Secrets

By Davis Leanne

When Sarah Langston catches teenager Angie Peters shoplifting a maternity shirt from her store, the last thing she intends is to become involved with Angie or her family. But something tugs at her heart and she finds herself struggling to help Angie deal with the pregnancy she has hidden for months. Scott Delano, Angie's uncle, has taken care of Angie and her mother since his father died six years ago. Despite his efforts he doesn't seem able to reach his niece and is thankful when Sarah steps in. Sarah becomes the victim of anonymous pranks that start out small but quickly grow more disturbing. Her relationship with Scott grows when she turns to him for protection and support. But when Angie's baby is born and the father is revealed, the police cast their eyes upon Scott as the stalker. Sarah soon realizes there are secrets that could change everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
• Release date: Jul 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781628302905

Book preview

Inc.

Scott suddenly smiled at her,

and her heartbeat increased to double time. Had she ever really seen him smile like that? No way. His face lit up, his eyes flirted with her, and lord help her if she didn’t feel hot in areas that his smile should not have the ability to make her feel anything in.

I gotta get back to Angie.

She’s lucky she has you, Sarah said as she walked toward the door. He’d already crossed the threshold when he turned back and said, Thanks for coming today.

She was six inches from him. Her head was tilted back to speak with him and suddenly there they were staring at each other, the moment perfect and heated. Finally, he was noticing her! He leaned in, and those soft-looking lips that had set her heart racing were hovering over hers.

Without warning, he stepped away, bent down and back up, handing her an envelope as casually as if the moment hadn’t happened. Sarah looked down at the stupid envelope someone had left on her stoop. Embarrassment shot through her like a shot of alcohol, stinging and potent. She had misjudged his sudden leaning.

Good night, Sarah, he said, after a moment.

Good night, she mumbled as her cheeks turned hot. Did he realize what she’d thought? What she’d about done? She closed her eyes in horror. She’d been a second from puckering up to kiss him.

She slammed the door with perverse delight, now relishing that he was gone.

Praise for Leanne Davis:

The Seaclusion Series—POISON:

The romance in this book isn’t traditional. It’s realistic. Cassie had a self-destruct personality and John always went the way of least resistance. The harm that these two caused each other due to this was heartbreaking to read. I love finding new authors that bring a fresh and different voice. This is going to be a 4 book series. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

~Cindy, Sugar & Spice Reviews (4 stars)

~*~

The Seaclusion Series—NOTORIOUS:

Leanne Davis writes such emotional stories...we get to go on the emotional healing journey of two characters. Is that healing a smooth process—no. Do both Kelly and Luke keep throwing up roadblocks to prevent that process—yes. Was it as a reader an incredible journey from start to finish—yes. There are two more books in this series and I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for Sarah.

~Cindy, Sugar & Spice Reviews (4 stars)

Secrets

by

Leanne Davis

The Seaclusion Series, Book Three

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Secrets

COPYRIGHT © 2014 by Leanne Davis

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by Debbie Taylor

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Champagne Rose Edition, 2014

Print ISBN 978-1-62830-289-9

Digital ISBN 978-1-62830-290-5

The Seaclusion Series, Book Three

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

To my sister Marianne.

Thank you for being my big sister when I need it,

my best friend every single day,

my help partner in parenting

and my sounding board for all things books.

I am so grateful to you

and all of our endless conversations,

which I never tire of and always need.

I would be lost without you in my life.

~~

And to my nieces, who are also my other two kids.

Abbie, you are so special

to me and everyone who ever meets you.

I love you!

And Gracie, oh little Lu,

you will always be our girl on fire.

I adore you!

Acknowledgments

To my editor, Ally Robertson:

You were my first champion, and I will never forget the time you invested in me and POISON, when you didn’t have to. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making my lifelong dream come true. You truly changed my life.

And I will always owe my start to you!

Chapter One

The teenager grabbed a shirt off one of the shop’s display racks and stuffed the silk blouse into her backpack, then turned to leave. Sarah Langston sighed. She resented shoplifters, and even more, hated dealing with them, the confrontation, the denials, and usually the police. Why was it mostly young girls who were the culprits? Young girls such as the one trying to exit her store. She could let the girl go. She could pretend she hadn’t seen the blouse disappear.

