The Wild Ones (Book 2 in the Smalltown Superstars Series)

3

It had been a long time since Dawson had set foot inHiggins. A tiny little backwards town in the middle of nowhere central Alberta.The heart of the prairies filled with endless fields of grains and cattleranches. The home of his grandparents and the birthplace of his father. Dawsonhad spent every summer of his young life in Higgins with his grandparents, andthe school years in the city with his parents.

Frankly, he preferred the winters in the city.Unlike Liam, Dawson had never taken to country life. He found it too dull andmenial. Had it not been for his grandmother his summers here would have beenutterly unbearable. Once Dawson was old enough,he put his foot down and refused to continue suffering the summers in thisblasted place. Liam, on the other hand, had fallen in love with small-town life and had moved to the country assoon as he left home.

Sure,Dawson would from time to time drop in for an hour or two to visit hisgrandparents or his brother. Then there was that darker portion of his timehere when he was foolish enough to have had that stupid affair with hisbrother’s first wife. The night Liam had caught them together had been Dawson’sdarkest hour.

Inaddition to two broken ribs and his brother’s scorn,the town had shunned Dawson. Not that he gave a damn what these rednecksthought of him. He had only been glad that his grandparents had both been longdead before his fall from grace. He could not have bared to see thedisappointment in his grandmother’s eyes had she known what he had done.

Dawsonhad left Higgins that night and not returned in eight years. Surely makingpeace with his brother had bought him some grace within the town. Though he wassure, hisreputation was ruined forever. Of course,he cared little what these people thought of him so long as they did not try tochase him down with a pitchfork. One never knew with hillbillies.

Dawsonyawned as he turned the corner and rolled down the quiet main street of the one-horsetown. It was as small and dead as he remembered. The main street had a patheticexcuse for a hotel and tavern. A gas station, some postal boxes and somethingthat served as a grocery store. Farther down was the church which was the onlyplace in town that had any life in it at the moment. It was Sunday morning, and everyone in and around town was inattendance.

Dawsonwas still exhausted from the wedding last night. He had gotten up far earlierthen he was used to this morning to makethe two-hour drive to Higgins in time to attend Sunday mass at the communitychurch. It had been a long time since he had been in Higgins, but he was willing to wager that Brook would bein attendance and the service would provide him with an excuse to see her once more.

Dawsonpulled into the church parking lot and found himself a place to park. The placewas full as he remembered it. There was no one outside, the service had alreadybegun, he was running a bit late, but what could he do? The church service started so bloody early which was difficult for Dawsonsince he was not a morning person. Dawsonhad a long drive out to the country from the city. Turning off the engine, heclimbed out shutting the door behind him. He mounted the steps leadingto the front doors.

Dawsonopened the doors and went inside he paused as the door slammed shut behind himlooking over the small hall of the church. He had drawn everyone’s attention,each parishioner turning in their seat to look at him. He had disrupted thesermon and instantly heard the whispers that began to spread throughout thechurch.

Dawsonremoved his sunglasses and flashed a winning smile. “My apologies, but it was a long drive.” He said walking boldly down the aisle and finding Liamseated near the front. He settled into the hard-wooden pew beside his brotherwaving his hand to the reverend. “Go on.”

“You certainly know how to make an entrance,” Liam whispered as the reverend began once more. “What are you doing here?”

“I woke up with an overwhelming need for religion thismorning.” Dawson smiled slouching in his seat. Hishead hurt, he had drunk too much last night.

“And what is wrong with the churches in the city?” Liam asked skeptically.

“No sense of community?” Dawson said shrugging his shoulders and lookingaround to see if he could spot Brook.

“You know the churchis not supposed to be a dating service.” Liam scolded knowing his little brother all too well.

Dawsonfeigned a wounded look. “You think so little of me. I am here tofind God.”

“You’re here to find Brook.” Liam corrected. “I am warning you. Do not pursue her.”

Dawsonglared at Liam. “I have already given up one woman for you.I believe that makes us even. You have no right to make further demands of me.I will do as I wish.”

“Your welcome won’t be warm.”

“Never thought it would be,” Dawson said facing forward. They did not speak forthe rest of the service. Dawson struggled not to fall asleep as the sermon wenton and on. When they finally adjourned he was grateful and was one of the firstto rise. He could not wait to get out of there.

