Chapter Twenty
Teague gave Keely a huge hug, questioning if spending two days and a night away from her was the right thing to do. She felt so small in his arms. Fragile. All he wanted to do was wrap his daughter up and protect her from the world. But a glance across the street to where Nina loaded her suitcase into her Mini reminded him of all the reasons why they needed some time alone together.
“Dad, you’re squeezing me too tight.”
“Oh, sorry.” He released her. “You mind Stella.”
“I will.”
He looked toward the porch and smiled. “Thanks for doing this, Stella.”
She came down the steps to lay a hand on Keely’s shoulder. “Happy to help out. I’m just glad my back is feeling better. I had a rough few days there, but I seem to be as good as new.” She snorted. “Well, as good as can be expected of an old broad.”
“You aren’t old, just well-seasoned.”
“Isn’t that the truth?” She waved a hand. “Go. Enjoy your getaway. Keely and I will have a great time together, and I’ll make sure she gets to summer camp on time tomorrow.”
“I know you will.” He retreated across the lawn. “I’ll check in tonight and again tomorrow morning. We should be back by early evening at the latest.”
“No worries. I don’t have any place I have to be.” She made another shooing motion. “Go already. Nina’s waiting.”
“Okay, I’m out of here.” Reaching down, he grabbed the handle of the bag he’d dropped on the grass to hug Keely one last time. “Bye, Keels.”
“Bye, Daddy.”
Turning, he hustled across the road and tossed his case through the open hatch and slammed it shut. He met Nina’s gaze. “Ready?”
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
He smiled . . . or at least tried to. “Positive. Who’s driving?”
“I am.” She gave him a long, contemplative look before opening the driver’s door. “You can chill in the passenger seat, maybe figure out why you asked me to go away with you in the first place.”
“I know why I asked you.” He pushed the seat back to accommodate his long legs and waited while she started the engine. “Letting go is always a little tough, but I’ve got this.”
“Good.” She backed out of the driveway and gave a couple of toots on the horn. “I’m looking forward to this trip. A break from painting is mandatory every now and then, but we could have taken Keely with us.”
“No, we need some alone time. I’ve barely seen you all week.” He waved a final goodbye, then turned to face forward. “I really want this.”
“I bet. A week without sex is pretty hard to take. Which direction?”
He couldn’t hold back a grin. “Well, there is that. Head south.”
She turned left out onto the coast road. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going? Your instructions to bring casual clothes and sturdy shoes didn’t give me a whole lot to go on.”
“I guess I can let you in on the surprise now. Crater Lake.”
“Oh, yeah?” A smile tilted her lips. “The lake is spectacular. I haven’t been there since I went with my Girl Scout troop twenty years ago. We camped, and I earned three badges that weekend.”
“No camping this time. I booked a room at the Crater Lake Lodge.”
“Seriously?” She turned to stare. “I can’t believe they weren’t sold out.”
“I guess we got lucky. They had a single day available between two longer stays, so I took it. We can do some hiking and just hang out.”
“Sounds wonderful.” She reached over to squeeze his knee. “Thanks for planning this.”
“I told you your needs matter to me. This is my way of trying to make up for ditching you at Leah and Ryan’s wedding.” He grinned. “In addition to getting a little action.”
She smiled back, and the heat in her eyes made him wish they didn’t have a three-and-a-half-hour drive ahead.
He shifted on the seat to adjust his shorts and cleared his throat. “So, what have you been doing all week?”
“Finishing up a few projects and framing them, including Keely’s painting of the roses. She’s very proud of that picture.”
“We hung it in her room. Thanks for taking the time to help her frame it.”
“I enjoyed spending the afternoon with her.” She passed a slow-moving camper on a straight stretch. “I think I convinced her less is better when it comes to both paint and glue.”
“I’m forever in your debt.” He studied her profile and wondered how anyone could be so . . . perfect. With an effort, he focused on their conversation. “That’s all you’ve been doing? Just work?”
