by Oram, Jean
He was about to call her when he saw her running across the street.
She ran inside, out of breath. “Sorry I’m late. I was… Well, I lost track of time.”
Canyon wrapped his arms around her. “It’s okay. I was beginning to worry, but I’m just glad you’re fine.”
Maggie returned the embrace, then stepped back. “I had to run a couple errands, and one of them took longer than I expected.”
“No problem. Is everything all right?”
“Yeah. I’m ready to eat.”
“That makes two of us.” Canyon turned to the server, and she led them to a booth. Canyon scooted in next to Maggie. “You ready to learn how to use chopsticks?”
She gave him a determined smile. “I was born ready.”
He laughed, then they looked over the menus.
Maggie fidgeted, tapping the table and twisting her hair around a finger so tightly that it turned white.
“Sure you’re good?”
“Of course.” She didn’t look up from the menu.
Canyon rubbed his chin. Something was definitely up, but he wasn’t sure that pushing the subject would help. He wanted to help, but she didn’t seem to want any.
Maybe she would decide to open up after a meal. He was famished, and maybe she was too, if she hadn’t eaten since their lunch together.
The silence between them remained until they ordered the food. Then Canyon took a deep breath and put an arm around her. She didn’t lean against him like other times.
He cleared his throat. “Harry and I are making good progress on the house. It’s going to look like a whole new place when we’re done with it.”
“Oh.”
Oh? That was all the response he got from that? Canyon studied her. She was still strangling her finger with her hair and her brows were knitted together.
“Something on your mind?”
She frowned. “Sorry. I’m not being much of a date, am I?”
He squeezed her shoulder. “I’m happy to be here with you no matter your mood. If a quiet meal is what you need, we can reschedule the chopsticks lesson.”
Maggie turned to him, tears shining in her eyes.
Canyon’s heart dropped to his stomach. Had he said something wrong? “Maggie, I—”
“You’re the only one who understands me.”
“I am?”
She nodded and wiped at her eyes. “This has been the worst day.”
“Why? What happened?”
Maggie leaned against him, and he ran his hand over the length of her hair. She sighed deeply. “It was going great up until we had lunch. I had so much fun, but then as soon as you left, I ran into one of my friends and we got into an argument.”
“About what?”
“You.” Maggie took a deep breath.
“She doesn’t think I’m good enough for you?”
Maggie sat up and held his gaze.
“It’s okay,” Canyon assured her. “You can say it. I know how people feel about me around here.”
Her expression softened, then she frowned again a fire burning in her eyes. “I hate that people see you that way.”
Her intensity caught him off guard. “It’s my own fault. I chose to come back home after living a life that ninety-nine percent of the locals disagree with. Most of the rest of the world has moved on and isn’t so old-fashioned. I’m okay with it—I just don’t want anyone giving you a hard time.”
The food came, and they ate quietly, Canyon with the chopsticks and Maggie with a fork.
His mind raced, trying to think of something to say that would fix everything. But there was nothing he could say or do. He’d made his choices, and now he had to live with the consequences. Unfortunately, that also meant that Maggie had to deal with them, too.
He turned to her. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry you’re getting grief over me. I can talk with Isabella if you want me to.”
Her eyes widened. “I never mentioned Isabella’s name.”
Canyon wiped his mouth with the napkin. “She made it pretty obvious she doesn’t want us together.”
Maggie’s shoulders slumped. “Yeah, it was her. They think they’re protecting me.”
“They?”
“I got into a fight with Aunt Lucille right after arguing with Isabella.”
It all made sense all of a sudden—Maggie’s mood. Isabella and Lucille were the two people who were the most judgmental of Canyon, and Maggie’d had to deal with both of them since lunch.
“What can I do?” he asked.
“I don’t suppose you know of anything for rent?”
He arched an eyebrow.
“And I do mean anything—a room, a cottage, an apartment.”
“What about the little house Harry and I are working on?”
Maggie’s expression tightened. “I’m getting out from under Aunt Lucille’s thumb.”
“Meaning?”
“I’m an adult. It’s time I start acting like it.”
Canyon held her hand and rubbed his thumb on the inside of her wrist. “Does this have to do with me again? You were so excited about that little place.”
She looked away. “I need to stop leaning on my family. I’m almost twenty-five.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
Maggie’s expression tightened. “Yes. Okay? She forbade me from seeing you again. If I’m going to see you, it can’t be while I’m living under her roof.”
“Oh, Maggie. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want you to feel bad.”
“What about how you feel?”
“I’ll manage.”
Canyon slid his fingers through hers. “Do you think she’ll really kick you out? Maybe I should give you space while you decide what you’re going to do.”
She stared into his eyes, the fire returning. “I don’t want space, and I don’t care if she does give me the boot. In fact, I’d like to see that. I’ll move into your place, and see how she likes that.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“I do.”
He kissed her nose. “I know that’s the anger talking. And besides, I won’t have you move in with me. People will really talk then.”
“I don’t care anymore. They can say what they want.”
