by Deanna Chase
Chad stared straight ahead, knowing he’d crossed lines. He should’ve told her. Should’ve given her his phone number and asked her to keep in touch. Let her know he was behind the cash. But he’d been so guilty and so unavailable while they toured Europe. If she had gotten into trouble, it wasn’t as if he could just hop in a car and go kick Leo’s ass.
“You had someone spy on me.” Her voice was ice cold.
“Not spy. More like watch over,” he said.
“Call it whatever you want, but you could’ve told me. You should’ve told me.”
“You’re right. I should’ve.”
Luna blew out a frustrated breath. “This isn’t how I expected the evening to go.”
“I know.” Chad closed his eyes. “I’d take you home, but I have to play a few songs after dinner. If you want, you can take my truck. I’ll figure something out, some way to get back to Keating Hollow.”
She let out a heavy sigh. “No, Chad. I’m not taking your truck. I’m frustrated and upset, but I’m not going to abandon you here. Let’s just go in.”
“Are you sure?” he asked. Her expression was blank, but her entire body was tense, and the last thing he wanted to do was subject her to the fundraising crowd. “Everyone is going to ask you how we know each other and want to make small talk. Are you up for that?”
Her steely gaze leveled him. “It’s fine. I can handle a little small talk.”
“Of course you can,” he started, but before he could get the rest of the words out, she was already out of the truck and headed toward the Victorian.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Luna strode into the great room of the Victorian, ready to spit fire. Just who did Chad Garber think he was anyway? In the matter of five minutes, he’d managed to turn a hopeful night into one she wished she could forget forever. He’d spied on her. Lied to her. And treated her like… what?
Like she was helpless? No. He definitely hadn’t done that. If he’d thought she was helpless, he’d have done far more than just hand her a pile of cash. No, he’d treated her like she needed some help. Which she had.
She could still remember the pure, raw emotion of the day when she’d walked out of juvy. At eighteen years old, she was free of jail and foster care, with a few hundred bucks in her pocket and an address to a group home if she’d needed it. She’d absolutely intended on going to the group home, just until she could get a job and figure out a better living situation. But then the woman with long black hair and earrings lining one entire ear had shown up out of nowhere, claiming to be a private courier with a box for her.
Luna had taken the box and found the cash. It was exactly two hundred dollars more than the amount that Pam had taken from her.
There hadn’t been any question what she should do next. She took off, heading north, found a room to rent when the short-term lease was up, and went to work at another coffee shop. There’d never been a reason to look back. Leo and Pam had become people from her past that seemed almost unreal after a while.
Had Chad given her that gift? The money he’d given her that day had absolutely changed her life. Shouldn’t she be thanking him for looking after her instead of giving him the cold shoulder? Logically, her head knew he’d probably given her the greatest gift of her life. But her heart? It felt broken that he’d done everything in silence. Her pride was bruised, and she was embarrassed that he’d known just how broken her life had been. That he’d kept tabs on her and never reached out. Why?
Had he known she’d moved to Eureka before he’d come back to Keating Hollow? A weird mix of excitement and dread settled over her at the thought. Guh! What was wrong with her? Why did it make her giddy to think he’d moved there for her while simultaneously pissing her off that he might’ve been watching her every move the past three years?
“Good evening,” a woman in a long black velvet dress said. “Welcome to the Lost Coast Youth Gala.”
“Good evening,” Luna said, giving the woman her attention.
“Do you have a table assignment yet?”
“Luna is with me,” Chad said from behind her. He stopped and held his hand out to the woman. “How’s it going, Fiona? Looks like a good turnout.”
“Oh, Chad. Hello.” Fiona shook his hand and then turned to Luna. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
“You, too,” Luna mumbled, watching as Fiona smiled up at Chad, her eyes sparkling with interest.
“Everyone is dying to hear you play, Chad,” Fiona said, maneuvering so that she could slip her arm through his. She snuggled up to him and placed her head on his shoulder. “Thank you so much for doing this. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”
“I’m happy to,” he said, glancing over at Luna.
