Hope Falls: If I Fall (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  ~ ~ ~

  Jess checked herself out in the rear-view mirror as she slowly made her way out of town. She was a mess! Dammit! That guy at the gas station had been swoon-worthy! He’d stood outside the bathroom as if he were the bodyguard for whoever was inside. He’d stood tall and alert; hands clasped behind his back. He’d looked like he should be wearing a dark suit and shades with an earpiece! She chuckled to herself at the thought. Unfortunately, she’d been more concerned with getting inside the bathroom than making a good impression on the gorgeous guy standing outside it. She’d been so relieved when he’d let her go ahead of him—literally and figuratively. And, of course, when she’d come out she’d managed to babble at him like a crazy person! Oh, well. He’d been a bright spot in her travels. He was a nice memory to picture and a nice warm feeling, too! She’d still been picturing his handsome face as she’d helped that man in the wheelchair inside the store. How could people just walk by him and let the door close in his face? She didn’t get people! Still. The smile the old man had given her as he thanked her had been another bright spot in her day.

  Now she was on her way to see Tessa and her new family. She couldn’t wait! Tessa had even told her about some spots she could visit if she wanted to get out with her camera. There was a waterfall, Hope Falls, after which Tessa’s town was named. Jess loved to photograph waterfalls. It was funny, although she and Tessa had connected through their love of photography, they were both intrigued by very different aspects. Tessa had been a photojournalist; she’d traveled to war zones and portrayed harsh realities and human suffering. Jess admired Tessa and her work immensely, but she couldn’t ever imagine doing the same. Jess was all about capturing nature’s beauty. Animals in their natural environments, those environments themselves, sunrises, sunsets, oceans, leaves, and spiderwebs. Jess had devoted her life to sharing the beauty she saw in the natural world around her. She didn’t want to capture the human story in her lens—she used her lens to block it out, to try to escape it.

  From what Tessa had said, she’d find plenty of her favorite subject matter to shoot around Hope Falls. She checked the clock on the dash. She should be there soon. Tessa had told her that it should only take about an hour from Tahoe. She wriggled in her seat. For some reason, she was excited about this visit. For all her musings last night about loving the fact that no one in the world knew or cared where she was, she loved the feeling that she was about to see an old friend, someone whom she knew without question did care about her.

  It wasn’t long before she passed a bar, JT’s Roadhouse, just like Tessa had said. So she knew she only had about five miles to go till she hit downtown. And once she did, all she had to do was look for a place named Sue Ann’s Café. Oh, crap! And she was supposed to call Tessa and let her know. Jess cast a glance over at the passenger seat where her purse sat. She wasn’t about to try reaching for her phone. She’d wait until she stopped. She could mosey around while she waited for Tessa to join her.

  As she drove down Main Street, she couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. The place was lovely! It was a proper small town, the kind you weren’t sure even existed anymore outside the movies. It even had wooden sidewalks and everything! She spotted the yellow awning Tessa had told her to look out for and pulled over. The excitement bubbled up. This was going to be a fabulous visit. Maybe she’d stick around a while. She didn’t need to impose on Tessa, but Hope Falls was giving her the warm and fuzzies right from the get-go. Maybe this was a place where she could settle down—for a while at least.

  She climbed out of the motorhome to stretch her legs while she called Tessa.

  “Hey! I made it. And I’m already in love with the place!”

  Tessa laughed. “I knew you’d like it. Isn’t it great?”

  “It’s wonderful.”

  “I’m glad you like it because I’m going to be a while. Sorry, but I’ll be there as soon as I can. If you go into Sue Ann’s she’ll make you feel right at home.”

  “Thanks. I might just have a wander while I wait. I want to explore.”

  “Okay. If I don’t see you, I’ll call you when I get there.”

  “Great, I can’t wait!”

  “Me neither. See you soon.”