“That and sending out follow-up emails to art enthusiasts who’ve bought paintings from me in the past. Marketing for the Summer Art Fair is fairly time consuming, but having a good turnout is critical. This is my major selling event of the season, actually for the whole year.”
“Most of the time you paint on commission?”
She nodded. “I have pieces in a few galleries on the West Coast, but I rely heavily on orders from past customers for income.” A frown creased her brow. “I had a call from one of my regular patrons last week. Apparently she made some bad investments and is in financial difficulties. She’ll be selling her house and leaving the area.”
“That’s too bad.”
“Yeah, it sucks for Miss Lola, but also for me, since she won’t be buying any more of my paintings. She mentioned being closer to her granddaughter, though, which seemed to make her happy.”
“You’ll make up for the loss by selling a lot of your art next weekend.” He reached over to lay a hand on her knee and squeeze. “Have faith.”
“One can only hope.” She slowed to make the turn onto Route 38.
He settled back in his seat. “I assume you know where you’re going?”
“Sure. We follow this road along the Umpqua River, then take Route 138 across to Crater Lake. It’s a pretty drive.”
“I’ll sit back and enjoy the scenery, then.”
The drive through heavily forested countryside was certainly beautiful, but he spent more time looking at Nina than out the window. They discussed topics ranging from music to politics, not always agreeing but finding common ground more often than not. They’d definitely needed this quiet stretch of togetherness to get to know each other better. Nina was confident and assertive without being overbearing, and she was willing to listen to his opinions before sharing her own. He found the combination of self-confidence overlaid with respect incredibly attractive. There were layers to this woman that went far deeper than her surface beauty.
“You’re awfully quiet.”
“Hmm?” He blinked and dragged his gaze away from her to glance out the window as the car slowed. “Are we stopping?”
“Bathroom break. There’s a trail to a waterfall that’s pretty amazing. I thought we’d take a short hike to stretch our legs. Paige and I stopped here once when I went on an antiquing trip with her.”
“I’m all for getting a little exercise.” After she pulled into the parking area and turned off the engine, Teague climbed out and worked a few kinks from his back. “Your Mini doesn’t give a person a lot of room to stretch out.”
“I refuse to apologize for my car.” She met him at the front bumper and snuggled in when he slid an arm around her waist.
“No need to. I’m the one who wanted to leave my truck for Stella. When she suggested letting Keely ride on the back of her motorcycle, I nearly had a heart attack before I realized she was just yanking my chain.”
Nina grinned up at him. “I bet.” She slid out from beneath his arm. “Let me use the restroom, and then we’ll go see the falls.”
A few minutes later, they set out through old-growth forest, following the trail toward Toketee Falls. Deep blue water frothing with white foam flowed between moss-covered rock walls below them, and the damp air was redolent with the scent of dense vegetation. Overhead, birds tweeted and chirped in cacophonous chatter.
“This place is primeval.” Taking her hand, he swung their clasped fingers. “I feel like I’m in an ancient world where time no longer exists.”
“Except for the path, this place probably hasn’t changed much in the last millennium.” She moved ahead of him as the trail narrowed. “Wait until you see the falls. They’re spectacular.”
Spectacular was an understatement. The two-tier falls dropped over a hundred feet into a deep pool at their base. Wrapping his arms around Nina from behind, he rested his chin on her head and let the beauty of their surroundings ease away all his stress. After a few minutes of quiet contemplation, he shifted to meet her gaze. “Looks like we could get over the fence and climb down to the pool if we want.”
“Probably, but we’d get soaked by the spray. An adventure for another day.”
He liked the idea of future trips with Nina. “Next time we’ll bring raincoats.” When a family group descended onto the viewing platform, he reluctantly released her. “Time to go?”
“Let me take a photo or two first.” She snapped a couple of shots with her phone, then glanced over at a teenage boy who’d distanced himself from his younger siblings. “Would you mind taking our picture?”
“Sure.” The kid took her phone and waved them toward the rail.
Teague slid an arm around Nina’s waist and smiled.
“Got it.” The boy handed her cell back.
