Hiding Away (Anchored Hearts #1.5) Read online

  “I’m fully moved into the hotel and need to sell the townhouse or find a tenant.” He waggled his brows at me smiling.

  James wanted me to be his tenant. Another lifetime ago, before Derek, I would’ve jumped at his offer. Now, the last thing I wanted was to live alone. “James, I mean I’d love to, but I’m just not prepared for that. Mom would have a coronary if I moved out after just getting home.” I lied through my teeth and hoped he bought it.

  “Jane, come on. Aunt Bev will be fine with you moving out. And you haven’t even seen the place. You moved before I bought it. And with all the updates I made to the place, it’s practically been gutted and redone. You’ll love it.”

  “I know you mean well, I just can’t. Please let it go.” I tried to control the snap in my tone and pleaded with him with my eyes.

  He scrutinized me with his eyes and finally shrugged his shoulders. “Fine, but you’ll regret it.” He winked at me before changing the subject.

  ~<>~<><>~

  September

  The rest of the summer, what was left of it, had passed uneventfully. James and I continued spending a lot of time together when he wasn’t out of town. Mom was on my case to find a job or to join her charity committees. I needed to start looking for work because I’d be damned if I was going to get finagled into joining the charities she was on. Not because I wasn’t charitable, but because I couldn’t stand the type of women that ran the committees. I’d spent enough time moping around, waiting for Derek to show himself, that I was being overly cautious about making any other changes.

  Walking into the kitchen to grab some lunch, I saw mom was meeting with someone. I tried to sneak out before she saw me, but she spotted me.

  “Jane, come here. I want you to meet Cassidy.”

  A light bulb went on in my brain when I heard her name. Hadn’t James said that the girl from the bar’s name was Cassidy? What are the odds? I walked over to her as she smiled brightly. She had big blue eyes and long red hair that draped down her back. She was beautiful and not my cousin’s standard waif-like ditzy model type. I liked her immediately!

  I outstretched my hand to her, “Hi, I’m Jane.” Mentally chastising myself for not having my phone on me because I wanted to sneak a pic of Cassidy to send to James.

  “Nice to meet you, Jane. Your mom has told me so much about you.” I groaned and Cassidy smiled and assured me it was all good.

  “Jane, really, can’t a mother sing her daughter’s praises?”

  “Yeah, yeah Mom. What are you two up to?”

  Mom explained that Cassidy was the event planner this year for the annual masquerade mom always threw. This was all just way too convenient. Now I really did need to talk to James ASAP. I joined in the conversation for a while before I faked an upset stomach and ran to my room to find my cell.

  I wasn’t waiting long for him to answer his phone. “Hey Jane, what’s up?”

  “Is your Cassidy a tall curvy red head with piercing blue eyes?” I was smirking when I heard his sharp intake of breath.

  “Jane? What’s going on?” His tone was one of concern and I couldn’t drag this out any longer, even though I wanted to.

  “She’s the event planner, I’m assuming from B & C, planning mom’s annual masquerade this year. She’s here at the house with mom now.”

  James was silent for so long I had to ask if he was still there. “Yeah, I’m here.” He sounded somber.

  “What’s wrong? This is your opportunity! The fates are calling you to her.” I was exaggerating my enthusiasm and he started laughing.

  “This certainly makes things easier for me. I wonder what the odds are that she’s planning the hospital auction too. I need to get in touch with dad to see who he’s been dealing with at B & C.”

  “Are you trying to tell me that you didn’t know she worked at B & C? I don’t believe that for one second.” James was way too resourceful. My guess was he knew more about Cassidy than she did!

  “I know she works there; I just didn’t realize she was that far up the chain. If your mom has her planning the masquerade she must be higher up than I thought. Thanks for the information Jane. I have to run.”

  “Anytime.”

  “Mums the word. I’ll be in touch. Later.” He disconnected the call before I agreed, but he knew I’d keep my word.

  Chapter Three

  ~ CALVIN ~

  After another long and boring shift I was walking in the door as Cassidy was walking out. She gave me a smile and a wave as she jumped in her car and headed to work. She’d been living with me for a few months now, since the shooting. We’d converted my workout room into a room for her, until she found a place of her own.

