When Sparks Fly (15 page)

Joe had still not returned by the time the band finished setting up. Suspecting he’d found more interesting company to keep, she blocked him from her mind and concentrated on the girls dancing in front of her. Clapping and cheering while Kimber, Hannah, and Erica put on their routine, she was the first to admit that a dance career would most likely not be in her daughter’s future. But what the child lacked in grace, she made up for in enthusiasm, and her heart filled with joy to see Kimber so happy.

After the ‘recital’, the girls went off to join the other kids gathered around the campfire. The same group that had organized the scavenger hunt had prepared storytelling time, complete with s’mores and roasted popcorn, to keep the children occupied while the grownups danced. Seeing it as the perfect opportunity to leave, Monica started to ask Kathy for a lift but before she could finish her question, she was swept onto the dance floor by Rick.

Her friend’s husband twirled, rocked, and dipped her in time with the music, and as the song was ending, handed her off to Bill, who winked and proceeded to teach her the foxtrot. Admiring what a smooth partner he was considering his condition, she barely had time to catch her breath before being whisked away by Loren.

“Having fun?” he asked, holding her firmly by the waist. The band was playing a slow song and as they moved together all she could think was that she’d rather be dancing with Joe.

“I am,” she replied, not wanting to hurt his feelings. “But if you don’t mind, I really must be going. Could you by chance give me a ride to the Callaghan’s?”

“You’re not leaving before our dance, are you?” Loren spun her around to see Ted Blanchard, standing with his hand extended. “May I have the honor?”

Trying to keep the exasperated expression from her face, Monica nodded, missing the look that passed between the doctor and Joe’s best friend. For the next hour, whenever she attempted to leave the floor, there was someone waiting, insisting she dance with him. A tap on her shoulder was the last straw and she whirled around to face her hopeful partner. “I’m sorry but I must go now!”

“I thought you were saving me a dance?”

“Joe,” she breathed, thrilled to see him then remembering he’d been gone for hours. Stiffening in his arms, she asked crisply, “Did you finish your errand?”

“As a matter of fact, I did.” He stifled his grin at her attempt to act indifferent, keeping his expression neutral. “Took me longer than I expected. I really wanted to hear the mayor’s speech.”

She looked at him quizzically, then decided his poker face was for show and he was teasing her the way he did Kimber. Turning her head, she looked out over the sea of couples, doing her best to ignore the sensations building in her traitorous body. Being in his arms felt exquisite; there was no place she would rather be but apparently he didn’t feel the same or he wouldn’t have taken off for half the day.

Frankie danced by holding a blonde woman in his arms. Monica recognized her as the woman she’d met in the park a few days ago, the one she’d referred to as Barbie. “Hey, guys, how’s it going? Some shindig this town puts on, wouldn’t you say?” He moved away but not before she saw his date wink at Joe. Bristling, she couldn’t help but ask, “Who is that dancing with Frankie?”

“Madison? She owns the florist shop in town. Why?” He could tell that something was bothering her and wondered if she’d figured it out.

“No reason. I met her the other day in the park and saw her flirting with you. Seems like she’d rather be in your arms than Frankie’s judging by the wink she gave you. If you want to dance with her, go ahead. I’m ready to head back to the house anyway.”

“Why Monica Russo, is that jealousy I hear in your voice?” Without relinquishing his hold, he leaned back to study her face.

“No, it’s not jealousy,” she lied. “It’s been a long day, I’m tired, and I still need to pack. If it’s not too much trouble, could you please take me home?”

“If that’s what you want,” he replied softly, dropping his arms.

“Thank you.” She strode across the floor and down the steps, leaving him to trail after her. Hurrying over to the campfire, she pulled Kimber aside to say goodbye. Giving her a kiss goodnight and telling her to behave, she watched her run back to her friends without a backwards glance, adding another dent to her mother’s already battered heart.

The ride to the house was quiet as both Monica and Joe were lost in their thoughts. It wasn’t until they pulled into the drive and drove past the main house that she spoke. “What’s going on? Why didn’t you stop at the house?”

Rather than answer her, Joe hopped out of the truck and hurried to the passenger side, opening the door for her. “This will just take a sec. You haven’t seen my apartment yet and since you’re leaving tomorrow….” He let the words hang there, praying she didn’t refuse his invitation.

“Okay but only for a minute,” she said reluctantly, sliding off of the seat. “I’m tired and I have a lot to do yet.” Following him around to the side of the garage, she placed her hand on the railing as she had a few short days ago. This time, she walked up the stairs, stepping through the door that he held open for her. It took a minute for her brain to adjust to what she was seeing. Dozens of red, white, and blue flowers decorated the room, including a huge bouquet of Gerbera daisies. “Where? How? ….” She broke off, not knowing what else to say.

“This is what I was doing today. That’s why Madison winked at me. She helped me bring the flowers here.”

“She had all of these in her shop?”

“No, that’s why it took so long. We had to drive to Springfield to get most of them. She has a friend there who makes wedding arrangements. Turns out the bride-to-be ran off with the best man before the ceremony so she didn’t need them. Hope you don’t mind that they’re semi-used flowers.”

“Mind?” she asked, tears glistening in her eyes. She turned in a slow circle, looking at all of the blooms. “This is the most thoughtful, incredible thing anyone has ever done for me.” She threw herself into his arms. “Thank you, Joe.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she kissed him, holding nothing back.

He returned the kiss, enjoying the taste of her lips, the feel of her curves, the heat of her body. Much too soon he broke contact, breathing heavily and willing his blood to return to his brain. “There are some things I have to say before this goes any further.”

