She tucked her hair behind her ear as she looked at my feet. When she met my gaze her eyes were soft. “It sounds like I would like her.”
“You would, she’s great. You’d make a great team too.”
“Why?”
I walked back to the bench where I had left my purse, and bags. I sat down and yanked off the shoes. “Well, you’re a great cook and she’s an awesome baker.” I stood up and gathered my stuff and we began walking to the cashier so we could pay for our purchases. Kathy was getting her boys new shoes. She said their feet grew like weeds.
“Why don’t you talk about your family and friends more?”
“I can’t be with them right now, and it hurts to talk about them.”
“Okay then, lets go eat before you get depressed.”
We found a table at the food court and each of us took turns getting our food. Although we both ended up with sub sandwiches, hers was an assorted and mine was grilled chicken.
“Why did I have to hear from Sam that you told off Cindy? And why wasn’t it planned so I could have been there to watch?”
I laughed, lifting my sub up to take a bite. “I forgot about that. It wasn’t that big a deal.”
“Are you kidding? You took her down a peg. I just wish I’d seen it.” She took a sip of her soda. “I can’t believe you said she was desperate.”
I watched an older couple walk past, holding hands. They looked to be in their seventies. The man was carrying the tray as he led his wife to a table. You could see the love in their eyes. It gave me hope for my future with Noah. Maybe love could last. “I said she was acting desperate. And then she told me she wasn’t taking advice from some blond prude from the city. Am I a prude?”
She grinned, folding the wrapper of her sub. “I used to think so, but that was before I walked into Noah’s bedroom last week.”
I flushed, covering my face with my hands. “Ugh, don’t remind me. That was so embarrassing.”
“Okay then, yeah you are a prude.”
After we finished eating we headed out to her car.
Across from the mall there was a plaza with more stores, and instead of turning right on Main, heading home, she drove into the plaza parking lot. “I have to stop in here for a quick minute. I want to buy the boys a book.” I glanced up and smiled. It was a large bookstore, and I hadn’t been in one in a very long time. I had been to the library a few times, but mostly to plan my escape. I had never had the time to wander through the shelves and explore. Now I could, with one bonus—no must smell.
“Take your time,” I said absently as we pushed through the front doors. She went off into the children’s department, while I just walked around. I wasn’t in need of a book right now. I had brought lots with me. I loved the looks of them lined up on shelves; the different sizes, genres, and styles soothed my soul.
When I noticed Kathy bent down searching through a low shelf, I headed to the children’s department. I stopped and picked up a book of a colleague of mine, who was also Debbie’s client. “Okay, I found them each one, we can—” Kathy was walking toward me holding two of the books I’d written, Marvin and the Meteor, and Two of a Kind, but suddenly she stopped, staring at something I couldn’t see. I moved around the shelf that was blocking my view, and glanced in the direction she was.
“Oh shit.” I stood in front of her to hide what she was staring at.
It was a picture of me that was placed on a table with all of my books in stacks surrounding it. I chose not to have my picture on each of my books, but I had had some done professionally for the publishing company when they asked. I was a little camera shy, but the picture had turned out okay. My wavy hair flowed over one shoulder, and I was wearing black fitted pants and a blue and black flowered top. I was posed, leaning against a leather chair, where a stack of books lay.
“That’s you,” she said, trying to get around me.
I stepped in front of the photo. “No, it’s not.”
She took a step to the right to peek around me. “Yes, it is. You’re Abigail Watson.” Her voice was full of wonder, her eyes wide with shock.
“No, I’m not.” My words had her raising an eyebrow, not believing me for a second. And who could blame her? She saw the photo. I hadn’t done anything to change my appearance, just my name. I really never thought I would be in this situation. “Okay, I am, but you can’t tell anyone.”
A little girl with long red braids came around the shelf, looking at my picture and then at me. “Look, Mommy, it’s the lady that wrote Wendy’s Wish.” Her mother glanced at me quickly then back at the book in her hand.
