Love in Hiding

by Diane Holiday

  Soon, he’d find a way to get to her alone and take her back.

  Chapter 25

  Midday, a rap sounded on the suite door. Sarah had come back for lunch and wasn’t expecting anyone. “Who is it?”

  Fluffy jumped up from his bed and scampered to the door barking.

  “Bruce.”

  Her heart started at his voice, a kneejerk reaction before the pain of their situation flooded back. It had been two days since he’d talked to her about picking up Maddie. She’d managed to avoid him, but every time she caught sight of him, her chest grew tight. If only he’d never kissed her. Or smelled so good. Or made her crazy with wanting him from one look.

  On the way over to unlock the door, she glanced at the empty couch and stopped short. Her purse was missing. Earlier, she’d counted the money in her wallet and left the handbag on the sofa. Her gut rolled. Joe said he’d found a radiator and tires. She had just enough to pay for them.

  “Sarah?”

  She flung open the door, hurried back to the couch, and searched behind the pillows.

  “What’s wrong?” Bruce asked.

  “My purse is gone.” She gazed around the room then beelined to the bedroom. Everything was as she’d left it, with no purse in sight. Her pulse galloped in the base of her throat.

  She pressed her fingers to her eyes. A feeling of déjà vu crept over her. The stalker used to hide and move things around in her dressing room to prove he could get to her anywhere. He liked to mess with her. Somehow, he must have been in the suite.

  Her lungs seized, and her hands turned ice-cold.

  The whole thing was starting over again.

  She flung open drawers and rifled through them. Panic overcoming logic, she headed to the bathroom and checked the shower.

  Bruce gripped her arms and held them firmly until she opened her eyes. “Calm down. You aren’t acting rationally. It wouldn’t be in the shower.”

  “What?”

  “Think. When’s the last time you had your purse?”

  “This morning. I ran up here between chores at ten to call Maddie and count my money. I know I left it on the couch.”

  Bruce’s eyebrows shot up. “Why were you counting your money?”

  Like she’d tell him that. It was none of his damn business. “What difference does it make? If the purse is gone, so is the money.”

  Fluffy wedged himself between Bruce and Sarah. He nudged her hand and whined.

  Bruce’s gaze dropped to the dog. “Was he in here when you came up earlier?”

  “What?” She glanced at the vanity top. Nothing appeared to be in a different spot.

  “The dog. Did he come in with you?”

  “Yeah, he follows me most times. Why?”

  Bruce let go of her and went back into the family room. He bent down and looked under the sofa. Fluffy shoved his head under Bruce’s arm and licked his face like they were playing some sort of fun game.

  “What are you doing?” Sarah asked.

  “Thinking like a dog.” He crossed the room to Fluffy’s bed, picked up a corner, and then snatched her purse from under it. “I found the thief.”

  “Fluffy?” She let out a breath.

  Bruce handed the bag to her.

  “He must have taken it when I was in the bathroom.” The tension in her muscles uncoiled. Her gaze rested on Bruce’s chest. She wanted to bury her head in it and feel his arms around her. Kiss those sensual lips that worked magic and made the world fall away. No. None of that would happen again. She slapped the desire aside and placed the purse on the counter out of Fluffy’s reach.

  Bruce took a step back. “I stopped by to check on the arrangements to get Maddie.”

  “Right.” Of course. Reliable, responsible Bruce. He hadn’t come to see her. All business, he wanted to fulfill his obligation. She tucked a stray hair behind her ear, and his gaze followed her movement. His jaw set. She could swear his eyes flashed, but it happened too fast for her to be sure.

  She picked up a piece of paper from the coffee table and handed it to him. “I gave Maddie your cell number. This is hers. She said she’d call when she got into the next town on Friday. She’s going to be at their library.”

  He tucked the note in his pocket and glanced at her purse. “Okay. Listen, about your money situation, if you need—”

  “No, thanks. I don’t need anything from you aside from a ride for Maddie.”

  He stared at her for a long moment, nodded, and let himself out.