  Jess hung up and locked the motorhome. She decided she’d at least take a walk down Main Street, but she didn’t want to go too far and leave Tessa waiting when she showed up. Her fingers twitched for her camera; there were so many shots she’d love to frame of the mountains that towered above the small town, and surprisingly, of the town itself. If the human story looked like this, then she might change her mind about wanting to capture it!

  ~ ~ ~

  Sully looked around as he drove down Main Street. Wow! This place looked like a movie set. It was cute; even he had to give it that. He also had to wonder if it was the kind of sweet that would become cloying if you spent any time here. Perhaps that was just his natural cynicism kicking in? He couldn’t see his old buddy Eric sticking around in a place like that. He was looking forward to seeing Eric. It would be good to catch up. It’d been too long. They’d been close in college, and afterward for a while. But life had this habit of intervening, and they’d been reduced to the odd call now and again. Eric had been surprised to hear from him; surprised, but pleased, Sully could tell. He still wasn’t sure why he’d decided to come up here, and maybe he wouldn’t stay long. But whether he stayed or not, it’d be good to see Eric.

  He scanned the street for a yellow awning Eric had told him to look out for. Sue Ann’s Café was the place he was going to be staying; apparently there was a room upstairs. He did a double take when he spotted it and saw a very familiar motorhome parked outside the café. It couldn’t be. He checked the number plate—it was! What kind of coincidence was that? He grinned. A good one was his first reaction. Then he frowned. It couldn’t be some kind of setup, could it? What was the likelihood that a woman he’d run into at a gas station in Tahoe would then just show up here in Tiny Town, USA right at the same time he did? His guard was up, but he couldn’t help the way his smile returned at the thought of seeing the ditzy blonde again. He didn’t even know her name! Okay, then. That had to be objective number one. Get her name. And while he was at it, he could always make sure that she checked out to be who she claimed. He pulled into a spot a few spaces down and gathered his thoughts. Was she inside the café? Or… A quick glance down the street answered his question. She was strolling toward him with a big smile on her face—a smile which made him guess that she might just be pleased to see him, too.

  Chapter Three

  Jess had to wonder if she wasn’t seeing things. Was that really Mr. Sexy-Bodyguard-Type who was getting out of his Lincoln? It sure as hell looked like him and she was pretty sure the chances of running into two tall dark handsome strangers in one day were slim to none. She smiled as she peered at him. It was!

  “Hi!” she said as she reached him. “Tell me you didn’t follow me?”

  He laughed. “I was going to ask you if you followed me.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “And how would that work? I was here first.”

  He nodded. “You were, but maybe you knew where I was headed.” He laughed again, but it was almost as though there was a serious undercurrent to his tone. Had he been stalked before? She wouldn’t be surprised; he was that kind of good-looking.

  “You just don’t know me well enough. I barely know where I’m going most of the time. I don’t stand a chance of knowing about anyone else.”

  This time, his chuckle was genuine—and sexy as sin! It sent shivers chasing each other down her spine. “I may not know you well enough—yet—but for some reason, I believe you.”

  She tried to look offended. “Are you saying I give the impression of being a little clueless?”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying you don’t try to?”

  Ooh, he was perceptive. She may be a little scattered, but she would admit—if pushed—that she played the role, too. It made life
easier. People relaxed around a scatterbrain, let their defenses down. She smiled innocently. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “I didn’t think so.” He smiled. “So, Little Miss Clueless, since we’re both here, and I’ve already missed the chance twice today, how about I try for third time lucky?”

  She raised an eyebrow and waited, holding her breath hopefully.

  “Would you like to join me for a cup of coffee?”

  She nodded. “I’d love to. I’m not sure how long I can stay; I’m supposed to be meeting a friend in a little while.” She was pleased to see the hesitation on his face. He thought she was a meeting a guy. She was pleased by his reaction. She didn’t want to leave him guessing, so she added, “She should be here soon.”

  He relaxed at that and offered her his arm. “We’d better be quick about it then.”