Asthey all began to leave Dawson spotted Brook. She was dressed in a long white sundress with her thin string straps on herbare shoulders. Her heavy curls were tied up in a ponytail with wayward whipsfalling into her face. Brook looked so innocenttoday, compared to the way she had looked at the wedding. The transformationwas like night and day. She was leaving the church along with everyoneelse.

Dawsontried to push his way through the crowd to reach her but found himselfintercepted by a rather large group of Liam’s friends. Which to no surprise, Steve Giles seemed tobe at the head of a pack of good old redneck boys. One slim dark hair fellow withglasses. Another beer bellied buddy in a dirty old trucker’s cap and four-day-old beard. Flanking Steve was a ratherlarge but much older guy with dark hair and a full beard, and a younger blondthat looked oddly familiar but Dawson could not place him. None of these men looked all too pleasedto see him.

“Long way from home, aren’t you?” Steve asked as they blocked his path.

Dawsonlooked over Steve’s shoulder and watched Brook disappear outthe doors and from his sight. He restrained his annoyance at having lost hischance to engage her and focused on the more immediate problem. “I thought sometime in the country might do me somegood. You know clear my head and such.” Dawson said eyeing up the other guys he did notrecognize.

“You’re not welcome here,” Steve said sternly.

“Last time I checked wasn’t everyone welcomed atchurch?”

“You know what I mean.”

“That might be true but this is still a free country, and that means that despite your objection I’m free to go wherever I please. Right now, I wouldlike to go outside.” He said looking at each man waiting forone to move, none of which did.

“Boy, we are not as dumb as you think we are. Stay awayfrom Brook or we will hurt you.” Steve snarled.

Dawsonshook his head mocking them. “What is it with you hillbillies, you all think you gotto fight to be a man. Frankly, violenceis what morons’ resort to because they are too simple to come up with a betterway to deal with their problems. Excuse me.” He said going around them. Outside of his scrap with Liameight years ago Dawson had never been in a physical fight, and even in that one, he had not fought back. Dawson did not believe in fighting. He was too clever to fight. Anysmart man could avoid a fight or talk his way out of one.

Atleast that had been the advice his grandmother had always given him when he wasa child whenLiam and his friends would press Dawson’s buttons and make himangry. He had always wanted to pop them one whenthey would taunt him or push him around, but his sweet, devout Christian grandmother would sit with him on the oldporch swing cleaning up his bumps and scraps with a warm smile and a kind word.

“Don’t let your anger rule you, moppet.” She would smile and tussle his hair. “It is better to forgive those who trespass against us.”

“They don’t like me.” He would complain.

“That is not true. Thoseboys are just young and foolish. It is the way, so many boys are. Your brother loves you. Remember what Jesusteaches us, it is better to turn the other cheek.” She said taking a cookie from the plate she hadbrought out for them.

“They would likely just hit that one too.” He grumbled.

“So, let them.”

“But they call me a sissy. They say I’m a girl, that I’m weak and pathetic.”

“You know you are not.”

“Yeah.”

“That is all that matters.” She said taking a bite of her cookie and kicking herlegs to set the swing in motion.

“But they called me a girl.” Dawson had stressed. She clearly did not understandhow insulting this was to a boy his age.

“I will tell you a secret.” His grandmother said placing her arm around him andpulling him closer. “You do not have to fight to be a man. Areal man is smart enough not to have to fight.”

Hisgrandmother had died a few years later, buther advice had always stuck with him. Dawson had from that point on always puthis mind to work when he wished to get even with someone. He had on some occasions found satisfaction against hisbrother and his friends without so much as lifting a finger in anger. Hiscreativity and resourcefulness had served him well later in life when heeducated himself and worked his way to the top of an advertising career in a high-profilecorporation. Which he was technically taking time off from for his honeymoonwhich he supposed was not happening now.

Hestill had the tickets to LA, and hesupposed he could still go but what would be the point. He would be alone.Dawson had thought about just giving them to Liam and Raven. The flight left intwo days so he would have to decide soon. However, honeymoon tickets were not apriority for him at this moment. Dawson was far more interested in finding theelusive Miss. Giles.