  It was a boring night, nothing too exciting happening. My partner, Frank, and I were parked on a side street, in the bar district, observing the activity. It was after one in the morning and my cell phone rang. When I looked at the screen, my sister’s face popped up.

  “Cassidy, what’s up? You’re calling awfully late.”

  “This is Renee, I’m a nurse down at County. Your sister has been involved in a shooting.”

  “What? Is she ok?” I turned to my partner and said, “Frank, start heading toward County.”

  “She’s uninjured, but asked that we give you a call to take her home.”

  “Ok, I’m on my way.”

  What the hell was going on? Was she just at the wrong place at the wrong time? She was probably out with Holly, the two of them were peas in a pod and practically inseparable. Frank turned on the sirens and we made it to county in just a few minutes.

  I rushed into the ER and found someone to direct me to where Cassidy was. When I found her she was on a couch, huddled in the corner with her knees to her chest. She was all alone, and that killed me and concerned me all at once. Where were Holly and this guy Dan she was dating? As I approached her I saw that her clothes were stained with blood. My stomach flipped violently as a feeling of trepidation washed over me.

  I crouched down in front of her, “Cass, are you ok?”

  She looked up to me, but her eyes were hollow. Placing my hands on her legs, to reassure her I was there, I was aware of her trembling as she started mumbling. “She’s gone, Cal. They killed her.”

  I had a feeling I knew who she was referring too, but I didn’t want to believe it. I always had a soft spot for Holly, but never anything more than brotherly concern. She’d been a great friend to my sister. “Who’s gone, Cass?”

  “Holly!” She began sobbing uncontrollably as she wrapped her arms around me. There was nothing left to do but to scoop her up and take her home.

  The days that followed were horrible for Cassidy and I both. We buried Holly and Sam and thanks to an anonymous donation, all the costs were covered. Neither Holly nor Sam had family so the donation was a welcome blessing. The owner of the bar was arrested and when I found out who he was, I was furious. A well-known local playboy owned the bar, and he was released and all charges dropped just as quickly as he was arrested.

  Cass managed to pick up the pieces the best she could, though Dan didn’t make it any easier. She tried visiting him at the hospital and he shut her out. Once I ran his record, I was infuriated. He had a record full of misdemeanors and had a reputation around the precinct. He never would’ve been dating my sister had I known. Dan vanished, apparently going to rehab, and when she didn’t hear anything more from him, I was ecstatic about that.

  Cass had moved into my place, at my insistence, and went back to work after only a week off. She was making a name for herself and I was proud of her. We spent a lot of time together since the shooting, and it was nice getting reacquainted with my baby sister. We hadn’t spent nearly enough time together before all this happened, if we had, maybe it never would have happened. I was just thankful that she was still here.

  I was glad to have her close to me so I could keep an eye on her. But the time had come to have a discussion about getting a bigger place or her finding a place of her own. I wasn
’t quite sure how to bridge this topic with her. I didn’t want her feeling like I wanted her gone.

  After stripping off my uniform I walked to the bathroom in just my boxer briefs. I turned on the shower and waited for the hot water to flow. I looked around the small bathroom and while it was still tidy, it was now overflowing with my sisters shit. My condoms replaced by tampons and my razors were in short supply since she started using them. I decided then and there that Cass and I had to figure out this living situation ASAP. We both deserved more than what we had.

  As the water flowed over me I rested my arm on the wall and placed my head against my arm. I took a mental note that I needed to get laid as my cock stood at attention, mocking me. I couldn’t even recall how long it’d been; only knowing it was before the shooting. I turned the water to cold, but it didn’t have the desired effect. Returning the water to hot, I grabbed, squeezed and stroked him until he convulsed into sleep. I stumbled out of the shower, threw on some clean underwear and passed out in bed.

  ~<>~<>~<>~

  I hung up the phone after ordering pizza as Cass walked in the door that night. Ordering pizza had become our usual routine for Friday nights. I cracked open a Mike’s Hard Strawberry Lemonade for her and a beer for myself. She dropped her purse on the counter and took the drink.

