The small, square clapboard building didn’t look any too prepossessing to Paul. However, Steve had assured him Hunter’s Fishing and Bait was the best place to get whatever he might need in that line.
Steve had said he could borrow a rod or two. But he’d emphasized fresh bait was essential. If he was really going to try this fishing thing, Paul needed worms to lure the fish, a license to haul ’em out, plus a boat to waft him over the water.
The bell dinged as he walked into the cool gloom. The rough, white-painted interior was sparse. Taking a quick scan, he decided the store could benefit from a more modern display design. An oblong ice cream freezer took up one corner, and next to it stood a small wicker table and two chairs. A couple of standing wire carousels, plenty of rough, wooden, open shelving, and that was it.
Behind the counter sat a man, bearded, balding, and with graying, wispy hair hanging low on his neck. He was reading a fishing magazine, which he put aside. Unfolding himself from the chair, he stood up and greeted Paul.
“Sorry. Coffee shop’s closed. Muffins all sold out.”
Obviously the guy didn’t think he looked like a fisherman any more than Serendipity had. Then and there, he decided to change that. Get some fisherman gear. Pity she’d disappeared, though. For some reason her erratic behavior intrigued him. Not to mention her looks. He would have liked to find out exactly where she was going, maybe get her phone number.
“Are you the owner? Hunter?” he asked.
“No. I’d say, more like the gatherer these days.”
Okay. Paul got it. Hunters and gatherers like in the old, old days.
“I’m Frank,” the guy continued.
What would he be frank about? Paul wondered idly, going with the riff.
“Let me know if you need any help,” Frank added.
Paul liked to browse, but it was a long time since he’d indulged the inclination. Soon he was examining small cardboard boxes, open to display their contents, and systematically perusing every inch of shelving.
Almost imperceptibly, he slid into the spirit of things, began to slow down. Who’d have thought fishing would offer such great retail therapy possibilities — books, waders, trout rods, colorful, delicate flies, sinkers, lures, floats, hooks, reels? This was almost as much fun as shopping the Lee Valley catalogue. He couldn’t say why the stuff appealed to him so, he just knew it did. And hadn’t he promised to indulge himself this weekend? He wouldn’t go so far as to buy a boat, though. Maybe he could hire one from Frank. He went across to ask.
The store assistant bent over, leaning his skinny forearms on the counter.
“Sorry, we don’t rent out boats.”
This was a blow. Paul had imagined himself out on the lake, cap tilted low over his eyes, drifting around islands, stopping in this little cove or that sheltered bay.
“Is there no way I can get out on the water today? Even two or three hours would be better than none.”
“Hmm. Tell you what.” Frank raised up on one arm, tapping his fingers on the wooden counter. “How about hiring my son? For fifty dollars, Adrian would take you out in our boat for a couple of hours. Show you a few good fishing spots.”
Paul brightened. “Great.”
“It would have to be here on Lake Lauzon.”
“That’s fine. No problem. It’s a deal … . Can I talk to him and make the arrangements?”
“He’s not around just now. Doesn’t have a cell phone. Why not simply meet up at the public slipway, over near the resort, say at six-thirty this evening?”
That sounded perfect. “Will do.”
• • •
Down at the lake, the midday sun poured out summer heat like melted gold from a crucible. Jade prepared pita breads and various spreads and fillings for the family lunch, carried it all down on a large tray, and set the food on the wooden picnic table. Earlier, she’d brought down plastic glasses, a pitcher of cold cranberry juice, and a couple of beers for her father.
Adrian stormed down the steps and flopped his gangly body into a canvas chair. He vented his exasperation in a manner that always reminded Jade of a horse. He harrumphed.
“Dad’s just come in and you know what he’s done? Like, he’s completely messed up my plans for tonight.”
“He has?” She looked her young brother over affectionately.
“He told this dorky city guy I’ll take him out fishing and I’m already going to babysit Pam’s grandsons. Does he think I can split myself in half?”
“Don’t fret.” Marigold sounded unperturbed. “We’ll work something out. Pam’s the kind of neighbor who’s open to suggestions.”
