Hidden (A McKenzie Ridge Novel Book 2) Read online

  He went to her. She snapped out of her somber mood and returned from wherever she had been, when his arms circled her waist and a gentle kiss landed on her neck.

  “I could get used to that, ya know,” she said, finding comfort in his embrace.

  “Good, my plan is working,” he joked. “Where were you just now? Everything okay?”

  “Huh? Oh, yeah, everything is fine. Just lost in thought is all,” she said, reaching one arm around his neck, turning to kiss him.

  “You sure? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he mentioned while turning her to face him.

  “I’m sure.” She smiled and kissed him sweetly, trying to convince herself as much as him that all was well.

  “Okay, if you’re sure,” he said, kissing her again. “Thanks for feeding the gang.”

  Her smile returned with the light in her eyes at the mention of her morning task. “Well, it was my pleasure. I was honored when Duke was nominated by the gang to wake me for food.”

  “So it’s Duke’s fault you left the bed so early,” he said, giving a surly look to the dog that lowered his head.

  “Aww, it’s okay boy. It was time to get up anyway. They are starting to really grow on me; it was fun and quite the work out!” She laughed, flexing her muscles.

  He pulled her in for a passionate kiss that she wished could have lasted forever, then said, “Shower, before coffee or after?”

  “After, or you’ll see a side of me sure to scare you off for good.”

  “In that case, I’ll go first…feel free to join me.” He smacked her ass as he went inside, headed for the shower.

  ***

  Meg wandered through the house, headed for the kitchen for that cup of coffee she desperately needed. Grabbing a pastry from the box she had brought over the day before, she sat and thought about the past 24 hours. She really could get used to this, she thought. The companionship, his tenderness, and nights like last night. She knew this was a bad idea, but his hands, his mouth, and his devotion for her left her with a craving for more, much more.

  She didn’t want to hurt him, and maybe she wouldn’t have to, maybe they could stay this way forever. Forever. That’s something she hadn’t thought about in so long. The smile it left on her hopeful face was quickly replaced with regret and sorrow when the image of that man, in the unfamiliar car flashed through her mind.

  “What have I done? Oh Colton, what have I done?”

  ***

  Colton had time on his hands, so he was off to find something special. His shift didn’t start until the evening and he’d just dropped Meg and Jax off at Blooming Grounds after picking up the tot at the Tayler’s. He was glad he had picked Meg up at the shop the night before as it meant more time with her. She was completely dependent on him, even for only a few hours. He liked that. He wanted her to depend on him. He wanted to take care of her and Jax.

  She was kind and outgoing, she lit up every room she entered and had everyone around her completely mesmerized by her presence…especially him. Her beauty was beyond the surface, and after last night she would always be his muse, controlling his every thought. She had him by the balls in a big way and he was one hundred percent okay with that.

  He felt so protective of her. There was something he was missing, but didn’t know what. Watching her this morning so full of joy, just to see it ripped away at the sight of a car? Something had a hold of her and it pained him that she wouldn’t let him help. She denied anything was wrong, but this was more than just paranoia, she was haunted.

  Colton wanted to fight her demons and ghosts for her, take her pain and give her pleasure. He would too; he would find a way in.

  ***

  Meg loved her shop. It was fun and brought in so many of the towns people and tourists alike. If they weren’t there for flowers, they were there for coffee and a light lunch or treat by day, wine and beer by night. It was new, fresh, and fun. What wasn’t there to love about this place?

  Today, however, she would rather be somewhere other than Blooming Grounds. Thoughts of the night before had her wanting a certain man. As much as he made an “impression” in bed, it was everything else that had her distracted. He was so gentle and warm, took care of her at every turn. He made her feel special and cherished…something she hadn’t experienced until now. She was lost in tangled thoughts of him and how she could make a life with him in it work, when an abrupt roar of laughter brought her back to present.

