At Hidden Falls (Angel's Bay Novel) (7 page)

“It’s fine. Faith is asleep, so no worries.”

“Your baby is beautiful.”

Kara’s eyes brightened. “She is, isn’t she? I have a hard time not spending most of my day just staring at her. Will you be in town for a while, Isabella?”

“I hope so.”

“I’d love to have you and Joe over for dinner. From what I saw at the last chili cook-off, your brother isn’t much of a cook, and I wouldn’t want you to go hungry.”

“Joe made chili?”

“Not very well,” Kara returned with a grin.

Isabella grinned back. “I didn’t think so.”

“Talk to Joe and see when he’s free. Then we’ll pick a date. Our phone number is in the book, and Joe has it, as well. If you’ll be in town for a while, you should try out for the play. The bigger parts will be played by actors from a visiting Los Angeles theater company, but they always have smaller parts for locals, and they need lots of backstage help. The Winter Workshop is an annual tradition around here.”

“I’m actually a costume designer. I’ve been working on films the last couple of years.”

“What perfect timing! I’m sure they could use your help. If you want to, that is. Perhaps you came here to get away from work.”

“No, I came to spend time with my brother and check out Angel’s Bay. But I haven’t worked on a stage production in a long time, and it sounds like fun. Plus, Joe will probably be happier if I keep myself busy and out of his business. He’s not big on meddling sisters.”

“He has that in common with my brothers,” Kara said. “I have three of them and a sister, and lots of extended family, as well. Since you’re a sewer, you should check out the Angel’s Heart Quilt Shop. My family runs it. My grandmother, Fiona Murray, is the queen of the quilters, and if you’re looking for fabric, it’s the place to go. We have a lot of events, and it’s a great place to meet people.”

“Good to know.” As the clerk finished ringing up her purchases, Isabella handed over the cash Joe had taken out of the ATM for her until she could get replacement bank and credit cards. “It was nice to meet you,” she said, gathering her bags together.

“Joe has been really good to me.” Kara added more seriously. “My husband was shot a few months back while he was on duty, and he was in a coma for a long time. Joe was tremendously supportive. I’ve been trying to get him over for a thank-you dinner for a long time. If you’d persuade him to come, I’d appreciate it.”

“I’m sorry about your husband,” Isabella said. Her family had lived with the fear of Joe getting hurt ever since he’d gone to the police academy. It was bad enough having a brother for a cop; she couldn’t imagine being married to one.

“Colin is almost fully recovered now, so it’s all good. If you need anything, feel free to ask. I grew up in Angel’s Bay, so I know just about everything and everyone.”

“I do have a question. Do you know Nick Hartley and, if so, where I might be able to find him?”

“Sure, I know Nick. He grew up here. He has an office on the corner of Grand and Lark. It’s just around the corner. He’s not always there, but I’m sure you can leave him a message.” Her gaze turned curious. “He’s the one who pulled you from the wreck, right?”

“Yes, he did.”

“Nick is an interesting guy,” Kara commented. “A little on the wild side when we were young, but he grew up, just like the rest of us.”

“Thanks.” Isabella smiled and headed out the door.

As she walked toward the harbor, the sun shining on her face, the dreams that had haunted her for weeks seemed very far away. It didn’t seem possible that something bad was lurking in the shadows of this beautiful town. But even as she tried to talk herself into believing that her visions meant nothing, a voice inside told her not to be a fool. She’d been down this road before, and whenever she tried to fight her instincts or wish them away, it only made things worse.

She put her bags into Joe’s truck, locked the doors, and turned down the opposite street. The two-story brick building on the corner showed a listing for Hartley Architecture on the second floor. Maybe seeing Nick in the light of day would take him out of her head, make him seem more real, less a part of her dreams.

She took the elevator to the second floor. In the reception area, a middle-aged woman finished a phone call, then smiled and said, “Can I help you?”

“I’d like to see Mr. Hartley, if he’s free.”

“He’s on the phone. If you want to wait a few minutes . . .”

“That’s fine.”

“You’ve got the look of someone I know,” the woman said thoughtfully. “But I can’t think who.”

“That would probably be my brother, Joe Silveira.”