“Like what for instance?” Adrian got up and slouched over to the food.
Marigold narrowed her eyes, looking at the lake as if its waters contained the secrets of the universe. At last she spoke.
“Like maybe Dipity can do it instead.”
“Babysit those terrors?” Jade didn’t need any help reverting to her natural squeak. “No chance. Remember last time?” She plucked at her head. “Thanks to those boys I got my first three gray hairs.”
“Well then, what about you going on the lake instead of Adrian?” Mother turned her gaze on daughter. “You told me you’d like to throw a line in the water.”
“With some stupid guy who doesn’t even know how to cast? No way.”
Adrian settled himself at the picnic table and poured himself a drink. “I’m not going to let Pam down. She promised to rent new games.”
“And I’m not going to be coerced into taking some stranger fishing.”
To show she really meant it, Jade stood up, walked onto the dock and did a neat, shallow dive into the lake. She swam back and forth, enjoying the silky feel of the water sliding along her skin, the sensation of separation from the land. Once she’d cooled off, she got out, wrapped a towel around her, and took her place at the lunch table. Her father had arrived in the meantime and was doing justice to the food. Sometimes Jade wondered how he kept so skinny when he ate so much.
“I appreciate the meal, Dipity, thanks.”
“No problem, Dad.”
Adrian eyed the table, helped himself to another pita, and spent some time and care in stuffing it to the gills. He took a bite, chewed, and swallowed. Then he looked accusingly at his father.
“The problem’s with the arrangement you made without consulting anyone.”
Marigold waved her glass of cranberry juice. “We’ll work something out.”
Swimming had calmed Jade, as it always did. Something about the rhythmic stroking and breathing soothed and restored.
Adrian held his pita between knobby fingers and looked anxiously at her.
“So what do you say, Dipity?”
Reconciled to the idea she’d have to help out, she said, “All right, I suppose.” She bit into her pita, started to lower it, and froze. An awful suspicion stole over her.
“Dad, this guy … did he tell you his name?”
“Of course. Anyhow, he put his purchases on his credit card.”
“So — what is it?”
“VISA, I think. What difference does that make? He’ll probably give you cash. The guy looked good for a lot more than fifty dollars.”
“No, I meant his name.”
“Oh. That. Something really ordinary and everyday. Peter … no. Bill. John … er, Johnson.”
Jade closed her eyes.
“I don’t believe this.” She opened her eyes wide. “His name is Paul Johnson, isn’t it?”
Her father looked surprised. “Quite right. Did you see it in the book?”
“No, I heard it ringing in my head.”
Her mom coughed out a chortle. “And pounding through your heart, no doubt.”
Jade clutched her wet hair in a gesture of exasperation. “I can’t possibly do this.”
“Why ever not?” Frank looked puzzled. “You just said you would.”
“Because … because … ” She stood up, ready to take another dive into the lake or maybe charge up the steps. That would equate to her daily stint on the Stairmaster. But maybe a good long swim would give Dad and Adrian time to work out another solution. Something, anything, else would do.
Marigold’s cigarette-scratchy voice stopped her in her tracks.
“No escaping your karma. Go with him now, or compensate with interest next time around.”
Her dad’s voice was softer, more persuasive. “Come on, Dipity. You can’t simply leave this guy in the lurch.”
Her mind supplied another word: again.
Poised at the water’s edge, she stared down at the pebbled bottom. A few tiny, silvery minnows darted about as if imitating her frantic thoughts. Her father’s words echoed in her ears and made her recall the sight of Paul standing abandoned on the side of the road; his almost hurt expression when he’d beeped at her before they disembarked from the ferry. No, she couldn’t do that to him a third time. Telling herself Serendipity could manage a trip on the lake with Paul as long as she banished Jade, she cleared her throat and said the fateful word.
“Okay.”
• • •
Jade spent some time that afternoon checking over her fishing gear. Once she was satisfied that her reels, lines, hooks, and lures were in order, she carried her rod and fishing box down to the dock and stashed them in the old tub of a boat. Then she went back up to the house to collect an ice blue, fleecy sweater in case it got cold on the water, a flashlight, a towel, a bottle of pop, a packet of muffins, and another of trail mix.