As if. Sarah straightened her spine and walked out from behind the sales desk. Letting this teen go now, without any consequences, would most likely make Sarah’s Secrets become the place where shoplifters felt free to plunder.

Did you really think you were getting away with that?

The teen stopped. She slowly pivoted on her ratty tennis shoes, raising big, blue eyes to stare up at Sarah. She hunched her shoulders forward in a sign of defeat. What else did the girl think would happen? They were all alone in the shop and Sarah had been standing at the cash register. She was obviously watching the teenager browse. The teen was far from a savvy thief.

Away with what?

Away with the shirt you’ve got stashed in your bag.

The girl raised her chin a fraction of an inch. What makes you think that?

Sarah rolled her eyes and pointed toward the girl’s bag. I watched you. If you’d like to see, I also have it on security video, and since your car is out front, I already have your license plate number written down. So, leave now with my blouse, and I’ll just get the police. Your choice.

There’s no choice. The girl’s lips trembled as she whispered her feeble defiance.

Sure, there is. You can deal with me now, or the cops later. At least I don’t go on your permanent record.

You’ll just call them anyway.

Maybe. Maybe not. But let’s start with you giving me back my hundred-dollar-plus shirt.

The teen stood there shuffling her feet in obvious distress. She was slightly overweight, with long, blonde hair, dark blue eyes, and acne, which she tried covering with her hair. The girl couldn’t be more than sixteen. Sarah’s annoyance at the girl was nearly smothered by how woebegone the teen looked. Why was this sad little girl shoplifting? And although the girl had argued, her tone was quivering with unshed tears. Judging by how bad she was at shoplifting, the teen likely was not in the habit of stealing.

The girl withdrew the wadded up shirt from her bag and set it on the sales counter. It was in need of a washing and ironing before returning for sale.

Sarah took it and folded it neatly on the counter. She raised an eyebrow as she stared at the girl over the garment. What’s your name?

Angie.

Angie, what? I will be calling your parents. I can’t just let you walk out of here like you didn’t try and steal from me. Do you get this is serious?

Angie nodded, her gaze on the floor. She’d be pretty if she combed back her stringy hair. She was dressed in baggy jeans and a lumpy sweatshirt, making her all around style benign, nearly nerdy. Angie didn’t look like a girl shoplifting to try and add to her wardrobe. What had prompted her stealing today?

There’s no one home.

I need an adult to call.

My mother won’t come. She’s at work. Maybe, well, maybe you could call Scott.

Who’s Scott? I need the name of a responsible adult.

Angie nodded. Scott is my mother’s boyfriend.

Is there anyone else?

She shook her head miserably. No. There’s no one else. There’s never been anyone but my mom and Scott.

Sarah sighed. Fine then, her mother’s boyfriend it was. She got Scott’s number from Angie and called him.

Yeah?

Yes, hi, I’m looking for a Scott… She raised her eyebrows in question at Angie.

Delano, Angie mouthed.

Delano.

Yeah, so? Why are you looking for me?

My name is Sarah Langston. I own a clothing shop in downtown Seaclusion.

Okay…

I have an Angie Delano here. She gave me your name and number.

Angie? What’s going on? The rudeness left Scott’s voice. She didn’t have a clue what he looked like, but she could picture him physically straightening up at the mention of Angie’s name. When she told him she had caught Angie shoplifting, he assured her he’d be right there. There was no waffling. He seemed to get that this was serious, but if he didn’t, she would enlighten him.

Angie and Sarah waited in silence. Sarah sat the teen in her office behind the sales desk. Angie stared at the floor, arms crossed over her chest as her hair fell over her face, reminding Sarah of Cousin It from the Addams Family. She was no parent, but even she understood that this girl was acting out in hopes of getting someone’s attention. Whose? Her mother’s? The boyfriend’s?