“That’s nice, dear,” she said dryly, not really listening to her daughter.
I took Kathy’s hand and led her to the cash, moving past people and displays. “I have to get out of here, now. I’ll meet you outside.” I ran out, leaving her in line with her mouth open in shock.
I was waiting in the car when she came out of the store. “Okay, what’s going on? Why are you hiding who you really are?” she asked, once she was seated behind the wheel.
“Can you just drive? I need to get out of here before someone else recognizes me.”
She put the key in the ignition and pulled out of the lot. Now that I had to tell her everything, I could be honest. Besides, Sam’s deadline was only a week away. I’d have to tell her eventually. “Can we go to the library? I need to do something.”
She pulled down a street in the direction I wanted, and then turned to me. “Talk.”
“Fine, I’m not from Chicago, and I don’t write articles for magazines. I used to live in Renwood, a city in New York state. And you’re right, I’m a children’s book author.”
She glanced at me quickly before turning back to the road as she turned a corner. “But why are you hiding in Shimmer Lake?”
I told her my story, about Nick and what happened after we got engaged.
“Does Sam know?”
I nodded. “He knows that Nick is looking for me. He saw my picture at work when I first got here, but he decided to wait and get to know me before he called the number. He said the picture only said I was missing, not that I was a criminal. He figured I had a reason for hiding. He also made me promise to tell you when I was ready. I guess that’s now.”
She banged her palm against the steering wheel. “That asshole, who does he think he is, that he can treat you like that? Does your family know where you are?”
I glanced down at my hands folded in my lap. I suddenly felt vulnerable now that she knew everything. “No, he’s a policeman. I couldn’t tell anyone, or he’d find me.” She pulled into the library. “That’s why I’m here though. Two weeks ago I emailed Debbie. She’s my editor and friend. I sent her some of my work, using an email with the name of another writer. I want to see if she responded.”
“Okay, I’m coming with you.”
Inside the library, I was disappointed to see that all the computers were taken. What was I thinking? It was Saturday. Of course it would be busy. While we waited, we sat in a lounge area and discussed my problem. Kathy also asked about my family, and I told her everything, especially how much I missed them.
“I hope to meet them one day.”
I grinned, crossing my legs. “I hope you can.” Just as she was about to speak, a woman stood up from her computer, gathering her stuff and walked away. We rushed to it before anyone else could.
I checked the email and there were two from Debbie. I opened the first one. “Steve, the pages look good, but I do have a few corrections. Attached are my notes. Let me know what you think.”
It was a standard response from her, and I’d seen it a million times.
I clicked on the attachment and read the real letter.
Abby, I am so glad to hear you’re okay, we’ve been worried sick. Don’t worry about this letter, I’m going to delete the words before the document, just to make sure it’s gone. You’re right about Brian; when I told him what Nick did, he didn’t believe me. Until recently,
Nick’s behavior has become erratic. I think that he’s so controlling over you, he’s losing his mind because he can’t find you, and the longer you’re gone the more his true colors are showing.
He came to the apartment and yelled at me for hiding you. When I told him I had no idea where you were, he lifted his arm to slap me. Thank god Brian came in and stopped him. He told Nick to leave, and to get a hold of himself or he’d report him. I think Brian is starting to see who he really is.
Your family is fine, they miss you terribly. They were so happy when I told them I’d heard from you. All they want is for you to be safe, that’s the most important thing.
Your writing is better than ever. All the Little Miss series are published, but I’ll keep your royalty checks until we find a way for me to send them to you. The first draft of the adventure book is awesome. I have a few thoughts though, and they are attached.
I miss you so much,
Debbie
When I finished reading the letter, I hit print before deleting it, making sure it was out of the trash.
“Are you okay?” Kathy asked, sitting beside me, having read over my shoulder.
“Yeah,” I replied, wiping the tears from my cheeks. “I miss them so much.”
