Grand Parade (Show Time Fever Book 1)

by Lilliana Rose

  Table of Contents

  GRAND PARADE

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Epilogue

  GRAND PARADE

  Show Time Fever Series #1

  LILLIANA ROSE

  SOUL MATE PUBLISHING

  New York

  GRAND PARADE

  Copyright©2017

  LILLIANA ROSE

  Cover Design by Syneca Featherstone

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, business establishments, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

  The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

  Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Published in the United States of America by

  Soul Mate Publishing

  P.O. Box 24

  Macedon, New York, 14502

  ISBN: 978-1-68291-303-1

  www.SoulMatePublishing.com

  The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  To Leesa,

  Tough Diamonds sparkle strongest in clusters.

  Acknowledgements

  A big thanks to Erica who has listened to my thoughts and plans for stories and characters and simply told me to go and write. I’m finally getting some of these stories out in the world, thanks to you support Erica. And thanks for encouraging me to write rural romances.

  Thanks to my crit partners, Nat and Sam, who always so politely and supportively point out when things are working in stories.

  Thanks to my tough diamonds support group, Maggie, Leesa, and Carla, who make everything feel better with coffee and bubbles and lots of talking.

  Thanks to my sisters for their encouragement of my writing, and their enthusiasm when I tell them that I have a book coming out.

  Chapter 1

  Click. Click. Click.

  Megan Lyall moved out of the way of the oncoming cattle, clutching her camera close to her chest, hoping she managed to get a good picture of the cow that lumbered toward her. Its huge size sent a shiver through her and she stepped back further.

  A mixture of cattle, horses, goats, alpacas and the occasional sheep were being led down to the main arena of the Royal Adelaide Show in readiness for the Grand Parade. Sunday afternoon, Day Three of the show and families coming out to enjoy the spring weather packed the grounds. It was also Father’s Day, always the first Sunday in September here in Australia.

  A pang of guilt pierced Megan’s stomach. Her dad had been so gracious. He knew it was important for her to work today. Still, guilt twisted inside her as she watched cream-colored cows being taken to the gate at the arena. She moved forward, lifting her camera, determined to get a series of photos to represent the Grand Parade.

  She wasn’t sure where it was safe to get the best photographs of the animals who had won top prizes at this year’s show. But, she was giving it her best. Standing here at the entrance to the arena, camera ready to take the photos for the Stock Journal, she found herself distracted by some of the men leading the cattle.

  Their toned arm muscles, broad-brimmed hats, and tight moleskin jeans. Very tight cream moleskin jeans. The heavy cotton material molded around the men’s butts and thighs showing off their muscles from the physical labor they did on their farms.

  Megan crouched down to take a shot of the oncoming cattle, not of the men leading them from a lower perspective. She looked through the lens, concentrating on focusing the image quickly as the cattle moved closer.

  Click. Click. Click.

  “Look out!”

  Megan saw a blur of cream through her lens, and was about to put down the camera when something connected with the side of her skull. She screamed, the only reaction she could manage. An explosion went off in her head. Tiny sparks flashed on the edge of her vision as she fell backward. Her mind filled with something like a night sky, black with tiny lights that crept further into her vision every time she blinked. It fascinated and distracted her from the pain that throbbed in her head.

  She thudded on her backside on the concrete. A new wave of pain swept through her body. Air escaped from her lungs and Megan gasped. She managed to piece together that she’d been hit in the head, though by what exactly she wasn’t sure. People rushed towards her.

  Embarrassment flooded into her cheeks. The last thing she wanted to be was the center of attention. That’s why she was a photographer. She could hide behind the camera. My camera? She reached for it, and sighed with relief when her fingers wrapped around it. She looked down at her SLR digital Canon camera, and it appeared to be in one piece. It was hard to tell because of the pounding in her head.

  More stars flashed. She noticed they twinkled in time with the bursts of pain.

  “They don’t have points.” Megan knew she had spoken, but her voice sounded faraway, and not at all like her own.

  “Are you okay?” A man knelt beside her. He was one of the men she’d been distracted by. She tried to look at him, but could only see the flashing stars now retreating to the edge of her vision. A fog seeped into her mind and she struggled to think clearly.

  “No points,” she said again with disappointment. She’d never had a serious injury before, never broken any bones, nothing like today’s accident. So, this is what it’s like to see stars. The expression used didn’t describe the experience at all. Megan touched the side of her head, to make sure it was still there. She hadn’t blanked out which she figured was a good thing.

  “What are you talking about?” The man touched her shoulder.