“Thank you.” She slipped the phone into her pocket.
“Let’s go.” Teague touched her arm. “My breakfast is wearing thin. Didn’t I see a bag of snacks in the back seat?”
“Lucky for you, I planned ahead. Crater Lake is only about forty minutes from here, so I don’t think you’ll starve.”
He bent to drop a kiss on her smiling mouth. “I’d better eat an apple and not risk it.”
The look she gave him was long and lingering. “We definitely need you to keep up your strength.”
* * *
Nina flopped over backward, breathing heavily as the sheen of perspiration on her bare skin dried in the breeze coming through the open window. “Wow. Just wow.”
At her side, Teague grunted but didn’t bother to open his eyes. “I may never have the energy to move again.”
She eyed the man she’d come to love, in all his naked glory stretched out on the pure white sheet, and swallowed. “How lame would we be if we stayed in our hotel room for the next twenty-four hours and didn’t go exploring?”
“I don’t think I have the stamina.” Finally he turned his head to stare at her. “Hiking burns fewer calories than making love with you.”
“Are you complaining?”
“Hell no.” Moving swiftly, he rolled her beneath him. “I’m bragging.”
She wrapped her arms around his back. “I guess we should get up, maybe go for a walk before dinner. Nothing too strenuous that will tax your strength.”
He grinned down at her. “Fine. Since we came all this way, we should at least go appreciate the lake.” He bent to kiss her and lingered long enough to make her heart beat faster. “Okay, this is me, climbing out of bed.”
She held on tighter. “You aren’t moving.”
“That’s because you’re clinging like a limpet.”
After he kissed his way down the side of her neck, she finally let her arms slip to the mattress. “Okay, you’re free.”
His gaze sobered. “I don’t think I am. At this point, we’re bound together, and I don’t want to let you go.”
“Good, because I’m pretty happy all wrapped up in you.” She stroked her thumb across his cheek. “This is a good thing for us both, right?”
He nodded. “You make me believe in happily ever after again.” A rueful smile curved his lips as he sat up. “Before you start thinking I’m a total girl for comments like that, let’s go enjoy the outdoors. I love the ocean, but that lake out there is practically a religious experience.”
There was nothing feminine about Teague’s muscled backside as he bent over his suitcase to dig out a pair of jeans and a button-down shirt. With an effort, she tore her gaze away as he pulled on a pair of briefs and focused on getting herself dressed. She chose a short forest-green skirt and matching sleeveless top she could wear with flats that would be appropriate for dinner in the restaurant downstairs and comfortable for a casual walk beforehand. Ten minutes later, they left the lodge to stroll hand in hand along the path edging Crater Lake.
Beneath the early evening sky, dark indigo water filled the deep caldera far below that formed the pristine volcanic lake. They walked for a half hour, not saying much, just enjoying the natural beauty on display.
“That looks like a good spot to stop.” Teague pointed toward a fairly flat boulder a short distance from the trail.
“I agree.” Sitting beside Teague, Nina rested her head against his shoulder as the breeze whispered through nearby fir trees. “I know I’m supposed to be on vacation, but my fingers are itching to paint that view.”
“I bet. Did you bring a sketch pad?”
“Of course. I don’t go anywhere without that.”
“Then maybe you can draw tomorrow.” He tightened his arm around her. “I wouldn’t want you to go through creative withdrawal.”
“Always a risk when I attempt to take a break.” After a moment, she changed the subject. “I’ve been meaning to ask if Keely ever found her stuffed animals. I didn’t want to question her if she was still upset about losing them.”
He shook his head. “No, they flat out disappeared. It’s the damnedest thing. One of her princess dresses is also missing, along with a few other clothes. I have a feeling she left those at her friend’s house, though she swears she brought everything home. I’ve been meaning to call Bobbi Sandburg to ask but keep forgetting.”
The breeze that had seemed warm enough a few minutes before chilled her. Goose bumps pebbled Nina’s arms. “Nothing else is missing? You don’t think someone broke into your house, do you?”
