Robin's Reward (Bonita Creek Trilogy Book 1) (18 page)

Jeff’s eyes looked so sad she dreaded hearing his response. She felt like the evening had been going so well, and now a heavy melancholy threatened to overtake the festive atmosphere. Jeff shook his head slowly, and took a deep breath. He glanced in all directions to make sure they were alone before speaking.

“I have something to tell you. It doesn’t make me happy.”

“Is it something I’ve done?” Her strained voice sounded shrill. Even she could hear the stress in her voice.

“Absolutely not.” He pulled her into an embrace. “You’re amazing, and I’m so glad we started dating. No, it’s about my job. I’ve been on temporary assignment here in Bonita Creek. Now I need to return to Illinois to begin my next assignment. I requested some vacation time from Mr. Brownstein before I have to begin my next consulting project, and he granted me ten days of leave, including weekend days. Then I’ll have to return.”

Turning to Robin he spoke softly. “I don’t want to leave you or Bonita Creek. It already feels like home to me here. I’d like to spend as much of the next ten days with you as possible before I have to say goodbye.”

She stepped back to look him directly in the eye. “I guess I always knew you’d have to go back, but I was hoping it would be much later, rather than sooner.”

He hugged her tightly and said, “Let’s make the best of it while we do have some time together. What’s your schedule like these next ten days? Since the fair has passed, will you have more free time?”

“Besides my regular eight to five shifts at the library, I’m free.”

“Not anymore, you’re not,” he teased. “Let’s plan some day trips for this weekend. I’d like to see the natural wonders of Bonita Creek and its surrounding region. You mentioned how much you love the ocean. Are there special places you’d like to go?”

“Oh, yes! I’ll plan some outings for us. The coast is just about an hour’s drive from here. It’ll be so much fun sharing my favorite excursions with you.” She was so caught up in their plans for a minute she forgot Jeff was leaving California in ten days.

“Good. As far as the weeknights go, would you like to get together for dinners, walks, and talks? I play a pretty mean game of Yahtzee and Monopoly if you’re into board games.”

“Yes, to all of the above,” exclaimed Robin.

“It’s a date, or should I say, they’re dates? We’ll make firm plans later on, but for now let’s get you home.”

The couple headed back to Jeff’s car and cruised the short distance to Robin’s cottage. Jeff opened her car door and walked her to the porch with his arm slung comfortably over her shoulders. On the porch the two turned to one another and started speaking at the same time. “Ladies first,” Jeff offered.

“Tonight was extraordinary. I’m certain I’ll never forget our first date. Thank you. I just love my orchid.”

“You’re welcome. See you tomorrow around six o’clock for dinner. I’ll bring over some salads and sandwiches from the deli if it’s all right with you. I won’t even pretend I’m anything but the most inept kind of cook. We’ll make our plans for the rest of the week. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to waste even a minute of the next ten days.”

His arms surrounded her in a gentle caress.

“May I kiss you?”

Robin nodded shyly. He kissed her tenderly and drew her close. Robin’s heart soared when Jeff held her close. She could literally feel his heartbeat. It was comforting and exhilarating at the same time. She felt calm and peaceful when she was with this man.

“See you tomorrow,” she called quietly as he walked toward her garden gate. Jeff turned and waved briefly before starting up the car’s engine and driving around the block to his rental.

“I’ll sleep not a wink tonight,” Robin said. She saw Miss Praise staring after Jeff’s shadow through slitted eyes while resting in her basket near the front door. “Isn’t he a dream?” As usual, Miss Praise yawned rudely, tucked her head down on her quilt, and resumed her nap.

Chapter 22

Monday morning Robin sat down to work on her collection development project.
The United States history section was one of the most popular in the library, and the books there circulated almost as much as the books in the children’s department. Funding had been limited for the past few years and no new books or DVDs had been purchased for the collection. She spread out several catalogues and magazines on her desk and began making a list of books to purchase with the funds remaining from the Storybook Fair.

Enjoying her task, she worked straight through until lunchtime. There were trained volunteers running the circulation desk out front which afforded her some uninterrupted time to dedicate to the collection development project. She definitely didn’t want to take home any work for the next ten days. She wanted to commit her free time to getting to know Jeff Clarke.

Just the thought of the man made her heart flutter. Her mind began wandering. Since her concentration was broken, she grabbed her lunch bag and headed over to the park across the way to enjoy the beauty of the clear spring day.

~*~

Mothers and grandmothers were pushing strollers around the pond. Ducks waddled happily toward the shore on their way to a refreshing paddle in the cool water. The sound of birds singing while watching the blooming annuals swaying gently in the breeze caused Robin to pause and inhale deeply. Life was full of wonders. She bowed her head to say grace and looked up just in time to see Jeff walk into the local barber shop.

