A Love to Treasure (Sunriver Dreams Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

when they’ve been drinking.”
    “No problem. Connor will be spending the day alone?”
    “Yes,” She drew the word out, and her brow puckered. “He’s almost thirteen. It’s legal.” Her voice hitched, as if she were uncertain.
    Nicole watched the interaction between the officer and her new friend. Why was Sarah so tense? Had she had a bad experience involving the police too? Ugh. What happened to her brother was an accident, and she had to stop blaming the police. Grams had said as much many times through the years and she was right, but every time she saw one in uniform it reminded her of Robbie.
    “I wasn’t suggesting it wasn’t. I’m concerned about him being alone so much. Mind if I check in on him?”
    “I guess not.” Sarah raised her cup to her lips.
    “Good. I’ll try to stop by this afternoon.”
    “I’m curious why you care so much about my cousin.”
    “Someone once took an interest in me, and it changed the course of my life. I want to pay it forward.”
    Nicole watched and listened to this complex man. Who was he exactly? One minute he was scaring a day of life out of her, and the next he was concerned for a kid’s welfare.
    He turned back to Nicole. “How’s your vacation going?” He smiled, his eyes crinkling on the edges.
    She stopped herself from gawking. Okay, so maybe Sarah’s friends were right about him. And based on his concern for Sarah’s cousin, he had a big heart too. “So far so good.” She grinned—had she batted her eyelashes?
    Sarah cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. I should have introduced you, but it looks like you’ve already met.”
    “Mark Stone.” He thrust out his hand.
    “Nicole Davis.” Nicole’s face warmed. His touch sent tingles through her fingers, and she pulled her hand away.
    His lips tipped up in a sideways grin. “Well, I only wanted to say hello.” He held up a water bottle. “I forgot to fill it this morning. I’m hoping the café will help me.” His deep brown eyes held Nicole’s for a moment before he waved and headed inside.
    “I think he’s into you,” Sarah whispered.
    Nicole shook her head. “No way. He was only being nice. Probably trying to make up for yesterday.”
    Sarah shrugged. “Whatever you say, but I saw a spark there.”
    “Speaking of a spark—you seemed to be uptight when he brought up your cousin. Everything okay?”
    “I think so. I didn’t want him calling Children’s Protective Services on me for neglect.”
    “He wouldn’t do that. Connor is old enough to be home alone.”
    “I know he is, but Mark already thinks Connor has a bad home life. I could tell by the look on his face last night when he brought him inside and looked around the room as if he expected to see a crime in action.”
    Nicole’s eyes widened. “Really? Why would he do that?” Although she shouldn’t be surprised, since cops were suspicious by nature.
    “It’s nothing.” Sarah waved a hand before taking another sip. “So what are your plans while you’re here? I’m always looking for someone to play tennis with.”
    Nicole refocused her thoughts. She was here to fulfill Grams’ wishes. Period. Not get wrapped up in other people’s drama. However, that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy herself while she was at it. “Tennis huh? It’d be fun to get in a few matches while I’m in Sunriver. But I’ll warn you, I haven’t played since my PE class in college.”
    “I’ll go easy on you. When are you free?”
    “I’m not sure. My grandma is more or less calling the shots.” She needed to find the next clue.
    Sarah looked around. “You talk about her as if she’s still living.”
    Nicole shook her head. “Sorry. Grams passed away a month ago, and I guess I do talk about her as if she’s still here. I kind of told you about this yesterday, but she was big on adventures, and it seems she thought I needed one. I have to follow the clues to see where they lead. Her last clue turned out to be a key, which led me to