Dawsonheaded out the front doors of the church and looked around at all theparishioners that had gathered to socialize after service. They were allrounding the church to the large open field in the back. Dawson remembered thatthey often hold a community potluck afterservice as a way of bringing the community together. It was one of the manythings that made Higgins such a close net community. Dawson rememberedattending a few with his grandparents. His grandmother would always bring herfamous cabbage rolls. He loved those things; Dawson would eat those cabbagerolls until the cows come home.

Hescanned the crowd but still did not see Brook anywhere. He did not think shewould have left yet. Dawson headed down the stairs and started around to theback of the church to join the others. He spotted Brook at the long buffettable taking tin foil and seal wrap from the many dishes talking with some ofthe other helpers. She had a radiant smile.

Dawsontook a step toward her but again met with interference, and he found himself intercepted by the church’s good clergy. “Dawson Archer.” The old man smiled politely. “A genuine pleasure to see one of my lost flock returned.”

“Thank you, Reverend Giles. I must say I think you arethe only one who is happy to see me.” Dawson said shaking the hand of the town’s long-timespiritual leader and Brook’s father.

“Well, you know small towns. They have long memories. Godhelps me see the potential in even the most wayward of his children.” The reverend smiled. “How are your parents?”

“Good,” Dawson said making to move past the reverend, but the old man stepped in front of him oncemore preventing his escape.

“What brings you back to Higgins?”

Dawsontook a deep breath to draw on some inner strength to deal with the bothersomeman. Everyone in small towns was nosey. “Family.” He lied. “My brother and I have made peace, and we have some catching up to do. If you willexcuse me I see someone I would very much like to say hello to.” He excused himself trying to leave once more only tobe stopped a third time by the good reverend.

Theold clergy stood in front of Dawson with his hands respectfully folded in frontof him and his eyes set on Dawson. His expression had changed though fromgentle religious leader to a worriedfather. “I think you should go say hello to some ofthe fellows over there. I believe you know some of them from your time here asa youth.” He politely suggested.

“I will get around to it, but right now I wish to speak to someone else I know,” Dawson said making to move past him.

SuddenlyReverend Giles’ hand was planted firmly in the middle of Dawson’s chest physically preventing him from passing. Dawsonlooked down at the Reverend’s hand on hisperson with some surprise and then over at the reverend who now stared at himwith a stern warning glare. “Speak to someone else.” He warned quietly.

Dawsontook the man’s hand and removed it. “Now Reverend Giles, what would Jesus say?” He smirked surprised that he had provoked such a gentleman.

“Stay away from my daughter.”

Dawsonlooked over at Brook who was happily helping to serve some of the children andthen back at her worried father. “I shall take that under advisement.” He said and headed for the buffettable. Now if he could only avoid any further interference,he might get to speak with her today.

Dawsonmade it to the table without further incident and picked up a paper plate. Heslowly worked his way down the table through the line, filling up his platewith fried chicken and potato salad. He finally reached Brook but she was not looking at him, her attention was on one of thelittle girls who had been trying to reach for a bun. She took it from thebasket and handed it to the child then pat the little girl on her golden head.

“What did you bring?” He asked waiting for her to look up.

Brookturned to face him, and she smirked whenshe saw him smiling back at her. “Cabbage rolls.” She said pointing to a casserole dish to her left.

Dawsonlooked at the dish; it smelled really good, sort of like his grandmother’s had. “Alright, I’ll take some.”

Brooktook up the serving spoon and scooped up a couple of cabbage rolls then placedthem on his plate. “You came rather late.”

“Had some difficulty getting out of bed.” He confessed.

“Was she that good?” Brook teased.

Dawsonadmired her sense of humour. “I was that hung over.”

“Went to bed alone?” She guessed.

“Believe it or not I prefer it that way.” He said. “It saves me the trouble of having to be nice orremember their name. I am terrible with names.”

“I see, so it iswham-bam and adios.”

“It has been an effective method thus far,” Dawson admitted. “I suppose you are kinder to your lovers?” He asked leadingly.

Brookleaned in as if to tell him some secret she did not wish the others to hear.Dawson leaned in closer eager to hear what wicked thing she might have to tellhim. “You will never know.” She said silkily and then smiled at the old ladybehind him. “Hello Glenda you’re looking wonderful today did you get your hair done?”