  Her tongue grew thick in her mouth. He had to think she was a paranoid mess. He’d accused her of being irrational. Probably questioned her sanity like the cops had when she’d told them things had been moved around in her dressing room. Bruce had to be patting himself on the back right now for getting away from her and her craziness.

  She sat on the couch and rubbed her forehead. He may not be interested in her anymore, but she couldn’t shut down her emotions like he could. He’d awakened feelings and sensations she’d never experienced. All the logic in the world didn’t stop her from aching for his touch. The way he looked at her with those cold, detached eyes hurt too much. She’d have to leave after Maddie’s visit. The car should be fixed by then, and any job she could find, she’d take.

  Finally, Friday night. Sarah checked her watch. Six o’clock. Maddie would be here soon. The last couple of days had been sheer hell working around Bruce and yearning for what she couldn’t have. Seeing her sister would be the bright spot in her week. Hell, her life at this point.

  Maddie had texted her that they were a few minutes away. Sarah waited on the porch until Bruce’s truck arrived.

  He pulled a suitcase out from behind the seat as Maddie hopped down. She had dressed for the warm weather in jean shorts and a yellow tank top. Her red hair blew wild in the wind.

  Sarah ran down the steps to greet her.

  Maddie threw her arms open for a hug. She squeezed Sarah so hard she couldn’t breathe. After a long embrace, Maddie took a step back. Her gaze traveled up and down Sarah, and she nodded. “You look good. I was scared of what I might find.”

  “Thanks for the flattery. I won’t let it go to my head.”

  Bruce picked up the suitcase. “I’ll take this inside for you.”

  “I can get it,” Maddie said. “You’ve done enough.”

  Sarah faced Bruce. “Thank you.”

  “No problem.”

  Sarah turned back to Maddie. She couldn’t take those cool eyes of his.

  “Nice meeting you, Maddie.” He opened the truck door and got in.

  Sarah’s gaze followed the pickup as he drove away. Her insides compressed.

  “Holy shit. I’m here one minute and there’s major drama,” Maddie said.

  “What?”

  “You. Him. Now it all makes sense.”

  “What makes sense?” Sarah squinted. Nothing had happened that should send up any red flags.

  “The two of you. Sheesh, you could have given me a heads-up.”

  “About what?”

  “That he’s got a thing for you.” Maddie ran a hand through her curls. She sighed. “No wonder he didn’t bite when I tried to flirt with him.”

  “What?”

  Maddie waved a hand. “What do you think? You send this smoking-hot guy to pick me up and don’t mention you’re involved. That’s like handing matches to a pyromaniac.”

  “God, Maddie. Do you ever stop? I have to work with him.”

  “Relax. I wasn’t going to sleep with him. I just like to flirt.”

  Sarah frowned. “What makes you think we’re involved?”

  “The way he looked at you. Did you have a fight or something? When we pulled in, I glanced over at him, and his eyes were tortured when he saw you. Then, he iced over when you spoke to him. What’s going on?”

  Huh, so maybe he did still have feelings. But he was determined not to act on them, so it made no difference. Sarah shook her head. “Grab your suitcase. We can talk inside.”

 
; They climbed the steps, and Sarah led Maddie to the suite.

  Fluffy jumped up from his bed and raced over to them.

  “Oh, look at this cutie. He’s so sweet.” Maddie bent and petted the dog while Sarah poured iced tea.

  She gave Fluffy a chew toy, and he scrambled to a corner and went to town on it. “That will keep him busy while we catch up.”

  After handing Maddie her tea, Sarah took a seat next to her on the couch.

  “Now clue me in. What’s up with you and Smoking-Hot?” Maddie asked.

  “First things first. Is there any news on the stalker?”

  “No. It’s been all quiet. Maybe he’s given up.”

  “I don’t think so. I can’t count on it, that’s for sure.”

  “How are you handling things?” Maddie glanced at the curtained windows.

  “I’m doing the best I can. Tell me what’s going on with everyone.” Sarah sipped her tea and sat back.

  Maddie leaped to her feet, yanked an envelope out of her suitcase, and handed it to Sarah. “Mom mailed me a letter to bring to you.”

