came from doing his work well and loving what he did. Lessons she could use in her life.
Keeping Caleb as a friend would prove she could trust people, trust men, again. “I thought I might have felt...”
Footfalls sounded behind her and recognition lit Caleb’s eyes. “Georgie Bennett?”
“Georgie Harrison now.” Her friend headed toward them, her red bandanna still covering her hair. “I always think I should break into ‘Here Comes the Sun’ when I say that. Good to see you again, Caleb. Grab a brush. There’s nothing like spending your day off painting with friends.”
Hesitation hovered in the air as Lucie situated herself between them. She turned to Caleb. “You’re not obligated to stay. And you don’t have to apologize when I’m the one who asked for time.”
“Okay, then—” Georgie interjected, jerking her thumb toward the basement. “The two of you need to talk. Without me. I’ll start painting. Take your time. I’m good.”
Georgie disappeared and more guilt threaded through Lucie at someone doing her work for her. Her business, her sweat and blood. “I really should be painting.” Her stomach grumbled loud enough for Caleb—and downtown Hollydale—to hear. Her cheeks flushed. “After I eat a banana.”
“Where do we go from here?”
Lucie motioned for him to follow her into the kitchen. “We tell each other the truth and keep everything, including our friendship, out in the open.”
She grabbed her banana from the counter and bit off a hunk.
“I have a herniated disk in my lower back.”
The large piece of banana went down too fast, and she sputtered before reaching for her water bottle situated next to her peanut butter sandwich. Coughing and clearing her throat, she waited a second before chugging down the water. “When did it happen? Will that impact your job? Will it go away on its own or...?”
She settled on a stool. He followed suit and rubbed his new beard, not scraggly like some beards when they were starting out. “From best as Dr. Keane can figure, it’s a result of the rescue. Aggravated by one thing and another since I got back to town.”
She kept listening while he talked about the possibility of physical therapy, hanging on his every word. He seemed to be taking that to heart and was determined to play by the book. Their easy camaraderie wasn’t lost on her. It had always been like this with Caleb, this gentle banter, this being there for each other. Now, however, there was something else. Maybe it was the beard, or his solid presence, or the concern he projected.
There was something about this Caleb that made her want to spend more time with him. To show him her favorite vista from the porch of the small cabin or to pop popcorn and sit alongside him and Ladybug on the couch, talking about everything and nothing.
There was something about this Caleb that made her long to throw caution to the wind and trust someone again. However, her first go-round showed how unreliable a judge of character she was. Thank goodness, she and Caleb had settled on friendship.
Friends, especially friends who went back a long time, could shoot the breeze and care for one another. A relationship might spoil all of that.
“I heard what you want, but what does Dr. Keane recommend?” She bit off more banana and pushed the rest of the bunch toward him.
He broke off one and peeled it back. “Six weeks of limited activity.”
“Then what?” She polished off her fruit and picked up her sandwich. Seeing the dismay on his face, she offered him half. His smile was more than enough thanks.
That smile faded, though. “Another MRI, followed by a consultation about whether I’ll need surgery.”
His expressive eyes gave away more than his flat tone. The man who could sit on a couch with a one-hundred-and-fifty-pound miniature pig without being fazed was concerned about his future.
Friends helped friends, and it was clear Caleb needed someone in his corner. Maybe part of his concern was having all this fall in his lap here in his hometown with only her and his cousin on his side.
Helping others was what she did best. Dwelling on what might happen would set him back. Moving forward was the answer.
“No more sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. I’m taking you on the deluxe grand tour.”
“And that differs from the grand tour how?” A flicker of life in his hazel eyes encouraged her.
“I’ll show you the cabin and tell you about my plan for it. Let me just tell Georgie where I’m going first.”
In no time, she was back. She caught Caleb staring out the window at the magnificent view. Too much time for contemplative thought wouldn’t help him right now. Sometimes action was the best remedy. She pulled on his arm.
“Let me grab my raincoat and umbrella, and we’ll walk over to the cabin. If it wasn’t raining, I’d show you the new and improved fire pit area and the volleyball court.” She smiled and they headed for the front door.
The rain came in a steady rhythm, bouncing off the golf umbrella at a fair clip. Rain washed away everything. Spring was a season of rebirth, and maybe she should claim that for herself.