A man entered her shop twenty minutes later. Was this Scott? She lowered her gaze to keep her startled wonder from being obvious. He wore work clothes, dark boots, jeans, green sweatshirt, and brown jacket. Dark brown work gloves stuck out of his coat pocket. He had auburn hair, hazel eyes, and he stood nearly six foot five. He was about her age. What the hell? This couldn’t be Angie’s Scott, because if it was, Scott couldn’t be more than in his mid-twenties. Did he act as Angie’s guardian or was he merely her mother’s boyfriend? But his reaction to the phone call about Angie was quick and concerned, just like most parents would react, implying he was more than just some man who dated her mother.

He looked around her shop. His gaze stopped on her standing behind the cash register as she tried placing who he resembled.

Mr. Delano?

He stepped in front of the sales desk, rocking on his heels, thumbs stuck in his pockets. He nodded. Yeah, I’m Scott. What did Angie do exactly?

She took this blouse and stuffed it into her backpack. We were the only ones in here. I have it on surveillance if you’d like to see it. I haven’t called the police.

Why didn’t you?

She frowned. What kind of question was that? Because I was doing what is in the best interest of all involved. Angie didn’t seem like the type of girl who usually would do this. By the way she went about it, I thought maybe she was, I don’t know, acting out or something. Maybe she wanted to get caught. Maybe she wanted someone’s attention. Yours perhaps?

Perhaps, he said, frowning, barely sparing a glance at her as he looked around her shop. Where is she?

She gritted her teeth. She should have called the police and skipped this unpleasant encounter. She wished she wasn’t alone in the shop with Angie and Scott. She led Scott back into her office. Angie sat looking as lost as she had before. Was the poor girl stewing with fear over facing Scott Delano’s probably ruthless anger?

Scott stared at the teen for a moment as if waiting for Angie to gather strength and face him. Finally, Angie looked up, her eyes big, round saucers. Sarah felt sorry for the girl. Scott stood with his arms crossed over his chest, making him look even more threatening. Maybe the cops would have been a kinder route.

What’s going on, kiddo?

Sarah blinked and looked up sharply at Scott’s profile, her mouth open. The tone didn’t match the gruffness of the man. Angie shrugged in a halfhearted attempt to avoid him.

Come on, you have to talk with me.

Angie’s gaze dropped, and her hair slid down covering her face. Scott stepped closer, leaned down on one knee, and brushed the curtain of Angie’s hair back. She kept her gaze averted.

You’re in trouble here. You’re lucky I was called and not the police. The police, Angie, you get that, right?

Angie nodded and bit her lower lip.

What were you thinking? You know better than this. Why did you do it?

I just… Angie’s voice faded off.

You what? Scott pushed Angie’s hair behind her ear. He tucked two fingers under her chin and forced her to look him in the eye.

I don’t have anything to wear.

Scott sat back on his heels. His mouth dropped open. You’re kidding me, I hope. You shoplifted because you have nothing to wear? You’ve got a closet full of clothes. What the hell is going on with you?

Scott rose to his feet as he spoke, and started pacing. Angie glanced up at Sarah through her hanging hair and twisted her hands together in her lap. Sarah stayed silent.

I do have clothes. But none of them fit.

Scott missed a step, and stopped dead.

Isn’t it obvious? Angie’s voice quivered. I’m a fat cow and nothing fits me anymore.

Scott’s shoulders slumped, and his eyes turned flat. After a long pause he said, "You are most definitely not a fat cow, and I don’t want to hear you talk that way about yourself. But nothing excuses shoplifting. If you are having a problem you should talk with your mother, not commit a crime."

I have. She told me to quit stuffing my face like a pig so I could fit into what I already own.

He stepped back as if Angie had pushed him. Sarah gasped, air hissing softly through her clenched teeth. No wonder Angie had pulled this stunt. Her mother’s insult would easily spur any fragile, overweight girl into acting out. Her self-loathing was evident from the way she slouched all the way down to how she shuffled her feet.

Your mother said that? Scott’s voice was hesitant.

She did. She said I was eating like a fat cow and why should she buy me a new wardrobe because I had no self-control?