“You’re the chief’s sister?” she echoed, surprise in her eyes. “The girl who was in the accident last night? The one Nick saved?”

“That’s me. Isabella Silveira.” She’d had no idea her arrival in Angel’s Bay would set the town talking.

“I’m Colleen Lawrence, Nick’s second cousin,” the woman said as she stood and extended her hand. “You were all the talk at Dina’s Café this morning. And here you are.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Isabella said, giving her hand a shake. “I haven’t been to Dina’s Café yet. Is it good?”

“They have the best blueberry waffles you’ve ever tasted. Believe me, I’ve had more than a few,” she said with a laugh, putting her hands on her plump hips. “But so has my husband, so we’re keeping up with each other.” She tilted her head again. “I don’t think it’s the chief you remind me of, though. He doesn’t have your striking blue eyes. I’m sure it will come to me, I’m pretty good with faces. Speaking of which, you look a little beaten up. Are you feeling all right? Can I get you some water?”

“I’m fine, thanks to your cousin. He saved my life.”

“That’s what I hear—not that he’ll tell me anything about it. He didn’t used to be so shy when it came to bragging.” Colleen had barely finished speaking when the office door opened.

Isabella straightened, a tingle of anticipation running through her as Nick stepped through the doorway.

“Colleen, do you have—” Nick’s voice broke off when he saw her. His dark eyes turned surprised, then a little wary.

Without the blur of her dreams or the foggy shadows of the accident, she saw that he was even more attractive than she’d realized. He’d traded in his business suit for jeans and a dark sweater, the sleeves pushed up on his forearms. His dark, wavy hair touched the edges of his shoulders, and he had a strong jaw, a long nose, and a full, sensuous mouth. He was tall, too, well over six feet, with a strong, lean build.

She needed to say something. The silence between them was going on for too long. But he was returning her gaze with the same scrutiny. She wondered what he saw, now that she wasn’t wet and muddy and frozen with fear.

Colleen finally cleared her throat. “Miss Silveira wants to speak to you,” she said.

“Yes,” Isabella said, finally finding her voice. “I do want to speak to you.”

“Why don’t you come in?” Nick stepped back and waved her into his office, closing the door behind her.

The room was large and airy, with windows on two sides bringing in lots of light and offering a great view of the boats in the harbor. A large oak desk sat in front of one window, a conference table ran along the wall, and on the opposite side of the room were two drafting tables. What a wonderful place in which to create. She’d love to design in a studio like this.

“This is a beautiful room,” she said. “You must feel inspired here.” She turned back to face him.

“On occasion,” he said, digging his hands into his pockets.

She tried to tamp down the nervous flutter in her stomach. She wasn’t a shy person by nature; she liked people. But this man made her feel tongue-tied. There was something between them that she didn’t understand and couldn’t explain, but it was there, so palpable she wondered if he could feel it, too.

“I took your coat to the cleaner’s,” she said finally. “A guy named Otto said they’d have it done by tomorrow. I can pick it up for you and bring it here.”

“That’s not necessary. I’ll take care of it.”

“You saved my life last night. I wouldn’t have made it out of the car without your help. And I’m not sure I said thank you.”

“You said it—several times.”

“Words don’t seem like enough.”

“I’m just glad I was there,” he said, sounding uncomfortable with her gratitude. “How are you feeling today?”

“Like I drove off a cliff.”

A light sparked in his eyes, a smile crossing his lips. “Nice that you didn’t lose your sense of humor.”

“Just everything in my car. But I know how lucky I am.”

“I spoke to your brother on the phone a few minutes ago,” Nick said. “I told him I didn’t see the other car. I wish I could have been more helpful.”

“At this point, I don’t know what difference it makes, but Joe won’t let any crime go unpunished if he has something to say about it.” She should leave and let Nick get back to work, but she wasn’t at all ready to say good-bye. Who knew when she’d have another chance to talk to him? She needed to find out more about him so she could figure out why they were connected. “So, do you design buildings or homes?”

“I’ve been concentrating on commercial projects the last few years, mostly in Los Angeles. There’s not a lot of skyscraper work in Angel’s Bay.”

“I wouldn’t think so.”