She considered picking up the pace, but the fine sheen of sweat on Caleb’s forehead made her wonder if she’d chosen wisely. Instead of taking him through her center, she should have sent him home to Jonathan’s.
They reached the cabin and he ran his hand over the front porch railing, sheltered from the rain. “This old place is still part of your property?”
“Yes, and since we no longer have brides staying here overnight before their weddings, I hope to incorporate it into the center next year. For now, I have an arrangement with the local bed-and-breakfast to provide a special rate for companies who sign up for the deluxe package with lodging, transportation and team building included in the cost. My business plan counts on enough capital to purchase furniture next year. Then I can provide overnight lodging.”
“Have you thought about bringing in speakers like Howard Otto, the keynote for the Sunset Soiree? They might attract some business.”
Caleb made a good point. “I’m more focused on getting the word out, but that’s a good idea to implement down the road. I’ll talk to Mitzi and my aunt to see if we want to add that to phase two.”
She reached into her raincoat for the keys and opened the front door.
Mustiness surrounded her as she stepped inside.
Caleb followed and coughed, the air dry. “It’s smaller than I remember from the time when I worked here.”
“That’s surprising considering there’s nothing in here.” She’d sold anything that wasn’t pinned down or necessary for the first few months just to pay her share of the ropes course and other updates.
Lucie closed the door behind them and pointed to the stairs. “That leads to the loft, which is a storage area for now, but I’d like to put a pair of twin beds up there. Then behind that wall is a bedroom, where I hope to install two sets of bunk beds so the cabin can comfortably sleep six.”
He followed her as she led him to the luxurious bathroom, still fitted with quality fixtures. She just hadn’t been able to bring herself to sell those. “The plumber said everything still works in here. Now I’m just hoping for more clients so I can upgrade the cabin. When I think of all the happy couples this lodge served in the past, I’m hopeful for a successful tomorrow.”
“Your parents always treated their guests well. Same with their employees.”
It hadn’t been that long ago when she’d run into Caleb mowing lawns while she’d toted champagne and orange blossoms to this cabin. Love and happiness happened for other people, like Georgie and Mike.
Why not for me?
She ignored that little voice. Creating a corporate training and wellness center for fostering communication and honesty would serve people better than orange blossoms and gold bands. She flipped off the light switch and motioned for Caleb to follow her.
“Why do you have electricity running in here if you don’t plan to use this right away?”
“Business codes and regulations.” She kept her pace slow. Now that she knew his diagnosis, the little cues of fine lines on his forehead standing out and the hand on his back to steady himself were all the more obvious. The herniated disk was bothering him, and he hadn’t mentioned it once.
Of all the people he could have turned to after talking to Dr. Keane, he’d turned to her. Somehow, they were intertwining their lives once more. For Mattie and Ethan’s sake, she had to make sure they didn’t rush into anything. No matter how strong the growing attraction was within her, committing with her heart wasn’t the way she’d ever live again.
From the bathroom, she headed to the cabin’s tiny kitchen, which would be the last stop on her tour, and a good thing, too. Caleb needed rest. She led the way to the galley area.
“Let me get this straight.” Caleb ran his hand over the granite countertop above the dishwasher. “You have all this space and you’re not using it.”
Frustration uncorked within her at his tone of voice. “Well, I had to make a choice. It was upgrade the lodge or the cabin. I chose the lodge to be phase one. It seemed the most responsible way not to lose my shirt in this project, especially since I’m responsible for the twins, three rabbits, one cat, two dogs and a pair of miniature pigs.”
“You aren’t going to lose your shirt. You have a great setup.” His encouragement came with a ready smile. He leaned against the counter, relief etched in his face. “Would an extra thousand a month come in handy?”
“I’m not accepting any more partners.”
While another investor might help subsidize the new furnace and air-conditioning system, she’d already had several of Justin’s victims level looks at her. She’d heard mutters about Mitzi’s investment being a lost cause, as well. There was no way she’d have anyone insinuate she was taking advantage of the Hero of Hollydale.
“I’ll walk you to your car so you can go home and rest. I have a full afternoon of painting and getting the offices in order. My staff arrives in a few weeks and the first clients shortly thereafter.” And this weekend, she’d have to fill out the mortgage paperwork, new priority number one.
