Chapter Fifteen
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
While Beth and Craig were ordering their drinks at the bar, Doug and Katy had arrived at the cabin near the back of the campgrounds. Though it was small it had a living area with a fireplace, a kitchenette slightly bigger than the one at Doug’s, a separate bedroom, and a bathroom with a tub. As Doug started the fire, Jim unpacked the clothes he’d been given, and Katy called the restaurant. After ordering Jim’s meal to be delivered, she chose two additional plates for pick up for her and Doug.
“This is a Godsend,” Jim said gratefully as he moved back into the living room and sat on the couch. “When this is over you’ll have vet care for life.”
“One step at a time. For the moment just focus on gettin’ better,” Doug said, straightening up and smiling at him. “If you need anything, and I do mean anything, just let us know. But one of us will call you mornin’ and night to make sure you’re doin’ okay.”
“I’m truly overwhelmed by all this. As soon as I’m able I’ll tell you the story. It’s not terribly complicated, but I just don’t have the energy at the moment. I just need to eat and sleep.”
“Speakin’ of which, that must be your dinner,” Doug declared as there was a knock on the door.
“Let me check,” Katy said quietly, moving to peer through the curtain. “Yes, it is, and the van is already pulling away.”
Quickly bringing in the tray, Doug set it on the table then walked over to sit next to Jim.
“I know you’re worried about talkin’ to Sheriff Cooper, but he was always straight with me durin’ the hell I’ve just been through,” Doug began. “He had to do his job, but he never once treated me badly or assumed I was guilty. I’m happy to talk to him on your behalf if you need me to.”
“I’ll think on that,” Jim replied, nodding his head. “It might not be a bad idea.”
“Get some rest and we’ll talk tomorrow.”
“Bye, Jim,” Katy said softly, giving him a quick hug. “This will all work out, I know it will.”
“Thank you. I’m starting to believe it myself.”
“Promise me you’ll call us if you need anything.”
“I promise.”
Seeing the hint of a smile on his lips almost brought tears to her eyes, but swallowing back the emotion she quickly rose to her feet and started for the door. A moment later Doug joined her and they stepped out into the cold wind.
“How can something so terrible happen to such a lovely man?” she asked as they climbed into the truck.
“I’ll bet it’s all about greed,” he grunted, settling behind the wheel.
* * *
Seated at the bar sipping a Chocolate Martini, Beth smiled up at the handsome man who made her skin tingle and her toes curl. All he had to do was shoot her a look and she’d melt. They’d met when he’d bumped into her on the street—literally—and he’d insisted on buying her a cup of coffee by way of an apology. For reasons she still didn’t understand, when she’d looked up into his sparkling blue eyes she couldn’t say no. Before she knew what had happened, she’d found herself caught up in a blazing affair.
She was still astounded that a man like Craig Bradley would be interested in a country girl like her. He wasn’t just gorgeous, he was a famous international surfing champion. She’d sit for hours, mesmerized, as he’d show her photographs on his phone from across the globe, and listen to hair-raising stories of close calls with sharks and terrifying wipe-outs on huge waves. Then he’d leave, only to return a week or two later for a couple of glorious days.
When she’d asked him what brought him to Danville, he’d told her he had an elderly uncle who owned a small dairy farm about an hour from the town. Though she was curious she sensed he didn’t want to talk about it so she hadn’t pushed. As time passed she began fantasizing about leaving the boring community and her mundane life to join him on his many adventures.
Then out of the blue he’d called and told her disaster had struck.
His business manager had disappeared and stolen all his money.
“I’m not exactly penniless, but my investments have been cashed out and my bank accounts are empty. Sadly I’m not the only one,” he declared with a heavy sigh.
“Where are you?”
“In Dallas, but I’m supposed to be competing in California at a place called Half Moon Bay. The sad thing is, I wanted to see if you could get away and join me. It’s gorgeous there and the surf is amazing, but now I don’t know what’s going to happen. Things are a mess and I’m trying to sort it all out. I’m so sorry, I just don’t know when I can see you again.”
His words had pierced her heart, and though she’d felt an overwhelming desire to help, Jim’s veterinary practice was the sole source of income and he controlled the money.
“Why don’t I come into Dallas? We can spend a couple of nights together and talk about things.”
“Beth, I’d like nothing better.”
She’d always looked forward to her excursions into the city, but whenever she left to meet up with her sexy surfer she would count the minutes.
Her marriage had been a series of frustrations. Though she’d badly wanted a child she’d never fallen pregnant, and was sure her husband preferred his four-legged patients over her. Being married had become like a habit, and for her, a boring one.
Not sure what was coming she’d driven into Dallas to join her handsome surfer. With her pulse racing, she’d stepped into the hotel lobby, and the moment she’d laid eyes on him she knew her life was about to drastically change.