They stepped into the red-brick restaurant and glanced around the crowd. Hadley saw some regulars gathered in the normal place and headed in that direction. Madison was at Hadley’s favorite table—might as well join her. She at least seemed normal.
“Mind if we join you?” Hadley rested her hand on the back of a chair.
“I’d love it.” Madison beamed.
Hadley snatched the chair facing the door so she could keep an eye on things and motioned for Ava to sit across.
“There’s my doll.” Brad stepped around the corner and planted a gentle kiss on Hadley’s cheek, blocking their path.
Ava’s mouth fell open.
“And who is this lovely lady you’ve got with you tonight?” He picked up Ava’s hand and gently kissed the back of it. Hadley saw the goose bumps travel up Ava’s arm. Looked like even she wasn’t immune to the Hopper.
“Brad, this is my roommate from Chicago in for a visit. Ava, this is Brad, you know, that friend I’ve been telling you about.” Hadley gave Ava a just-go-along-with-it, I’ll-tell-you-later look.
In true best-friend form, Ava took the hint. “Oh, yes. It’s wonderful to meet you, Brad. I’ve heard so many nice things about you.”
Okay, don’t lay it on too thick, Ava.
A waitress appeared. “What can I get you girls?”
“Mint mocha latte for me. How about you, Ava?”
“Perfect.”
The waitress turned to her right. “Brad?”
“A Midnight Espresso and a smile.” He grinned. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, ladies. I see some business associates I need to speak with for a moment.”
Ava practically dove on Hadley the minute he walked away. “You’re keeping things from me, young lady. That gorgeous man is smitten with you—and himself, but that’s beside the point.”
Leave it to Ava to nail it on the first try. “I don’t know about all that. He’s nice, though. I think I like him.”
“Oh, honey. He’s not the kind of guy you fall for. Has Mama Ava not taught you anything? He’s the kind of guy you have fun with for a while. Let him take you fancy places, maybe have him around for a birthday or Christmas or two. But fall for? No. Nope. Never.”
“Why? He’s really nice.”
“He’s a player, Had. Nothing but a player. I think you know that, but you want to pretend differently. You’ll see. Hopefully before you get hurt.” Ava nodded at someone behind Hadley. “Now that’s the kind of guy you should fall for. The real deal.”
Hadley was afraid to look. “How can you tell without talking to him?”
Ava eyed her quizzically. “You know who I’m talking about?”
Gut feeling. “Oh, it’s probably Noah. But who cares? You haven’t even spoken to him.”
“I don’t have to, Had; he has kind eyes. And he’s coming this way.”
“Great,” Hadley muttered and looked for an escape.
“I don’t believe we’ve met.” Noah extended an arm over Hadley’s head and pumped Ava’s hand.
“I’m Ava, Hadley’s roommate, visiting from Chicago.”
“Ah. Great! I hope you’ll be around for our rally this weekend—it’s going to be a blast.”
“I’m going back tomorrow morning, but I’m sure it’ll be fun.” Noah glanced down at Hadley. “Hi.”
“Hi.” She inspected her fingernails and picked an invisible piece of lint from her jeans.
“Anyway.” Noah turned back to Ava and laughed nervously. “If you can put in a good word for me with your roommate, I’d really appreciate it.”
As soon as he was out of earshot, Ava leaned close to Hadley. “What is the matter with you? That was plain rude.”
“You have no idea what I’ve been through with him. I’ll tell you all about it sometime. But not now.”
Ava’s eyes grew wide. “Wait a sec. Is that the Noah?” She craned her neck to catch Noah’s retreat through the front door. “Huh. Who’d have figured he’d still be here after all this time?”
Hadley sighed. “Yeah. Who’d have figured?”
Ava nodded. “What’s that old saying? Something about how you can only really know someone if you hate him before you love him?”
“Welcome to the Rainbow’s End Midhunt Rally. Be sure to sign in with Lyssa at the registration table to have your attendance points recorded.” Noah smiled down on the buzzing group. “There’s a schedule of the day’s events on the table, so grab one of those, and be sure to participate in everything you can.”