“Who’s watching Mattie and Ethan after school today? I have to pick up Vanessa and Izzy. It’s no problem if the twins join us.” Caleb folded his arms and stood still, giving no sign he was going anywhere anytime soon. “You can include me on your list of people in case you need a helping hand with them when you have to work late.”
“You don’t need to do that. They’re enrolled in the after-school program. Natalie Harrison watches over them and brings them home when she’s done teaching for the day.”
Natalie loved kids and, even better, she was an identical twin so she knew the inside tricks to watching multiples. However, Caleb might have hit on another idea she might have to explore for phase three, child care. She’d reach more families and a wider group of potential clients if she had child care available.
“And I already have a lead on a permanent babysitter.” That defensive edge she’d heard too often in the past couple of years lined her voice. She should have thought of these ideas herself.
“I think you misunderstood me earlier. What I was getting at is, I’d like to rent the cabin from you. And I’d like to spend time with Mattie and Ethan on my days off.”
Having Caleb in such close proximity wasn’t a good idea. But she needed a better reason. One that didn’t sound like she was blowing him off. “There’s no furniture.”
“I’m a bachelor. I don’t need a lot. My park ranger cabin at Yellowstone only came with the bare basics.” Caleb volleyed back and the ball was now in her court.
“No dishes, no pots or pans, no linens.” How much would all of this cost? Money was already tight. Then again, if the mortgage came through, she could furnish this place and offer more services. “I have to apply for a mortgage for my house to pay for the new furnace system. Depending on how much of a loan the bank is willing to give me, I could go ahead with furnishing this place a year early.”
“But my renting the cabin would come with a built-in babysitter whenever my schedule allows, and I wouldn’t ask you to furnish anything. The stove and fridge still work, right?”
“Why would you agree to that?” Cynicism hadn’t been in her vocabulary before Justin, but now she looked at people’s ulterior motives. “There are other places to rent in Hollydale. Certainly ones that wouldn’t have you doing any babysitting.”
“This one is close to the park ranger station.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “And I’m on desk duty for the next six weeks. I can’t stop working, Lucie. I can’t.”
“But taking it easy for six weeks might keep you from needing surgery.”
She tapped her fingers against the cold stove. Rent money from him would help offset the mortgage. Better yet, it was an excuse to keep distance between them—she couldn’t get involved with a tenant, especially one who wasn’t looking for a relationship.
She nodded. “Deal.”
“What made you change your mind?”
You. How could she be honest while not giving anything away? “Ethan likes you.”
He laughed. “And this will give me a chance to work on Mattie.”<
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But not on Lucie. She was determined to keep their relationship strictly on a landlord and tenant level from now on.
CHAPTER SEVEN
CALEB KNOCKED ON Lucie’s front door for the second time. There was still no human answer, although Ladybug and Pita were barking up a storm. Lucie’s car was parked in the driveway, so wherever she’d gone with Mattie and Ethan, it couldn’t be far. He tapped his foot.
A key to the cabin would be nice so he could measure the bedroom and the loft area—The door flew open. “Hey, Mr. Caleb. Mommy says not to open the door to strangers, but you’re not a stranger, so I s’pose it’s okay.”
Caleb warmed at Ethan grinning a broad smile. Something was different. “Did you lose a tooth?”
“Yep. Mattie’s so mad. She says ’cause she’s older she should have been first.”
Ethan waved Caleb inside as Ladybug trotted outside and Pita bounded toward him. “Mommy’s out back feeding Fred and Ethel.”
Pita jumped on Caleb, causing him to stumble before he steadied himself. “Down.” He stuck out one finger and kept a level tone.
Pita obeyed, though her tail wagged with the speed of a cheetah.
Caleb petted her head. “Good girl.”
Ladybug pressed her snout against Caleb’s leg and he switched his attention to her. “And you’re a good dog, too.”
Caleb moved for the doorway, but neither dog made an effort to join them, instead sunning themselves on the porch, today’s warm temperature a contrast to yesterday’s rainy weather. He whistled and he could almost hear the dogs’ sighs before they followed him and Ethan inside.
“Mattie and me are kicking the soccer ball in the backyard. I was soooo thirsty that I took a break. Wanna join us?” Ethan’s face brightened even more.