by McCoy, SJ
“Well, if it's kid stuff, shouldn't I be in on it?”
Megan let her breath out. Safe! If he had a kid, the kid would have a mother, and therefore she did not need to feel so self-conscious.
“And, since you’re in my seat and no one is introducing us, I'll do it myself.”
Her stool spun around and she found herself face to face with a broad chest, covered by a denim shirt. She counted the buttons as she slowly lifted her gaze. When there was no more shirt, she took in a strong chin, beautiful full lips turning up in amusement, a dimple sitting next to them, making it impossible not to smile back. Finally she met bright green eyes, shining mischievously. All she could do was stare. There were a lot of handsome men sitting at this table, but...this one? Good grief! He was breathtaking! She had to get out of here.
Those green eyes held her own, the dimple on his cheek deepened as his smile grew wider. “It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Michael. And you....are beautiful.”
The blonde woman was glowering now.
“Nice to meet you,” she mumbled. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize this was yours.” She felt herself blush as he ran his eyes all over her.
“No worries, darl’. You can sit on mine any time you like. I’ll even pull it out for you.”
Oh, good grief, he wasn’t just talking about the chair! He was saying...and even worse, her body was responding to his words! She was all warm and tingly. She had to get away from him. “I was just leaving.”
She got down from the stool and fled.
She pushed her way through the doors and out into the cool night air, grateful to feel it against her flaming cheeks. What a horrible thing to do! She wasn't beautiful, she knew that. How could he be so mean to plain old her? Especially while she was sitting next to that blonde woman who truly was beautiful. He was just like the kids back in high school, getting his laughs by embarrassing her. She stuck her hands in her sweatshirt pocket and started walking across the square.
“Megan!”
Oh, no! It was his voice. It was an Australian accent, she placed it even as she put her head down and picked up her pace, pretending not to hear. It was no good though. Now she could hear his footsteps. He was running to catch up with her. She considered breaking into a run herself, but she knew she wasn't fast enough. She'd have to face him. Oh God, please let this be over quickly. She stopped and turned around. He ran easily across the square. Everything about him—his gait, his clothes, his easy manner as he caught up to her and smiled that disarming smile—absolutely everything, told her she needed to get away from him, fast. He was one of the in-crowd, one of the cool kids, and she was just a dork who didn't need to stick around for the humiliation.
“Megan, I'm sorry, darl'.”
“No problem. I just have to get home. I'm sorry I was rude.” She had to make herself stop staring at the beautiful, full lips smiling back at her. Wait! She was smiling? She made herself stop. “There was no need to come out here. And I should get home.” She couldn't make herself start walking though.
He was still smiling at her. “Can I at least walk you home?”
Oh, my goodness, no! “No thank you. You should go back to your evening and your friends.”
“I'd rather walk you home and make a new friend.”
She just stared. He couldn't be serious? Men who looked like him weren't interested in being friends with women like her. Ben must have sent him out to apologize.
He hung his head, though his eyes still shone with mischief as he smiled at her. “I’m sorry, okay? I was just trying to have a laugh with you. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Let me make it up to you. Let me walk you home? Unless you've got someone waiting there for you?”
Perfect! He'd given her the out she needed. “It's kind of you to offer, but as a matter of fact there is someone waiting. He'll be cross that I've been out this long, and I don't think he'd be too pleased to see you coming back with me. He's not friendly with people he doesn't know.”
He grinned. “Honestly? You're not just giving me the brush off?”
Oh, no! He didn't believe her! What could she say?
“If there really is a guy waiting at home for you, what's his name?”
“Ollie,” she replied without missing a beat.
Michael's face fell. Apparently now he was convinced. “Right, okay.”
No way did she believe he was as disappointed as he looked. He was probably relieved, just didn't want to show it.
“Well.” The dimple had disappeared along with his smile. “I'm sorry to have bothered you. I didn't mean to offend.”