  “The stars I can see,” said Megan, not totally processing what he had said. She looked at him. He was young, mid-twenties, about her age. His broad-rimmed hat hid most of his blond hair, and his blue eyes were crystal sharp. Light stubble edged his broad jawline. He was hot. She was rather impressed she had managed to work that out through the haze flooding her mind.

  “Shit.” He rested his hand on her shoulder. “My Bruce hit your head, more like grazed it along the side from the looks of the mark, but still I’m sorry he was such a shit.”

  “Bruce?” Megan looked at him, trying to understand. “Is that your name?”

  “No. My bull. His hoof struck your head. Lucky it was only a half jump he made, and it wasn’t a full on blow.”

  “Oh, so that’s what happened.” She wasn’t sure it was a half kick from the way her head felt. The adrenalin was dissipating and a heavy thudding took hold in her head. Megan tried to smile at the man by her side. This wasn’t the ti
me to flirt, but heck, she couldn’t help it. Even through the pain and the fog. God I must look like an idiot. She closed her eyes as her head throbbed extra hard.

  “Shit. We’d better get you to a hospital.”

  “Oh no, I’m fine.” Her awareness fought with the aching drumbeat in her head. Megan became more aware of the crowd of people around her, and their rising concern. Mortification heated her cheeks. She had to get away from the onlookers. She didn’t like being stared at, especially for doing something stupid.

  She tried to stand. The world slid sharply to the right and she gasped, unable to correct her balance. Strong hands gripped her waist, pulling her upright. But, it was more than that. They held her close to the man who had been talking to her.

  “You are not all right,” he said, genuine concern thick in his deep voice. “A knock to the head is serious.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Megan ignored the swaying motion that had taken hold of her, concentrating on her breathing to help stop the rising acid in her stomach. The last thing she wanted to do was to throw up in front of this hot guy. “Just give me a minute.”

  “You’ve had long enough.”

  “No doctors.” Her voice came breathless with fear. The last time she was at a hospital was when her mum passed. She didn’t ever want to go back. “It’s only a little bump on my head.”

  She tentatively touched her forehead. A big egg-like bulge stood out. I’m sure it’s worse to feel. She swallowed hard, pushing down the rising panic. “No emergency clinic either.”

  Something warm and sticky stuck to her fingers. A sickening chill gripped her. She lurched, part of her knowing the cause of the liquid. She wasn’t good with blood.

  “You’re bleeding.” His voice softened.

  Megan slowly became aware of the trail of blood sliding down her face. Her knees buckled.

  He caught her before she collapsed, an automatic reaction. “I’m taking you to the first aid room. Head injuries are serious.”

  Before she could protest, he scooped her up, one arm around her lower back, the other under her knees and started walking. She leaned forward but he simply tilted her backwards so she had no option but to rest her head on his shoulder. His heartbeat sounded slow and rhythmically and helped ease the queasy sensation from the movement in her head. Giving into his help, she relaxed against his body. His heat soothed her along with his strength. His spicy smell held a hint of sweat. With a sigh, she realised she could stay like this all day.

  The first aid room was nearby. Megan felt a little disappointed as he deposited her on a chair in the small basic room that smelt like antiseptic. She wanted his arms around her and to nestle against his chest again. Now, he stood next to her and other thoughts surfaced.

  How am I going to keep my job? Her editor specifically wanted photos of the Grand Parade, which would have well and truly started. She couldn’t afford to be seriously injured, or even have a migraine. The work she did was contracted, and if she didn’t get the photographs she wouldn’t get paid. Plus she’d bailed on the family Father Day celebrations for this, and it was all going terribly wrong. Hot man standing next to her or not, this wasn’t the way the day was meant to unfold.

  Megan’s head spun and she rested her head in her hands, suddenly overcome with dizziness. She closed her eyes.

  “What happened?” The nurse arrived, a short slender lady, who had an air of experience. Her black hair was cut short in a practical style and she wore a uniform of dark blue slacks and shirt, which hung loose and casual, but still looked professional.

  “She got struck in the head by a bull,” said the guy.

  Megan’s head pounded and she tried not to think.

  “You might be concussed,” said the nurse, pausing to peer at Megan’s face. “Can you tell me your name?”

  “Megan Lyall.”

  “Age?”

  “23.” She glanced over at the guy, suddenly self-conscious that he was learning so much about her, when she didn’t even know his name or age.

  “Do you know this lady?” asked the nurse, looking over her shoulder to him.

  “Um … no … just it was my bull who did the damage.” He shoved his hands in his pockets.

  “How about you wait outside for a while?” The nurse was firm but polite.

  “I want to make sure she’ll be all right.”

  Megan risked opening her eyes and saw the genuine concern on his face. It was a glimpse of his hotness, which sent her mind swirling in a different direction, but it had been worth opening her eyes before she closed them in hope the motion would still.