Sarah stepped forward. Look. No harm was done. I’m convinced this isn’t a habit of Angie’s so I’m willing to let it go. I think this time we can forget about it.

Angie raised her head, her eyes hopeful.

It isn’t a habit of hers. No way. However, she isn’t getting off so easy. Scott glanced between them.

But Mom—

Your mother and I will have a talk about what she said. She should never have said that. I’m sorry. But neither should you have responded by doing this. You should have come to me.

And said what? I’m too fat for my mother to buy clothing for?

Sarah flinched at the raw self-hatred in Angie’s tone.

That’s not true. His brow wrinkled, and his jaw clenched.

It’s true. Look at me. Everyone knows it.

Scott’s mouth set into a tense line. He glanced at Angie, and Sarah’s heart softened for him. He was being kind, while so obviously out of his comfort zone in how to confront a distraught teenager over her self-image.

I’m sorry your mother handled this so wrong. But you know I’d help you in any way I could, right?

Yes, Angie said, with no hesitation. Whatever he was to Angie, she had no qualms about believing in him.

You know I’d help you with this. Stealing wasn’t necessary.

Tears filled Angie’s eyes. Stealing is better than forcing you to buy me new clothes because I’ve gotten fat.

Scott spread his hands palms up as if in surrender. Why would you ever hesitate in coming to me?

You don’t look at me like everyone else. I don’t want you to start. So, if I asked for money, for clothes, you’d look and see why I needed it.

Angie didn’t want Scott seeing her as fat. Scott’s opinion in Angie’s world was top priority. Sarah was fascinated and confused by whatever relationship these two had, compounded by the mother who handled such a delicate situation in the worst way possible.

I love you just as you are. You know that. You come to me when you’re in trouble, or when you’re thinking about trouble. No matter what.

Scott stepped in front of Angie, nudging her toe with his, making her meet his gaze. Angie finally nodded. Sarah didn’t know what to say. The girl was screaming for acceptance, for help, and somehow this stern man who looked fresh from a construction site gave it to her. This man who couldn’t be more than ten years Angie’s senior. What the hell was Scott to her?

Now you owe Ms. Langston an apology. She’s been more than kind. You’re lucky you stole from her and not someone who would have called the cops first and asked questions later.

Angie squirmed as she peeked up through lowered lashes. She was so shy Sarah ached for her. I’m sorry.

And she’ll be paying for the shirt.

Sarah glanced at Scott. It’s not one of my cheaper blouses.

I know what kind of shop you run here. Nothing is cheap. Angie will buy what she stole.

Angie shot to her feet. But I don’t have any money.

Of course, you don’t. You’ll earn every blessed dollar it takes to buy it.

Oh. Angie sank back down, deflated. How much?

A hundred twenty-four ninety-nine, Sarah said reluctantly. There was no denying the price tag on the shirt lying across her desk.

I don’t have that kind of money.

I guess you should have shoplifted from the dollar store. What did you think this place was? Scott’s sarcasm stopped Angie dead. Angie dropped her head back down, and her hair slid back into place.

Scott dug out his wallet.

You’re buying it for her?

She gets to pay me back.

We don’t have to buy it, Angie said, her tone feeble.

Scott jerked his head around, his eyes blazing as he zeroed in on Angie now standing in the corner with her arms huddled over her middle. Do you think because your mother was mean to you it somehow excuses what you did today? Do you really think I should let you get away with stealing? No way, little girl. You’ll earn every cent you stole until you realize how much money this is.

But how?

We’ll find you a job, Scott said, his tone sharp.

Sarah took the money as Scott and Angie followed her toward the cash register. Scott rested his elbow on the counter, his gaze pinned on her as she worked.

Why was he staring so intently at her? You really don’t have to buy this.

Yeah, I do. Angie must learn this lesson about her actions having consequences. He crossed his arms over his chest. He seemed disinclined to explain any more of who Angie was to him, or where the mother fit into their situation.

I know it isn’t my business, but I was a teenage girl once, and it can be the worst experience in life, Sarah said after another long moment.

