Читать книгу Her Summer Crush - Linda Lee Hope - Страница 12

CHAPTER THREE

“HOW MUCH FARTHER?” Cody asked, drumming on his SUV’s steering wheel.

Luci consulted the map on her cell phone. “Looks like a couple more miles before we reach the turnoff.”

“Okay. I’ll keep an eye out.”

Three days had passed since Luci and Cody began working together. Actually, they hadn’t really talked since that first day. She’d spent the time familiarizing herself with her office and the routine, and Cody had been in and out, doing some special photography work for Glen.

Today, they were on their way to interview Ray Dunbar, owner of Cranberry Acres, for the article in Coastal Living. They’d left Willow Beach behind and driven through a countryside dotted with farmhouses and fields where cows and horses grazed.

Luci would have enjoyed the trip more if she’d been alone—or if she’d been with anyone other than Cody. She had no idea how they would work together in this new arrangement. Would he be a good partner? Or would he be off doing his own thing?

Just being near him was disconcerting. Like now—barely a foot separated them. She was so aware of him. Today he wore a blue T-shirt that showed off his broad chest and muscular arms. He still hadn’t had a haircut, and the ends were beginning to curl.

The SUV lurched as Cody made a quick turn to the right. “Almost missed the turnoff. I thought you were watching.”

“I was, ah, thinking about my interview questions.”

“You’ve got them all written out, I bet.” He checked his mirrors and continued driving down the new road.

“Of course I do. Don’t you plan what pictures you’re going to take when you’re on an assignment?”

“Not so much. I like to be spontaneous. Life is out there. Let it happen and look for the moment.”

“The moment, huh?”

He took his gaze off the road long enough to shoot her a quick grin. “Yeah. That special moment in time that I’ll capture forever with my camera.”

“Must be nice. For an interview, I need to have a plan.” She held up her notebook.

“Nothing wrong with a plan. But open yourself up to being spontaneous, too.” Catching her frown, he added, “Hey, I’m only trying to be helpful. I’ve been in this business longer than you.”

Luci pressed her lips together. “I know, but I do have my degree now, with a lot of field experience behind it. That ought to be worth something.”

“Sure, Luci. Just some friendly advice.”

Luci fell silent. How was she supposed to do her job with him micromanaging her?

At Cranberry Acres, a woman in the office gave them directions, and they found Ray Dunbar rinsing out buckets under a faucet. Besides the wide-brimmed leather hat the woman had told them to look for, he wore a plaid shirt and khaki work pants. His knee-high rubber boots were caked with mud.

He turned off the water and studied Luci. “Ervin Monroe’s daughter, right?”

“I am.” His flat tone gave no indication whether that was an asset or a liability.

“So you’re working for Glen this summer.”

“Not just for the summer. I’m back in Willow Beach for good.”

“I see.” He hooked the bucket handle on the faucet and shifted his attention to Cody. “And you’re—”

“Cody Jarvis. I’m the summer help.”

Ray pulled off his work gloves, and he and Cody shook hands. “Either of you ever visit the farm before?” he asked.

Cody nodded. “When I was in grade school, my class came here on a field trip.”

“Mine, too,” Luci added. “But I’m sure I’ll have a different perspective now.”

Ray nodded. “Growing and harvesting cranberries is an involved operation. But let me give you a tour, and I’ll explain the process as simply as I can.”

Ray led them to the troughs where the cranberries grew. Having taken out her tablet, Luci asked him the questions she’d listed. Keeping his promise to make his explanation simple, Ray’s answers were short and to the point. The berries were planted in April or May and harvested in mid-October. Most of the harvest was made into juice.

“I’d like a few pictures of you,” Luci said after she’d got what she needed for the article. She looked around for Cody. He was nowhere in sight. Her temper simmered. Why couldn’t he stay nearby while she was interviewing their subject?

Ray consulted his wristwatch. “We’ll have to make it quick—I need to leave for a meeting in a few minutes.”

“Sure. Just as soon as I can find my, ah, associate.” Finally, she spotted Cody on the other side of the field, aiming his camera at the top of a pine tree. What did a pine tree have to do with cranberries?

She caught his eye and waved him over. He took his time, pausing twice to aim his camera at something, she wasn’t sure what. Her cheeks were burning, and she struggled to paste a smile on her face. Ray paced, checking his watch again.