Luna had an intense desire to tug Chad away from the gorgeous woman. Instead, she wrapped her arms around herself, just so that she wouldn’t make a scene.
“This way, Chad,” Fiona said. “I want you to meet some people.”
Chad’s jaw clenched, and Luna had the distinct impression that he didn’t care for the woman that much. “Just a sec.” He reached out a hand to Luna.
She stared at it for a moment.
Chad’s deep blue eyes met hers, and she saw a whole host of emotions there, not the least of which was regret.
Dammit. She didn’t want him to feel that way. Luna was aware enough to understand that most of her emotions had to do with her own insecurities, and Chad didn’t deserve to be shunned just for trying to help her get past a terrible time in her life… even if he had stayed silent. It wasn’t what she preferred, and they’d have to have a heart to heart about transparency and trust going forward, but it wasn’t as if he’d betrayed her. In fact, up until she met Lincoln Townsend, Chad had been the one and only person who’d cared for her unconditionally since she’d lost her adoptive mom over fifteen years ago.
Forcing herself to relax, she reached out and slipped her hand into his. Chad’s fingers instantly tightened over hers, and he pulled her closer as he disengaged from Fiona’s clutches.
“Okay, lead on, Fiona. Who is it you want us to meet?” Chad asked.
The host of the event frowned, looking put out, but she caught herself almost instantly and pasted on a smile. “This way. The Dantons gifted the foundation with a substantial amount. Their only request was to meet the man with magic fingers. The wife is a huge fan of classical music. She’s heard you play a number of times.”
Chad gave the woman a polite smile, but squeezed Luna’s hand. She didn’t miss the anxiety that flashed in his eyes. Magic fingers indeed. She wondered how much pain he’d be in while trying to get through the performance. Knowing him, she knew he’d give it everything he had and end up with a claw hand again. She squeezed back and focused on the muscles in his palm, sending a tiny bit of her magic over his skin.
He let out a small contented sigh and mouthed, Thank you.
She stepped closer to him and whispered, “You’re welcome.”
Fiona led them around the room, anxious to introduce Chad to all of the wealthy patrons who were there to support the youth center. She was charming and witty with all the guests, the perfect person for getting people to open their wallets. The one thing she was not good at was remembering Luna’s name. Fiona introduced her as Lana, Linette, and even Nona at one point. After a while, Luna just found it comical, but by the fourth butchering of Luna’s name, Chad lost his cool.
“It’s Luna,” he huffed out, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her into him. He smelled of soap and redwoods and pure sunshine. Luna took in a deep breath and felt the last of her irritation with him disappear.
“Oh, sorry. I’m just so bad at names sometimes,” Fiona said with a fake laugh.
“Not when they are attached to four-figure checks,” he muttered. But then he pasted a smile on, shook the hand of the man they’d just been introduced to, and then said, “It was nice to meet you again Mr. Xing. If you’ll excuse us, I need to find Luna a seat and then get warmed up for the performan
ce.”
“Of course. We’re looking forward to hearing you play again, Mr. Garber.”
“This way,” Chad said, leading Luna through the crowd. He kept a tight grip on her hand, not even letting go when they made their way into a small office. Chad sat down in an arm chair and tugged her down to sit sideways on his lap.
“Don’t you have to play soon?” she asked, laughing as she leaned into his chest.
“Yes, but I just needed a minute to get away from Fiona and her too important friends.” He tilted his head back and closed his eyes. “I’m so sorry about that. Fiona can be such a snob.”
“I’m not sure it was snobbery that had her acting like I was a second-class citizen,” she said softly, her free hand itching to touch his masculine jawline. “She has a thing for the evening’s pianist.”
His eyes flew open. “No, she doesn’t.”
“Yeah, she does.” Luna knew they needed to talk, get a few things straight, but she couldn’t help herself. She stared at his lips, dying to taste them. “But too bad for her, you’re already taken.”
