by Jean Oram
He was going to need to think of something. A second job? Maybe he could borrow some money from a friend.
Canyon was nothing if not resourceful. Maybe he could get a dinner shift at a restaurant and bring home some food for his mom. It wasn’t ideal, but it was doable.
He poured himself a cup of coffee and downed it quickly before heading out. Before long, his mind had wandered from money troubles back to Maggie. At least she didn’t have to worry about food or paychecks as the grand-niece of Lucille Sanderson.
Canyon greeted Harry at the house and got to work pulling old tiles from the kitchen floor. Time went by quickly despite his rumbling stomach. Coffee wasn’t the most filling breakfast.
By the time Harry declared their lunch break, Canyon was famished. His only real option was cheese and crackers at home. Maybe some frozen peas, if they weren’t older than he was.
Canyon walked through each room of the house, looking for Maggie.
He stopped Harry as he was heading out the door. “Did Maggie come in today?”
Harry shook his head. “Haven’t heard from her or Lucille.”
“Thanks.” Canyon waved and plopped down on a dusty couch.
Was Maggie just tired? Or was she having second thoughts about the night before? Did she regret kissing him? Or telling him about not being able to have kids?
He pulled out his phone to call her when he noticed a missed text. It was from his friend Javier from the cruise line.
Javier: Hey man. Finally paid you back to your PayPal.
Canyon raked his mind, trying to remember what Javier owed him. It must’ve been an old debt because Canyon couldn’t remember.
He logged into his account, and sure enough he had a balance of two hundred and fifty dollars. That would buy more than groceries!
He texted a quick thanks to Javier, then headed to Sweet Caroline’s for a sandwich and an iced coffee.
Another text came in as he was walking.
Javier: Don’t thank me. Everyone who helped with that service project for the orphans just got a bonus.
Canyon: Really? Sweet!
He checked his bank account real quick, and he had another two-fifty in there. Five hundred dollars!
It was his lucky day. Canyon’s mind raced as he ate his food by the cafe window and watched tourists and locals alike wandering up and down the street outside.
After practically inhaling the food, he pulled out his phone to call Maggie and see how she was doing when the phone rang in his hand. It was Archer.
“What’s up?” Canyon greeted his friend.
“You’re in Indigo Bay, right?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“I’ve got a week off, and I’m just a couple of hours away. Time to party! And we just got those bonuses. Best timing ever, dude.”
“Can’t, man. Sorry.”
“What?” Archer practically yelled in his ear. “I met these two totally hot twins. Twins! They’re from like France or something. Blonde and accents. Get your butt over here.”
“Like I said, I can’t.”
“Are you crazy?” Archer exclaimed. “Didn’t you hear what I said?”
Canyon held Maggie’s face in his mind. “I’m seeing someone.”
“Like you have a date for tonight already? Dude, reschedule. I’ll send you a picture.”
“No, I mean there’s someone special in my life. I’m not dropping her for some random chick. Plus, I have a job here in town.”
Archer sighed dramatically. “Who sucked all the fun out of you? Fine, I’ll call Damon. Last chance.”
“Have fun, Archer.” Canyon ended the call and took a deep breath. He was more than happy to leave that life behind if it meant spending time with Maggie. And now he had some money. He could take her somewhere nice, even after buying his mom groceries. Maybe he could even get a haircut and a new shirt.
Chapter 12
Maggie kicked her foot up, sending a rippling wave through the rainbow-colored bath water. The bath bomb had done more than just tint the water, it was actually helping her sore muscles.
She couldn’t remember the last time her body ached so much. Not that she regretted all the dancing. She’d never had more fun, and she couldn’t stop thinking about Canyon—his smile, his dance moves, his muscles, and the kiss. Especially the kiss.
Her pulse raced every time that memory surfaced.
Part of her wanted to head over to the house just to see him, but she had no energy to do any work. Not when she could barely lift her arms or legs. One of the retired folks with walkers at the Manor could outrun her today.
