Hidden (A McKenzie Ridge Novel Book 2)

by Stephanie St. Klaire

  As it turned out, they weren’t calling more often, Blake and Dawson just turned off their radios, leaving all the dirty work to Colton. Assholes. He would even the score, but not until he finished all of the rum cake, apple pie, and various cookies and bars he was rewarded with at his last ass pinching. Dirty birds.

  Friday night ended with a community cookout to celebrate a successful week, hosted by several different area restaurants and ranches. Booths were closed a bit earlier and dismantled, so everyone could attend. Their final event would be the Gala, the following night. It was the last opportunity of the year to hold such an event with cooler days and crisper nights settling in with the first snow just around the corner.

  As the final night of the weeklong event, the committee took a moment to acknowledge Meg as their head of committee and mastermind behind all of the new and improved festivities. The local crowd cheered for her, a job well done by their newest member. She was at it again, in her element, soaking up the kudos and best wishes for the final event, tomorrow’s Gala.

  Colton couldn’t get enough of her as she smiled from ear to ear, her joy filling the space. She was amazing, the final piece to his puzzle, what made him whole. Her happiness and new sense of belonging wasn’t lost on him. He thanked God every day for bringing her to McKenzie Ridge and making her his…forever.

  ***

  Countdown to Gala began the moment they all woke. The gang who made up most of the committee gathered bright and early to prepare the event venue. The women handled the details while the men were the muscle. By early afternoon they had transformed the eclectic one hundred year old white building that resembled a large old barn or swollen old school house into a stunning shabby chic Gala full of vintage and glam flare.

  It boasted gorgeous picture-like windows that were enormous in size and stretched nearly to the three story ceiling and rested across every wall allowing in the natural light that reflected off the crystals that seemed to be strung everywhere. It had large rolling barn-type doors that added an element of character that you would think clashed with the elegance strung through the building, but it actually complimented it nicely. The day’s natural beauty flooded in, reflecting off the various elements scattered throughout the space offering a romantic ambiance.

  The well-worn white chipped walls were perfectly complimented by the antique iron chandeliers that hung from the high wood beams. The aged, white washed, wood tables were strategically placed to maximize seating without crowding the buffet or stage. Vintage metal chairs circled those tables as they were covered by vintage candelabras, each different, and surrounded by fresh floral arrangements.

  Crystals hung from each centerpiece and filled the bouquets while simple burlap ribbon and streamers added an organic feel. Each table had a card that looked like a doily with a number in the middle to prompt guests to their purchased seats. A matching paddle was placed in the center of each plate atop the white napkin with a raffia bow tying them together like a delicate package. The paddle would be used for the live auction…everything had a hint of rustic and a hint of glam.

  The second level, something of a large loft, held the bar. It was open for mingling, with limited seats, and perhaps dancing, should the lower level dance floor become crowded. Every inch of the venue was well planned and spent. Megan had thought of every last detail and pulled it off with a stunning rustic charm that only she could.

  She had transformed an old, often overlooked, eye sore and made it a magazine worth view that was sure to get more and more attention after this event. It was a breathtaking experience that represented all things Megan—beauty, class, and natural elegance.

  “Wow Fancy Pants… you fucking did it!” Jessie said in awe, which was the highest compliment one could receive.

  “It’s stunning, like gorgeous, glitzy, wedding stunning,” Everly offered.

  “Yeah, I wish I wasn’t already married so I could do it here!” Sam contributed, getting a furrowed brow from Dawson.

  “Oh honey, you done good. You took a bunch of old stuff and spit shined it real good,” Granny said holding Meg’s hand in her hand, patting with the other, full of pride for her newest handpicked family member.

  “It is beautiful, isn’t it?” Megan questioned, eyes filling with tears, her heart full.

  “Yes, so beautiful,” Colton replied looking directly at her.

  ***

  As the afternoon expired, the group scattered, each finding their way home to ready for the event. Colton found Megan sitting on the back porch, staring off in the distance, Duke at her feet, head in her lap.