Surprise flashed in his gorgeous eyes as he studied her face, drinking her in as if he couldn’t quite believe what she’d just said. “I am?”
“Yeah, you are,” she said softly and leaned in. His lips were soft and warm under hers as one of his hands gripped her hip. His touch was everything. She wanted to shift her body, to straddle him, and to press her hands to his cheeks and kiss him like she really meant it. But there would be time for that later. Right in that moment, there were things to be said. She pulled back, putting a little distance between them. “I’m not saying I’m happy about how you went about trying to help me three years ago, but I am saying thank you. Your actions probably saved me from a life I was desperate to get away from, and I have no idea how I’m going to repay you for that, but I will.”
“Repay me?” he asked, astonished. Then his expression turned serious as he added, “No, Luna. There’s no reason to repay me for anything. What you’re doing for Levi right now, that’s all I could ask for.”
“Pay it forward, huh?” She ran her fingers over his jawline, finally giving in to the temptation.
“Yes. And that’s exactly what I did, too.” He wrapped his arms around her tighter and pulled her closer, brushing his lips over her cheek. “It’s not a mystery as to why I was so compelled to help you back then, Luna. My home life with my stepfather was… not good. My mom refused to see it, and the only reason I got out is because a teacher went to bat for me and helped me get into a school that took me out of that situation.”
Luna’s stomach dropped. “Your stepfather was abusive?”
He nodded. “My mom had full custody, and while I was allowed to visit my father, he and Barb weren’t exactly stable back then. He was a musician and she was an artist. They moved around a lot. Living with them wasn’t an easy solution, though I’m sure if I’d had the courage to tell Dad what was going on, he’d have moved heaven and earth to get me out of there. It’s just…” He shook his head. “Kids don’t always think rationally about stuff.”
“It’s not your fault,” Luna said, her voice earnest. “You hear me, Chad. It was never your fault.”
He nodded. “Logically, I know that. I just wish I’d known then what I know now.”
She wrapped her arms around him and held on tight. “You were a kid.”
“Yeah.” He pressed his face into her neck and placed a light kiss just below her ear. “So were you.”
Luna felt tears prickle the backs of her eyes. She wanted to cry for Chad, herself, for Levi, for all the kids that were suffering because the adults in their lives were shitty people. But instead she just said, “Thank you for being there for me when I needed you, for doing what you did, even though it hurts my pride, and for doing something when no one else would.”
“I’d do anything for you, Luna,” he said. “Then and now. Always.”
A tiny sob got caught in her throat as she forced out, “Call me Hope.”
He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
He leaned in, his lips barely brushing over hers as he said, “You have no idea how happy that makes me, Hope.”
She kissed him softly and tugged him closer for another long hug. And when they finally broke apart, she took his injured hand in hers and started to massage, sending her magic to all of his aches and pains.
“Damn, that feels incredible,” Chad said letting out a small moan. “Thank you.”
She grinned at him. “If you’re going to wow all those rich patrons into opening up their wallets, you’ll need to be at the top of your game.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chad sat at the piano, his hands gliding easily over the keys. The massage Hope had given him, combined with her healing touch, had been pure magic. His injured hand almost felt just as it had before the altercation with Leo. There was a slight bit of tightness, but nothing to hinder him while he played the two pieces he’d promised the organizers. The first one was a fast, fun number that had the guests stomping and clapping along. The second was haunting and full of emotions. The music rolled through him, taking him over as he slid into that place where nothing else mattered. Only the music.
By the time the last note sounded, Chad was vibrating with pure elation. He hadn’t expected to feel that way while playing again, not with his hand so messed up. But he’d forgotten all about his injury, the fact that he no longer played with a company, or that his life had taken a dramatic turn. His joy for music had returned in full force, and he had one person to thank—Hope.