  After she pulled the bottle from her mouth she asked, “How was your day?”

  “You know me; super exciting as I slept the day away.”

  “You’re off tonight right?”

  I nodded at her and told her dinner was on its way.

  “So something interesting happened today at one of my meetings with a client.” My eyes encouraged her on. “Mrs. Whitford got a phone call during our meeting. When her call ended she told me she has a townhouse a few miles from here that needs a tenant. I had told her that I was starting to look for places and she offered up the townhouse.”

  This was a relief, she wanted to move out. I was so pleased that she came to this decision on her own. “That’s great. Have you seen the place?”

  “Mrs. Whitford told me to call her anytime and she’d give me the code for the keybox. I was thinking about heading over there tomorrow and I’d love it if you could come with me.”

  “You still have the appointment with Stix at Heller’s Ink tomorrow?”

  “Yes. I figured we could go to the townhouse beforehand.”

  “Ok. Sounds good. Have you narrowed down your choices?”

  “Yup. I’m getting the Phoenix Holly drew that I found in her notebook. You?”

  “I think I’ll just have him touch up the color on my latest piece on my back. Did you decide where you want it?” I was covered in tattoos, but it wasn’t evident when I wore my uniform.

  “My ribcage.”

  I cringed and she smiled saying, “I know it’s going to hurt like a mother, but it’s worth it.”

  Chapter Four

  ~ CALVIN ~

  The next day we went to the townhouse and we were both floored. The place had been completely overhauled and was big enough for both of us. Cass was in shock and convinced she couldn’t afford the place. I persuaded her to just call Mrs. Whitford to find out what they wanted for rent before she lost all hope. After the phone call, Cass and I discussed it on the way to the tattoo shop.

  “I can’t believe they don’t want more for rent.”

  “She’s probably doing you a favor Cass. Can you afford it?”

  “Well, I mean yeah. I’ve never had my own place, but I think I can manage it. Holly and I split everything before. It’ll be just me this time.”

  I turned and smiled at her as I drove down the highway. She had tears welling in her eyes. “Cass, you deserve this, you can do this.” She nodded and tried to stop the tears. I knew this was a hard day for her. It was Holly’s birthday and instead Cassidy was getting a tattoo in honor of her dead best friend. Life just wasn’t fair.

  ~<>~<>~<>~

  “Fucking hell!” Stix pulled back and looked at Cass questioningly as I tried to suppress my laughter. “Don’t stop. I know I’m not the first girl on your table to cuss.”

  “No, not the first, but you cuss like a fucking sailor!” We all laughed.

  “Well it fucking hurts!” Stix got to work finishing Cassidy’s phoenix as she cursed him. I averted my eyes when necessary. She decided to do the outline today and come back for the color at Stix’s recommendation.

  ~<>~<>~<>~

  October

  Cass had been moved out for two weeks now. Her big event with Mrs. Whitford was tonight with another one next Friday. I had my workout room back and it felt good to lift weights in my own place again. It was quiet with her gone, but I was happy knowing she was in a safe neighborhood and close by.

  ~ JANE ~

  Mom convinced me to attend the masquerade with some persuasion from James. Dad wouldn’t be there since he was always traveling. I missed him, but I grew up with him traveling a lot and it worked well for my parents.

  We walked into the ballroom and it was exquisite. Cassidy had done a marvelous job. Mom was over the moon and headed right for Cassidy once she spotted her.

  “Well done, my girl. Everything looks fabulous. And you look stunning. I almost didn’t recognize you with the mask. Why are you still single? I have a feeling that you won’t be for long. I just love Halloween. It’s my favorite time of year.” I chuckled at Moms enthusiasm and so did Cassidy. “You remember my daughter Jane.”

  “Yes, of course.”

  I shook Cassidy’s hand and wondered if she had any idea how much James was pining for her. I hoped that she was worth it and felt confident that she was. The night went off flawlessly, though I was bored out of my mind, except when I was watching things develop between Cassidy and James. They couldn’t keep their eyes off one another.