I don’t think you know what someone like Angie is going through.

Why would you think I don’t understand her?

Because look at you, Scott said, his gaze running from her hair, down her face, and over her chest. By his glare he didn’t like what he was seeing.

It’s not about looks. It’s about how she feels inside. Why do you think I didn’t call the police? Having low self-confidence is complicated. Especially when—

They’re overweight. I got it.

I was going to say when they feel like no one understands them. Like their own mother.

Yeah, I caught that too.

It can’t be easy having her own mother criticize what she is already feeling bad about.

I get it. He clenched his jaw.

Was he gritting his teeth at her? Why? She was simply pointing out why Angie could be acting out.

Her mother isn’t a bad mother. She just gets things wrong sometimes. And Angie pays.

And you? Where was he in this equation? She handed Scott his change, and wrapped the blouse in tissue paper and put it into one of the custom bags emblazoned with Sarah’s Secrets in her silver and purple store logo.

He turned to leave, and then stopped and spun on his heel. Have you figured it out yet?

What out?

Where you know me from.

I don’t know you.

He crossed his arms over his chest, stretching the material of his coat at the elbows. You’ve been staring me up and down since I walked in. You really don’t know, do you?

Know what?

Come off it, prom queen. You really don’t know who I am?

She had been prom queen her senior year in high school. Why would this man know that?

We went to high school together. I walked with you around the gym during the homecoming assembly. Scott Delano, captain of the track team? Doesn’t that ring any bells?

She narrowed her eyes. He’d recognized her right off. But…she still didn’t remember him. High school? Could be. She remembered a kid walking with her during the parade assembly where the ten wanna-be prom queens were escorted by captains of different sport teams around the gym. Afterwards the entire school had voted. But what the boy looked like…she couldn’t say.

No. I’m sorry, I don’t—

Forget it, he snapped. He turned on his heel. Like it matters in the least.

He took Angie’s arm and led her out of the shop. Sarah stared after them as they got into an older white pickup truck. She shook her head. That was the strangest confrontation she’d ever had. Scott’s intense gruffness—and his all-around disdain of her—was the antithesis of his gentleness with a teenage girl who wasn’t his, but who he treated almost as if she were. She couldn’t stop thinking about the incident which took no more than an hour of her life. So the overweight teen had a mean mother which prompted her to shoplift. So some guy from high school remembered her and she didn’t remember him. So what?

Why did the twosome linger with her throughout the rest of the afternoon? And why did she have a nagging feeling she was missing something about the situation? Something obvious and important.

The shop’s phone rang. She answered it to moans and heavy breathing. She slammed it down. There was no one in the shop, no one on the street. The phone call sent goose bumps up and down her arms. She got pranks at the store from time to time. Teenagers usually, playing on the Sarah’s Secrets name. This was just another one. However, today, she’d had it with teenage angst and pranks.

Chapter Two

Sarah bit her lip to keep from laughing at her best friend while she twisted all around, studying the slim, simple wedding dress from every angle in the dressing room of the shop. What the hell could Kelly be looking for? It’s not like anything could look bad on her. She couldn’t be more than a size two, in perfect proportion everywhere, her physical perfection attested by the fact she’d spent over a decade as one of the top models in the world.

Then Kelly had fallen in love with Luke Tyler, retired from modeling, and spent the last year living in Seaclusion. Kelly had become Sarah’s best friend and was now co-owner of Sarah’s Secrets. Where once Kelly was the epitome of fashion and chic-ness, now she dressed so basic, bland, and boring it made Sarah want to scream. How could Kelly give up all those lovely clothes?

Kelly and Luke were to be married in a few short weeks. Sarah had made Kelly’s wedding dress. She fiddled around with sewing when she had the time or motivation. She wasn’t half bad when she bothered doing it. When Kelly couldn’t find the right dress she’d begged Sarah to make it for her.

It’s perfect. How did you do it? Kelly beamed at her reflection with her trademark grin.

Sarah rolled her eyes. It’s real hard to make something look good being worn by Kelly Reeves, perfect model.