She wrapped her arms around me in a hug, just what I needed. She was so warm, and for some reason I suddenly felt cold. I sobbed onto her shoulder. When I finally composed myself, I opened the last email. I ignored the message to Steve and opened the attachment. Abby, it’s been two weeks, are you okay?
I opened a file and wrote her back. Debbie, I’m fine, better than ever. I just can’t get to this library often. I have really good friends and I’m in love. You heard me; I’m really in love with a great guy who would never hurt me. I wish you and my family could meet my new family, maybe someday. But until then, know that I am safe and very happy. I just wish I could see you or talk to you all. But at least we have this.
Abby
P.S. I’m out shopping with my new friend and she made me buy a pair of black pointy pumps. I know you’d be proud.
I saved the file then uploaded it to email, writing a quick message to Debbie from Steve. “Do you mind waiting a little while, I want to check to see if she emails back. I won’t wait long.”
“Of course I don’t mind.” She handed me the letter I printed. I stuffed it into my bag. “But you should delete that last file.”
“Oh right.” I deleted it quickly along with the two emails.
“Are you going to tell Noah? Especially since Sam and I know, it’s not fair to him.”
A feeling of dread flared into my chest. Everything was going so well with Noah, and I was afraid that this could threaten that. I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I know. I will soon. But with the fewer people that know, I can pretend it’s not true.”
She frowned, her eyes full of concern. “He’s going to be angry if you don’t tell him soon.”
“I will, tonight. Maybe.”
She narrowed her eyes at me, but stayed silent, picking up a book to look at. A few minutes later a new message popped up. I opened the attachment and read:
Oh my god, you bought a pair of heels? This new friend must be really great if she finally got you dressing properly. I’m so happy that you’ve found someone perfect for you. He sounds amazing. Don’t ever let someone treat you less than you deserve again, do you hear me?
I can’t wait to give this letter to your mom, but don’t worry, we’ll burn it after she reads it. I feel like a spy. I love you, email me when you can.
Debbie
I printed it, and then hit the delete button. “Are you ready?” I asked Kathy, who was reading one of my books.
“I can’t believe I’m reading Wendy’s Wish and sitting beside Abigail Watson. This is so cool.”
My lips twitched. “Don’t call me that in public, you saw that kid in the bookstore.”
“Well, next time wear a hat or something, maybe some sunglasses.” We exited the library and walked to her car.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Confession
When Kathy dropped me off about six o’clock, I decided to go right over to Noah’s to see if they were finished watching the game.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the kitchen table set up with pretty dishes, vanilla-scented candles and bright orange and yellow plump gerbera daisies. The room smelled of flavorful meat and butter. Well, I certainly couldn’t tell him now, he’d gone to all this trouble.
“How was shopping?” Noah asked, coming out of his bedroom, looking oh so sexy in a black denim shirt and jeans that hung low on his hips. His hair was tousled and falling over his forehead.
“Great, I bought lots of stuff.” Dropping my bags on the floor, I glanced at the table. “Did you do this?”
“Of course I did.”
“It’s beautiful, thank you.” Leaving my discarded bags on the floor near the door, I made my way over to him, stretching up to give him a quick kiss; he tasted of beer.
He grinned, caressing my cheek with his thumb. It was just a simple touch, but it sent a tingle up my spine. “You’re welcome. Sit down, dinner is ready. I thought you’d be home sooner.”
Now was the perfect time to tell him. I was late because we had to wait for the computer to send a message to Debbie. I could tell him now. “I got held up at the library.” The rest was on the tip of my tongue...I just couldn’t voice it. “Mmm, what smells so good?” And I’m a coward.
“Stuffed pork tenderloin, grilled asparagus, and a tossed salad.”
I sat down on the chair he pulled out for me, and took a drink of wine, the dry fruity blend making my tongue tingle. I hoped Kathy wouldn’t be upset with me for not telling him, but I couldn’t ruin this lovely evening he had planned. I wasn’t chickening out. I was doing it for him.