The way she had dismissed he amused Dawson. Hewas not sure why everyone else was so worried,Brook was doing a wonderful job fending for herself. Dawson carried his plateover to the picnic table his brother was seated at and shot Liam a nasty glare.Liam was trying hard to repress a laugh behind his hand as he ate his meal. “What are you laughing at?”

“That was sad.”

“You could do better?”

“I’m not dumb enough to try.” He said gesturing to all the other women inattendance. “Why don’t you try one of the other ladies? I’m sure you would have better success. Anyone of themwould be happy to fall victim to your wiles.” Liam laughed.

“I’m sure, but I’m not interested.”

“You’re not going to make any headway with her.”

“Says you. Brookmust date.” Dawson said taking a bite from hiscabbage roll. He was surprised at how good they were. They could almost rivalhis grandmother’s. He might have to go back for seconds.

“She does, but no guy has been able to handle her yet.She’s just too weird.” Liam said.

“Weird?” Dawson repeated finding his brother’s choice indescription strange. “How is she weird, does she hear voices?”

“No nothing like that. Brook doesn’t like the rest ofus. She’s a littlewild and crazy. A spur of the moment thrill seeker.” Liam said. “Some guys just can’t handle that.”

Personally,that only served to further intrigue, Dawson.A bit of insight into Brook’s personality might prove helpful in capturing herattention. He looked back at Brook and studied her. A wild and crazy thrillseeker. She did not look like that from where he was seated,but he supposed Liam knew her better thanhe did.

Dawsonhung by his brother watching Brook during the picnic as she played with kidsand talked with the other townsfolk. He found it particularly interesting whenBrook’s mother brought her a guitar, and she seated herself on top of a table andbegan to play for everyone. The congregation got up to dance with the littleones jumping and spinning in between the older folk.

Hewas impressed by her talent. The girl could play, and her voice was phenomenal as she sang loud for all to hear.Dawson recalled that as a child she used to tote around some old scratched upguitar with her and sit outside on her front porch strumming the strings, butas he remembered it, she had beenhorrible at it. Every time she played had been like listening to nails on achalkboard. She had gotten exceptionally better.

Theafternoon progressed, and soon the townsfolk began to dispersesslowly. Brook stayed behind with a few othersto help her parents clean up. Liam took Raven by the hand, and as he rose fromthe table, he looked at Dawson. “Are you coming over or heading back to the city?”

Dawsonlooked up at his brother finding it strange after eight years to have receivedan invitation to his home. He looked at his watch, and it was not too late into the afternoon he supposed he couldvisit for a few hours more. “Yeah, I’ll be right over. I’m going to stay and help clean up.” He said standing and gathering up the plates and cupsfrom the table.

Liamjust shook his head and headed for the parking lot. He knew Liam did not think his ploy would work but Dawson figured itwould give him the chance to speak with her again. He carried the trash to theblack bag and tossed it in instantly beginning to help Brook clear down thebuffet table. “You play well.” He said coming to stand beside her as he picked uptrash from the table. “You have improved.”

“Thank you,” Brook said starting to stack chairs.

“Would you be interested in somedinner this evening?" Dawsonasked tossing some more trash into the bag.

Sheflashed him a knowing smile over her shoulder. “No.”

“Oh, come on now. You have to eat and so do I why can’t we do it together?” He asked.

“It is nothing personal.” She assured him. “But I have to work tonight. I am going home to changeand then heading to work. I don’t have time for you.” She said trying to lift the stack of chairs. Brooklooked ridiculous with her tiny frame straining to lift the heavy stack. Dawsonstepped in and picked up the chairs for her, andshe offered him a warm smile of gratitude.

Hefollowed her to the doors that led to the storage room where they put away thelast of the chairs and folding tables. Once everything had been cleaned up andput back in the storage room, Dawsonwalked Brook to the parking lot. He wondered if she had a vehicle of her own orif she had come with a family member. For that matter did she still live athome or alone? Dawson had so many questions, andhe wanted answers. He looked back to see her parents watching as theytrailed behind them slowly wandering to their car. Brook was not going in the same direction which filled Dawson withsome hope that she lived alone.

“Which car is yours?” He asked.

Shewalked up to an old black mustang and pat the roof. “This one.” She grinned. “An old hand-me-down but it gets me around.”

“Back and forth from your folk’s house?” He asked hoping she would correct him.