Canyon shook his head. “How about this? We’ll keep seeing each other, but not out in public. Your aunt probably has people watching to see what you’re doing around town. Once we’ve got you settled into a rental, we can walk around town all we want.”
She frowned. “You want to sneak around? We don’t have anything to hide—nothing to be ashamed about!”
“We don’t, but think about it this way. It’s kind of exciting. It’ll add a dose of spice to every date we go on.”
Maggie pursed her lips, clearly not convinced.
“It won’t be forever. Just until we get you settled somewhere on your own. Maybe by then, people’s opinion of me will improve after they’ve seen me going to work every day. They’ll also have to notice that I’m not living wildly. Then people won’t feel the need to protect you.”
She folded her arms. “Innocent, naive Maggie who can’t think for herself.”
“People don’t see you like that.”
Maggie lifted a brow.
“I don’t.” He sat taller. “Who cares what anyone else thinks?”
She sat up straight, too. “Yeah. Who cares about them?”
He kissed her palm. “Where do you want to go for our first top-secret date?”
Chapter 20
Maggie held her head high and walked into Guest Services at the cottages. Her stomach twisted in knots, but she ignored it. She needed to find out if there were any rentals available and also if there were any job openings. Chances were low for both this time of year, but there was only one way to find out for sure.
Zoe glanced up from the reception desk and gave her a wide smile. “Hi, Maggie. What brings you in here?”
“Hi, Zoe. I hav
e two quick questions.”
“Lay them on me.”
Maggie’s heart pounded. “Are there any cottages for rent?”
“Right now? Or later? I think we’re booked solid for a while.”
“Anything.”
Zoe turned to her computer and clicked on the keyboard. “Nothing until after Labor Day.”
Disappointment washed through Maggie, but she didn’t let her smile fade. “Thanks for checking. My other question is if there are any job openings.”
Surprise registered on her face. “Are you looking?”
“Keeping my options open.”
“Other than Jace wanting another assistant handyman—or woman—I don’t think so.” She typed at the computer again, then turned back to Maggie. “Do you want me to check with him, or maybe Dallas?”
“Um, sure. Thanks, Zoe. Can you call me on my cell phone? You don’t need to call me at my aunt’s house.”
“Sure thing.” Zoe slid her a piece of paper.
Maggie scrawled her number down. “Thanks again.”
“Sure thing. Anything else I can help with?”
“That’s all. Have a nice day.”
Zoe smiled and held up a plate of sticky buns. “Want one for the road?”
Maggie’s stomach rumbled. She’d skipped breakfast, wanting to avoid Aunt Lucille. She picked one up and her mouth watered. “Thanks!”
“No problem.” Zoe turned back to her computer.
Maggie hurried out of the building, her cheeks burning. She didn’t think that being an assistant handyman was beneath her, but it wasn’t what she’d pictured herself doing. She’d thought Zoe might need an assistant or perhaps take her place if she was going to be taking some time off.
It was also her fifth no for a place to live for the morning. If things didn’t improve, she would end up renting something outside Indigo Bay. That might be for the best, actually. None of her neighbors would care who she dated.
Maggie pulled out her phone and went to her note app. The next on her list was the Happy Paws Pet Shop. It wasn’t far away, between the cottages and city park beach.
Before she reached the door, Maggie could see Sterling Montgomery inside, painting a kitten on the store’s window.
“Hey there, Maggie,” he greeted her.
“Hi.” She gave a little wave.
“Can I help you with anything? We just got a litter of kittens in. They’re sweet little things.”
Maggie forced a grin. “Actually, I was wondering if you have any job openings.”
“I wish we had your old position to offer you, but one of the teens filled it for the summer.”
“That’s okay. Just thought I’d check.”
“Did I hear someone ask about a job?” Violet appeared, pulling her long hair into a ponytail. “Oh, hi, Maggie. Are you looking for work?”
Maggie nodded. “I am.”
“We don’t have anything, but my cousin Cassidy is in town for a convention. She was saying she could really use some help.”
“With what, exactly?” Maggie tried to ignore the prick of excitement budding.
“She runs a doggie daycare and hotel back in Enchantment Bay, Oregon, and she’s getting ideas to improve her business. There are too many classes for her to attend by herself, so she’s looking for someone who can go to some of those and take notes.”
“Doesn’t she also need some help with bookkeeping and notes?” Sterling called.
Violet nodded. “I think she does. Are you interested?”
Maggie nodded. “How long does she need help?”
“It’s only a week, but she really wishes she had someone to assist her. She’ll pay top dollar. We’ll also give you a glowing referral since you were such a great employee for us.”
“I have a business degree. When can I meet her?” Maggie asked.
Violet glanced at the clock. “Wonderful! She should be in here in about an hour or two—she didn’t get any sleep on her red-eye flight last night.”
“Can you send me a text when, I mean if, she wants to meet me?”
“Sure.” Violet smiled. “And I know she will. You still have the same number?”
Maggie nodded. “Thanks so much!”