  She linked her arm through his and smiled up at him. Whatever remark she’d been about to make died on her lips as his gaze met hers. She felt like she could get lost forever in his dark gray eyes. It felt like she’d come home. It was the strangest sensation, feeling immediate calm and comfort. The world could do her no harm while he was around. She shook her head to break the spell. This was ridiculous—she didn’t even know his name!

  “I’m Jess, by the way.”

  He looked dazed and continued to stare at her for a few moments before he replied. Surely he hadn’t felt it, too? The slow smile that spread across his face made her feel as though he might have. “It’s good to finally meet you, Jess. I’m Sully.”

  Finally meet her? What did he mean by that? He must just mean that this was the third time they’d spoken and only now were they getting to their names—mustn’t he? He couldn’t mean that he felt the same way she did? That he was the guy she’d been waiting for all her life! He held the door open for her to step inside the café. She had to stop letting her imagination run away with her.

  Once she was inside the café, Jess had to wonder if her imagination hadn’t taken over completely. The place was adorable! There were maybe a dozen tables set at angles around the dining floor. They were covered with mismatched tablecloths that somehow created a perfect, homey feeling. Photographs of local events adorned the walls, and at the back, there were shelves dotted with craft pieces which Jess guessed were also local, but by the looks of some of the baskets there must be some very talented locals. She turned to look at Sully. He, too, was surveying the place. She got the impression that he was on a reconnaissance mission rather than drinking in the atmosphere. It must be that bodyguard vibe he had going.

  His face transformed into a polite smile as a pretty girl came to greet them.

  “Table for two?” she asked.

  Sully nodded and allowed Jess to walk ahead of him as they followed her to a corner table.

  “What can I get you to drink? I’ll be right back with your menus.”

  “Just coffee for me, thank you. I won’t be eating,” said Sully.

  Jess nodded. “And me.”

  The girl’s smile dimmed a little, no doubt seeing her tip shrink. “Be right back,” she said and flounced away.

  Jess smiled at Sully but didn’t have time to say anything before an older woman appeared. She came toward them with a warm smile.

  “Good afternoon,” she greeted them. “I’m Sue Ann. Welcome.”

  “Good afternoon,” replied Sully. “And nice to meet you.” He stood and held out his hand. “I’m James Sullivan…”

  Sue Ann’s smile grew broader. “I had a feeling you might be. Your room’s ready whenever you are, and the coffee’s on the house.” Jess noticed the older woman’s eyes slide toward her for a moment.

  Sully didn’t miss it either. “This is Jess,” he gestured toward her. “She’s meeting a friend.”

  Jess smiled. “That’s right. I’m here visiting Tessa.”

  “Oh! Well, it’s great to meet you, sweetie. Any friend of Tessa’s is a friend of mine.” She raised an eyebrow. “Are you staying with her?”

  “No.” Jess pointed through the window to her motorhome. “I take home with me wherever I go.” She’d guessed that Sue Ann was curious as to whether Sully’s room should be a single or a double.

  Sue Ann smiled, apparently relieved. At that moment, the door flew open, and Tessa appeared looking around wildly. She grinned when she spotted Jess and hurried over to hug her.

  “Hey! I’m so happy you’re here! Come on; we need to get going.”

  Jess hugged her back happily but froze at her words. “We do?”

  “Yes, I’ll tell you about it on the way.”

  Jess looked at Sully. He smiled and shrugged.

  “Oh, I’m sorry!” Tessa held her hand out. “I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m Tessa.” She looked back at Jess. “I thought you were by yourself.”

  “I am. I mean…”

  Sully held up a hand with a smile. “I don’t need to hold you up. It sounds like you’re in a hurry.”

  Tessa nodded apologetically. “I really do need to get going.”

  “Okay.” Jess stood reluctantly.

  Sully smiled. “I’ll see you around.”

  As she followed Tessa, Jess could only hope that he would. She stopped before she stepped out onto the street and turned back to wave. She met his gaze and had the crazy urge to go and sit back down with him. A smile lifted one corner of his mouth, and he gave a slight nod, as if reassuring her they’d see each other again. This wasn’t goodbye.