Brooklaughed seeing right through Dawson’s ploy. “No, I live alone. I got a trailer and a little slip ofland not far from here.” She informed him.

“Is that a fact? Well,I would love to see it one day.”

“I’m sure you would,” Brook said opening the door and getting inside.

Dawsonleaned against the open window. “Give me a chance, what about after work.”

“Nope. I close up tonight. Today isn’t your lucky day.” She said starting the engine. “Good-bye Dawson.” She said starting to pull out. “And welcome back.” Brook pulled out of the parking lot and took off downthe road. Dawson headed back for his car. If she thought he was about to giveup over something as trivial as a work schedule, she was foolish. He had the most demanding schedule known to man, and he always found time for fooling around.

Brookmay have thought she had just cleverly given him the slip but thanks to Ravenhe knew where to find her. When the Iron Horse closed their doors tonight, he would be waiting, and Brook would be out of excuses.

***

The night had gone well for a Sunday night. The bar had been crowded tonight, and she had been hot. Brook loved her job.Getting paid to rock out on her guitar every night playing all her favouritesongs. It was the next best thing to being a star in this small town. Everyoneknew her face and people would come up to her in the store to tell her how goodthe show had been the night before.

So,the pay was not so hot, butthe tips were ok, and she got to do whatshe loved, unlike some people who spenttheir lives in misery at jobs they hated. Down here everyone was either arancher, a farmer, or working in the mill. Of course, there was always theoption of working in the oil sands up north, butthat was not too popular with the folks around theseparts.

Brookliked what she did. It was good honestwork. Folks around here worked hard all day, andwhen they work was done, they wanted tocut loose and have fun. She helped them do that. She went out of her way to seethat people enjoyed themselves and she enjoyed herself doing it. Brook feltalive on stage behind the microphone. She missed nothing if it happened on the dancehall floor and she played her show so that it was interactive and included thebar’s patrons.

Shehad originally been hired four years ago as a waitress, but one night the performer that was supposed to play had fallenill. They had no one to fill in, and theowner was on the phone searching madly at the last moment for a new act. Whenhe could not find one, Brook had piped up and toldhim she could play the guitar, and that shewould be happy to play for the night.

Ifhe had not been so desperate to fill the spot that night, he probably would have told her no, but after gettingnowhere and being five minutes from opening,he gave her the go ahead. She had played so well that night he had offered hera new job as one of his regular entertainers. As long as she kept bringing inthe customers, she could stay on stage. Ofcourse, she still had other duties when she closed up like washing tables andsweeping the floor. Tossing out drunks that straggled behind and washing disheslike all the other employees.

Things were pretty much caught up, and the others were on their way out the door.Brook was finishing moping the floor and then she would be heading home too.She had the keys to lock up since the manager had headed home over an hour agoto check on her kids. One of the waitresses waved goodnight to her as theyheaded for the door. Brook waved back as she put the mop into the water bucketand then rang it out. She placed it on the floor and began to wipe up the lastpatch of the sticky floor by the bar.Another five minutes and she could leave.

Brookheard the doors open and close as someone came in. “We’re closed.” She called out finishing up her task and placing themop back into the bucket.

“I know.” She heard a voice that had become all too familiarthese past two days. Brook smiled and turned around leaning against the bar.Dawson was standing in the doorway smiling back at her.

“How do you keep finding me?” She asked a little surprised to see him.

“I have my ways.” He said coming to the bar. “I suppose it is too late to get a drink?” He asked.

“I’m afraid you missed the last call.”

“Darn. What do you say I by one of these bottles and wetake it back to your place? Then we can share a drink and get reacquainted.” He suggested.

“I don’t think so,” Brook said. “I remember you just fine. You use to pull my hair as achild.” She said picking up the mop and bucketBrook headed to the kitchen to dump the dirty water.

Dawsonfollowed her only a few feet behind. “As I remember Liam set your hair on fire once. Youseem to have forgiven him. Why not me?” Dawson asked as she reached the maintenance closet.

Brookopened the door and hung the mop on the wall. She then poured the dirty waterdown the drain that was on the floor and placed the bucket on the shelf. “What can I say; Liam is a better dancer than you.” She teased shutting the door. Brook turned around andfound Dawson standing close. His large body blocked her from escape and trappedher against the closet door. She could feel the warmth radiating from him as hestared down at her with dark bedroom eyes.

