Laugh Like You've Never Cried (Summer Lake 5) (2 page)

She smiled. He was so kind. “I just like to leave everything as I found it. I don't want to abuse your generosity.”

“How about you let me extend the generosity to buying you a drink? There are a bunch of us downstairs, some friends I'd like you to meet. Have a quick drink with us before you go?”

She shook her head. “It's very kind of you, Ben, but I need to get home. I don't like to leave Ollie this long.” It was an excuse, and they both knew it. She also knew Ben would let her get away with it.

“Okay, but at least let me introduce you on your way out? These are some really good friends of mine. It'd do you good to get to know more people.”

She hesitated. Maybe she should be making more of an effort to get to know people.

“Go on,” said Ben. “You know you want to really. I promise I won't keep you more than five minutes. I'll spring you from any conversation you get caught in, and make sure you can get home to Ollie.”

She had to smile. He made it too hard to say no. “Okay then, but you absolutely must help me if I get stuck in a conversation.”

“Deal,” said Ben. “Come on.”

Megan followed him down the stairs and over to a large group of people sitting at three high-top tables they had pulled together. As she got nearer she wished she'd said no. This was a lot of people to meet in one go. She poked Ben in the back with a worried frown.

He grinned down at her. “I promised you, five minutes. You can do this.”

Then they were at the table and all heads turned towards them. She recognized Missy Malone, Scot's mom, and her boyfriend Dan. At least there were two familiar and friendly faces.

Ben banged on the table. “Hey guys. I'd like you all to meet Megan Reid. She works at the library and is living out at the old Carrolton place.”

Megan smiled as they all nodded and waved. They seemed friendly enough.

Ben pointed around the table. “Megan, meet Emma and Jack, Holly and Pete, Laura and Smoke.” He gestured towards a beautiful woman sitting next to Missy. “This is Leanne Miller, who is up visiting for the weekend.” The woman gave her a friendly smile, then looked over her shoulder as if searching for someone. There was an empty stool between her and Missy. Perhaps she was looking for its occupant to introduce them too. “I know you three have already met.” Ben turned towards Missy and Dan.

“We have.” Missy patted the empty stool. “Are you going to join us?” she asked.

“No. I can't stay.”

“Not even for a quick minute?” Missy was smiling. “I wanted to talk to you about the after-school program you're setting up. Scot loved the idea of it and a few of his friends wanted to come too.”

Megan looked up at Ben. She liked Missy, and she did want to talk to her about starting the program, but she did not want to get stuck here.

Ben gave her a reassuring smile. “You'll have to be quick, Miss. Megan has to get home soon.” As he said it he pulled out the empty seat and Megan had no choice but to climb up onto it. She didn't miss the irritated look the beautiful blonde gave her. She shrugged to herself. The woman didn't need to worry. Megan didn't want to be here either and she would not be staying long.

“It's alright,” said Missy “I won't keep you.” She smiled at Dan. “I know it can be difficult to get landed with all of us. In fact, if you wouldn't mind giving me your number I'll call you in the week. It's just that Scotty's getting into so many different activities, and I know your library stuff and databases is the one he doesn't want to miss out on.”

Megan smiled. Scot was such a good boy, and so bright. He'd already helped her out with a few databasing issues. She wasn't really sure that she could teach him anything, but she could see that the social side would be good for him.  Maybe making him her assistant would help build his confidence too. She took a pen and notebook from her purse and scribbled her number.

“Here, give me a call and I'll let you know where I'm up to.”

Someone leaned on the back of her seat. She didn't dare turn around. She knew it was a man, the goosebumps running down her neck and spine told her that, even before she heard his voice.

“Can I get your number too?”

Megan froze. There was a man leaning on her chair. His presence was doing funny things to her insides. His voice was doing even funnier things. What was that accent? Dangerous! She knew that much. And he was asking for her number?

She raised her eyes to look at Missy. Missy smiled kindly, seeming to understand. “Michael, buzz off! This isn't social, this is kid stuff. We'll be done in a few minutes. Come back then.”

He didn't move. Megan could feel him still standing there. Even though she hadn't dared turn around to look at him yet, she could tell he was smiling. She hoped he didn't look as good as he sounded, as good as his nearness felt. She held her breath, waiting to feel him leave. He didn't.