  “You’re spoiled, boy!” He regarded the pooch with a scratch of his ears.

  Megan smiled at Colton’s presence and playful jealousy of his dog.

  “Aww, that isn’t possible, is it, Dukey?” She said in a childlike voice.

  “Dukey? Sounds like you just called him crap,” Colton said laughing. “At the very least you’ve stolen his man card…Dukey…” he finished, as if disgusted, shaking his head.

  He smiled and pulled her into him. She closed her eyes and inhaled his freshly showered scent, waking all of her senses; especially those that made her cross her legs a little tighter.

  “What has you so distracted? Everything okay?” He asked with a pinch of nerves.

  “Everything is perfect,” she said full of meaning, with a sincere grin. “So perfect it feels like a dream.”

  He smiled and kissed the top of her head, pulling her even closer. “It is, finally. Now tell me what you’re really thinking about,” he said.

  “I’m just thinking about everything. The Gala, Esteban, the security everywhere. Are you worried? About any of it?” She confided, feeling a bit insecure.

  “No. Esteban is Dec’s problem, and he’ll get him. His people are everywhere and the best at what they do. The Gala is going to be a success. Some really hot chick did an amazing job planning it,” he teased. “My only worry is you. Keeping you safe, happy, and to make sure tonight is as epic as you are.”

  “Hmmm, epic huh? Are we still talking about the Gala?” She ribbed.

  “Megan, my heart stops at the sight of you. My world stops if you’re not in it. Every promise I’ve made to you, I intend to keep. I have waited so long for you; I will fight to keep you, no matter the circumstance. You never have to worry, that’s my job, forever.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in for a long, deep kiss full of promises and those forevers. Colton scooped her up and cradled her in his arms, moving toward the door. She tossed her head back giving him a squealing giggle.

  “Stop, I have to go take a shower and get ready!” She bartered.

  “Me too!” He shot back full of mischief and ideas on how they could remedy their shower dilemma.

  “But you just took one! Put me down!” She playfully struggled.

  “It seems I’m feeling a little dirty again and I promised you epic…” he said smacking her ass before going inside to fulfill his promise.

  Chapter 29

  Nerves. Unrelenting nerves plagued Colton while he waited ever so patiently for Megan to finish getting ready for the Gala. He paced the floor unsure of the source of nerves, he felt like a libidinous teenager waiting for his prom date to grace his presence. He recalled a similar feeling, when they were in Portland and he waited for her to be ready for their date. Another milestone evening, another set of nerves, he concluded.

  The suspense was killing him, he couldn’t wait to see her in “the perfect dress” that she had been raving about since she found it on their trip. Really, he just couldn’t wait to see her. Time away from her left a noticeable gap in his heart, a craving that was probably ridiculous in nature, but he didn’t care.

  Tonight, everything would be different, he planned a dream come true and he hoped the outside threats didn’t interfere with a single moment of this night.

  ***

  She took one last look in the mirror, taking a final spin. Satisfied with what she
saw, she grabbed her clutch and went to find her guy. She found her dashing beau standing in the living room staring out the window. As if he could feel her presence, he slowly turned and drank her in. She could feel his every thought as he soaked in her beauty from head to toe.

  Her cheeks blushed from the breathy sigh she released when he fully turned to face her. Daily, Colton was a sight to appreciate; in a tuxedo, he was heaven on earth. His broad shoulders and tapered waist were only the beginning. His sleeves pulled ever so slightly at the girth of his arms, and perfectly tailored pants displayed his perfect, round asset.

  Her mouth was watering. This breathtaking man was lethal. If she read his reaction correctly, he was impressed by her evening attire and was likely trying to decide what was beneath it, dirty boy.

  “Megan, you…you…” When he couldn’t finish his statement, Megan’s smile faded, insecurities nagging.

  “You don’t like it,” she said wide-eyed, as a statement rather than a question.

  “No! I love it. There just aren’t any words worthy of how you look tonight. Stunning is an insult, you exceed beautiful, honey. I can’t even keep my thoughts together here!” He said with a nervous chuckle while tugging at his collar.