“No problem. It was nice to meet you. I hope you have a lovely evening.”
She turned and started walking as fast as she could. She needed to get away from him. She couldn't quite believe how attractive he was and she totally could not believe that the disappointment on his face was genuine.
Chapter Two
Michael slumped back into his seat next to Missy.
“Seriously, Michael?” asked Ben. “I told you she was shy!”
“Did you not find her, hon?” asked Missy.
“Yeah. I found her.” He looked at Ben. “And I apologized. She wouldn't let me walk her home though.” He was surprised how disappointed he'd felt when she'd said there was someone waiting for her. He should be used to it by now. It seemed ever since he'd come back to the lake, every woman he met was already involved with someone. It hadn't bothered him till now. Till this little Megan. He wanted to get to know her, but she wasn't available. He gave Missy a sad look. “You could have told me.”
“Told you what?”
“That she's with someone.”
Missy frowned at him, looking puzzled. Ben smiled across the table at them. “She told you about Ollie, then?”
Michael nodded, not understanding the grins passing between Missy and Ben. “All right guys. There's no need to laugh at me, just because I only go after women who are already spoken for.”
“Good to know,” said Leanne who was sitting on the other side of him. “I was starting to take it personally.”
He smiled at her. “Nah, nothing personal darl', you're a beaut.”
She smiled back. He had revised his opinion of her this evening. She wasn't the cold and calculating creature he'd thought her to be at all. She was just too smart in some respects—and too clueless in others. He could understand how she and Dan were such great friends.
“That little Megan just got to me. Something about her, I don't know.” He shook his head.
“If you really like her, you shouldn't give up,” said Missy.
He looked at her. “But if she's with someone...?”
Ben was still grinning. “Just figure her out first. Like I told you, she's not your usual type, she's shy. But if you like her, you should probably meet Ollie before you give up. I think he has some Australian heritage too.”
Missy let out a little laugh at that and Michael raised an eyebrow at her. “Going to let me in on the joke?”
She shook her head. “No. I'm not. I'd rather sit back and watch.”
Michael shrugged. Whatever the joke was, he was relieved that they both seemed to think there was some hope. He was intrigued by that little lady. He didn't want to give up, but he didn't want to go treading on some guy's toes either.
“Hey guys.” Jack raised his voice from the other end of the table. “I'm about to take wifey home. We're all heading back to the city in the morning. Do any of you want to do breakfast before we leave?”
“I'm in,” said Michael. “I'm up for anything this weekend. Since my little man's not around, I've got nothing but time to kill.”
“Me too,” said Ben. “Typical that you're all heading out the first weekend I've got any time to spare.”
“Why don't you come with us?” asked Emma.
“Because we want him here!” said Missy.
“Yeah, I reckon those of us not headed to LA will have a better time,” said Michael. He looked at Ben, then Dan. “What
do you say, mates, shall we take the boat out tomorrow afternoon?”
“Sounds good to me,” said Dan.
Missy gave him a pointed look before turning to Leanne. “What would you like to do, hon?”
Leanne smiled. “I'll go along with anything. I think I've caused enough trouble. I'm just going to do as I'm told from now on.”
Michael chuckled to himself at the apologetic smile she gave Laura, and the way Smoke scowled before standing up and taking Laura's hand. “Well, this is us gone. We'll be down for breakfast early. Then I'll have to head out to the airport to get Papa Charlie ready.”
Once all the goodbyes were done with, Michael wandered across the square and out down Main Street. He let himself into the house and took a cold beer from the fridge. It was weird to be here without Ethan. He hoped his little man was having a good time with the old guys up at the camp cabin. He couldn't even call to say g'night to him. He knew Gramps would drive them up the hill to where they could get a signal in the morning though. Seven a.m. check-in was the plan. He couldn't wait.