Hadley let Noah’s voice fade to a drone in the background. He was cute in a Woodstock sort of way—always had been. His voice had grown so much deeper over the years since she’d last seen him. That deep voice didn’t really go with the long, lanky body. And the wavy hippie hair didn’t seem to suit a pastor-type. Too many riddles about that man. Then there were the real riddles to consider, like the one he’d used to guide her to the cache. What was he trying to accomplish with that? What did he want her to do with that information? Did he even know she’d found it yet?
Shaking her head, Hadley wandered over to the registration table and signed in then grabbed a schedule printed on a halfsheet of blue paper. Ugh. They weren’t going to announce the prize package until four o’clock? Nothing like keeping everyone in suspense. Relay races, food, a dunk tank—ooh, maybe Noah would get in there—more food, a water balloon fight. Who scheduled a water balloon fight? Weren’t they supposed to just happen? A watermelon-eating contest. Hot dog lunch. An afternoon ice cream bar. Then the announcement. Then s’mores over a bonfire. Didn’t these people do anything that didn’t involve food? She could handle the wait until four for the news, but there was no way she was going to stand around and eat all day. She could go hunt for a cache or two while waiting. Maybe she could even hook up with Madison for some girl talk.
“Oh, folks, I forgot to mention—all cache hunting is canceled for today, and any found will not be credited to your name. We want you to stay and participate with the group, so no big ideas of sneaking off.” Noah laughed when the crowd groaned. “You see—I knew what you guys were thinking.”
Oh, goody for you.
Hands reached around from behind her and covered her eyes. Hadley squealed and grabbed the forearms of her assailant. She whipped around to face him. “Oh, Brad, thank goodness it’s you.”
“Who did you think it was? And how did you know it was me and not some hot stranger?”
“I didn’t think it was anyone in particular, but I knew it was you by your forearms.”
“Oh? What is it about my forearms that gave me away?”
Hadley felt a blush creep up her neck and onto her ears. She couldn’t tell him she’d studied his muscular arms. “Oh, you know.” She giggled in nervousness, and Brad leaned in for a kiss.
Tongue like sandpaper on the roof of his mouth from watching Brad with his hands—and lips—on her, Noah reached for his water on the picnic table beside him and took a big gulp. The heat seared his throat, and the liquid spewed out across the table. He’d grabbed the scalding coffee instead. He barely noticed the pain in his throat over the searing of his heart as he watched Brad kiss Hadley a second time.
A few minutes later, the burning in his throat had risen to the surface of his consciousness, and he couldn’t ignore it any longer. He shook his water cup until some ice fell into his mouth, and he let the cool water melt over his burns.
Why couldn’t Hadley see through Brad’s good looks? Was she stupid? Or did she find men like Brad attractive? If that were the case, Noah knew he had no chance with her. Not as though he’d want one if that was the kind of girl she’d turned into. But he wasn’t buying it. Something kept niggling at him … pricking his soul with memories of her. There was something about Hadley. Otherwise, he was an idiot for keeping up with his hope in the face of her disdain. But no. Something rich, something real, lay beneath that protective barrier she kept in place. Noah could feel it.
She’d found his cache. It was gone, a
nd there was no way anyone else could possibly have figured it out. She knew where she sat that day, and she knew he had feelings for her. So she could figure what he saw when he looked in her direction … and the cache was gone. Also, the coin hadn’t been returned. Noah didn’t expect Hadley to show up at the church with it. If she had, she’d risk him actually confronting her and addressing the poem and his feelings. Hadley wouldn’t chance that for anything.
Should he let her know that he knew she knew? Why did he suddenly feel like he was back in junior high? Maybe he’d pass her a note after study hall. Do you like me? Circle yes or no.
It was time to lay it on the line. He’d mention the coin in a few minutes when he announced the prize package. If she didn’t acknowledge it, then he’d take that as her final answer and let her go. Would he actually be able to do that? But did he have a choice?
“Can I get everyone’s attention, please?” Noah hopped up on the picnic bench he used as a platform. “I hope you’re all having a great day just relaxing and letting go of the competition for a few hours. I know that’s difficult for some of you … cough … Chuck … cough.”
