Her knees felt as if they would give out on her. Why was she reacting to him as if they’d never been apart? It didn’t make any sense. Julie ran a hand along the spot on her arm still charged with electricity from Zach’s tender touch. At twenty-nine, she had no right responding to him like some love-crazed teen. But her body seemed to have a mind of its own where he was concerned.
“See you later.” He started to close the door behind him.
“No, wait.” Julie curled a strand of hair behind her ear. “Keep it open. I love these late-October afternoons with the sound of the fire popping.”
The pleasant aroma of Yule logs burning in the large, brick fireplace made her think of Christmas. That time of year always brought happy childhood memories to mind, chasing away any sign of loneliness.
“Sure thing.” He winked.
“Thanks.” Julie glanced through the office door into the massive lobby, and smiled at the clerk at the reception desk. The flames in the brick fireplace crackled, providing welcome warmth to another chilly, overcast day in Washington State.
The mantel, a large western red cedar beam placed across the curved top of the brick firebox, highlighted wooden sculptures and candleholders crafted by various Native American tribes of the Olympic rain forest. Several guests brought their coffee with them and sat on the comfortable forest-green sofas grouped near the massive fireplace.
Walking around her desk, Julie collapsed into the chair, still warm from Zach’s presence. This was just like him, catching her off guard, pulling her heart in too many directions at once. Even now, after all these years. She couldn’t allow history to repeat itself where Zach was concerned. He’d be leaving again. She had Emmie to think about this time. And the lodge.
Her parents would be thrilled to have Emmie over for the night, if they didn’t already have plans. What had she been thinking? They were already keeping Emmie tomorrow evening. Maybe two nights in a row would be too much for her parents to handle.
She dialed their phone number and made the babysitting arrangements only after her mom assured her they would love to have Emmie for the weekend.
A few hours later, Julie pulled her small white car into the private parking space at the resort. She adjusted the rearview mirror to check her image. At least she’d had time to freshen up and reapply a light touch of makeup. Even in the high humidity of the rain forest, she was having a good hair day.
Thunder rumbled overhead and Julie hurried up the gray slate steps of the lodge, slick from the daily afternoon rainfall. She checked her watch. Five after seven. She was late.
“Are you always in such a rush?”
Julie looked up to find Zach’s amused gaze. She laughed. “Only most of the time,” she admitted.
“Come on.” He opened the door and guided her inside to the dining room.
“We won’t have to place an order,” Julie said once they sat down. Zach had changed into beige slacks and a black golf shirt. She was acutely aware of his tall, athletic physique. Zach had a powerful maturity about him that hadn’t been there eight years ago. And she had a deep faith in God that hadn’t been there all those years ago, either. Zach looked good. Too good. She’d need God’s strength to keep from falling for him again. “It’s the chef’s choice tonight based on some of my favorites. I hope that’s okay.”
“Sure. I’m very impressed. Looks like you’re doing a great job running this place. It’s got to be a huge responsibility, both emotionally and financially.” Zach leaned forward in his chair and studied her. He seemed to be seeing her in a new light. Had she changed that much since they’d last seen each other? “Especially with a daughter to raise on your own,” he added.
“I guess I’m used to the busy schedule by now.” Julie turned as the new chef approached their table. She didn’t want to talk about the personal heartache after losing her husband, or how many long hours she’d worked trying to put the business in the black. The next three months would prove if her efforts were enough to keep the lodge open for good. To close the place or have to sell it would break her heart.
Julie didn’t want to think about that or the recent murder of their groundskeeper, a man in his sixties who had become a dear member of the Shadow Lake Inn family.
The police still had no motive for his brutal, untimely death. Shaking the grief from her heart, Julie set her mind to finding out about Zach. A trace of sorrow glimmered in his penetrating gaze. What had happened in his life to cause the well-masked sadness she detected?
“Good evening.” The man Julie recently hired as master chef held two leather-bound menus in his hand.
Straightening in his seat, Zach eyed the man and took the booklet from his outstretched hand.
“John Rockwell, I’d like you to meet Zach Marshall.” Julie liked the man she’d hired only a few days ago. His long list of qualifications was more than noteworthy. He had trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and his references were impeccable. Shadow Lake Inn was fortunate to have him.
His résumé had come via the fax machine at just the right moment, when she needed to hire someone in a hurry. Just like when she’d received Beatrice’s timely résumé.
John was a tall man like Zach. About six foot two, she guessed. About fifteen years older than Zach, and distinguished-looking with brown hair graying at the temples, he’d been divorced for several years. With two teenage children living in Seattle with their mom, he had just relocated from the East Coast to be closer to them.
“Nice to meet you.” John extended a hand to Zach. He smiled as they shook hands. “If there’s anything special you’d like prepared, just say the word.”
“Thanks.” Zach smiled. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”
“Wonderful.” John left them to their privacy.
“You know, of course,” Julie said smiling, “this meal is on the house.” She didn’t want Zach to think he had to pay for the costly dinner.
“What, don’t you think I can handle it?” Zach’s amused gaze met hers and a lazy grin eased its way across his face.
“Well, I hope to have the answer to that and more…by the time we get to dessert.”
Zach laughed. “Oh, you do, huh?”
“Don’t worry,” Julie teased. “You know you can tell me anything.”
“What about you, Julie?” His intense gaze caught her off guard. “Can you tell me anything?”
She was surprised at his sudden seriousness. “You already know everything.”
“Well, I know some things, but not everything. For example, just what is a ‘misty man’? And why does your daughter think I’m him?” Leaning back in his chair, Zach chuckled lightly and raised an eyebrow awaiting her response.
Julie recognized the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “‘Misty man?’ It’s silly. Just kids’ stuff. Not even worth mentioning, believe me.” She cleared her throat. “Tell me, Zach, what brings you back to Washington State? Business?”
A tray-laden waiter brought an array of appetizers—baked Brie with sliced French bread and apple wedges, stuffed clams and oysters on the half shell.
“First things first.” Zach’s eyes narrowed in amusement. “I’m starving and this looks great.” He laughed lightly. “There are benefits to knowing the owner.” He held out his glass of sparkling water to hers in a toast. “To old friends.”
She gently touched her long-stemmed glass to his. The soft chime of fine crystal rang softly in the dimly lit, cozy dining room.
Old friends. Somehow, the thought disheartened her. Was that all they were? Julie sipped the water and lowered her glass to the elegantly