  Her cheeks blushed when she noticed every eye surrounding the corner table she was seated at pegged on her. The Holiday Fair meeting—all of her friends were enjoying her embarrassment to the nth degree.

  “Sorry, what did I miss?” She asked nonchalantly, trying not to trip over her own words.

  “I think the real question is, what did we miss, honey?” Granny Lou asked with a knowing look and wink.

  “I think it’s pretty fucking obvious. Princess here got it on with Sparks!” Jessie delivered, straight to the point, crude as can be.

  “Wait. What? You knew, I mean what? What are we talking about?” She continued to stammer, giving away everything which lead to another roar of laughter.

  Megan looked to Sam for help, but received a shrug and raised eyebrows in return.

  “I didn’t say a word, promise. I didn’t even tell them Jax stayed the night.” Sam squinted and made a pained face realizing what she just gave to the piranhas. The laughter escalated to cat-calls and high-pitched whistles worthy of an obnoxious strip club bachelorette party.

  Just when Megan thought her face couldn’t get any redder, it had. Evie came to the rescue like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, more interested in getting the “dirt” on Princess and Sparks than getting her out of that hole she had been digging.

  “Come on guys, leave her alone, poor thing,” Evie said, followed by a subtle pause before delivering the punch line. “She’s probably speechless from reading her bible all night.”

  Boom, there it was, she could almost hear the rip shot on the background drum now. Truth be told, she was enjoying the ribbing her friends were giving. It felt good to be “normal” for a change, and have something she could share with them. Not that she would, but she could give them a teaser and let them wonder while keeping the rest all to herself.

  “Okay, Okay, I’m caught! Yes, Colton and I went on a very romantic date last night. We were at your Ranch actually,” she said nodding at Morgan. “It’s stunning, what an incredible experience, loved every minute of it! The food…”

  “For the love of God, nobody cares about what you ate; we’ve been there, what the fuck happened next?” Jessie interrupted. “Sparks has been acting like a love struck ass lately. Please tell me he got laid and I can expect him to be back to normal on the next call because if I have to hear how friggin’ wonderful you are much longer, I’m tossing him in the next fire we’re called to.”

  “Honey, he may need a hit from that fire hose. It sounds like he’s got enough heat brewin’ already.” Granny offered with wiggling eyebrows.

  “Holy hell ladies, leave our girl alone. Don’t piss her off or she’ll leave all the Holiday Fair plannin’ to us!” Carigan chimed in, hushing the gossip brigade.

  “Thanks for the compliment, Meg. I’m glad you had a good time at Pinecrest. You’re welcome any time and you don’t need a reservation. From what I hear, you guys left pretty close and cozy, no need to talk about what happened after; it’s pretty damn obvious by that big ol’ smile headed your way,” Morgan said, nodding toward the front of the shop.

  Everyone looked toward the front entrance to see Colton walking toward the table grinning ear to ear, with bedroom eye’s locked on Megan. He walked up behind her and bent down to give her a kiss while setting a box covered in ribbon in front of her.

  “So, what did I just walk in on?” He asked. “Are they treating you okay? Don’t take their crap; they are like a bunch of bratty sisters.”

  They all noticed the sadness that crossed her face at the mention of s
ister, but it was gone as quickly as it arrived. He kicked himself for being insensitive.

  Jax ran up to Colton, thrilled to see him, tugging on his pant leg yelling, “Big fuck, big fuck!”

  All eyes turned to Granny Lou and Jessie, each of whom already had their hands up and blaming the other.

  “Hey, I say the ‘F word’ a lot, but never about Sparks, geez guys!” Jessie defended.

  Lou was shaking her head with her eyes closed, “I would never…and I’m shocked you assume such a thing from an old lady…please, have some class.”

  Colton laughed, enjoying the show while he picked up Jax. He decided to let them off the hook this time and said to Jax, “Sorry buddy, no FIRE TRUCK today, kiddo!”