“There’s no sign to indicate anyone was in our home. Anyway, why would a thief steal a couple of stuffed animals and leave a valuable necklace that belonged to Keely’s mother lying on her dresser? I have to think Coco is the guilty party in this mystery. My bet is she hauled the animals out through her doggy door and buried them somewhere.”
“She does like to dig. Hopefully they’ll turn up eventually, even if they are a little the worse for wear.”
“I bought Keely the American Girl doll she’s been wanting. It cost me a freaking fortune, but I hated to see her so upset.” He grimaced. “And, yes, I know I’m a sucker and that move wasn’t exactly stellar parenting.”
“Wait until she’s older and some boy breaks her heart.” Nina tried to keep a straight face and failed. “Are you going to buy her a car to ease her pain?”
“No, I’ll probably just kill the kid. Any boy stupid enough to dump my daughter doesn’t deserve to live.”
“That’s pretty darn funny.” She waved a hand. “Your protective streak might just span the whole lake.”
“I know. I really do need to dial it back. I’m here with you, though, so I really am trying hard not to hover. I read about helicopter parents in a magazine at the dentist’s office, and the thought that I might be one is terrifying.”
“You have too much common sense.” She slid her arm around his waist and squeezed. “I don’t see you as a micromanager, and Keely definitely isn’t spoiled, as far as I can tell.”
“That’s a relief.” He stood and pulled her up into his arms. “Thanks for making me feel better about how I’m raising her. Sometimes it’s rough not having any support and feedback.”
“I don’t want to ever butt into your business with unwanted advice.” She stood on her toes to kiss him. “But I won’t shy away from giving my opinion if you ask for it.”
He kissed her back, taking the embrace to a much higher level. Nina was dizzy with need and completely breathless when he finally let her go.
She held on to his forearms to steady herself. “If that’s my reward for a few supportive comments, I may never shut up.”
“Since we’re in full public view of anyone walking by, I figured I’d better quit before we got arrested.” His voice was a low rumble that grazed her ear. “Remind me why we left the privacy of our room.”
“The view. I know. Stupid, right?”
“Shortsighted for sure, because now I have to return to the lodge with my pants cutting off the blood supply to my—”
“Stop!” She couldn’t quit laughing. “It can’t be that bad.”
Turning his back to the deserted trail, he pressed her hand to the rigid fly of his jeans. “Want to feel for yourself?”
Her body tightened and heated. “You do have a problem.”
“Completely your fault, but I’m going to grit my teeth and bear it.”
Giggles bubbled up. “I hope not literally or you will be arrested.”
“Funny. Let’s go. If we can’t do the deed here and now, I guess we’ll have to go eat dinner instead. I need sustenance for the night ahead.”
Nina wouldn’t have minded in the least leaving her palm right where it had been. Instead, she tucked her hand through his arm as they hiked back to the trail. A flurry of emotions swirled inside her, happiness warring with her innate caution.
“I can’t remember the last time I simply let go and laughed. Just so you know, I’m not usually the giggly type.”
He smiled down at her. “No, your humor has an ironic twist.”
“My first impression of you the day you moved in was to wonder if you were always so serious. I guess we’re good for each other.”
“I’d sure like the opportunity to put that to the test.” He hesitated for a moment. “I want to spend more time with you after we get home. This past week, I didn’t much enjoy looking out my bedroom window at night and seeing the light on in yours. I wanted you beside me.”
Joy, along with a hint of relief, burst inside her. “What about Keely?”
“I’ll always worry my choices might hurt my daughter.” Teague stopped and turned to face her. With a gentle hand, he brushed a strand of hair off her cheek. “But I trust you. I believe in what we have, and I’m ready to take a risk.”
“Wow.”
“Wow? That’s all you have to say?”
She swallowed back tears. “Yeah. I haven’t been this happy in a long time, maybe ever. Thank you for your faith in me. I don’t intend to abuse it.”
He pulled her into his arms.” Thank you for just being you. I love you, Nina.”
“I love you, too.”