  A satisfied grin crept back to her face, he was speechless, and nervous, mission accomplished.

  Her champagne colored dress flowed as she moved. The deep V Marilyn Monroe style halter revealed a tasteful amount of cleavage, while the hi-lo style full skirt displayed her tanned legs from the shin down in front while a trailing train followed. She stalled for a moment, popping out one foot displaying her vintage inspired rhinestone clad feet, before spinning, revealing his favorite part of her ensemble.

  The halter met at her neck, and a tie at the waist to hold her dress closed revealing an entirely bare back that he would enjoy resting his large hands on all night. Her hair pinned high, he looked forward to nipping at her long, sweet, neck while dancing with her, slow and close.

  She gave him a perfect pout and watched him through thickly lashed, hooded eyes, and finished her seductive sway, making her way to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a heated, intimate kiss that lacked nothing. His hands caressed her back, moving up her sides to stroke the sides of her breasts that her dress left exposed, leaving a trail of goose bumps in his wake.

  “We’re never going to make it to your Gala if you keep doing this to me.” He said leaning into her so she could feel how turned on he was by her.

  “It wouldn’t be the worst idea we’ve ever had, handsome,” she flirted.

  “Oh no, honey, this is your night. You save this …” Colton said, biting her lip with a kiss, “…for later.” He grabbed a handful of her ass, pulling her in for one more teaser of a kiss.

  ***

  Ooh’s and ahh’s filled the building as tourists and locals alike entered the first annual Crystal Showdown Gala. The group of friends gathered near the entrance to greet those who entered and direct them to the various areas of the venue. Jessie, being Jessie, pointed out the bar only.

  Megan was overjoyed by the flattering first impressions of the party goers.

  “Wow, toots, you nailed it! We’re going to have to keep you around!” Morgan teased, pulling her into a sweet side hug. “Careful, no wrinkles,” she joked, referring to her stunning evening gown.

  “Am I the only one shocked to see Jessie in a dress?” Carigan asked.

  “Nope! Don’t worry, it’s still her, I’m sure she’s wearing combat boots under there!” Sam chimed in, half surprised, but mostly amused.

  “It’s not even short and skanky…or black! It’s like a princess threw up on her!” Evie added, arms crossed, drink in hand, assessing her friend.

  “And its…pink?” Blake interrupted in a soft admiring tone, unintentionally drawing all eyes and knowing grins to himself. “What? I thought the color pink died when she put it on,” he recovered.

  “Yeah, yeah…I’m in a fucking dress, I have heels on, and I’m wearing…gasp…make up!” Jessie tossed back, sarcastically putting her hands over her mouth as if she was shocked by her own admission. “Get over it, assholes!”

  And there she was, like the foul mouthed, hard ass, bar brawling Cinderella she pretended to be.

  “Geez, if we throw water on her, will she melt?” Morgan teased.

  “Wrong effing fairy tale, Officer Tits,” Jessie fired, pointing to the ample cleavage Morgan displayed in her red satin strapless gown with the hand that wasn’t holding her bourbon and water.

  Morgan scanned the group and followed their eyes down to her display, shrugged her shoulders and brow and said, “Touché!” before saluting Jessie, taking a long swig of her matching bourbon.

  “So how were all the kids, Ev? More importantly, how was Lou when you left?” Dawson asked of Evie who lives with her grandmother.

  “Evie took a long pull from her glass of Champaign with a dramatic eye roll. “You mean Gran and her team of old bitties…the wrinkled nanny brigade?” She questioned. “Let’s see, there were at least two ass grabbing warnings for I don’t even know who, before I left. As I pulled away, Gran was hanging out the windows tossing plastic bags of cookies into the bushes.”

  “Cookies in the bushes?” Colton questioned with a bewildered look on his face. “They promised to stay sober!”

  “Oh they were sober, that’s what makes it so embarrassing. She’s throwing cookies at the men Declan has posted outside…in the bushes! I heard her ask the two inside if they knew CPR and how to give mouth to mouth!” Everly finished, taking another long drink, emptying her glass.