They said their goodbyes as she headed out the door. She wasn’t sure what Violet meant by top dollar, but it certainly had to help.
Maggie was so excited, she headed over to the little house. Inside, she found Canyon sanding cupboards in the kitchen.
He glanced around as he climbed off the step stool. “You shouldn’t be here. Harry could come downstairs at any moment—he works for Lucille, if you’ve forgotten.”
“Let him see us together.” Maggie kissed him, then sneezed from the dust on his face.
Canyon wiped his brow. “I thought we were going to sneak around?”
“I have a job. Well, probably. And it’s only a week, but it’s a job. I can look for something more permanent during my breaks.”
Footsteps sounded down the stairs.
Canyon pulled Maggie aside, opened the door to the pantry, and waved her in.
“Are you serious?”
“Hurry!”
Maggie glared at him but stepped inside. Canyon closed the door, and a moment later, she could hear the muffled conversation between him and Harry.
It sounded like Harry wanted to work on the cabinets with Canyon.
Maggie groaned and leaned against a shelf. It was dusty and stuffy in there, and she wanted to get home to freshen up before meeting Cassidy. She couldn’t show up covered in dust.
After a minute, Maggie shifted her weight. The shelf popped loose and sprung up before crashing back to where it started.
She spun around and reached for it, but the noise had already been made.
Harry said something in the kitchen, sounding startled.
Canyon responded. It sounded like he said something about mice.
Maggie put her hands over her face and shook her head. If Harry opened the pantry door, it would be a lot worse for her than if she’d just been in the kitchen.
He would tell Aunt Lucille about this for sure.
She felt around for a light switch and found none. So she jumped to position, pretending to work on the broken shelf.
A minute later, the doorknob wiggled.
Her pulse raced, drumming in her ears. She fought to keep her breathing steady and she forced a smile, trying to think up an excuse that didn’t sound completely stupid.
The door creaked as it opened slowly.
She moved the loose shelf up and down, trying to look like she was doing something useful. Inside a dark pantry.
Light blinded her. Once her eyes adjusted, she saw Canyon standing there.
“What are you doing?” The corners of his mouth twitched.
She glanced behind him to see where Harry was. She spoke as loudly as she could without yelling. “Just trying to fix this shelf. You know, like you asked me to.”
Canyon chuckled. “Harry just left to get some rat traps.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. Otherwise I couldn’t do this.” He stepped into the pantry, pulled her close, and kissed her.
Maggie’s heart raced, and she was breathless by the time he stepped back.
Canyon grinned. “That was kind of fun. I actually like this sneaking around.” He scooped her up and kissed her again. “Don’t you?”
“It does have a certain appeal.” Even if it did make her feel like a teenager again. Maybe that was part of why she loved it.
Chapter 21
Maggie leaped out of the shower, conditioner still on her hair, and reached for her ringing phone without checking her caller ID. It could only be one of two people, and she didn’t want to miss a call from either Violet or Canyon.
“Hello?”
“Maggie, it’s me,” said the all-too-familiar male voice at the other end of the line. “Don’t hang up.”
She nearly dropped the phone, and not because of her slipp
ery hands. “What do you want, Dan?”
And why hadn’t she blocked his number?
“I have something important to tell you, but it can’t be over the phone.”
Her stomach lurched. She never thought she’d have to speak with her now-engaged ex-fiancé again. “I don’t want to see you. Just tell me what it is.”
“Didn’t you hear me?” He sounded annoyed. “I told you, it’s too important to say over the phone.”
She stared at the growing puddle pooling under her as if it would tell her what to say to get Dan off the phone.
“Are you still there? Maggie?”
“I’m here, but I need to get going. Tell me, or don’t. I need to get going. I have an appointment to get to.”
“Can you come here?”
“Have you lost your mind?” Maggie exclaimed. “No, I can’t. I have important things to do, and I’m not dropping any of them to drive to Georgia. Much less to see you.”
He sighed, something he only did when highly irritated. “Okay, then. I’ll come to you.”
“Really, you don’t have to.”
“Where are you? It’s noisy in the background.”
“Near a waterfall.” She wasn’t about to admit she had stepped out of the shower to talk to him.
“They have waterfalls at Indigo Bay?”
“I’m hanging up now.”
“Are you still staying with your aunt?”
“Bye, Dan.” She ended the call and set the phone down before climbing back into the shower.
The phone rang again as soon as she started to rinse the conditioner out. She stayed put. No way she was talking to Dan again, and she also couldn’t talk to anyone else right then. He’d managed to completely sour her mood.
She sprayed some aromatherapy mist and breathed in the relaxing aroma, holding it until she felt a little better. Then she repeated the process until she was in the right mindset to head over to the pet store and meet Violet’s cousin.
Dan kept popping back into her mind, but she pushed him away. She’d finally managed to move on, and he decided to reappear in her life? Did he have some kind of radar detector or something?
Stop!
Maggie left the house through the back door and avoided Aunt Lucille. Maybe she’d feel like talking to her again once she had a permanent job lined up. Maybe.