“Ray has to leave for another meeting,” she said when Cody finally joined them. “And we need his photo.”

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t know—” Cody wrinkled his forehead.

Ray made a dismissive wave. “It’s okay. But let’s get a move on.”

Later, on their way back to Willow Beach, Luci stared out the window at the passing landscape. The interview had left her nerves ragged.

Cody broke the silence. “Did I drive you crazy?”

“Just about,” she said, only half kidding. “This job means a lot to me, you know.”

“I do know. And I take my work seriously, too. We just have different approaches. You like to have a plan, and I like to be spur-of-the-moment.”

“Maybe so, but it would’ve helped if you’d hung around while I was interviewing him. There wasn’t time for as many photos of him as I’d hoped.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’ll bet that of the ones I took, you’ll find some that will work. And I can’t wait to read what you write about him. If I had to describe him, I’d probably say something like ‘tall dude with big leather hat.’”

Despite her annoyance, Luci giggled. “Yeah, I can just see that in the article. Glen would have a fit.”

“Maybe you should try something offbeat sometime. Well, not that offbeat, but you get the idea.”

When they returned to the office, Cody pulled into the parking lot. Leaving the engine running, he turned to her. “Want to go over the photos I took?”

“Yes, but I’d like to have a rough draft of the text before we sit down together. How about tomorrow afternoon?”

“Sure. I have another project I’m working on, too. Something I think you’ll be interested in.”

* * *

LUCI SAT BACK in her desk chair and read the paragraph she’d just written. The article on Cranberry Acres was taking shape, but she still wasn’t ready for Cody’s input. And here it was, Friday already. When she’d returned to the office yesterday, Glen had summoned her for an impromptu meeting with some of the people involved in the Fourth of July celebration, and it had lasted until quitting time. At home, she’d spent most of the evening reviewing Cody’s pictures—there were quite a few—and did little writing.

She checked her wristwatch. Only an hour before quitting time. She could stay late, but if she were going to work overtime, she’d rather do it at home. But what about Cody?

She called him, breathing a sigh of relief when he answered the phone. She explained her predicament, ending with, “The deadline’s Monday, so that doesn’t give us much time.”

“You’re almost done, you say?”

“I think so. I’ll know better when we finalize the photos.”

He let a beat go by and then said, “Why don’t I come over to your place tonight? Unless you have a date?”

“Ah, no. My only date is with the article.”

“How about seven o’clock?”

“Well...okay. I’m at the Driftwood, number six.”

“See you then.”

* * *

AT A QUARTER to seven that evening, Luci stood in front of the bathroom mirror brushing her hair. She put down the brush and peered at her image. Should she wear lipstick or go natural? Did her sweater look ratty? Or casual and comfortable? Finally, she came to her senses. What was wrong with her? This wasn’t a date—this was work. She didn’t have to fix herself up for Cody.

He arrived promptly at seven and breezed in, carrying a white paper bag in one hand and a small black box in the other. He handed her the paper bag.

“What’s this?” she asked and then spotted the Bon Ton Bakery logo. She peeked into the bag. “Ah, doughnuts. Chocolate frosted.” Her mouth was watering already.

“There’s strawberry, too. I trust you have coffee to go with.”

“I do. Good thing I made a big pot.” She pointed to the box. “What else did you bring?”

He patted the top. “This is for later, when we’re through working.” He set the box on the coffee table.

“I have the article up on the computer. Why don’t you take a look while I put these doughnuts on a plate and pour us some coffee?”

“Got to check your view first.” He walked to the patio door and looked out.

“Don’t you want to take a picture or two?” she asked. Of course, his camera was slung around his neck.

“Maybe later,” he said with a good-natured grin.

By the time she had set the doughnuts and coffee on the table and pulled up a chair beside him, he was deep into reading the article. While he finished, she munched a doughnut and sipped her coffee. Finally, he sat back and frowned. Uh-oh. Her stomach knotted.

“So what do you think?”

He nodded and reached for a doughnut, brushing against her shoulder in the process. “I think it’s pretty darn good.”

“No, I hear something else in your voice. What?”

He studied the screen again, scrolling up and down. “It might be a little stiff.”

“Stiff? What does that mean?”

“A few more quotes from Dunbar might liven it up.”