“Well, if it's kid stuff, shouldn't I be in on it?”

Megan let her breath out. Safe! If he had a kid, the kid would have a mother, and therefore she did not need to feel so self-conscious.

“And, since you’re in my seat and no one is introducing us, I'll do it myself.”

Her stool spun around and she found herself face to face with a broad chest, covered by a denim shirt. She counted the buttons as she slowly lifted her gaze. When there was no more shirt, she took in a strong chin, beautiful full lips turning up in amusement, a dimple sitting next to them, making it impossible not to smile back. Finally she met bright green eyes, shining mischievously. All she could do was stare. There were a lot of handsome men sitting at this table, but...this one? Good grief! He was breathtaking! She had to get out of here.

Those green eyes held her own, the dimple on his cheek deepened as his smile grew wider. “It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Michael. And you....are beautiful.”

The blonde woman was glowering now.

“Nice to meet you,” she mumbled. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize this was yours.” She felt herself blush as he ran his eyes all over her.

“No worries, darl’. You can sit on mine any time you like. I’ll even pull it out for you.”

Oh, good grief, he wasn’t just talking about the chair! He was saying...and even worse, her body was responding to his words! She was all warm and tingly. She had to get away from him. “I was just leaving.”

She got down from the stool and fled.

She pushed her way through the doors and out into the cool night air, grateful to feel it against her flaming cheeks. What a horrible thing to do! She
wasn't
beautiful, she knew that. How could he be so mean to plain old her? Especially while she was sitting next to that blonde woman who truly was beautiful. He was just like the kids back in high school, getting his laughs by embarrassing her. She stuck her hands in her sweatshirt pocket and started walking across the square.

“Megan!”

Oh, no! It was
his
voice. It was an Australian accent, she placed it even as she put her head down and picked up her pace, pretending not to hear. It was no good though. Now she could hear his footsteps. He was running to catch up with her. She considered breaking into a run herself, but she knew she wasn't fast enough. She'd have to face him. Oh God, please let this be over quickly. She stopped and turned around. He ran easily across the square. Everything about him—his gait, his clothes, his easy manner as he caught up to her and smiled that disarming smile—absolutely everything, told her she needed to get away from him, fast. He was one of the in-crowd, one of the cool kids, and she was just a dork who didn't need to stick around for the humiliation.

“Megan, I'm sorry, darl'.”

“No problem. I just have to get home. I'm sorry I was rude.” She had to make herself stop staring at the beautiful, full lips smiling back at her. Wait! She was smiling? She made herself stop. “There was no need to come out here. And I should get home.” She couldn't make herself start walking though.

He was still smiling at her. “Can I at least walk you home?”

Oh, my goodness, no! “No thank you. You should go back to your evening and your friends.”

“I'd rather walk you home and make a new friend.”

She just stared. He couldn't be serious? Men who looked like him weren't interested in being friends with women like her. Ben must have sent him out to apologize.

He hung his head, though his eyes still shone with mischief as he smiled at her. “I’m sorry, okay? I was just trying to have a laugh with you. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Let me make it up to you. Let me walk you home? Unless you've got someone waiting there for you?”

Perfect! He'd given her the out she needed. “It's kind of you to offer, but as a matter of fact there is someone waiting. He'll be cross that I've been out this long, and I don't think he'd be too pleased to see you coming back with me. He's not friendly with people he doesn't know.”

He grinned. “Honestly? You're not just giving me the brush off?”

Oh, no! He didn't believe her! What could she say?

“If there really is a guy waiting at home for you, what's his name?”

“Ollie,” she replied without missing a beat.

Michael's face fell. Apparently now he was convinced. “Right, okay.”

No way did she believe he was as disappointed as he looked. He was probably relieved, just didn't want to show it.

“Well.” The dimple had disappeared along with his smile. “I'm sorry to have bothered you. I didn't mean to offend.”

“No problem. It was nice to meet you. I hope you have a lovely evening.”

She turned and started walking as fast as she could. She needed to get away from him. She couldn't quite believe how attractive he was and she totally could not believe that the disappointment on his face was genuine.

M
ichael slumped back into his seat next to Missy.

“Seriously, Michael?” asked Ben. “I told you she was shy!”

