Chapter 7
The next morning was a whirlwind of activity. Since they’d been given the go-ahead to begin work the day before, Paige had called her people and they all arrived early the next morning. It took most of the day to get camp set up and everyone organized. Cooper kept his distance, only making an appearance to introduce himself as new people arrived. He’d promised himself that he’d keep his jealousy under control, admitting that part of the reason he was attracted to her was the way she seemed to gather people to her.
There seemed to be true affection between her and the students who had come to work for her; they were all as excited as she was to best part of such a significant find. He was even more impressed when they all sat down to plan the dig, Paige was clearly in her element, giving orders and making decisions like a well-trained veteran. As any good leader would do, she left the running of the debris removal crew to Cooper and Scott, differing to them as to the best and safest way to get the hundred-year-old trees out of the way.
By the time dinner was over, everyone was up to speed and had their assignments for the dig, and Cooper knew that there would be little opportunity for time alone with Paige. But as he watched her across the communal fire where they’d all congregated after dinner, he told himself that it might be for the best, hopefully it would give him enough time to get up the courage to tell her about his failed marriage.
When Scott got ready to leave, Cooper left the camp for home as well, but before he went in he walked with him to his car. “I have some papers for you to sign tomorrow.” Scott said.
“The contracts and titles for the land I assume.” Cooper said, distracted.
“Yeah, and you’ll need to sign them in blood.” Scott said, waiting for Cooper’s response.
It took Cooper a minute to realize what Scott had just said, “What?”
Scott laughed, “Never mind. So, how are things with Paige?”
Cooper shook his head, “I don’t know. I can’t seem to keep my hands off her, but I can’t seem to talk to her about my feelings. Every time I try nothing comes out. It’s like I’m emotionally shut off.”
Scott was silent for a long time, then said, “You need to talk to her, don’t just go blundering into this without being honest with her.”
“She’s going to think that she’s just a rebound relationship.” Cooper said.
“Well, can you honestly say that she isn’t?” Scott asked.
“Yes, I feel something with Paige that I’ve never felt with anyone else.” Cooper said, with confidence.
“Then you need to tell her that too.” Scott said, getting in the car. “Don’t start this relationship with anything but complete honesty no matter how difficult it may be.”
For the next two weeks Paige worked them from sun up to sun down, the work on the hill progressing slowly but successfully. David was on hand to deal with the bones as they were removed while the rest of the crew was split between sifting through the debris and mapping the other burials on top of the hill.
Cooper had discovered the ground penetrating radar that they were using in the upper field to map the graves and spent most of his time there, but he was always on hand when the debris crew was needed. He was still annoyed when the other men paid attention to Paige, but she was so focused that she hardly noticed them; to her they were just another part of the dig. When his jealousy got the better of him, he’d head up to the dam to see how the work was progressing there.
One night at dinner, he managed to get a seat next to Paige, which was not always easy to do since she was usually surrounded by students, but that night everyone was exhausted. They were just about to start their third week on the dig and had almost cleared a path to the cave, but looking around him he could see that everyone needed a day off.
“Everyone looks tired, Paige.” He said, sitting down next to her.
“I know, I’m tired too. But I only get the students for a few weeks, so I have to make the most of the time they’re here. They knew what to expect when they signed up. Are they complaining?” She asked concerned.
“No, but I just thought everyone might need a day off.” He said, thinking that he was hoping she’d take a day off.
“Well actually, I was wondering when you think the work on the dam will be done. I thought we’d take a couple of days off then. Let everyone go into town and do some shopping, take showers, then have a big barbeque. They’ve earned some free time and a little fun.” She said to reassure him that she wasn’t a monster.
“Oh, that sounds like a good idea. The work on the dam should be done in a day or two. I’m surprised Steve hasn’t been around to keep you updated.” He said, unable to hide the dislike in his voice.
“Steve’s about as bad as I am when it comes to his work. I’m not sure if you understand what a unique opportunity this is. He’s only had two weeks to get himself organized, but I’ll invite him. I seriously doubt he’ll come, but you never know.” Paige said, ignoring his jealousy.
“Well, a barbeque sounds like a good idea and I’d love to show you Cedar Ridge if we have time.” He said.
“That sounds nice. I’ve heard so much about it.” Paige said, thinking that then they’d actually have some time alone.
The last two weeks had been hard for her, having Cooper so close but so far away was as difficult for her as it was for him. They’d only managed a few minutes alone in the last two weeks and her frustration level matched his, but one good thing had come out of it, they’d gotten to know each other much better. But they still hadn’t talked about their pasts, even more pressing was the fact that Justin would be joining her soon.