He sat on the back deck looking out at the lake. So much had changed in the last six months, and changed for the better. He'd never dreamed he'd come back to live in Summer Lake, but he was glad to be here, glad to be among friends, and glad that Ethan was settling in so well.
He took a swig of beer and smiled as he thought about Megan. From what Ben and Missy had said, maybe there was some hope for getting to know her. He usually just stuck to flirting with women. He enjoyed it. He enjoyed seeing them respond to him, enjoyed knowing that they were interested, and that he had no intention of doing anything about it. Now he was interested. He wanted to know more about the timid little lady who hid her beauty behind big glasses and her body inside baggy clothes. He'd just have to hope that this Ollie guy was nothing serious. He'd get Ben to fill him in tomorrow, or Missy. One of them would crack if he bugged them enough.
***
After he'd talked to Ethan, Michael decided he had time for a quick bike ride before meeting the gang for breakfast. He wouldn't get his full hour in, but he could at least do the short circuit out along the river and back down by the public beach. He pulled on his cycling shorts and grabbed his helmet then headed out. It was weird to do this on a Saturday morning without Ethan, but the boy was off having fun. He'd been all excited about going fishing with Scot. It was good for him to be getting out and doing stuff without his old dad in tow the whole time. Michael climbed on his bike and set off down the street. He'd be able to set a good pace while he was out on his own. He should make the most of it.
Half an hour later he was coasting back down the hill towards the public beach. There was hardly anyone there yet. He could see one figure walking a dog, but that was it. He brought his bike to a halt and leaned it up against a tree. He loved to walk the beach when there was no one around. He wandered down to the water's edge and started skimming stones out across the lake. It was like a mill-pond this morning.
As he threw a stone, a dog came running down the beach, barking and wagging. Michael bent to stroke him as he went crazy around Michael’s legs. “Hey, fella! It's nice to meet you too.” The dog barked and barked and seemed to be grinning at him as he jumped around his legs. “Calm down, mate!” Michael laughed. “What do you want? You want me to throw for you?” He picked up a stick and threw. The dog barked happily as he chased after it and brought it back. He dropped it at Michael's feet and sat panting expectantly, waiting for him to throw it again. Michael grinned. “Don't you have a two-legged of your own to do this for you?” He looked around but couldn't see the dog's owner. He threw the stick again and laughed, watching the dog wiggle as he ran. He didn't have a tail, so instead he was wagging his bum as he went. He really did seem to be grinning as he came back with the stick in his mouth. He dropped it at Michael’s feet. Michael wasn't sure what breed he was, but he was beautiful, black and gray on his body with white and tan on his chest and nose. He had those blue eyes that sometimes made dogs look crazy, but just made this guy look smart.
Michael picked up the stick and teased as the dog jumped for it. He barked and barked and jumped trying to get it. Michael laughed when the dog put his paws on his chest and barked at him. He wasn't being aggressive. It was more as if the dog was talking to him, telling him to get the hell on with it and throw the damned thing.
He heard a shout from behind him. “Ollie! Stop it! Get down, boy. Leave him alone.”
Michael had to laugh. He knew that voice. He threw the stick and the dog chased after it while he turned to look at Megan.
“I'm so sorry. Are you....” Her voice trailed off when she realized who he was. She met Michael's gaze. “I...I...I'm sorry. He can be a bit wild. He didn't hurt you?”
Michael laughed. “I'm fine. We're having fun.”
The dog came back and dropped the stick at his feet again. Megan looked embarrassed. “Ollie! Bring it to me.”
The dog gave a short bark at her then started wagging around Michael again. Michael squatted down and made a big fuss of him. “Thank you, Ollie. I'm very pleased to meet you, boy.” He looked up at Megan, her cheeks were red. “So, this is Ollie, huh?”
She nodded, but said nothing.
“Well, he seems pretty friendly to me. And now we know each other, don't we boy.” He threw the stick again and walked over to Megan while Ollie chased after it. She was wearing baggy jeans again and another shapeless sweatshirt. He was dying to know what she would look like without them, or even just in something more flattering. When he reached her, she looked up at him. She really was tiny; she only just came up to his shoulder.