“Did you not find her, hon?” asked Missy.

“Yeah. I found her.” He looked at Ben. “And I apologized. She wouldn't let me walk her home though.” He was surprised how disappointed he'd felt when she'd said there was someone waiting for her. He should be used to it by now. It seemed ever since he'd come back to the lake, every woman he met was already involved with someone. It hadn't bothered him till now. Till this little Megan. He wanted to get to know her, but she wasn't available. He gave Missy a sad look. “You could have told me.”

“Told you what?”

“That she's with someone.”

Missy frowned at him, looking puzzled. Ben smiled across the table at them. “She told you about Ollie, then?”

Michael nodded, not understanding the grins passing between Missy and Ben. “All right guys. There's no need to laugh at me, just because I only go after women who are already spoken for.”

“Good to know,” said Leanne who was sitting on the other side of him. “I was starting to take it personally.”

He smiled at her. “Nah, nothing personal darl', you're a beaut.”

She smiled back. He had revised his opinion of her this evening. She wasn't the cold and calculating creature he'd thought her to be at all. She was just too smart in some respects—and too clueless in others. He could understand how she and Dan were such great friends.

“That little Megan just got to me. Something about her, I don't know.” He shook his head.

“If you really like her, you shouldn't give up,” said Missy.

He looked at her. “But if she's with someone...?”

Ben was still grinning. “Just figure her out first. Like I told you, she's not your usual type, she's shy. But if you like her, you should probably meet Ollie before you give up. I think he has some Australian heritage too.”

Missy let out a little laugh at that and Michael raised an eyebrow at her. “Going to let me in on the joke?”

She shook her head. “No. I'm not. I'd rather sit back and watch.”

Michael shrugged. Whatever the joke was, he was relieved that they both seemed to think there was some hope. He was intrigued by that little lady. He didn't want to give up, but he didn't want to go treading on some guy's toes either.

“Hey guys.” Jack raised his voice from the other end of the table. “I'm about to take wifey home. We're all heading back to the city in the morning. Do any of you want to do breakfast before we leave?”

“I'm in,” said Michael. “I'm up for anything this weekend. Since my little man's not around, I've got nothing but time to kill.”

“Me too,” said Ben. “Typical that you're all heading out the first weekend I've got any time to spare.”

“Why don't you come with us?” asked Emma.

“Because we want him here!” said Missy.

“Yeah, I reckon those of us not headed to LA will have a better time,” said Michael. He looked at Ben, then Dan. “What do you say, mates, shall we take the boat out tomorrow afternoon?”

“Sounds good to me,” said Dan.

Missy gave him a pointed look before turning to Leanne. “What would
you
like to do, hon?”

Leanne smiled. “I'll go along with anything. I think I've caused enough trouble. I'm just going to do as I'm told from now on.”

Michael chuckled to himself at the apologetic smile she gave Laura, and the way Smoke scowled before standing up and taking Laura's hand. “Well, this is us gone. We'll be down for breakfast early. Then I'll have to head out to the airport to get Papa Charlie ready.”

Once all the goodbyes were done with, Michael wandered across the square and out down Main Street. He let himself into the house and took a cold beer from the fridge. It was weird to be here without Ethan. He hoped his little man was having a good time with the old guys up at the camp cabin. He couldn't even call to say g'night to him. He knew Gramps would drive them up the hill to where they could get a signal in the morning though. Seven a.m. check-in was the plan. He couldn't wait.

He sat on the back deck looking out at the lake. So much had changed in the last six months, and changed for the better. He'd never dreamed he'd come back to live in Summer Lake, but he was glad to be here, glad to be among friends, and glad that Ethan was settling in so well.

He took a swig of beer and smiled as he thought about Megan. From what Ben and Missy had said, maybe there was some hope for getting to know her. He usually just stuck to flirting with women. He enjoyed it. He enjoyed seeing them respond to him, enjoyed knowing that they were interested, and that he had no intention of doing anything about it. Now
he
was interested. He wanted to know more about the timid little lady who hid her beauty behind big glasses and her body inside baggy clothes. He'd just have to hope that this Ollie guy was nothing serious. He'd get Ben to fill him in tomorrow, or Missy. One of them would crack if he bugged them enough.