Fresh air always made her hungry.
While occupied with these practical tasks, she was aware of an edgy, nervous excitement humming through her — a low, constant vibration, like a guitar string being plucked over and over again.
She was going to be with Paul.
Another risk, and greater than before. But she’d committed herself. Hopefully she’d do nothing to betray her other identity and put her career in jeopardy. All her years of study, the money and effort she’d put into getting her MBA, learning to fit into the corporate world, had finally started to pay off. If she were perceived as even slightly flakey, all her hard-fought-for credibility would crumble. Not to mention the wider effect on the agency. So there was only one way to handle this. She had to banish Jade completely. Let Serendipity take over. And trust she could pull it off.
Adrian had filled the gas can for her and put the container in the boat. Everything was ready and she was all set. Now to get over there and show Paul R.G. a thing or two about how to catch fish.
• • •
Across the lake, Paul stood to one side of the slipway, eagerly awaiting his ride and his initiation into the rites of fishing. He’d spent sixty-five minutes that afternoon practicing casting and was now ready to launch into the next exciting step — baiting the hook and letting the line hang in the water. Wow, he was really getting into this new sport. He’d even bought a disposable waterproof camera, to record his first catch, as well as a new special watch.
Right on time, almost down to the second, he heard the engine of a boat approaching from the direction of the slowly sinking, westerly sun. He held up a hand to cut out the glare. Sure enough, a red-painted tub was headed his way.
This young guy must have as much of a thing for punctuality as his boss. No, don’t go there, Johnson, he told himself. The idea is to forget about work. If you have to think about Jade Jellicoe, rather think about her delectable but enigmatic double — Serendipity.
No difficulty there.
The boat drew closer. The figure sitting at the stern grew clearer, although with the sun behind him, he was still in silhouette. Funny shape for a teenaged boy — a slim waist, rounded hips. Somehow the form seemed familiar … . Unless, could it be? His well-trained memory for images kicked in.
It seemed far, far too good to be true, but it was her.
Serendipity.
• • •
Jade approached the dock, her hands sweaty, her pulse putt-putting along with the low horsepower engine. There he stood, holding up a clutch of fishing rods as if he were Neptune and they formed his trident. Khaki-green waterproof waders covered him up to his thighs, and he wore a cargo jacket, a genuine one, with bulging pockets, even though the heat of the day hadn’t yet faded. Something shifted inside her. This was the first time she’d ever seen Paul look ridiculous. Her heart turned to marshmallow — a soft, squishy, pink one.
“Well, well, well, what a serendipitous surprise,” he greeted her, the devastating dimple much in evidence.
She tossed her head and managed a carefree smile. “Hallo, Paul.”
“Twice in twenty-four hours! This is starting to feel like that chameleon thing.”
A sinking feeling he may have sussed her out made the boat wobble. Almost she could hear her mother saying, “See what a guilty conscience does for you?”
“What do you mean? Have I changed color and now match the water or something?”
He considered her. “Your tee shirt’s not far off.”
His gaze rested appreciatively on the tight turquoise garment. “I’m thinking of that thing Boy George used to sing about when I was a teenager.”
That was a no brainer.
“Karma,” Jade said, grabbing on to the side and easing the boat closer. She jumped off onto the dock, holding the rope to make sure the boat didn’t drift away.
Paul came closer, squishing stiffly in his waders.
“So you have another name,” he said.
Busy twisting the rope around the metal cleat, Jade froze. Her whole body went cold, when seconds ago, it had been warm.
“I do?” Her squeak hit the upper registers.
“According to Frank, you’re Adrian.”
Oh the relief! Even to her own ears, her laugh sounded false. She kept her head down and finished securing the boat.
Paul added, “I thought he was referring to his son.”
“He was.” Standing again, she lifted her chin.
He looked her over. As if the breeze had turned to flame, she felt heat brush over her body.
“I see you couldn’t quite achieve a shape shift.”
She said casually, “Adrian’s my kid brother. And actually, it was the babysitting shift that caused the swap around.”