“I...I...I'm sorry,” she said. “But I didn't lie. He's not normally friendly with strangers at all.”
Michael smiled. “He must like me then, huh? And you know, they say dogs are the best judges of character. Since Ollie's prepared to give me a chance, I think you should too.”
Her eyes widened. He couldn't make out what color they were. Kind of hazel, brown, and green, and gold flecks all shimmered together. “What do you mean?” She looked as if she was ready to run off again, so Michael quickly dialed back the joke he'd been about to make.
“I mean, last night I said I'd like to walk you home and make a new friend, so why don't you give me the chance to do that this morning? I'm headed to meet the gang for breakfast at the Boathouse. Come with me, let me walk you home afterwards.”
She shook her head. “I...I...I can't, thank you. I have to get Ollie home. Give him a bath, and...and...”
Michael smiled. “It's okay, that's two excuses, you don't need to wrack your brain for more. I get it. You think I'm pig ugly and you don't want to be seen out in public with me.” He gave her a forlorn look.
***
“Don't be silly! You're incredibly good looking—and you know it!” Oh no! Megan hoped that she hadn't really just said that out loud. Michael's grin confirmed that she had. It also confirmed that she was right, that this was a man who could never in a million years be described as pig ugly, and that he was fully aware of that fact.
She watched him bend to make a fuss of Ollie who was wagging around his feet again, waiting for him to throw the stick. Traitor! Michael threw it then straightened up. His smile softened.
“Sorry Meggie. I kind of set you up with that one to see what you'd say.” He winked at her and she could feel her heart race in response. He was so sexy! And the crazy part was that he made her feel sexy. Not sexy enough to know what to say though. She just stared at him, at his lips, and at that dimple.
“So which part would be worse?” he asked. “Coming out for breakfast with me, or letting me walk you home?”
She thought about it. “Coming out for breakfast. I'm not good at being around a lot of people.”
“Okay.” He rubbed his chin, pretending to be thinking really hard. “So, how about I come pick you up at lunch time, and you come out on the boat this afternoon? That's only a few people. Missy and Dan, and Ben. You know all of them
, and Leanne from last night too. Then I'll walk you home afterwards.”
Megan shook her head. “No. It's very kind of you, but no thank you. I can't.”
“Why not?”
Good grief! He wasn't going to let her off the hook easily, was he? She wasn't about to tell him that he made her so nervous she couldn't think straight. Wasn't about to say she found him far too attractive to spend an afternoon with him and his friends. “I...I...I....” Oh no! He really did make her nervous. She'd conquered the stammering thing years ago and here she was back to it. She took deep, calming breaths and centered herself as she had learned to, before trying to speak again. He was smiling at her, waiting patiently. He didn't look like he was about to laugh at her stutter, if anything he felt like he understood and was silently encouraging her. She took one more deep breath then said, “I can't because I'm working this afternoon, but thank you. It's very kind of you to offer.”
He took a step towards her. She froze as she craned her neck to look up at him. The goosebumps were racing down her spine, just as they had when he'd leaned on the back of her chair last night. “It's not kind of me Meggie, it's self-serving. I want to spend some time with you, get to know you. One way or another it's going to happen. I'm just working through possibilities till I find one that you'll go for.”
She didn't have any words for that. What could she say? She had no point of reference. Men didn't talk to her like that. Certainly not men who looked like Michael.
He threw the stick again for Ollie. “So, how about I try another possibility? Since you're not big on groups of people, let me take you out to dinner tonight. Just you and me. We can go to Giuseppe's and sit out back. No one sits out there now that the nights are cooler. I'm not going to quit till you say yes to something.”
Go out for dinner with him? Just the two of them? Like...a date? Surely he couldn't mean that?