Marissa had talked her into letting him come up to spend the rest of the summer, There were plenty of kids around and some of the women had volunteered to keep an eye on him while Paige was working. Although they were a diverse group of people, they’d all bonded together to achieve the goals of the Coldwater Canyon Park and Preserve. She was even considering staying for the winter, if they could find someplace to live.
Marissa’s sister Clarissa would be arriving in a few weeks fresh from getting her teaching degree for the express purpose of opening a school for the kids. She’d made it a priority to spend some time with Marissa and now that she fully understood their plan for the park, she really wanted to make it her home. The work on the burial ground would take years to complete, especially if the cave revealed as many secrets as she hoped.
But she refused to make any kind of decision until Justin arrived in a few weeks. She couldn’t imagine that he wouldn’t be happy here, but it was his life too and she didn’t want to make that big of a decision without his input. There was also the issue of Cooper and their strange relationship, which consisted mostly of stolen moments, or public discussions around the fire or at the dig.
What hadn’t occurred was any discussion about where their relationship was headed. It’s not that she minded the flirting and stolen kisses, it made what they shared sweet and innocent. However, she knew that there was a fire smoldering underneath all their innocent actions, a fire that was bound to flare at some point, and she really wanted a better idea of where they stood before that happened.
Only a few days later, Cooper announced at breakfast that the water would be released the next day. There were cheers from the crowd gathered around the main fire since everyone knew that they’d have two full days off and a barbeque to look forward to. Paige was just as excited as everyone else; she’d been pushing herself day after day and it was beginning to take its toll. As much as she wanted to get into that cave, she knew that she’d hit her limit and that made a mistake much more likely.
Besides, she and Marissa had spent almost an entire afternoon planning the barbeque; Paige had envisioned something simple, but when Marissa heard her plan she took over. “I’ve been dying to have a barbeque ever since we finished the house, but the family is too busy in the summer. I’d love to have it here, we could put up tents and use old-fashioned lights.” She said, pulling out her tablet and making notes.
“That sounds like a lot of work, especially when we don’t know exactly when the outlet will be finished.” Paige said skeptically.
“Oh, I have the time and I’d really like to do this. As much as I love living up here, it can get lonely. It’s better now that all of you are up here, but it’s been kind of hard for me to connect with the other women. I think they see me more as a boss than a friend.” Marissa confessed.
Paige thought about that and could understand, as close as she got to the students she worked with, there was always that boundary that they didn’t cross. “Well, I guess in a way you are their boss, but I think if you give it some time they’ll come around. Having the barbeque here is a great way to bridge the gap, but I don’t think we should make it too fancy. Remember these people have been living in tents all summer.” Paige said, giving Marissa’s hand a squeeze.
Marissa smiled and squeezed her hand back, “Your friendship is the best thing that’s come out of the summer. Have you put any thought into staying for the winter?”
“I have to wait until Justin comes up; he hasn’t even seen it yet and I’d like to give him the chance to voice his opinion. I have a feeling he’ll be all for it. He’s been bugging me all week to come home from camp early. He claims to be homesick, but the truth is he’d rather be here than camp and I can’t blame him.” Paige said, shaking her head.
“Well I can’t blame him either, he’s ten and you’re digging up Indian bones and looking for treasure.” Marissa said, laughing.
“Not really treasure… more like artifacts.” Paige said, then laughed at the thought of treasure in the cave. Then reconsidered, “I never thought about the possibility of there being treasure in that cave. But that’s impossible, just stuff of legends.”
“Well, I don’t know, some of those legends are based on truth.” Marissa said, then asked, “Do you want me to do some research? You never know, besides I might find some information we can use for the museum.”
“That’s a great idea. I’ve done some research on this area, but not much. There just hasn’t been time. That’s what the winter season is for, but the more we know now the better. I’d love to have your help; you might even get some credit.” Paige said, winking at Marissa.
“Oh how exciting, now I’m a research assistant.” Marissa said, trying to sound scholarly, then laughed and added, “But first, let’s plan this barbeque.”
The next afternoon found everyone gathered at Honey Hills eagerly awaiting the first trickle of water in the dry stream bed that wound through the pasture. Marissa had kept it simple only bringing in help to set up and a couple of people to cook burgers and hot dogs; the rest of the food was provided by the guests. For desert they’d planned homemade ice cream and the kids were busy taking turns turning the cranks on several old fashioned ice cream makers. The men would take over at some point, but for now it was keeping the kids entertained.
Paige was missing Justin and decided then and there that it was time for him to join her. This was an experience that he shouldn’t be missing out on. Camp would come around again next year and this was a once in a lifetime experience. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t hear Cooper come up behind her; she let out a surprised gasp when he put his arms around her from behind and nuzzled her neck.