  Giggles and a couple sighs of relief stretched across the room as Colton cleared up the language as simple toddler talk.

  “So what’s in the box?” Carigan asked with excitement, getting the group back on topic…the box.

  Jessie asked, “Need some privacy? We don’t need to know all of your kinky secrets.”

  “Bite me, Jess.” He fired.

  “You have Priss Pants for that!” She retorted.

  “Touché!” Megan shot back, surprising the group.

  “I thought bringing flowers or candy, or even dessert to the girl who owned the town flower shop with a coffee house inside would be tacky. So I brought you this…open it,” he said, nodding to the box in front of her.

  Meg slowly opened the box nervous about what could be inside. What was left after flowers, candy, and dessert? She pulled out a big glass fish bowl, filled with small colorful rocks at the bottom and a fake green plant buried within. There was a clear plastic bag inside full of water and one blue and purple fish with big fan like fins. The ladies at the table began to giggle at his gift. Of course Colton would give an animal in place of flowers.

  “What the fuck is she supposed to do with a fish? Seriously Sparks, I’m disappointed in you, ask one of us next time,” Jessie scolded.

  “Oh no, honey, I think it’s romantic, and just the right kind of gift,” Granny rebutted. He was bringing her into his world, or inviting her in it anyway.

  “I love it! My first pet!” Megan said, not expecting anyone to understand but Colton. All the shyness she had exhibited just moments before, dissolved and ended in a long, hard, hot kiss.

  “Well, hot damn! If I knew there was going to be a show today, I would have brought my fan and some dollar bills!” Granny hollered with a high-pitched, two-finger whistle to follow starting a chain of inappropriate cheering and whistling.

  It appeared that Megan had just made a decision and followed it with a big statement. She had a man, and nothing was getting in her way, not even her past.

  Jessie hollered, “Get a room!” Earning her a nudge from Carigan.

  “I think it’s sweet, don’t be such a cynic, Jess.” She said.

  Colton broke the kiss with a big Cheshire Cat smile and smacked her ass as he headed toward the door.

  “I’ll see you tonight, before my shift starts,” he said over his shoulder.

  ***

  “Where were we?” Meg asked, picking up where they had left off as if nothing had happened. Each of the ladies looked at each other and another roar of laughter filled the space.

  She went on to tell them of her plan—the Holiday Bizarre would carry on through the week as tradition dictates, and now be called the “Holiday Hoe Down Bizarre”. The big reveal, that put her stamp on the event, was the dance at the end of the week, which would be named the “Crystal Showdown Gala”.

  The old Hickory Hill Barn would serve as their event venue. It was at least one hundred years old and had served as a school, a church, and even a barn in its day. It was rustic, worn, and perfect for the glamorous event, even if she was the only one that could see the glam in that old building at the moment. Much of her plan was inspired by Morgan’s ranch setting. Tables adorned with burlap and lace along with shabby chic center pieces full of holiday red and white flowers with strings of crystals anywhere they could stash them for their hint of chic.

  She found antique chandeliers online for a steal, to replace the stock barn lighting, her contribution along with the flowers. The event budget could handle the rest if area businesses donate wine, champagne, and beer, all local of course. Bakers donated desserts, while local restaurants all chipped in for dinner service. Doc Charles, from the hospital ER, and his band agreed to donate their services as the entertainment for the event. She even managed to collect silent auction items from local businesses, as well as some not so local, but needed everyone’s help to gather more, and handed a list to each of them to call on.

  They all sat speechless, in complete awe of what this mad woman in front of them had accomplished in such a short amount of time. When she asked if they had any questions, she found a table full of jaws dropped and wide eyes. Shock washed over them and only crickets could be heard. It seemed they had a real party planner on their hands; this was the ‘real’ Meg Johnson.

  Chapter 13

  Colton was pleased with himself and the perfect gift he put together for Megan. Her reaction was more than he imagined. Given that kiss, it seemed he was getting through those thick walls of hers and he just might get to keep her.