Paul took a step toward her. “That was a lucky break for me.”
Oh boy. Something new lit up inside her and started blinking Danger. She’d better find a fire extinguisher, and quickly.
Nothing like a little gentle ridicule to lower the sexual temperature. Lips twitching, eyebrows raised, she said, “I see you’re totally kitted out.”
He glanced down at himself. “Guess I went overboard, huh?”
“Not yet.” She indicated he should get into the boat. “I’ll pass your gear to you.” Still clutching the rods, he took a large, awkward step and landed on the floorboards. The little craft tipped wildly. “Though it looks like you’re keeping a dive into the lake as an option.”
Paul regained his balance and sat down. “What if I misbehave?”
“Then you’ll find out, won’t you?”
Clearly, he was not used to being around boats. He sat there looking clueless, but stood up again when Jade began passing his gear to him. Once his fancy fishing box, the bait, the camera, and everything else were safely stowed, she prepared to set out again. Meanwhile, Paul stood teetering in the middle of the boat, clearly at a loss.
Jade bent to undo the rope. She nodded toward the front of the craft.
“Bow,” she said.
Paul’s eyebrows shot up. Then, instead of stepping over the thwart and moving to sit up front, he slowly, formally, bent forward from the waist.
“Paul? What are you doing?”
He straightened with a jerk, which set the boat rocking again.
“You tell me. You’re the skipper. I’m just obeying orders.”
“What orders?”
“You said I should bow.”
She stared at him for a few seconds then began to laugh. “You dummy! I meant, sit in the front of the boat.”
“Oh. Okay.” He sounded relieved. “That’s cool. I thought this was some kind of secret, pre-fishing ritual, like I had to make a gesture to the spirit of the lake before I robbed her of the fish.”
Jade jumped in and started the motor, hoping it would drown out the sound of her merriment. She didn’t want the male ego to take too much of a knock.
The boat forged onward at a slow but steady pace. In a way she was glad her family wasn’t wealthy enough to own one of the newer, fancier craft with an overly powerful engine, or even two. This speed suited her just fine. She gazed out over the glistening water, taking in the surrounding beauty of the lake and its forested shoreline, the sweep of rosy clouds in the sky. Her spirits swelled with a kind of transcendental joy. How she missed all this when she was in the city.
In front of her, Paul sat still except for turning his head occasionally to look at one side and then the other. They chugged through the narrows between two small islands and headed for a sheltered spot where a rocky cliff dropped sheer into the water. There the lake was deep and still. It was a place where Jade usually managed to haul out a good pike or two.
She killed the engine and let down the anchor.
“This’ll do it.”
“Great,” Paul said, his voice hushed, almost awed. “I’m beginning to get what this is all about.”
He spoke as if he shared and understood all her feelings for the lake. She backed away from that idea.
“Oh yeah? And you haven’t even baited your hook yet.”
Was that a little shudder he gave?
“No, but I did check the contents of the bait tub earlier.”
She saw his throat bob as he swallowed. Could it be this hunky grown man, whom she could swear was positively pumping with testosterone, was just a tad squeamish? Biting her lower lip to keep herself from grinning, she watched him pick up the small, plastic container, and pry off the lid.
“Guess I’d better get to it, then.” After another minute of staring at squirming worms, he braced his shoulders, reached for his rod, and picked up the hook. Dark brows drew together, almost meeting above his Roman nose as he concentrated on the task.
She watched his fumbling for a bit. Unable to stop herself, she got up and stepped toward the middle of the boat.
“Let me show you. Move over here.” She patted the plank. “Sit next to me, so I can help.”
The smile grew slowly but ended up so stunning that she blinked.
“Great. Sure. Thanks, Serendipity.”
Already busy with the bait, she replied. “You’re welcome. But do make it Dipity.”
“Dippity-do? Like the hair gel my mom used to use? Sounds funny.”
“No cheap cracks, or we’ll revert to the full five syllables.”
Soon they were sitting peacefully in the soft twilight, rods at the ready, watching their floats bobbing, each on one side of the boat.