Catching her own breath, she took a step back and picked up a blue daisy from the coffee table. “Okay. I’m listening.”

“I was married. It was a few years ago, and I was young, well young-er, and stupid and it didn’t end well. I’ve sort of been guarded with my heart since then.” He paused, not sure how to go on.

“I’m not Hayley.”

His head shot up. “What did you say? Who told you about Hayley?”

“Your sister. She didn’t give me any details, only said that you’d been badly hurt by her, and if I was thinking of doing the same thing, I’d better watch my back.”

“Kathy told you that?” he asked, incredulity and appreciation battling for top emotion. Shaking his head, he chuckled. “My sister never ceases to amaze me. Seriously though, Monica, I, in no way, have ever compared you to Hayley. The two of you are nothing alike.”

“Except for the fact that we both fell in love with you.”

“Hayley never loved me. She loved the thought of being with me and that’s not the sam…wait a minute, what did you say?”

“I love you, Joe.” Laughing nervously, she rushed on, wanting to get the words out. “I know we only met a few days ago and we know practically nothing about each other, and it’s not just me, there’s Kimber to consider, and…I love you.”

Elation bubbled up inside of him. In three broad steps he was in front of her, kissing her, holding her, whispering the words he’d felt since the moment he’d met her. “I love you, too.”

“Is this crazy?” she asked.

“Absolutely, totally, entirely crazy. But I don’t care. Do you?”

Shaking her head, she hugged him tightly. “No. No, I don’t.” She hesitated. “But Joe, what I said earlier. It’s not just me. Kimber….”

“That little girl stole my heart almost as quickly as you did. Besides, Leroy’d be heartbroken to lose his best friend.”

“Do you think your family will mind? Think that we’re rushing into things?”

“Who do you think helped me pull this off?” he asked, waving his arm around the room.

“So that’s why Kathy offered to keep her tonight. And why, try as I might, I wasn’t able to leave the dance floor.” She socked him in the arm.

“Ow! What was that for?”

Draping her arms over his shoulders, she said, “For being the most sweet…” kiss “…romantic…” kiss “…sexy man I have ever known.”

“Well in that case….” He swept her off her feet and carried her into the next room; his bedroom. Setting her on the floor, he lowered his lips to hers, whispering against them. “Is this alright?”

Knowing what he was asking, she nodded, and as the first rocket exploded in the sky, he slipped her dress from her body. His clothing quickly followed and he lowered her to the bed, caressing, exploring, tasting, losing himself in her as she did in him. They made love passionately; thrusting, arching, crying out, creating their own fireworks to rival the ones bursting over the town of Celebration.

Hours later, Monica slipped from beneath the sheets, leaving Joe snoring lightly, and retrieved her phone from her purse. Searching her contacts, she placed a call and left a message on voice mail, apologizing for the inconvenience. Disconnecting the call, confidant she’d made the right decision, she put her phone away and walked to the window. The sky was beginning to lighten, that soft blue color tinged with pink. Dawn had always been her favorite time, the start of a new day, and on this particular morning it took on a new meaning. She was starting over, not the way she’d planned but the way she was meant to.

Joe came up behind her, nuzzling her neck as he gently laid his hands across her stomach. “Everything okay?”

Leaning back into him, she sighed. “Everything’s great. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” The sun broke the horizon at that moment, bathing them in sunlight. A sound from below caught their attention and they watched as Kimber and Leroy popped out of the tent, and started chasing each other across the dewy grass. Nuzzling her neck, he inhaled her sweetness and whispered, “Welcome home.”

First and foremost, I owe great thanks to my husband, Dave, for putting up with my craziness. I love you.

To the wonderful group of authors who agreed to take a chance and do this boxed set with me, thank you. Andrea, Anne, Beth, Grace, JM, and Maryann – I said it at the beginning; you are all true friends and I’m so delighted to have shared this experience with you.

Monica, what can I say? Thank you for being the inspiration behind my character and for sharing your lightning bug story with me. Bet you didn’t think I’d put it in the book, did you? I am so blessed each and every day to have you in my life.

Beth, you design a kick-ass cover! Thanks for not only being my designer but also my friend. I’m so happy to have you be a part of my journey.

Mom, I love you. And I know you love me too, even if I did keep this book a secret from you.

Alicia, thanks for having my back and being by my side. What else is there to say to the best PA in the world? Oh yeah, Love you to the…moon and back!

Paul, thanks for the awesome formatting work. My books wouldn’t be half as great without your creative talents.

To my readers, thank you for taking a chance on my first contemporary story. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Kristine Raymond didn’t figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up until later in life. If you haven’t guessed, it’s being an author. She’s spent the past year writing, and learning how to navigate the publishing and promoting side of the business. Five books have been released in the Hidden Springs series and she is working on the sixth. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and furry family.

She is the author of Here to Stay, Hearts on Fire, Abby’s Heart, A Chance on Love, A Will of Her Own, and By Dawn’s Early Light.

You can find Kristine on Facebook at:

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Check out her website at:

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Follow her on Twitter at:

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Write to her at:

Kristine Raymond

P.O. Box 28

Brownsville, KY 42210

(Book One in the Hidden Springs series)

Sam Mackenzie rode into the town of Hidden Springs looking for a place to belong. He takes a job at Ryan’s Ranch and is immediately attracted to the ranch’s pretty,
female
, owner.

Kate Ryan is a woman determined to make it on her own. Chafing at the thought of having to hire help, she nonetheless falls for the handsome stranger who answers her ad.

When they meet, sparks fly and they are drawn to each other. But life in 1867 Arizona Territory isn’t easy. When a secret from Kate’s past comes to light, they are each faced with the challenge of making a difficult decision.