No, she needed to take care of her aches today so she could get some work done tomorrow. But who was she kidding? Ninety-five percent of the reason she wanted to go to the little house—her future home—was to see Canyon.
Maggie sighed deeply, closed her eyes, and slunk down under the colorful water. She stayed there until her lungs couldn’t take another moment, then she sat up and drew in a deep breath.
Her phone rang, but it was just out of reach. She dried her hands on a towel then pulled herself up and grabbed it just as it stopped ringing. The screen showed a missed call from Isabella.
Did she want to talk about her enormous engagement ring again? The girl could talk about the ring and her new fiancé for hours on end.
Maybe it was for the best that she’d missed the call. On the other hand, with Canyon on her mind all day, talking about love suddenly didn’t seem like such a depressing topic.
She unlocked the screen and returned the missed call.
“What are you doing right now?” Isabella greeted her.
“Enjoying a bath.”
“Want to meet me somewhere? I’ve got to get out of the house. I’m going stir crazy!”
Maggie poked her toe out of the water, making it ripple again. “Sure. What do you have in mind?”
“Anything. We can go back to the beach, we can chat over iced tea at Sweet Caroline’s, or whatever you feel like. I need some girl time, Maggie.” She begged with her eyes.
“Tea sounds great.” And sitting definitely sounded better than walking around in the sweltering heat of the late afternoon. “Meet you in an hour?”
“Can’t wait!” Isabella made a kissing sound, then ended the call.
Maggie put her phone down, then closed her eyes and enjoyed the last few minutes of her bath before pulling the plug with her toes.
Once the water drained, she got ready twice as slowly as usual thanks to her still-aching muscles.
By the time she made it to Sweet Caroline’s, Isabella already sat at the couch with two iced teas. She waved Maggie over and handed one of the drinks to her.
“Thanks.” Maggie plopped down and drank half the glass without stopping.
“Thirsty much?” Isabella teased. She pulled a tablet from her handbag and slid her finger around the screen until a wedding dress popped up on the screen. “What do you think of this one?”
Maggie leaned forward and studied the flowing dress that sparkled with what had to be thousands of sequins. “It’s gorgeous.”
“It isn’t too much?”
“Can anything on a wedding day be overdone?”
Isabella squealed. “I think I’m going to get this one! I just wanted confirmation. Mama said it was way too much.”
Maggie zoomed in on the dress, studying it from every side. “I think it’s perfect.”
Isabella wrapped her arms around Maggie. “Thank you! That’s exactly what I thought, too. Mama’s just too old-fashioned to understand today’s brides.”
Maggie nodded, but instead of picturing Isabella in the dress, her mind conjured a picture of herself in it.
“Now about the flowers…”
Maggie’s mind wandered as her friend talked about her wedding plans.
“…Don’t you think?”
Maggie turned to Isabella. “Say that again?”
“This bouquet is okay for a winter wedding, right?”
; “You’re getting married in the winter?” Maggie asked. “Indigo Bay is perfect for summer weddings. Spring, even.”
Isabella sighed. “Have you heard a thing I’ve said?”
Maggie’s cheeks warmed. “I’ve been trying to listen. It’s just—”
“Oh my gosh! You’re thinking about a guy, aren’t you?” Isabella’s expression lit up. “Who is it? Is it serious? We all totally thought you were still hung up on what’s-his-face.”
Maggie frowned. “Dan.”
“Oh, I know. I just didn’t want to say his name.” Isabella put her hand on Maggie’s knee. “So, who’s the guy taking up your thoughts?”
“It doesn’t matter.” Maggie picked up her glass and sipped the water from the melting ice cubes.
“How can you say that?” Isabella put down her tablet. “You’ve been moping forever. Who’s the guy?”
“I’m never marrying, so seriously, it doesn’t matter.”