Paul lifted his wrist. “See this neat fishing watch I bought from your dad?” He fiddled with the winder. “I’m setting it to see how long it takes me to hook my first big one.”
Jade didn’t like to disillusion him, but she had to add a word of caution. “Don’t expect anything to happen any time soon. It can take hours before you even get a nibble.”
The air was still warm, but Jade was aware of a tingling chill on her skin. As always when she was out on the water, she began to reconnect with the blessings of nature, renewing her spirit. Somehow, this evening, the fact that Paul was here with her colored her surroundings with a special glaze. Being with him didn’t feel quite real. If she leaned sideways, would she truly feel him sitting beside her? And if she turned her head, would her eyes meet his?
She gave a little shiver. About to look over her shoulder, she heard an urgent whisper.
“Hey! Look! Something’s happening.”
So he really was there. How amazing.
She looked around. Sure enough, Paul’s float trembled and dipped. “You don’t have to whisper, Paul. I doubt the fish can hear you.”
Although who knew what they picked up. Loud disturbances weren’t good.
“Who says?” he asked in the same low, excited tone. “Can’t be too careful. I don’t want to chase away any interest.”
She sincerely doubted he was in any danger of that. Big mistake to have him sit next to her. Being on the water usually brought her the chance to shed all her cares. Tonight Paul’s nearness caused a tension, set her senses on high alert.
“Something’s definitely nibbling,” he repeated.
And wasn’t that the truth?
“Be patient,” she advised.
“A bite! I got a bite!” Paul yelped. He yanked up the rod and began winding frantically. Sparkling and wriggling, a good-sized pike came shooting up out of the water.
“Wow, man, I don’t believe this. Just look at this fish.” Hanging on to the arching rod, Paul checked his watch. “How about that? Seven minutes, start to finish. Not bad, huh?”
He looked so thrilled that Jade couldn’t find it in her heart to be the dog in the manger about his unexpected and early success.
“Time for a photo, I’d say. Could you do that for me?” he asked.
Her throat went dry at the thought of all she could do for him. She nodded and picked up the camera. Once she’d taken a couple of shots, she showed him how to cut the line and take out the hook. Soon the silvery fish lay at the bottom of the boat.
“Next time you can do all that yourself,” she stated.
“Guess I should run with my luck and try again,” Paul reached into the plastic box to find a new hook. He pricked his finger.
“Ouch.”
“Is it bad?” She craned her neck to look, being very careful not to come into contact with his shoulder. But she could feel his heat, smell his scent.
“No. Just a scratch.” He dipped his hand in the water, then wiped it on his thigh.
“Lucky it’s a new hook,” Jade said, feeling a little dizzy, “or I’d have to take you for a tetanus shot.”
Paul squared his shoulders and opened the container of worms.
“Are you in business, Dipity?”
“Me?” she squeaked. “Do I look like the type to be in business?”
“Hard to say. Not really. So what do you do to keep the wolf from the door?”
Quite the question, that.
“What makes you think I want to?”
Paul sent her a wicked wink and waited for her reply. Desperately she cast about in her mind for something innocuous. Anything, really.
At last she said, “Er, I’m a dispatcher.”
“Okay. So what do you dispatch? Fire engines?”
“No. It’s like … for a courier company, you know?”
That wasn’t too far-fetched. While she’d been studying at university, Jade had worked part-time and vacations for such an organization.
He looked a little puzzled. “You find your job satisfying?”
“Sure.” She gave a small shrug. “Not too demanding. It means, the rest of the time, I can do my own thing.”
Here she was, sounding like her mother.
Paul looked unconvinced.
“Hey,” she said. “I think I got a bite.”
Saved by a nibble. She began reeling in. Her hook dangled, shiny and bare, with nary a sign of the bait.
An hour later, six fish lay in the bottom of the boat, all of them hooked and landed by Paul. His eyes glittered and Jade could feel the delight radiating from him. Very enticing. It made her want to lean forward and plant a kiss on that firm, shapely mouth of his. But it also raised her competitive spirit. This wasn’t the way things were meant to turn out. She was the one who was supposed to be hauling in the fish, not Paul.