  “Let me help her first,” said the nurse, a slightly agitated tone to her voice.

  Even though it was his bull that had injured her, Megan knew damn well it was her own fault. She didn’t want the guy who had helped her to be scared off by the nurse. That aside, he was sexy, and she wasn’t really wanting him to disappear without saying thank you. Or without learning his name.

  “I won’t go without seeing you.” Megan opened her eyes again to look at him. The apprehension on his face warmed her heart. He’s a sweetie. He might look tough, strong, with a bad boy edge, but she could tell by the worry in his blue eyes he was a genuine good guy.

  “I promise.” She smiled at him. The movement hurt her head, but she kept smiling. She felt uncomfortable with him here while she was examined. He was a stranger after all, and even though he was hot as hell, she wanted a little privacy. She wanted to know that she was all right, so she could get back to taking photographs of the show. Then, she wanted to at least learn his name. She didn’t want him to be feeling guilty, or indebted to her. He’d helped out enough, and she planned to make that clear to him.

  “Okay. But if you need me to help you, like take you to the hospital or doctors, or anything, you make sure you let me know. I want to help you.” He hesitantly left them.

  “We’d better clean up this cut,” said the nurse. “The good news is it won’t need stitches.”

  Megan breathed out in relief, but the mention of stitches sent another wave of dizziness through her.

  The nurse put her hand on her shoulder to stop her from toppling over in the chair. “You might need to go see a doctor.”

  “No. I’ll be fine. I need a moment. I’m not good with blood.”

  “I’ll clean up the cut first, then we can see what you need. Can you walk to the back room?”

  Megan nodded. Then immediately regretted the movement. I can do this. She wasn’t about to let a bump on the head stop her from doing the work she loved. I’ve got a cute guy waiting for me outside. She used his hotness for motivation to help stand, then to walk slowly to the back room, the nurse close by her side, ready to catch her if she fell.

  The nurse helped her to lie on the examination bed. Despite being of slight build, Megan could feel the strength from the woman, which helped to make her feel more at ease. Being prostate helped eased the pain in her head. It didn’t take long for the nurse to clean up the abrasion.

  The hot thoughts Megan had for the guy outside as she wondered what his name was, where he was from, and really did he have a girlfriend or not distracted her from the procedure. Probably. A guy that good-looking can’t be single. I’ll thank him on the way out, then be on my way. The thought hung heavy in her mind. It wasn’t at all what she really wanted to do.

  The longer Megan lay, the better she felt, and with the help of some painkillers, she found she could actually sit up without seeing stars or the world spinning.

  The nurse removed the latex gloves and put them in the trash bin. She went to the sink and washed her hands. “I would recommend you visit a doctor.”

  “No.” Megan kept her answer short. “It’s only a bump. The blood shocked me, rattled my world.”

  “Well, if you get over sleepy, or the pain worsens, promise me you will?” The nurse’s tone made Megan feel like a naughty pupil.

  “Okay.” She swung her legs over and paused. The motio
n didn’t cause any nausea. She tentatively eased her feet onto the ground. So far so good. The stars had all but disappeared, and the painkillers dulled the throb in her head.

  “There’s one more thing,” said the nurse, raising her dark eyebrows.

  Megan looked at her questioningly. She’d been hoping to get out of the first aid room without being forced to go to a hospital or doctors.

  “You shouldn’t be alone for the next few hours. Just a precaution if you are concussed.”

  “Fine.” She’d say goodbye to the man outside, process her photos, then go home. Her dad would be there. No wait. He was going out tonight.

  “Is there someone I can ring?” The nurse had read Megan’s expression easily.

  Damn. Megan tried to think, which was still a challenge.

  “Is there a parent to call? A friend?”

  Megan sighed. She didn’t want to bother her dad and her sister had just had baby number two, so she had her hands full. Same with her friends. Megan didn’t like to cause a fuss, or have one made of her, whether or not it was warranted. Then, she remembered that Kristie was here at the show, exhibiting sheep.

  They had met in high school. Kristie was one of the boarders. They’d kept in contact since graduation, mainly by social media, and Megan wasn’t sure she wanted to burden an old school friend by asking her to babysit.

  “I’ll be around people at the show.” Megan hadn’t meant to speak out loud. If anything happened, someone would come to her aid. There were thousands of people here. It wasn’t like if she suddenly collapsed that no one would notice.

  “Not the same thing.”

  Megan sighed. “I’ll call a friend.” She pulled out her phone and messaged Kristie, sending a simple text since she didn’t need to know all the details. Was she still at the show? Megan asked if she could come by and take photos. It was enough to please the nurse.