She put down her mug and folded her arms. “He wasn’t the most talkative person.”

“I know. Forget I said anything. Why’d you ask me, anyway?”

“I wanted, ah...” What did she want? His approval? He wasn’t her boss.

But he was her partner. They were in this job together, for better or worse. “I’ll give quotes some thought.”

“And the photos of Dunbar. They turned out all right, didn’t they? How about that shot where he’s cupping one of the plants in his hands? I thought that showed how much he cares about his plants.”

“I do like that one.”

“But what about the one where he’s standing and gazing at the bogs. It’s a good one, too, even if he has a poker face.”

She had to smile. “He did, didn’t he? Hmm.” She skimmed the article. “I don’t see a spot for it, though.”

“How about here?” He pointed to a line on the screen.

“No, no, doesn’t fit.”

They went back and forth for a while without reaching an agreement. Finally, Cody threw up his hands. “I think we’re done here. But give my suggestions some more thought, okay?”

“Sure.” Maybe.

Luci turned off the computer. She picked up their coffee mugs and carried them to the sink. He followed with the plate of leftover doughnuts.

“Thanks for coming—and for your help.” She took the plate and placed it beside the mugs.

“You’re welcome, but we’re not done yet.”

“I thought you just said we were?”

“Nope. One more thing.” He held out his hand. “Come on.”

Luci stared for a moment and then, with an inward sigh, held out her hand and let their fingers mesh. He led her to the sofa, and while she sat he picked up the box he’d brought and held it out.

“What this?”

“Something I made for you. Go on, open it.”

She pulled off the lid. Inside lay a book. “Luci’s Homecoming” was printed on the cover, and below that a photo of her smiling face.

“From my party. Oh, Cody...”

He sat next to her, and they paged through the album, looking at all the photos he’d taken that night. “There’s Don mugging for the camera,” she said. “And there’s Dad with his arm around Mom.”

“They sure look happy. Married how long?”

“Thirty-three years next March.”

He’d managed to capture the children in cute poses, and all the other guests, too. There were even photos of the ocean view and the sunset.

When they finished looking at the pictures, Luci closed the cover and turned to Cody. “Thank you. What a wonderful gift.”

“You’re welcome. I made books for your parents, and for Don and Francine, too.”

“I’m sure they’ll appreciate them as much as I do. And I’m sorry I was such a brat about your taking my picture that night.”

He made a dismissive wave. “No problem. I know you weren’t expecting me to show up for your homecoming.”

She laughed. “You were a surprise, all right.”

They turned toward each other, and their eyes met. Warmth flooded her face and her heart thudded. Swallowing hard, she tore her gaze away.

Cody cleared his throat. “Say, what time is it?” He checked his wristwatch. “Nine, already? Gotta be on my way. Early get up tomorrow. Fishing trip with your brother and Max.”

In no time at all, he was at the door. His hand on the knob, he turned and said, “Glad the article’s done. You did good, kid.” He gave her a pat on the shoulder, and then he was gone.

After he left, Luci dropped onto the sofa and put her head in her hands. The evening had worn her out. Okay, they’d managed to put together the article, but it hadn’t been easy. He thought that he knew best just because he had more experience. But she was the boss here, wasn’t she?

* * *

CODY GRIPPED HIS fishing rod while the Half Time bucked another wave and water sloshed onto the deck. Good thing he’d brought his waterproof camera. Don was sitting next to him, also keeping a tight hold on his fishing rod.

On the other side of the boat were Max Billings and the new guy, Ben Shapiro. The Half Time’s owner and captain, Ole Swenson, rounded out their party.

Don suddenly leaned back as his rod arced and the line went taut. “I got one!”

Max looked over his shoulder. “Keep your line tight,” he said.

“Must be a big one,” Ben put in.

Standing at the helm, Ole grinned and gave a thumbs-up. He idled the engine, which sent the boat plunging into the waves and water splashing onto the deck. Cody anchored his reel and grabbed his camera. This was a photo op not to be missed.

Don’s face turned red and his breath huffed. Max yelled orders. Ben looked on as though awed by the whole thing.

“There he is!” Max pointed.

Sure enough, a king salmon burst into view, its silver scales catching the sun’s rays. Then the fish plunged back into the water. Don reeled more line. The boat rocked and rolled.