Determined to score at least once, she baited her hook again. This time, a big one had better bite and not merely take her bait, then swim off messaging, “Thanks for the in-lake catering, Jade.”
She was so focused on the float that she didn’t notice the rapid build-up of heavy gray clouds in the westerly sky. A wind sprang up, at first just riffling the surface of the water, but soon it began to blow harder. She shivered.
A few spots of rain fell.
Paul had been facing east. She saw him move and noticed he was looking over his shoulder.
“Seems we could be in for a storm.”
Jade’s head jerked up to look at the sky.
“You’re right. And it looks like it could be a big one.” Immediately she began reeling in, turning the cog as fast as she could. “We need to head back straightaway. Don’t want to get caught out on the water if there’s going to be lightning.”
Paul followed her example. Quickly they stowed the rods. Jade started the engine, cursing herself for her preoccupation and changing her mind about the desirability of having a bigger engine on the boat. They’d be lucky if they made it back before the storm broke.
The rain fell harder. One hand on the tiller, Jade shrugged herself into her fleece. Paul, damn him, was well protected in the waders and that ridiculous huntin’ and fishin’ jacket of his. Except it didn’t seem so ridiculous now. The meanie. And the cheek of the man, catching all those fish! Then there was the effect he had on her. Instead of diminishing, that was ramping up as fast as the gathering storm. She should get rid of him asap. With this in mind, she set course for the resort jetty.
A flash of lightning lit the gray, growling sky as they forged through the wind and the rain.
“We need to get off the water as soon as possible,” she called against the wind. “Instead of dropping you off, I’ll have to head for the closest point.”
That was home. Jade’s home. Thank goodness Marigold and Dad were out at a barbecue. As long as Adrian didn’t return any time soon, there’d be no one to comment on her throwback voice.
“Fine with me,” Paul said. “I really appreciate all the help. Six nice-sized fish! Pretty good for a start, wouldn’t you say?”
“Beginner’s luck,” she muttered, shooting a glance at his catch as she turned in toward their dock.
“Hey.” His mouth twitched and the dimple appeared. “You’re pouting! Maybe that bow wasn’t such a stupid idea, huh? Might have been appreciated by the spirit of the lake.”
She didn’t even think to challenge that airy-fairy notion. “Who knows?”
And maybe Jade had pissed off the spirit of the lake by laughing at Paul. Whatever, the fish hadn’t taken her bait, and she was left with nothing to show for their time on the water but wet clothing, a disgruntled attitude, and a growing fixation with this man she really should be avoiding. He’d surprised her this evening, not only because of all the fish he’d caught, but also because of the new insights she’d gleaned into his personality.
Two bedraggled figures struggled up the steep concrete steps. Once inside the house, Jade grabbed a couple of swimming towels from the hooks by the downstairs door and handed one to Paul.
“Thanks.” He removed his jacket, then the leggings. “I’m not too wet. Glad I bought all this gear from your father.”
Stripping off her dripping ice-blue fleece, she managed to suppress a snort.
“I’d like to tell him how much I appreciate all the advice,” Paul added.
Did he realize they were alone in the house? She hoped not. Or did she hope yes?
“I’ll pass it on for you. Meanwhile, I need to get out of these wet clothes. Take a quick shower.”
A gleam appeared in his eyes.
“I sure wish I could help.”
Her breath caught.
“I can manage on my own. I’m a grown girl.”
His eyes lowered to where the thin, wet fabric of her old, cotton tee shirt clearly revealed her breasts. And no doubt, puckered nipples.
“I can see that.”
Again, her breath did a funny little hitch. Maybe being inside with Paul would prove more dangerous than the storm. She waved frantically in the direction of the narrow staircase.
“Go upstairs. Make yourself at home — watch TV, grab a beer from the fridge on your way. I won’t be long.”
He hesitated.
“You know, I could turn on the shower for you. I’m an expert at getting the temperature just right.”
She was pretty steamy right now. The way her body was humming and heating reminded her of how very long it was since she’d been with a man. And here was Paul R.G., appealing and sexy and offering to turn her on. Man oh man.