Suddenly remembering she only had a half an hour for her lunch break, she opened her lunch bag and began eating. As she ate, she relaxed and enjoyed watching people wander around the park and town square. Recognizing the stress-busting value of eating lunch outside, she vowed to get out of the library more often for her lunch break. It had done her spirit good to get out in the sunshine and fresh air for awhile. Snaring a brief glimpse of Jeff had been the highlight of this lunchtime.

She headed back to her office and spent the remainder of the afternoon finishing her purchase order and meeting with volunteers for some training on repairing damaged books. At five o’clock sharp she cleared the library of patrons and volunteers, set the alarm, and locked the doors.

Robin had less than one hour to get ready for dinner. She wanted to straighten up the living room and kitchen before Jeff arrived. If there was time, she’d water some of her flower pots on the back patio.

She was
definitely
ready for some joy and happiness after so many years of loneliness and sorrow, but she still had doubts about Jeff’s trustworthiness. She had a niggling in the back of her mind that she should be a bit cautious. If only she could get rid of her concerns about his honesty and loyalty.
He’s not your father or your ex-husband.

~*~

Jeff arrived carrying several bags from the deli in old town.

“Planning on feeding a crowd there, buddy?”

“I thought you could take any leftovers for your lunch tomorrow. How was your day?”

They walked together toward the kitchen.

“Rather uneventful except for a celebrity sighting at lunchtime.”

His eyebrows furrowed in puzzlement. “What? Who? A celebrity was here in little old Bonita Creek?”

She giggled. “I was referring to you, silly. I saw you go into Bernie’s while I was eating lunch in the park.”

“How come you didn’t call out to me?” He sounded disappointed.

“I only had thirty minutes and you looked like you were on a mission. Your haircut is nice. You look especially handsome tonight.”

“Does my handsomeness entitle me to a kiss and a hug from a pretty lady?”

“Just this once.” She laughed as she nuzzled his neck and kissed him soundly.

“Thank you,” he said modestly.

They unloaded the bags, and Robin motioned for Jeff to serve himself first. “We can eat on the back patio if you’d like. The weather is just gorgeous.”

“Sounds good. I’ll make another trip to carry out the drinks.”

He smiled as he placed his loaded plate on the picnic table. In usual Robin fashion, she’d covered the table with a colorful tablecloth and set out a basket filled with hand-embroidered linen napkins wrapped around silverware. Jeff returned to the kitchen to pick up the iced tea pitcher and glasses filled with ice. He held the door open for Robin and then seated himself across from her.

As he sat down he said, “I figured out at the restaurant last night if I sit across from you, I have a better view of your pretty face.”

“A girl could get used to hearing things like that 24/7, 365.”

They talked about their childhoods, and she asked some more questions about the death of Jeff’s younger brother, Gregory. Conversation flowed easily and soon it was dark on the patio.

“Oh my goodness, it’s nine!” Robin exclaimed in surprise.

“What happens at nine, Cinderella? Does your pumpkin turn into a carriage or is it the other way around?”

“No, my pumpkin won’t turn into a carriage. I try to get to bed by ten on work nights so I can get up early and have my quiet time and get in some stretching and walking before I head to the library.”

“Got it. What’s on our agenda for tomorrow evening?”

“I thought you could come over and I could fix dinner for us. Do you like grilled chicken? I can make my famous macaroni salad and a green salad, if you’d like.”

“I think I may have mentioned several times I don’t cook at all. I mean, I’m not sure I can even successfully scramble eggs. I can safely operate a microwave, though, so I don’t starve. I sure do like your home cooked meals.”

When they got to the front door, Jeff leaned down and tenderly kissed Robin, gathering her close.

“Thanks for bringing over the food tonight, Jeff. It was fun.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow night, but I’ll be thinking of you every minute we’re apart.”

Chapter 23

The pair spent their limited time together sharing their faith,
building memories, setting goals, and having fun. They discovered many things about each other and their compatibility. The weekend was even more special because they had long hours available to spend together. On Saturday Robin prepared a big picnic lunch, and Jeff drove them over to the coast to visit the Garden at the Coast.

“Have I mentioned before that this is my favorite place on earth?”

Jeff scratched his chin. “Only a few dozen times since we’ve been dating.”

They walked many of the garden’s trails hand in hand, and then trekked out to the coastline so Jeff could see the Pacific Ocean for the first time. The rugged rocky coastline prevented them from walking along the ocean’s shore. Instead, perched on the bluff at the headlands, they had an excellent view of the waves, tide pools, and various shore birds in their natural setting.

Jeff deeply inhaled the salty aroma of the ocean as the cool marine mist touched his skin. His heart readjusted itself to the rhythm of the waves. “This place is miraculous,” he declared. “I can see why this is your favorite place on earth.”

“The Lord really outdid himself on this piece of real estate, don’t you think?”