It’s just what I asked for! Thank you. I can’t tell you what it means to me.

I know what it means, Sarah said softly. Kelly had struggled long and hard for a sense of normalcy in her life.

You want me to close the shop for you tonight? Kelly’s involvement in the store had skyrocketed sales. Kelly Reeves was her own name brand and her reputation had transferred to Sarah’s Secrets. Sarah loved the help, the increased sales, and the fact that now her entire family’s financial well-being wasn’t totally on her shoulders.

Sure. But be on the lookout, we had a shoplifter yesterday.

Really? Did you go all Sarah Langston on their ass?

Sarah stuck her tongue out and made a face. Kelly was often amused by how serious she was about everything. It was a confused teenage girl.

Kelly mimicked her face. Teenage girls are the worst. I suppose it was a call for help.

Yes. I think so. One I answered, of course.

No cops?

No cops. I called her mother’s boyfriend. He was the only one I could reach.

That sounds unpromising.

No, surprisingly, he was wonderful with her. Which was weird considering he’s around my age. It was her own mother who told her she was fat and too expensive to clothe. So she stole my clothing. I don’t know. She was really sad.

As in she might be back?

No. Probably not. I don’t think she was your typical snot-nosed girl believing she deserves more than she has. This girl seemed so confused. And sad. And like she wanted somebody to notice her. Really notice her. I’m not sure how to describe it.

It sounds like you did her a favor.

Maybe. It’s just—

Kelly tilted her head. What?

Holy shit! I can’t believe I didn’t think of it. I was so startled by the whole situation I didn’t consider it.

What?

The blouse Angie was stealing is a maternity blouse. I’m sure of it. I didn’t think of it then because it was a new line we’d just gotten in. The poor child isn’t getting fat, she’s pregnant.

Holy shit, Kelly echoed, her eyes wide.

Yeah.

How old is she?

Maybe sixteen.

Kelly unzipped her dress and slipped out of it. You said her mom’s boyfriend came in? Do you still have his number?

Yeah, his cell phone.

Maybe you should call him.

Sarah took Kelly’s dress and deftly hung it back in its garment bag. Should I? I mean, how is it my business? Some kid shoplifts in my store, and now I should what? Tell her family she’s pregnant?

Shoplifting maternity clothes in an empty store seems kind of like a cry for help. A big cry. I think you should hear her.

It’s just—

What?

I apparently went to high school with the boyfriend and didn’t remember him, which pissed him off.

Kelly stopped while slipping her tank top on. She raised an eyebrow at Sarah. Wasn’t your high school all of like ten people? How could you not know someone?

Sarah rolled her eyes. Just like Scott had implied. The high school is bigger than ten people. And I don’t know. I guess I just didn’t notice him. Which seeing him now, I don’t get.

Why? Is he hot?

He’s hot-tempered. And yeah, maybe kind of hot.

Still. You should probably call him and let them know they have a teenage bomb about to go off.

Maybe, Sarah hedged. She didn’t want to face Scott Delano again.

Kelly stared at her, eyebrows raised.

What? Sarah frowned. You mean right now?

Why not?

Sarah grumbled as she sat down at her desk and dug around until she found the scrap paper she’d written the cell phone number on. With a huff, she picked up the phone and dialed.

Yeah?

God, did he ever say hello? Scott’s greeting made her feel like she should hurry along with what she had to say. It wasn’t like he was performing delicate brain surgery or something, what was his hurry?

Uh, yes, hi. This is Sarah Langston calling.

I have caller I.D. Angie is not there again, is she?

No, nothing like that.

Okay—

How come ten seconds into the conversation she was already flustered? Can I speak with you?

Sure, go ahead.

I mean in person. With Angie’s mom too.

A long pause, then, What the hell is this? We’re taking care of what she did. We really don’t need your advice. Why…are you pressing charges?

Sarah nearly groaned at the sudden suspicion in Scott’s voice. How did he have such a knack of twisting the conversation around in only two sentences?

No, I’m not pressing charges. She took a breath and crumpled the scrap paper