  Later in the night, when Cassidy was busy with a flurry of tasks, I managed to talk to James. “So?” They had just finished dancing and had caused quite the spectacle whether they realized it or not.

  James grinned from ear to ear. “She’s hesitant, but I have faith.” He wouldn’t elaborate more.

  “Mom said you found a tenant.”

  “Sure did.” Sometimes he was so vague it made me crazy.

  As the evening ended I spotted Cassidy, who looked slightly frazzled. I grabbed a glass of champagne and headed her way. She took the glass eagerly and downed it in one long gulp.

  “James isn’t your date is he?” I was briefly amused by her assumption.

  I smiled at her and said, “No, Cassidy, he’s yours.”

  “What is wrong with you people?!” She removed her mask and placed it in her clutch.

  “He knows what he wants and that’s you!” Cassidy simply rolled her eyes at me before I congratulated her. I kissed her on the cheek and decided to get the hell out of there. I’d be doing this again in a week whether I liked it or not. This being wearing a dress, heels, and the works, which I hated doing.

  ~<>~<>~<>~

  The next afternoon I was lounging on the couch searching the wanted ads again. I had a second interview at Children’s Hospital coming up, but nothing was guaranteed. Mom came walking up and poked her head over my shoulder.

  “Whatcha doing, Janey?”

  “I think it’s quite clear Mom. I’m looking for work.”

  “I’m sure you’ll get the job at Children’s.” She patted my shoulder, “I got Cassidy a gift and I was wondering if you could do me a favor and take it to her.” I groaned as I looked back at her. “Please. She’s living at James’s townhouse.”

  I spun around, “WHAT?” Mom just smiled and brought her finger to her lips indicating it was a secret.

  “She doesn’t know? Ugh! He’s an idiot.” We shared a laugh before I went upstairs to get dressed. I called a cab since I still hadn’t replaced my car and didn’t feel like asking mom for her driver or to borrow a car. I over valued my independence, to a degree.

  When the cab pulled up to the townhouse I noted the Ford pick
up in the driveway. Maybe Cassidy wasn’t single like James thought. I asked the cab to hang on and run the meter before I stepped out of the car. Taking a deep breath, I walked up the steps and knocked on the door.

  “Jane! What are you doing here?” She was clearly surprised to see me.

  “Sorry, Cassidy. I hope I’m not intruding. Mom and I wanted to give you this.” I handed her the wrapped box. “It’s a thank you for the hard work with the masquerade.”

  “Oh wow, thank you. You didn’t have to go to all that trouble.” She spotted the gift bag in my other hand and invited me in. “Please, come in. The place is a wreck. I’m unpacking, but my brother is here with food.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t realize you had company…” The truck must belong to her brother. I was slightly relieved for James.

  “Nonsense. I insist.” She softly guided my through the door waving at the cab.

  “Ok, one second, I need to pay the cabby.” I ran back down the stairs to the cab to pay him.

  I closed the door once I made it inside and headed toward the kitchen. Her brother was a tall guy, standing with his back to me by the kitchen island. Just from behind I could tell he was built, maybe even more so than James, but not quite as tall. I stood there hesitantly before Cassidy introduced us.

  “Jane, this is my brother Calvin.”

  Calvin turned around to face me with a big smile on his face. His eyes immediately dropped to my toes and scanned up my body. I shifted on my feet nervously fighting the foreign feelings happening inside me. He wore blue jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt that stretched across his chiseled torso, and was tucked into his jeans. He was clean cut, with short dirty blonde hair spiked up on top and a five o’clock shadow that I guessed was his usual look. He had hooded blue eyes that lit up when he smiled. And dimples, dear god, he had killer dimples.

  Cassidy walked up behind him and nudged him. “Stop being rude, Cal.”

  I swear he stuttered, “Sorry. Jane is it? You can call me Cal.” He thrust his hand in mine before asking, “You like Chinese?”

  I pulled my hand away abruptly as the tingles moved up my arm. “Love it! Oh, here, this is for you, too.” I handed Cassidy the heavy gift bag in my other hand as the contents rattled about.