“Never marrying? Because of Dan?” Isabella made a disgusted face. “Don’t let that jerk take up anymore of your headspace. You’re beautiful and sweet. He’s a mindless pig who doesn’t know what he lost.”
“Thanks, but it isn’t so much him as it is me.”
Isabella’s brows knit together. “What do you mean?”
Maggie tapped the side of her glass. “I’m just not marriage material, that’s all.”
“You?” Isabella shook her head. “That’s crazy. I can see you as one of those moms with a whole gaggle of kids. Children adore you.”
“Can we get back to talking about your wedding?”
“Sure, but seriously, forget about Dan and whatever he said to you. You’re wonderful, and you’ll have the perfect family someday.”
Maggie grabbed the tablet from Isabella and asked her a question about the floral arrangement on the screen.
Isabella’s eyes widened, and she spoke about it, apparently having forgotten all about Maggie’s love life—or lack of it. Canyon was nothing more than a friend, and neither of them were marriage material.
Chapter 13
Canyon stared at the full fridge before closing the door. His mom was sure going to be surprised when she got home.
He scarfed down a couple more pieces of the pizza he’d picked up and closed the box to keep it as warm as possible until she got home. Then he checked his phone for Maggie’s number, and gave her a call.
“Hello?” asked a gruff, unhappy voice at the other end.
Canyon arched a brow. “Uh, is Maggie there?”
“Who?”
“Maggie.”
“Ain’t no Maggie here.” The call ended.
Apparently she’d changed her number since high school.
Canyon sighed. Now what?
Lucille’s number wasn’t in his contact list, either. Nor were any of Maggie’s friends.
He wasn’t going to sit around wondering if Maggie was upset about the night before. Not when they were in a small town and he could easily find her.
Canyon climbed into his car and headed over to Lucille’s house. Driving by the enormous well-manicured homes, his beat-up car stuck out like blood on a white shirt.
He held his head high and parked along the curb, then marched up to the Sanderson house and knocked.
Footsteps clacked from the inside. They sounded like high heels. Probably Lucille, as Maggie was more of a flip-flop kind of girl.
The door flung open, and a wave of strong perfume hit Canyon before he saw the older woman in a flowered dress and heavy makeup. “Yes?”
He cleared his throat. “Evening, Miss Lucille. Is Maggie around?”
She raised her nose at him and narrowed her eyes. “And you’re asking, why?”
“Because I’m looking for her, ma’am.”
Lucille tapped her heel on the hardwood floor. “Is this regarding her house?”
“No. I’d just like to see her.”
“Sorry. I can’t say where she might’ve gone.”
Disappointment washed through Canyon, but he wasn’t about to let Lucille see that. He stood taller. “Thanks, anyway. Have a nice night.”
“Mm-hm. Why don’t you head back home, then? Goodnight.” She closed the door between them.
He glared at the door before spinning around back to his car.
Maggie wasn’t among the crowd of people waiting for the evening’s concert. She hadn’t stopped by the house to work on it. He checked a few more places, but she wasn’t at any of them either.
Maybe she was at Lucille’s, but her aunt wasn’t going to let him in to find out. But there was no way to know, and he wanted to see her, so he would just keep looking.
Canyon checked several popular places around town and some lesser-known ones. Maggie wasn’t at any of them, and he’d built up quite a thirst.
He parked near Sweet Caroline’s and went into the busy cafe for an iced drink. He didn’t really care what after all his running around. He got in line and glanced at the choices.
Caroline greeted him with a wide smile. “How are you doing, Canyon? Did things work out with Harry?”
“Yes, I’m working for him on a house. Thank you very much, Miss Caroline.”
“I’m glad to hear it worked out. Now, what can I get you?”
“Something cold and refreshing. Care to surprise me?”
“Sure thing.” She bustled around behind the counter, talking about an upcoming fair in a nearby town. Then she handed him what looked like regular tea and told him the total. “It isn’t what you think. Let me know how you like it.”