He sat at the piano, scanning the crowd, looking for the one woman he cared about. Patrons were crowding the piano, already clapping as he reached the crescendo of the piece. His fingers pounded on the keys, releasing a dramatic finish. The crowd erupted with whistles and cheers. Chad stood, craning his neck for a glimpse of Hope. Where was she?
Fiona strode forward, her arms reaching for him, but then his phone buzzed in his pocket. He quickly grabbed it and spotted a text from Hope.
Levi’s in trouble. I have to go now. I’m calling a cab. Sorry. You were wonderful.
“Chad, you were amazing!” Fiona said, finally catching up to him and wrapping her arms around him.
He quickly stepped back out of her embrace. “Excuse me.” Chad turned and headed straight for the door already tapping out a message.
“Chad! Wait!” Fiona ran after him. “You can’t leave. The patrons want to congratulate you on your epic performance.”
He barely cast her a glance as he said, “Sorry, Fiona. Family emergency. I have to go.”
“But—”
Chad didn’t wait around to find out what she was going to say. After hitting send on his message to Hope, he broke out into a jog and headed straight for his truck. He breathed a sigh of relief when he found Hope already standing next to his truck. Her expression was pinched and full of worry. He quickly pulled her into a hug. “What happened?”
Hope’s arms tightened around him, but she quickly let go. “I’ll tell you on the way. Let’s go.”
Chad hit the Unlock button on the key fob and ran around to the driver’s side. Once they were on the road, he glanced over at her. “Is Levi all right?”
“Physically, I think so.” She pressed a button on her phone and frowned. “His uncle showed up looking for him tonight.”
“In Keating Hollow?” Chad asked, his grip tightening on the wheel.
“Yeah. Said he needed him to come work for him, and if he didn’t, he was going to report him as a runaway.”
“That son of a bitch,” Chad growled.
“Right.” Hope pressed a shaky hand to her throat. “The altercation happened down by the river. Levi said Shannon was there and used her magic to knock his uncle on his ass, giving them enough time to get away. They’re at her house, waiting for us.”
“He messed with Shannon, too?” Chad asked, grinding his teeth together.
“Apparently. Brian Knox was there too and got into a physical altercation with Levi’s uncle when he wouldn’t leave Levi alone. Shannon stopped it,” Hope said, tapping out a message on her phone. “Levi is being vague on details. I don’t know much more than that.”
“Brian Knox is who again?” Chad frowned, trying to place the man.
“He’s a friend of Jacob Burton. Jacob and Yvette Townsend are engaged.”
Chad pressed his foot harder onto the gas pedal, speeding up. The idea that someone had gotten to Levi the one night they’d left town had his stomach rolling with nausea. He swallowed hard. “Got it. It’s lucky they were there to help.”
“Yeah.”
They were both silent for the rest of the thirty-minute drive until they got to town and Hope directed him toward Shannon’s house. She lived in a small white cottage that had a lush garden in the front. Moonlight illuminated the flower beds, showing off an impressive assortment of blooms. Chad strode up the curvy path to the front door, but before he could knock, the door swung open and a tall, dark-haired man stepped out, closing the door behind him.
“Brian!” Hope said, pushing past Chad to get to the man. “What happened?”
The man shoved his hands in his pockets and blew out a breath. The porch light suddenly came on, and there was no way to miss Brian’s swollen black eye.
“Levi’s all right,” Brian said. “He’s just a little roughed up, nothing too serious. The kids that were with him are unharmed.”
“A little bit roughed up?” Hope glanced at the window, clearly itching to run inside.
Chad touched his own eye. “Did Levi’s uncle do that?”
Brian nodded. “Shannon and I were just out for a walk when we spotted the man cornering Levi.” He glanced at Hope. “Levi says it was his uncle and that he isn’t exactly an upstanding citizen.”
“That’s right,” Hope said. “What did he do?”
“When we approached them, the uncle had Levi up against a tree, one hand on his throat. He was threatening to… uh, mess with Candy and Axel if Levi didn’t go with him.”