  The sight of her mother’s handwriting made Sarah’s eyes blur. She ate up every word of the note like a starved child handed a loaf of warm bread. “God, I miss them. I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Me too.” Maddie sniffed and cleared her throat. “You’ve stalled long enough. What’s going on with Bruce?”

  “Nothing. We went hiking together one time, and halfway through the date he ran for the hills.” Sarah shook her head. “No pun intended. He made it clear he’s not interested in me.”

  “That’s total bullshit. I saw the way he looked at you when you had your back to him. Like you were the prize in a big gumball machine and he didn’t have a quarter.”

  Sarah smiled. “Strange analogy.”

  “It fits. He wants to eat you up.” Maddie let out a low whistle. “I’m telling you, when he pulled up in that truck and I saw those biceps…” She held a hand to her chest. “That guy is sex on a stick, and that’s a lollipop I’d love to lick.”

  “For God’s sake.” Sarah had forgotten that Maddie had no filters.

  “Relax. It’s hands-off from now on. I didn’t know he was taken.”

  Sarah huffed out a breath. “We are not involved. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.”

  “But you want to be.”

  “No, I don’t.” Only she did, in the worst way.

  “Yes, you do.”

  “Don’t.”

  “Stop lying to yourself. Now back up. What happened on the hike?”

  Sarah’s cheeks warmed. Sitting on his lap, his hot lips on her mouth.

  “Holy shit. You’re blushing.” Maddie scooted closer. “OMG. You did him!”

  Sarah jerked her head back. “No. We just kissed.”

  “Oh. Well, that’s a start. How was it?”

  “Good. I mean, I’ve never experienced such chemistry before. He sure acted like he felt it too.” Right up until he’d ditched her.

  “Did he have a boner?”

  Geez. She wasn’t about to discuss Bruce’s…anatomy. “This conversation is over.”

  “Sorry. I forget how shy you are about guys. I meant was he into it?”

  Sarah sighed and leaned back. “I thought so. But it doesn’t matter. We had lunch, and then he got this weird look on his face. Date over.”

  Maddie frowned. “I know what I saw. This is far from over.”

  “Well, it is for me. I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

  “Okay, for now.” Maddie glanced around the place. “What do you do around here for fun?”

  “Fun?” Sarah shrugged and pointed to a book on the table. “I read. Debbie let me borrow her library card.”

  “Seriously? When’s the last time you’ve been out?”

  “I went to the store the other day.”

  “No. I mean for real out. Like someplace fun.”

  Sarah shook her head. “I don’t. I can’t risk someone seeing me. I stick to the library and food store. I wear a hat and keep a low profile.”

  “We’re in the middle of nowhere.” Maddie waved her hand. “You don’t know a single person within five states of this place. And I don’t mean to insult you, but it’s not like you’re a major movie star. Who’s going to recognize you?”

  “Still, I can’t chance it. I’m sorry, Maddie. I know this is going to be boring for—”

  “Oh, shut up. It’s not about me. I figured you were going to say this, so I came prepared.” She marched over to her suitcase and unzipped it.

  “What are you talking about?”

  She dug around for a second, and then tugged out a long auburn, curly wig. “This way you won’t look like the old you or the new you.”

  Holy shit. Sarah choked on her tea. “You’re crazy.”

  “No, I’m not. You’ve been holed up for too long. Haven’t heard a peep from your computer creeper in over two weeks. We’re going out. I even brought you a dress to wear.” She produced a small strip of red, silky fabric.

  “That’s a dress? It looks like a Fruit Roll-Up.”

  “And you’re going to look sensational in it.”

  No way in hell she’d wear that. “I really don’t—”

  “Look, I ran it by Anne, and even she said it should be all right with the disguise.”

  “She did?”

  Maddie nodded. “Yes. Call her if you don’t believe me.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “There’s a cool-looking bar not far from here I found online. We could—”

  “Online?” Sarah tensed. “Oh no. Did you google that on your computer?”