Canyon gave a quick nod, then handed her exact change.
“Thanks, darlin’.”
He went over to the only empty table in the place and sat so that he could see out the window, just in case Maggie happened to walk by. He took a sip of the drink—Caroline had been right. It wasn’t what he was expecting.
It was so fizzy, it tickled his nose. And it had a really tart fruit taste. But it was cold and refreshing, and that was all he cared about.
Canyon stayed there, sipping the drink and studying the people who walked by outside.
Then he heard a familiar laugh. It sounded just like Maggie.
He spun around and glanced around the cafe.
His heart skipped a beat.
Maggie stood in front of the couch, laughing with Isabella Price.
Canyon scrambled out of his chair and did his best to stroll over like it was no big deal. Like he hadn’t just spent over an hour looking for her before finally giving up. “Maggie.”
She turned his way and her expression lit up. “Canyon!”
Relief washed through him. She was happy to see him—that meant she hadn’t been avoiding him because of the kiss or their discussion the night before.
Isabella, however, frowned and folded her arms. “What are you doing here, Leblanc?”
“Oh, the last name. What did I do to offend you?”
Isabella’s entire face contorted with disgust, then she pulled Maggie toward her and whispered.
It was like they were in grade school again. Except Maggie hadn’t looked like that fifteen years earlier.
Canyon cleared his throat. “Do you want to go to the beach again, Maggie?”
Isabella glared at him, then stepped back from Maggie but kept her gaze on her. “Daisy Nash is having a game night. Lots of people. You guys should go. I’d go, but I’m helping out my grandma in about an hour.”
Canyon struggled to keep his posture relaxed. Isabella was obviously suggesting the game night to keep Canyon from being alone with her friend. As though Canyon were a snake ready to strike, or as if Maggie were incapable of making her own decisions.
Maggie glanced at him. “What do you think?”
“I’m up for whatever you’d like to do. It might be fun to catch up with everyone.” And hopefully show people that he wasn’t as bad as people clearly thought he was, given the reactions he’d been garnering since his return.
“As long as it do
esn’t involve walking or dancing, it sounds great. I’m a little sore from last night.”
“I’m not surprised. You danced up a storm for hours.”
Isabella scowled and gathered her things before turning back to Maggie. “Want me to drop you off at Daisy’s?”
“We can take my car,” Canyon offered.
Isabella’s brows knit together.
Maggie smiled. “I’ll just go with Canyon, but thanks. Have fun with your grandma.”
“I can drop you off. It’s on the way.”
Canyon shook his head in disbelief. People really didn’t think he was good enough for Maggie.
He’d show them.
Chapter 14
Maggie waved to Isabella, trying to ignore her thundering heart. Canyon stood just inches from her, and Maggie’s cheeks warmed just thinking about their kiss.
Canyon chuckled. “That was fun.”
Guilt prickled. She’d been hoping Canyon hadn’t noticed Isabella’s disdain, but of course he had. “Sorry about her. She just, uh…” Maggie tried to think of a polite way to say her friend didn’t like him and definitely didn’t want Maggie around him.
Canyon put his hand on her bare shoulder. It was a simple gesture but sent a wave of excitement through her.
“Don’t feel like you have to defend her to me.” He nodded to the left. “I’m parked this way.”
They headed toward the car in silence. Maggie wanted him to hold her hand, but he didn’t. Isabella must’ve scared him off.
She stared at his hand, wanting to grab it, but not able to get her own hand to budge from her side.
Canyon stopped walking, and she crashed into him.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, sorry.” Her face flamed. She wasn’t one to blush so easily, but since he’d walked back into her life, it felt like she was doing it constantly.
“This is my ride.” He pointed to a rusty sedan. “It isn’t pretty, but it’ll spare us walking all over Indigo Bay.”
She forced a smile, her face still warm. “Sounds good to me.”