“That is hardly a fair comparison.” He whispered. “You only danced with me for a minute or two before youran off. How could you possibly judge based on that? You ought to give me an equalopportunity if you are to compare us.”

Fora moment she thought he might try to kiss her, butwhen he did not, she stepped into himpressing her body against his and watching a spark flare in his dark eyes. “How thoughtless of me.” She purred and slid past him. Brook headed back tothe main room. The lights were off, andthe chairs were up on the tables. She was all ready to lock up, but if hewanted his chance to prove himself she was willing to let him. Brook had toadmit Dawson had her interest. She knew better, butshe had never been one to play on the safe side of things. Where was the fun inthat?

Brooktook a dollar from her pocket and walked over to the jukebox. She selected aslower song and turned around smiling at Dawson. He removed his coat, tossingit over the bar he walked out onto the dance floor. Brook followed him outplacing her hand in his. Dawson spun Brook into his arms and held her close,far closer then he should have. He was taking advantage of the circumstance.

Brook should have complained about how close he heldher, but her body pressed firmly against his felt so good she held her tongue.He was lean hard muscle beneath his clothes, andthe flawless flow of his body as he danced her around the room was impressive.He was better at this then she would have expected. “Do I pass the bill?” He asked his hand sliding lower down her back.

“You are very good.” She admitted.

“Does this buy me forgiveness for childhood stupidity?”

“I may consider it.”

“You do not make an apology easy. What does a man haveto do to get into your good graces?” Dawson asked twirling Brook around and bringing herback into his arms.

“If I just went around telling everyone it would takeall the challenge out of it.”

“What if I was to say I had two tickets to LA for aweek? White sandy beaches, warm waters, Hollywood and all that. It was supposedto be my honeymoon, but it turns out I am sort one bride, so Igot an extra ticket and no one to go with.”

Brookstood still, and Dawson stopped dancing.She stared up at him trying to decide if he were joking. The odd thing was helooked completely serious. “Are you asking me to go with you to LA for a week?”

“Don’t you like vacations?”

“Are you for real?” Brook laughed. It wassuch a strange offer and so unexpected, she didn’t know what to think. “We barely know each other.”

“I have known you since you were born.” Dawson corrected her.

“You knew a child.” She said. “A child you hardly paid attention to and I haven’t seen you in eight years. You don’t know me.”

“What better way to get to know each other then.” He smiled. “Come on, haven’t you ever wanted to do something wild and crazy?Something spur of the moment? Just pick up and fly to LA for a few days. Havefun in the sun and see the sights. You’ll be back in this little town in a week. What couldit hurt?”

Thesensible thing to say would be no. Brook knewthat Steve would object, and herfather would tell her how dangerous it was to take off with a man she hardlyknew. She knew all the reasons she should not go. She knew all the objections her family wouldraise; but Dawson had a point, LA would be so much fun and when would she ever getanother chance to go?

Brookeyed Dawson carefully. She knew full well he would use this trip as a way toseduce her. She wondered just how well she could withstand his charm. Thethought of matching wits with Dawson Archer excited her. “Alright, then I’ll go with you to LA, on a few conditions.”

Hewas thoughtful for a moment. “Alright, what?”

“First, I’m not sleeping with you. Our little getaway does notbuy you a way into my pants or even so much as a kiss. We are merely two travellingcompanions that is it.”

Hewas quiet for a moment. “Alright. No expectations. Anything else?”

“We keep this to ourselves until we leave so we do nothave to deal with nagging.” Brook did not feel like listening to her familycomplaining. She would hear enough of it when she got back.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Dawson smiled. “Why don’t I take you home, andwe can talk about the details of the trip.” He suggested another ploy to get a step closer to herbed.

“Not tonight. I’ll take myself home.” She said taking her coat from one of the tables.

Dawson picked up his coat from the bar and followed Brookoutside. She locked up the doors and headed for her car. “Well, then how about your phone number at least. I have tohave a way to contact you. To tell you when we leave and where to meet me.” He pointed out. Hislogic made sense. She looked at him and knew he was right she had to give himher phone number and Dawson knew it as he grinned at her smugly. Brook reachedinto her car and found a pen. She took Dawson’s hand and scribbled hernumber across his palm. Dawson winked at Brook. “Checkmate.”