The crowd laughed.
“I have a few announcements to make then we’ll get to the big one.” He searched the crowd to be sure that Hadley listened. It took a moment to find her, and then he wished he hadn’t. She was leaning against Brad, who had his arms wrapped around her. “S–so, the thing is … well …” Come on, Noah. It is what it is. Let it go. Say what you came to say, and move on.
“Well, I’m pleased to announce the Rainbow’s End geocoin has been retrieved.” He caught Hadley’s gaze and held it. “But it hasn’t been returned yet. This could be due to one of two things. Either we’ve got a real game player who has a plan. Or someone wants a five-point souvenir. My guess? We’ve got a game player in our midst.” The crowd booed.
Noah laughed. “Now, now. She, or he, has every right to hang on to the coin. It’s strategy, folks. I just wanted you to know it’s been retrieved. We’ll see if it gets turned in at some point or not.” He nodded at Hadley and then looked away.
“Now for the announcement you’ve been waiting for. The prize package.”
Chapter 9
There she sat. Alone. Again. Stood up by Brad Hopper. When was Hadley going to demand better for herself? If only she could see what Noah had seen in her since they were best friends as little kids, and then later, when they were more. He saw deep green eyes that asked a million questions but wouldn’t wait for an answer. Then there were her dimples. The good Lord must have given those to her because He knew the world couldn’t take too much of them, and since she didn’t smile all that much, it would be okay.
Ugh. Why was he doing this to himself? She was there for Brad. Speaking of Brad, where was he? Still not there. “This is ridiculous,” Noah muttered as he stomped over to where Hadley sat by herself—stood up by Brad again from the looks of things. Noah refused to let it go. She didn’t deserve to be treated like this. Even if she didn’t like him, Hadley needed to know that at least Noah thought she deserved better than Brad Hopper.
“Stood up again, Hadley?” Noah gently touched her slender shoulder.
“Hey!” Hadley whirled around and toppled her water glass. Noah reached out to steady it, but not before some water spilled to the table.
“Hey! Do you have some sick obsession with making my life miserable? You leave destruction in your wake, and I’m tired of it.”
“I don’t see how—”
“Oh? You don’t? The rock at the cache site, the bike accident.” She ticked her fingers as she spat out her list. “This water … what else? Well, let’s see, I could go back a few years …”
“You know what? You’re a real piece of work. That rock at the cache site the first day—you were going to kill yourself if you dove. I saved your life. The bike accident—pretty sure you were about to get killed there, too. Another attempt at saving your life. This water? Um, sweetheart, you spilled that water because you’re wound up so tight a light breeze would startle you. Look if you want me to stop saving your life, tell me. Better yet, let me do it one more time right now then I’ll leave you alone.”
Hadley closed her mouth.
Finally.
She crossed her arms and cocked her head. “I’m waiting. Go ahead, save my life again, and then leave me alone—make my day complete in more ways than one.”
Should he say it? She’d never take it the way he meant it, but he couldn’t just let her continue to walk into Brad’s lair unwarned. “Dump Brad.” There, he said it. Uh-oh, her mouth was open again. She shook her head, the ponytail whipping her cheeks.
“How dare you? How could you say that to me?”
Here we go again. If he wanted to make a point, he’d better get to it. “Listen, Hadley, I’ll leave you alone, even though it’s the last thing I want to do, but please don’t make me leave you to him. Pick anyone else. How about that guy?” Noah pointed at Chuck, who let out a loud belch. Okay, bad example. “How about him … or him…?” Noah pointed out strangers. “Anyone is better for you than Brad Hopper.” She almost seemed to be listening. “He’s bad news, Hadley. You just can’t see it.” Oh, Hadley, if you only knew.
The fire lit up in her green eyes—flames licking her long eyelashes. “I can’t see it, huh? Me, the big-city girl? The out-of-towner? Somehow I’m the one who doesn’t get men? Maybe you don’t understand women, Noah. Maybe Brad is exactly what I want. He would never, ever do to me what you did. But you’re too shortsighted to see that. You in your little beachy bubble from your little pulpit world. People aren’t always who you think they are—for better or worse. I learned that from you.”