“Yes, He certainly did. I’ve worked up a real appetite with all of this outdoorsy-ness. Want to go back and get the picnic basket and find a special spot to eat?”

“Are you always thinking of your stomach?”

“I’m an active boy.”

After retrieving the picnic basket, the two found a quiet, shady place in Robin’s most favorite spot of all, the Dahlia Garden. She bubbled over with excitement as they wandered through the garden and enjoyed the various species and colors of dahlias. “I love the dinner plate-sized blooms on those white dahlias over there, but my favorites are the magenta pompom dahlias.”

“Funny how I never even noticed flowers until you came into my life. Now I appreciate them everywhere I go, even when you’re not with me.” She smiled and squeezed his hand tightly.

After their picnic, they wandered over to the wooden gazebo at the ocean side of the garden. Arm in arm they gazed at the ocean for a long time before packing up the picnic blanket and leftovers to return to the car. As they turned to leave, Jeff faced Robin and took her hand. “I’ll never forget this place or this day as long as I live. Thank you.”

~*~

Jeff’s words left Robin speechless, so she simply stepped forward and hugged him. Once again, she found the steady beat of his heart as she rested her head on his chest. It felt like she’d somehow come home. He kissed her on her temple and cheeks before finally finding her lips.

With a sigh she said, “I always feel a little sad when I have to leave this place. Then I remind myself the ocean will be right here forever, and I start looking forward to my next visit.”

They explored some of the small coastal towns nearby. By the time they were ready to head back to Bonita Creek it was dinnertime. Robin offered to scrounge up some leftovers at her cottage, but Jeff had other plans. He wanted to take her to La Reyna Café.

“I hope Jorie is working tonight so I can introduce you two. I really want you to meet Penny and Jorie before you have to go back to Illinois in a few days,” she said tearfully.

“Hey, no tears, remember? It’s already going to be hard enough on me to leave you. If you start crying it’ll be excruciating for me. Trust me, I don’t do excruciating well.”

“I promise I’ll try not to cry, but I can’t guarantee it. I just love having you around and these past few days getting to know you have been fantastic.” Tears flowed freely down Robin’s cheeks. “I didn’t keep my promise for long, did I?  Sorry . . .”

Jeff reassured her with a squeeze of his hand before he began the challenging drive back to Bonita Creek. They made good time, and Robin was composed by the time they arrived at the parking lot for La Reyna Café. The restaurant was busy, but Jorie intercepted them at the hostess station and showed them to a quiet booth in the back. Robin briefly introduced the two, and Jorie and Jeff shook hands quickly.

“We met a few nights ago when he was in here with—oh, sorry. I’ll give you a few minutes to decide what you’d like before I come back for your order.”

“Thanks,” Jeff said with a smile.

“I forgot you came here previously with Susan.” Robin’s face flushed scarlet again.

“But I’m with you now, as you’ll notice.” Jeff covered her hand with his.

Doubt and envy flared in Robin’s heart. Would she ever be able to completely trust a man again after how Thomas had treated her?

~*~

Jeff dreaded his return to Illinois. He was falling in love with Robin Bennett. He’d chosen not to mention his feelings to Robin yet. She still didn’t completely trust him. He’d always regret his lack of candor when they first met. He felt like it was an insurmountable obstacle in their relationship. Robin had been through a lot of unnecessary pain with her first husband, and he didn’t want to cause her any more disappointment in her life.

~*~

By the time Robin and Jeff attended church together for a second Sunday, they were considered a couple by the congregation. Robin hadn’t told anyone except Pastor White and Penny about the exact dark details of what had happened between Thomas and Robin, but she suspected everyone had had their own ideas based on rumors after the Bennett’s separated after only a couple years of marriage.

After a poignant sermon relating to forgiveness, Robin and Jeff exited the sanctuary to mingle with the other congregants. Penny approached Robin wearing a huge smile. Robin wondered if Jorie had given Penny the lowdown about the new relationship. The two women hugged before Robin spoke. “Penny, I’d like you to meet Jeff Clarke. Jeff, this is my best friend ever, my cousin, Penny Ralston.”

Jeff shook the petite woman’s hand politely and said, “I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about you. It’s nice to meet you, Penny.”

Penny blushed brightly and responded shyly, “Thank you. I’ve heard some nice things about you, too.” Looking at her cousin, Penny said, “Call me later, okay? We need to catch up. Nice to meet you, Jeff.  Have fun, you two.”

After Penny left, Robin looked at him with a bright grin. “Penny likes you. I can tell she likes you a lot.”

“She said maybe a dozen words to me!”

“Penny has always been painfully bashful. The fact she spoke to you at all tells me she felt comfortable with you.”

“Is this yet another one of those I-will-never-understand-women moments?”

“Probably.”

He shook his head and grinned. “Let’s get ready for our hike at the lake.”

