—Nora—

A familiar, amused voice floated over to me from the doorway, “If you’re not careful, you’re going to miss our trip.”

I looked up in surprise from my computer screen to see Parker standing just inside my office. My office. It still felt funny to say. So much had changed in the few years since my story over the deputy mayor. When I’d started my investigation, I’d never imagined that I’d uncover such a dark secret. Honestly, I wished I didn’t know some of the things I did, but I couldn’t say I was disappointed with the outcome. The former deputy mayor was now in prison, and I’d finally gotten real recognition at the Willow Creek Journal.

More than I’d expected, actually. I’d gotten a promotion – one that came with a small, but nonetheless private, office. I was even being given stories that sent me out of town to Oasis Springs, Newcrest, and even Riverview.

I shook myself out of my thoughts and quickly saved my latest article and shut my computer down. “Parker, what are you doing here? Am I late?” I quickly checked the time on my watch; it was only five after five. Okay, I had planned to sneak out early today…

He smiled and walked over to me. “Not yet, but I know how time gets away from you. I thought I’d give you a ride home.”

I laughed softly and leaned up to kiss him. “You mean you thought you’d come and keep me on schedule.”

“Darn, you’ve seen right through me.”

“As it happens, you’re probably right,” I admitted. “I was in the zone.”

“Well,” Parker said as we left my office. “now you had best get in the zone of relaxation. We’ll take the twerp over to your mom’s and then we’re off to Granite Falls for the weekend.”

“And I’m looking forward to it,” I assured him. Although, I still didn’t love leaving Caleb for more than a night. This would be the first time I’d left him with Mom and Carter for more than that.

As usual, Parker seemed to be able to read my mind. “He’ll be fine, baby. Caleb loves being with his grandparents.”

I sighed. “I know. And he’s more than old enough.” Could my son really already be ten years old? Where had the time gone?

I smiled up at Parker. “Let’s get going. You promised me that the cabin had a hot tub.”

I sighed happily and snuggled into Parker’s side. “This is fabulous. I wish I could get one of these at home.”

Parker chuckled softly. “Yeah, I don’t think you could fit a hot tub in that apartment.”

“Maybe Paula would give up her living room for a Jacuzzi room?”

He snorted. “I’d like to be there when you bring that up.”

I couldn’t hold in a giggle. “I don’t know. If I got her in one, she might just go for it.”

Beside me, Parker shuddered. “Please, don’t make me imagine Paula Burgess in a bathing suit.”

I laughed and splashed him. “You’re feeling very silly today.”

Parker leaned over and kissed me. “Mmm, I’m feeling something, but I don’t think it’s silly.” His hand crept up my thigh beneath the water.

I flushed deeply. “Parker, what if someone sees?” Despite my protest, I didn’t actually try to stop his wandering fingers.

“The nearest campsite is on the other side of the woods,” Parker said in a sensual voice that never failed to make me tingle.

In a quick motion, he pulled me over to straddle him. For a brief instant, I thought about protesting again. But then I gave a mental shrug – and went with it.