She glanced around the room, noting a building model on the conference table. She moved closer to take a better look. “What’s this?”

“It’s a new city hall in Montgomery.”

“The detail is amazing. I love the curve of the windows and the majesty of the columns. You’ve merged the past with the future in this design. I’m impressed.”

“Thank you,” he said. “They break ground next week.”

“You must love seeing your buildings come to life.”

“It’s a great feeling,” he admitted. He gave her a close look. “Was there something else you wanted, Isabella?”

She liked the way her name rolled off his tongue, as if he were savoring every letter. There was something deliberate about him now, the way he spoke, the way he moved, the way he watched her. On the cliff last night, he’d been moving at the speed of light. “You risked your life coming after me.”

“I probably should have stopped to consider the options. It was the first time in a long time that I didn’t do that,” he added, as if he were talking to himself. Then he shook whatever thought he’d had out of his head. “I’m afraid I have a meeting to get to, so . . .”

“I should get out of your hair.” She wished she could share her visions with him, but past experience had taught her that wasn’t a good idea. Instead, she asked, “Do you think we’ve met before?”

He looked curious. “Definitely not. If we had, I’d remember. Because you, Isabella, are not at all . . . forgettable.” His gaze dropped to her mouth, and she swallowed hard.

A knock at the door made them both jump, then Colleen stuck her head in. “Tory called, Nick, and I told her you were on your way. Was I wrong?” she asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.

“No,” he said abruptly. “I’m leaving.” As Colleen stepped out, he said, “I’m sorry, Isabella. I have to go.”

“Sure.” She moved forward and extended her hand. “Thanks again, Nick.”

He hesitated before putting his hand in hers. Just like the night before, she felt a rush of heat as his fingers curled around hers. And just like last night, he yanked his hand away before she was ready to let go.

He shook his head, a look of bemusement in his eyes. “There’s something about you . . .”

“About us,” she said, meeting his gaze. “I feel it, too.”

He shook his head at her bold words. “You’re a beautiful woman, Isabella, but I’m not looking to get involved with anyone. Another time, another place, maybe, but not now.”

“Usually, people get to know me before they blow me off,” she said lightly, wondering why she was absurdly disappointed by his words. It was probably a good thing. They’d shared an intense experience, and they needed to come down off that high.

“My life is complicated.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I have a kid. I’ve neglected her for most of her life. She has to be my priority now.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “You’re married?”

“Divorced. A long time.”

She wondered why he’d felt the need to add that. Did he want her to know that he wasn’t hung up on his ex-wife?

She wasn’t in the habit of throwing herself at men who weren’t interested, but Nick was clearly interested. She could see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice, feel it in his touch. He just didn’t want to be attracted to her. And she didn’t want to be attracted to him, either. She’d come to Angel’s Bay to drive the visions out of her head and find some peace. Getting involved with the man in her dreams was not part of the plan. An emotional connection would only make things worse.

“Good-bye, Isabella,” he said firmly.

She heard the finality in his voice, but she knew they weren’t over—even if he didn’t. “I’ll see you around.”

Nick blew out a relieved breath as Isabella left. Last night, he’d chalked up his reaction to her as too much adrenaline, but what was his excuse today? He hadn’t been this unsettled by a woman in a long time. And he didn’t like it. He didn’t have time for a powerful distraction like Isabella.

But God, she was gorgeous, with her long, thick black hair, striking turquoise-blue eyes, clear tanned skin, and soft, full lips that seemed to smile so easily. When he’d touched her, the strangest feeling had run through his head, as if it was important for him to hold on to her—so important that he’d forced himself to let go.

Damn.
He sucked in more air, because, for some reason, he was still having trouble breathing.

Colleen came back into the office. “So that was the woman you saved last night. She’s really pretty. And don’t even try to tell me you didn’t notice, because I haven’t see you this rattled since you asked Beth Haldeman to the prom.”

This is what he got for hiring his cousin to work in his office. “I noticed. It doesn’t mean I’m going to do anything about it.”

“Why not? You’re single. Maybe she is, too,” Colleen said hopefully. Happily married to her high school sweetheart, Colleen had been trying to set him up for years.