“All right. I just want to say ‘hello’ to my aunt and uncle. I won’t be long.”

As Robin moved off to see her relatives, Susan Stinson instantly appeared by Jeff’s side. “My, my, Jeff. You’re certainly getting friendly with our boring, homely librarian, aren’t you? Why are you wasting time with frumpy, dumpy Robin Bennett when you could have me instead?”

“Hello, Susan,” Jeff replied with a scowl. “I didn’t know you attend this church. I haven’t seen you here before.”

“I only came to visit the church today so I could talk to you. I don’t actually belong with this group of losers. Come on, handsome. Let’s go have a romantic lunch in a quiet corner of La Reyna Café.” She latched on to Jeff’s arm and caressed his chest with her other hand.

Jeff bit back an angry reply and shrugged off her hands making certain not to touch her in the process. “I thought I made it clear to you a few weeks ago I’m
not
interested in spending my time with you. I don’t know how I can make myself any clearer. It’s obvious we have nothing in common.”

“But you haven’t even given us a chance to get to know each other, if you know what I mean. I’m gorgeous and you’re attractive, so what else could you want?”

“I want a lot more, to be honest. Listen, Susan, I really hope you find a man who’s a better match to you and your lifestyle than I am. Let’s avoid all the drama and make this our last goodbye.”

Anger flared in the model’s eyes and she raised her voice a few decibels. “I don’t know what I ever saw in you! You’re a self-centered, stupid, selfish jerk. You and Robin Bennett deserve each other. Stay away from me, you creep.” Susan turned around and stomped off in a huff.

Robin returned to Jeff’s side just as Susan was fleeing. She lifted her eyebrows in question.

Jeff shook his head. “She had nothing valuable to say, trust me. I wish she’d get the message I’m not interested in her.” He sighed. “Let’s get going.”

“Susan Stinson has acted the same way since we were fourteen years old. She drives people away with her rude remarks and snooty attitude. I honestly feel sorry for her. Penny and Jorie and I think she’s a lonely person.”

~*~

The two enjoyed an afternoon hiking around the lake and watching the birds and other wildlife, including humans, enjoying the weather. As they drove home, Jeff became quiet. Robin had learned this was his habit when he was working up his nerve to talk about something troubling or difficult.

Since she didn’t want to wait to find out what the bad news was this time, Robin asked, “Jeff, do you need to tell me something?”

He turned his head quickly to look at her. “How did you know?”

“I’ve noticed a pattern to your behavior. Whenever you get really quiet, it means you’re postponing something you want to or need to say.”

He blew out a breath. “You’re right. I have to be back at work this coming Thursday morning. I’ll have to travel all day Wednesday to get home. We have two more evenings before the big farewell. I’m just feeling down about having to leave you.”

“We’ll make the best of the time we
do
have together. Why don’t we take a picnic and go to the concert in the park tomorrow night. They’re supposed to have several local groups on the bill.”

“You’ve got a date.”

“On Tuesday night I’ll cook us a meal and we’ll spend a quiet evening at home.”

“When I’m back home I’ll miss seeing your beautiful face and spending time with you each day.”

“The feeling is mutual. Not the beautiful part, but the part about spending time with one another.”

“You don’t find me beautiful?” he teased.

Robin laughed. “You know what I mean.”

Before she could respond, he said, “Where would you like to eat tonight?”

“Do you like Chinese food?”

“I like
any
kind of food.”

“There’s a little hole in the wall called The Fire Dragon that’s sensational. We could eat there or get take out, your choice.”

“Let’s eat there so you won’t have to do dishes at your cottage. If I know one thing, it’s Robin Bennett will not allow anyone to eat out of cardboard cartons or use paper napkins in her home.”

~*~

The next two days passed quickly.  Robin found it difficult to concentrate on her work at the library on Tuesday. The longer the day wore on, the harder she found it to smile. She hunkered down in her private office to avoid dealing with patrons and volunteers. When it was time to close up, she nearly forgot to set the alarm. Once she’d double-checked the locks and the alarm, she headed home walking more slowly than usual.

In spite of his past lies and secrecy, Robin knew without a doubt she’d fallen in love with Jeff Clarke. Unfortunately, now he was leaving to return to his previous life. Robin knew he wasn’t abandoning her in the same manner as Thomas, but her heart was aching. It would be hard to get used to Jeff’s absence after they’d grown so close.

~*~

When Jeff arrived at Robin’s cottage at six, he looked sullen. He tried to remain upbeat and positive, but he was feeling the effects of leaving Bonita Creek keenly. He’d asked the Lord to guide him in his words and actions this evening. He felt it was time to tell Robin the depth of his feelings for her. He’d placed a heavy burden upon himself to get everything relating to this relationship just right. Never having been in love before, he was unaccustomed to the strong feelings surging through his system.