  “No. Relax. I did it at the library.” Maddie squeezed Sarah’s arm. “I know how freaked you are. I don’t do anything related to you on my computer. Neither does Anne.”

  “Okay. Sorry.”

  “Anyway, the website said the bar used to be a warehouse. People left comments about it being the happening place to go in this small town. What do you think?”

  Sarah rubbed her chin and willed her nervous stomach to calm. Maddie had a point about the disguise, and it might get her mind off Bruce for one night, but they’d have to find a way to get there. Joe had fixed her car, but driving with stolen plates was too risky. “Maybe if Debbie says we can take the truck. I hate to ask, but it’s not like they need it at night for anything, and I could offer to pay for gas.”

  Maddie fist-pumped the air. “Hot damn. Now we’re talking.”

  “If we go, I’m not wearing that red, slinky thing. I can’t draw attention to myself.”

  Maddie held up the dress and shook her head. “Damn shame. You would have had the guys drooling over you.”

  “Exactly my point.”

  “Okay. And I can drive so you don’t have to worry about getting pulled over and flashing that fake ID.”

  “Well—”

  “That’s it. Go find this Debbie and ask.” Maddie shooed her away, like her bossy little self. “We’re hitting the town, girl.”

  Chapter 26

  Sarah squeezed her hands together in her lap as Maddie drove the truck. “I really don’t think this is a good idea.”

  “We’ve been all through this, and you’re going to have fun. Wonder what Lollipop Man would say if he saw you now. I like you with the curls.”

  “He wouldn’t say anything. I don’t exist to him, apparently.”

  Maddie waited for a car to pull out of the packed parking lot of the bar and took the space. She glanced over at Sarah and frowned.

  “What?” Sarah met her gaze.

  “If you want to go back, it’s okay. I just thought this might cheer you up. I’m not trying to—”

  “No, I’d like to feel normal again, you know, for one night. You were right. I’m tired of being a recluse. No one will recognize me. Let’s go.”

  Maddie smiled and patted Sarah’s arm. “That’s the spirit.”

  After they got out of the truck, Maddie smoothed
down the front of her skirt. When Sarah had mentioned not wanting to draw attention, Maddie chose a brown mini and a cream clingy top that showed off less cleavage than her usual going-out attire. She’d sighed, as if in pain, when she’d tossed aside her stilettos in favor of lower heels. Nothing too sexy, but she’d get hit on wearing a trash bag.

  After much debate, Sarah also had worn a miniskirt, but black. They’d compromised on the top. A silky red button-down. Sexy in a conservative way. Maddie liked the color, Sarah, the coverage.

  Neon beer signs flashed in the windows of the large building. Sarah swung the door open and surveyed the mobbed room, noting the hall across from it with restrooms and another exit. Always good to have an escape route.

  Band members plucked strings and tested the mic in a corner behind a small dance floor. High-top tables with metal clips holding drink-special cards surrounded the rectangular bar. Wooden steps led to a second story with pool tables and another bar.

  Maddie weaved through the crowd, and Sarah followed. All the tables were taken, and people stood behind the occupied seats at the bar.

  Maybe upstairs wouldn’t be as packed. Sarah pointed to the steps. Maddie nodded, and they made their way to the stairs. Maddie stopped. “Hey, there’s Bruce.”

  No way. Sarah glanced at the table ahead where sure enough, Bruce and another man sat with a couple of beers in front of them. Her heart battered her rib cage.

  “Hmm. This is an interesting development.” Maddie smiled. “We have to say hi.”

  They would run into Bruce. Of all things. Totally mortifying. Sarah yanked on Maddie’s hand, but she forged ahead in the direction of the table.

  “Hi, Bruce,” Maddie called.

  Bruce glanced up, and his eyes widened. His gaze darted around the people next to Maddie and right over Sarah. He grabbed Maddie’s arm and stood. “Where’s Sarah? Is everything okay?”

  Too late to avoid him now. Sarah raised her chin. “I’m right here.”

  Bruce’s head snapped back, and he scanned her from head to foot. His jaw went slack.