“Here he comes!” Don yelled.

The fish broke the waves again and for a moment, tail swinging, hung suspended in the air. Cody caught that moment and several more. Then it was all over, and Don’s prize catch lay on the deck.

Not for long, though. Ole packed the fish in ice while the others talked about what a great catch it was, and Cody reviewed his shots. Don may have caught the king salmon, but for Cody, his pictures were much more valuable than any fish. The shot of the salmon in midair was exactly what he’d hoped for. He could already see the photo blown up and hanging on a wall or featured on a magazine cover.

Before the trip was over, they’d each landed a salmon, although none were as big as Don’s. Back in the marina, they posed for photos with their prizes and got a ritual picture to take home and show to friends, along with a story that would be embellished each time it was told.

After making arrangements to pick up their fish later, they celebrated at the marina’s tavern. The group sat on the deck, watching the other charters drift in like hunters coming home.

The marina was close to Smuggler’s Cove, where bootleggers had hidden their stashes during Prohibition. Willow Beach was full of interesting history, but, with the entire world calling, Cody had never taken the time to pursue it. Maybe someday.

During a lull in the conversation, Cody turned his attention to the newcomer. “So, Ben, you’re from Seattle?”

Ben sipped his beer and set down the glass. “Right. Thought I might like living on the coast.”

“And you’re an accountant.”

“Yep, a numbers cruncher. I opened an office in the Stafford Building. Already have a fair number of clients.”

“Including us,” Max said. “That’s how me ’n’ Ben got acquainted.” Max was a partner in Fuller’s Foods, Willow Beach’s main grocery and variety store.

Cody couldn’t imagine staring at numbers all day, but someone had to do it. Ben looked the part, with his blond hair neatly cut and jaw clean shaven. While Cody, Max and Don were dressed in sloppy shirts and faded jeans, Ben wore a sports shirt that was molded to his chest and tucked into jeans that somehow had a crease.

He seemed a nice enough guy, though, and he might appeal to Luci. Since Cody had heard that Luci still had a thing for him, he’d been trying to figure out what he could do—without hurting her. He’d decided that she needed another guy to catch her interest. Then she would forget about him. Maybe Ben could be that guy.

“You attached?” he asked Ben, in what he hoped was a casual tone.

“Am I married, you mean? No.”

“Girlfriend? Significant other?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Me, neither.” Cody chuckled. “Lucky us, huh?”

Don jumped into the conversation. “Do I hear you bad-mouthing the holy state of matrimony? It’s not so bad, is it, Max?”

Max folded his arms over his brawny chest. “You’ll have to ask Trixie about that.”

Don smirked. “Yeah, Arliss and I saw you two the other night at the movies, holding hands like you were on your first date.”

“A night out without the kids is a date,” Max said. “And Trixie insists on one date night a month.” He shrugged. “I can’t complain.”

Ben made no comment. He didn’t appear to be much of a talker. But then, Cody often became an observer, too, always keeping an eye out for the next picture. Like now. He spotted a gull about to land on the piling at the mouth of the harbor. Look at that wingspan. Look at the angle. Look at the legs come down. Must be like landing a plane. He picked up his camera.

Later, on the way to their vehicles, Cody caught up with Ben. “Good to have you along today.”

Ben nodded. “Catching that fish made my day.”

They turned into the parking lot, dodging a couple cars and stepping onto the path. “You probably don’t know many people in town yet, being new and all.”

“Haven’t had much time. Busy lining up clients. And bird-watching. That’s one of the reasons I moved here. I’m an amateur ornithologist.”

“That so? I’ve been known to stalk a few birds myself.” At Ben’s startled look, he added, “When I’m taking pictures. You know.” He let a moment go by while some others passed them on the path and then continued, “A friend of mine works in the same building you do. I could introduce you, if you’re interested.”

Ben’s forehead wrinkled, but then he said, “Well...okay.”

“Super. Give me a day or so to work out the particulars, and I’ll get back to you.”

Ben nodded and pulled his car keys from his pocket. “Sounds like a plan.”

Cody climbed into his SUV and headed out of the marina lot. Ben had been a whole lot easier to reel in than the fish he’d caught today. Now, he had to find the right time to get him and Luci together.

Cody pasted a big grin on his face and wore it all the way home.