He started to pull away thinking she didn’t want him to show his affection in public, but she pulled his arms back around her and relaxed back against him with a sigh. “How far is it away now?” She asked looking up the mountain.
“Last check it was about a mile away.” He said, “I can’t believe we’re standing here waiting for water to come down a stream.”
“It is kind of a strange thing to be doing, but I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.” She said, looking up at him, wishing he’d kiss her.
Cooper’s eyes went to her mouth, his mind clearly on the same thing, but he knew it would be pushing it too far to kiss her now. “You seemed a million miles away a few minutes ago.” He said, his breath hot in her ear.
“I was thinking that I need to get Justin from camp and bring him up here. He’s missing all of this.” She said.
“I bet you miss him too.” Cooper said, taking her hand and leading her away from the group. “I’d miss Brandon if he was gone that long.”
Paige suddenly realized that this was the perfect opportunity to ask him about his divorce, but just as she opened her mouth, there was a cheer from the crowd. They made their way back to the stream bed to see a small trickle of water rolling through the dust, as they watched the trickle grew until there was a good flow. It would take weeks for the water to flow at its full capacity but any water was a good sign.
As soon as everyone had their fill of watching the water trickle down the stream, they turned their attention to the food, which proved to be wonderful as well as plentiful. Everyone had gone all out and they had quite the feast that night. Paige pushed her plate away long before she wanted to, but she just couldn’t eat another bite. Cooper had managed to finish a huge plate of food but he too was stuffed.
“How about a walk? I just need to check on Brandon first.” Cooper suggested getting to his feet.
“That sounds nice. Last time I saw him he was with Jeff.” She said, pointing over to where Marissa had set up games for the kids.
“I see him. I’ll be right back.” Cooper said, heading across the grass to the kid’s area.
Paige watched him go anticipating the walk they were about to take, finally a few minutes alone with him she thought, then felt a rush of desire. They’d been together most of the day, but someone had always been with them, Cooper had managed to keep some kind of contact between them most of that time. Whether he was holding her hand or had his arm around her shoulders, they’d been in close contact all day, which she’d enjoyed but had also found frustrating.
The sexual tension between them had reached the breaking point, and they were both very aware of it, so until today they’d been careful to control their passion. As much as they both wanted to take things to the next level, there was never a time or a place for it. But as they walked down the trail that ran along the stream, which was actually bubbling and gurgling already, they both knew that tonight would be the night.
Cooper spotted a boulder by the stream and led Paige over to it and helped her sit down, then he sat next to her and pulled her close. The stars were shining brightly and the moon peeked out from behind a cloud, the stream gurgling added to the atmosphere, making Paige feel like they were the only people on Earth. For a few minutes they sat in silence, enjoying the night, but Cooper broke the silence.
“So you’re going to go get Justin?” He asked, knowing that Justin arriving on the scene would make things even more difficult.
“After today, I’m sure it’s the best decision. I was so wrapped up in work that I forgot that he was missing the whole thing. I’m not usually in a position to bring him to a dig, but I think it will work here.” She said, “Plus my parents have been bugging me about coming up here, so this is the perfect way to make that happen too. They’ll bring him up so I won’t have to go get him.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting him. I hope he likes me… boys don’t always like their mother’s boyfriends.” Cooper said, giving her a silly grin.
“So, now you’re my boyfriend? I don’t remember having that discussion.” She said, playfully when in reality she was thrilled that he’d finally made a commitment to her.
“Oh, well I thought I made it clear with my insane jealousy that you’re important to me.” Cooper said, relieved to have finally gotten the words out.
Paige melted at the vulnerable look on his face and knew just how much it had taken him to say that. “You’re important to me too and I’m sure you and Justin will get along just fine. He’s a good kid, he’s never really had a father figure in his life.” She said, shrugging her shoulders.
“He doesn’t see his father?” Cooper asked gently.
“No, his father doesn’t want anything to do with him.” She said, taking a deep breath, no matter how many times she said it she still felt incredible guilt over the way Justin’s father treated him. “A check in the mail is his only contribution.”
“I have a hard time understanding parents like that; Brandon is the joy of my life.” Cooper said, giving Paige some time to consider her next words.
“Well, he didn’t want him to begin with, but I couldn’t....” Paige didn’t finish her sentence.
“I understand. Who was he?”
“He was my professor. I was only eighteen and very naive. I resisted him for almost a semester, but I think that just made him want me more. Anyway, one night and a little too much wine and I finally gave in, but when he found out I was pregnant, he quit his job and moved. It took a year to track him down.” She said, staring at her hands in her lap trying not to cry.