  “Sounds like we may need bail money before the night is over,” Sam joked.

  “I don’t know, her cookies are really good…it may be enough!” Blake said in all seriousness. “What? I’m just saying these guys are used to dealing with hoodlums like Valdez—I’m sure they can handle some little old ladies.”

  “Go Gran and the mafia!” Jessie said with a laugh, clearly the only one who found the humor in dirty old ladies and their antics. She was likely taking notes of her own.

  ***

  Doc Charles and his band, the scalpels played throughout the evening while event goers enjoyed fabulous food, dancing, and mingling. The last event of the night was the live auction, emceed by the town’s Mayor, Jed Baker, of Baker’s Bakery. Up for bid, McKenzie Ridge’s hottest. First hottie of the night, none other than Blake Cooper.

  “Does everyone have their paddle ready? This one should go quickly!” Jed said full of venom. Blake shot him a go to hell look, fully aware of where Jed’s haste was coming from.

  “Alright, do I have five dollars? Surely we can find someone Officer Angry hasn’t pulled over…five dollars folks. You get a pizza dinner, generously donated by Ponderosa Pizza, and a ride along with Officer Stickler here!” The banter between the two, genuine as it was, surprisingly engaged the crowd drawing quite the bidding war over a very chafed Blake Cooper.

  The wannabe Barney Fifes fell out of the bidding early while a few hot and bothered women battled over the now, Officer Hottie, doing great things for his alpha ego.

  Finally reaching the five hundred dollar threshold, with no end in sight at five dollar increments, a familiar voice shouted, “One thousand dollars!” While holding up her paddle. Jessie Clarke.

  Blake’s eyes took on a smoldering gaze while a devious grin crossed his face. Not even Jed Baker could rain on this parade.

  “Seriously? For him?” Jed questioned in confusion.

  “Yes!” Jessie replied. “Someone ought to put an end to this! For the kids and all…” Jessie retorted, giving the two bickering bidders the stink eye daring them to top her bid. As expected, they didn’t cross the town badass that made grown men cry.

  “What the hell, Jess? You know that’s Blake, right? Something you want to share with us about you and Blake?” Carigan asked in shock.

  “What, did you see those vultures bidding on him? I saved his ass and he knows
it. He owes me a solid!” She said with a sly grin.

  “Uh, honey, you realize you just spent a grand to go on a date with Blake, right? A friggin’ grand!” Evie said, surprised.

  “Yeah, like I said, he owes me…one thousand dollars worth…owes me,” Jessie replied with an ornery chuckle.

  “He would have dated you for free,” Morgan said under her breath as she sipped on her drink, which earned her a shut the hell up look from Jessie.

  “What? Just saying what everyone was thinking,” Morgan said before polishing off her glass of wine.

  The night went on with Sam winning Dawson and vice versa, even though married, it was all for fun and in the name of charity. Everyone went through their public humiliation as the attendees bid on each of them. Evie won Doc Charles, while Carigan and Morgan were bid on by members of The Scalpels.

  The last auction of the evening was for Colton. Best for last, as they say. His popularity as the town’s love struck, dream boat became apparent when a group of bidders, narrowed to no less than ten women, nearly reduced to hair pulling and slappy hands each bid.

  When the bids climbed quickly by one hundred dollar increments, Megan finally stepped in, doubling the highest bid, offering seven thousand dollars, getting an instant “sold” from an impressed Jed Baker, and a sultry rogue grin from her prize. This would be the best seven grand she ever spent.

  ***

  Megan met Colton on the second level; the bar had closed as the night was winding down. They had about an hour left before it was officially over. The music played while people slowly made their way out, some hanging around for one last glass of bubbly and dessert with friends.

  With the upper level entirely to themselves, they danced to the slow enchanting music in a seductive embrace. Colton held her head, as he kissed her full of wicked desire. Her hands roamed under his jacket, dragging her nails down his back through his shirt, teasing him with her sweltering plan.

  He rested his forehead to hers and whispered, “You’re killing me.”