“How was the naked shopping trip?” he asked with a smile that lit up his eyes, before taking a drink of his beer.
Shaking away my thoughts, I grinned at him, deciding to not dwell on the past and enjoy the incredibly sexy man across from me. I picked up my fork and stabbed a piece of pork. “Fun, I needed a girl day.”
With his elbow on the table, he leaned forward, his chin on his hand. “These girl things you do, is there some kind of freaky ritual involved?”
I laughed, picking my napkin up. “Yes, but I can’t tell you, you’re a man, and men are the enemy.”
“Come on, I won’t tell anyone.”
I chewed the bite in my mouth, swallowed, and took a sip of wine to wash it down. “I don’t think so. How was your man day?”
He ran his fingers up and down the beer bottle absently. “It was awesome. We scratched, drank beer, watched sports.”
“You must have been in heaven.”
“Close,” he replied, taking the last of his pork. “You ready for dessert?”
I scraped up the last of my food, and took the bite. He waited while I swallowed. “What is it?”
“Me.” He jumped out of his chair and rushed toward me, yanking me up and into his arms.
The sudden movement took me off guard, taking my breath away. His body was hard against mine, his arms wrapped tightly around me. “What, no cake?”
“Hey!” His brow furrowed, looking offended. Then he grinned wickedly. “I have something better in my bedroom.”
“Mmm, that sounds very tasty.”
“You have no idea.” He pulled me into his room, shoving me onto the bed. He bent down to yank my pants off, throwing them on the floor.
“What’s the rush?” I asked between laughter.
He paused as he reached for my top. “I haven’t seen you all day. I’m going through withdrawal.” He tugged the top off, leaving me in my red silk bra and matching panties. Now he slowed down, giving me a gentle push, I fell onto the soft covers. He knelt his knees on the foot of the bed and crawled forward, running his rough hands along my body awaking all my nerve endings, creating multiple sensations as he went.
He hovered abo
ve me, his eyes full of yearning, his face serious. “I was lost before I met you, and I didn’t even know it.” His raspy voice was a whisper, making me shiver.
I sucked in a breath, moved by his sweet words. I reached up to touch his face. Stubble had started to grow, making his skin rough. He leaned into my hand, and I pulled him toward me, at a loss for words. How could I express that he had changed my life, brought me happiness when I believed there was no hope? How could I tell him he was my everything? I couldn’t, there were no words to properly convey how I felt. Instead, I would show him.
I kissed him, softly at first, prolonging this feeling between us. But as his tongue grazed mine, it sent a surge of need erupting inside me. I was desperate for his touch. I broke the kiss, reaching out to undo the buttons of his shirt, he helped, his fingers rushing. His eyes expressed the desperation I felt. While he worked on his shirt, I moved to the zipper of his jeans and started to tug them down.
Finally, with all his clothes removed, I pulled him against me. The only thing between us was my underwear. He kissed me hungrily, lapping at my tongue, tasting, teasing. It wasn’t enough, I wanted more. I reached for him, pressing his body against mine. He slowed, pulling away, so he could undo my bra and yank at my panties. Now there was nothing between us, heated skin against heated skin. All I could think was that I wanted him now. I hungered for his touch, he was the last drop of water, and I was parched. As we filled each other’s every need, we lost ourselves in the moment and in each other.
The next morning I went to my place so I could shower and change, while he got breakfast. We were headed for the barn for our weekly ride. “Hey, is that damn tap still dripping?” Noah asked from the table where he was drinking his coffee.
“Did you get Mable’s?” I asked, ignoring his question.
“Of course. After last night, I wanted to treat you.” He winked, his lips turning up in a wicked grin.
My cheeks heated as an image of last night flashed in my mind. “Thank you.” Taking my cup off the table, I took a sip, savoring Mable’s flavorful blend. “And yes, the damn tap’s still dripping.”
Finding Abigail Page 25