  ~ ~ ~

  Once the door had closed behind them, Sue Ann smiled at Sully. “I’m sure you will see her around. It’s a small town.”

  Sully met her gaze. He liked her already.

  “And you’re a friend of Eric’s, aren’t you?”

  He nodded.

  “Well, you just met his sister-in-law.”

  Sully had to smile. What were the odds? He’d bumped into a random stranger in Tahoe, who was not only headed to the same small town he was but was also visiting the same family!

  The waitress reappeared with two coffees. Her attitude brightened a little when she noticed Jess was gone.

  “You let me know when you’re ready to see your room,” said Sue Ann.

  “Actually, would it be okay if I took the coffee up there?” He had no interest in sitting in the café without Jess. He’d rather get checked in and let Eric know he was here.

  “Of course. I’ll show you right up.”

  Not ten minutes later he was settled on the overstuffed leather sofa in the room above the café. He hadn’t known what to expect when Eric had told him about the place, but it certainly wasn’t this. When he’d stepped inside the café itself, he’d feared that the room would be chintzy, but when Sue Ann had shown him in here, it had been a very pleasant surprise. He felt at home, which wasn’t a feeling he was used to, but seemed to be a common theme for the day. Looking into Jess’s eyes earlier had felt like coming home—a feeling he didn’t care to analyze just yet; he was saving further examination of that one for later. His feeling of ease in the accommodation was much easier to explain. The place was done with masculine taste in mind. The furniture was comfortable. The browns and blues of the décor were relaxing. There was even a fireplace which made him hope for a chilly evening during his stay. He nodded his head appreciatively. So far this trip was full of pleasant surprises.

  He fished his phone out of his back pocket and called Eric.

  “Hey, Sully. I’m on the way over.”

  “You are? I was just calling to let you know I made it. What are you, psychic?”

  Eric laughed. “No. You have to understand that you’re in a small town now, Special Agent Sullivan. Word travels fast.”

  Wow! Apparently it did.

  Eric laughed again. “Sitrep for you. You arrived roughly twenty minutes ago. You are currently in the room above the café, drinking coffee. You were seen in the company of one stunning blonde, later confirmed as Jess Archer, a known acquaintance of one Tessa Maguire—known to the reporting of
ficer as his sister-in-law.”

  Sully had to laugh. “Damn, Detective. You’re ahead of me; I’d only just gotten her first name. I hadn’t gotten to her last name.”

  “That’d be Chief, not Detective if you don’t mind. You Bureau guys are always playing catch up.”

  Sully shook his head with a rueful smile. “Okay, Chief. Just get your ass over here; you can save the insults for when you arrive.”

  “Too slow again. Look out your window.”

  Sully got up and moved toward the sliding door which led out onto a little balcony overlooking Main Street. He stayed back so that he wouldn’t be visible from below, but Eric’s laugh sounded down the phone.

  “I know you’re looking out, even if I can’t see you.” He waved.

  Sully laughed with him. “So come on up already.”

  A few moments later there was a tap on the door, and Sully went to greet his old friend.

  Eric gave him an appraising look, the laughter fading from his face. “How are you doing? I was sorry to hear about Patrick.”

  Sully nodded. “It was a shock. He’d been waiting so long to retire; he and Jane had so many plans.” He shook his head. “It still hasn’t sunk in, you know?”

  Eric nodded. “I’m glad you came up here. It’s a good place to get your head straight. Have you decided how long you’re going to stay?”

  Sully shrugged. He had no idea. After he’d told Eric he was coming, he’d started to wonder why. He’d decided he’d make it a flying visit and then go back to Sacramento. Go back to work. Even though Manny had told him he didn’t want to see him for the full three weeks. Meeting Jess had made him question that plan.

  “I guess you don’t need to know, do you? I hope you’ll stick around for a few days at least.”

  “I think I will.”

  Eric grinned. “And would this have anything to do with the stunning blonde identified as Jess Archer?”

  Sully tried to hide his smile. “Maybe.”

  “So what’s the story? Where did you meet her?”