  Sure he had his fair share of women in his life, but none compared to her. Not even a close second. From the moment he first laid eyes on her, at Dawson and Sam’s wedding, he knew she was special and he needed her in his world.

  He noticed her reaction to the “sister” reference. He felt like an ass given she had lost her only sister a year or so ago. The more he thought about it, however, the more her response nagged at him.

  Sure it was natural to react to the loss of a loved one with sadness, but something felt unsettled. Was there more to the altered state of her emotions, as quick as it may have been?

  He noticed it more than once, and more of a fear than a loss. Her smile dimmed, remembering he had to work and that she wouldn’t see him for 24 hours. He read that loud and clear. He felt bad at her disappointment, but pleased by the fact that she would miss him. Progress…or, was it? Maybe it was more about being alone than his being gone.

  What was this anxiety that seemed to be appearing more often than not these days. The closer they became, the more he noticed it. Where security should be settling in, he saw angst.

  He was breaking through mountain high barricades, but there was still something there, something deeper, something bigger than the both of them. He could feel it. He would find out, he would help her, and she wouldn’t have to worry again, if he had anything to do with it. He would protect her from whatever was being thrown her way.

  ***

  Megan found herself watching out the back window, staring at the lake and the vast forest beyond. Completely lost in thought while feeding Jax on autopilot, she pondered what life could be like with Colton around and why she already missed him terribly, after only hours. His shifts were typically 48 hours on and 48 hours off, but tonight was just a short shift. He and Jessie were covering for a couple of the guys from the House who also worked with the high school football team. Trained EMTs, they acted as team trainers and went with the team to their second round of state playoffs. Small town, big deal.

  She thought it best to keep things platonic, it was safer that way, but their night together was a total game changer and she was no longer in charge of her heart. It seemed he was. He was a mile long list of things a girl could want. She was safe in McKenzie, Jax was safe, and they were building an amazing life with friends and people that cared for them as she cared for each of them.

  So what was the hang up? Why was she still at battle with herself, despite the choice to move on with Colton and explore what they had? She was stuck in McKenzie Ridge regardless of her outside circumstances—she was there to hide, and she could stay even when she didn’t need to hide anymore. Either way, she was safe, her new life was falling into place, and she finally felt like she was on
the right track.

  So, why did she have that overwhelming sensation, resting in her gut, telling her to run, fast, and not to look back? She had felt more than once, someone watching her, but there was never anyone there that she could see. That forest would be a great place to sit, watch, and hide.

  ***

  Colton was preparing for work, while a certain woman lingered in his thoughts. He settled his animals for the night, but one in particular was resistant. He found Duke perched on the front porch, watching Megan’s house. Duke was well behaved and well trained, familiar with their routine, but tonight he was defiant. He refused obedience; refusing Colton’s every command, responding with deep throaty grumbles and whimpers. It was more than obvious that Duke was fond of the lady in their life, but this was ridiculous.

  “Come on boy, you can watch her from inside,” Colton begged.

  “You’re going to make me late, Duke. Inside!” He demanded with a clapping of his hands to motivate the dog.

  Still nothing but a moan.

  “Look, I get it, I want to see her too but we have stuff to do …” He hesitated to finish, realizing he was in full negotiations with a dog, over a woman.

  “What the hell am I doing, he’s a fucking dog. Get it together, Sparks!”

  He reached down to grab Duke’s collar and lead him in, but his hand was met with a sharp, tooth bearing growl. It appeared that Duke was giving Colton a big “fuck you” and was perfectly fine where he was.

  Colton was stumped. Duke had never reacted to anyone that way, much less him—none of his animals did. As he stood there, hands on hips, watching his dog protect Megan from afar, an uneasy chill made its way down his spine. He understood the instincts of animals, trusted them. He had witnessed many times, the mysterious intuition of animals providing positive outcomes to less than good circumstances.