Was that true? Did Hadley know exactly what she was doing? No way. She wasn’t that type. She was clearly inexperienced—but she just as clearly didn’t want anyone to know it. She had issues … but what kind? She deserved to know the truth, but coming from Noah, she’d think it was nothing but sour grapes. She’d have to find out on her own. Noah prayed it wouldn’t be too late.
“Noah, I think you’re jealous. Green doesn’t become you. Please just leave me alone.” She dropped a twenty on the table and jumped to her feet, knocking the chair back into Noah’s hands as she stormed from the restaurant.
He was growing weary of watching Hadley’s ponytail bob as she fled his presence. This couldn’t last forever, could it? He looked down at the table. Set for one. Oops. So she hadn’t been stood up—so what? That didn’t change who Brad was. He’d been exactly the same person since grade school. Nothing would ever change him in Noah’s eyes.
Hadley jogged to Brad’s car when he pulled in the drive at Norma’s.
“Hi, doll.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek when she climbed in. “Oh, that’s not enough. C’mere.” He pulled her over for an embrace and planted a kiss on her lips. “That’s better. Yum.”
Did he say Yum? Hadley giggled. “Have a good meeting?”
“Hmm? Meeting? Oh, yeah, it went fine.”
Short-term memory. “It was a meeting, right? Who with?” Hadley glanced at him.
“No one special. Just some business associates. Boring talk.” Brad grinned.
Was he lying? Or was Hadley too paranoid? Most likely the latter.
“How about you? Good dinner?” He glanced in the rearview mirror as he backed the car onto the road.
“Oh, yeah. I’m totally addicted to those fig crispinis. I’d better watch my calories.” Hadley patted her stomach.
“I don’t think that’s a problem for you. In fact, you might want to have a double order next time. You’re getting a little bony.”
Hadley grinned. “Reeeeally?” Brad had no idea, but he had just paid her the best compliment of her life. She felt, for the first time, like she might have left her fat-girl image in Chicago, buried once and for all. She had no intention of bringing it back home again.
“You girls are so silly with the weight thing.” Brad wiggled his eyebrows. “But I
sure am glad.”
She let the warmth settle over her, bathed in the compliments from Brad—truly the most gorgeous man she’d ever been near. He was older than her by about eight years, but that gave him the salt-n-pepper look to his hair she found so attractive. Men his age were getting ready to settle down. Ready for families. It could be just perfect between them. She’d even quit her job and move to Osage Beach if he asked her to marry him. A sigh escaped her lips.
“Hey, earth to Hadley.” Brad snapped his fingers in front of her face. “Where are we going? You’re the navigator.”
“Oh! Right.” Hadley scrambled to find her GPS and the notes she’d made. “We agree that the clue Spring, Winter, Summer, Fall means Village of Four Seasons, right?”
“Definitely.”
“Okay, then take Horseshoe Bend out.”
“Right. What’s next?”
“Shoulder pads, knee pads, helmet, and all. Just be careful you don’t fall.”
Hadley squeezed her eyes shut in thought. “Is there a roller rink or an ice skating rink there?”
“No. But there’s a skateboard park.”
“That’s it!” Hadley leaned forward and flipped on the radio. They drove in silence until Brad pulled into the parking lot.
“Too bad we didn’t hike or bike here. It wasn’t that far.”
Brad laughed. “Oh come on. Why do that when we can drive right to it?”
“Seriously? It’s the spirit of the hunt. The adventure. The physical experience.”
“Yeah—I’m not really feeling all that.” Brad laughed as he pulled the car next to the curb along the skate park.
Oh well. So they didn’t see eye to eye on one thing. That was life. All relationships had that in one way or another. Right? Hadley could sense the nearness of her target. “The last line is,
Watch out for that big wall.”
Brad surveyed the landscape. “Could it be as simple as that big wall over there? I mean, skateboarders would probably want to watch out for it if they didn’t have a death wish.”
RAINBOW’S END: FOUR-IN-ONE COLLECTION Page 26