The Melody In My Head (Love and Music in Texas Book 2) Read online

  Blurb

  Welcome back to Harmony's Echo, Texas.....

  Melody Roland is on the run from the one person she trusted completely. One who hid a dark past she could never have imagined. When a pregnant woman on the bus she's fleeing on goes into labor, Melody rushes to her aide. Now she finds herself stranded in a tiny remote town just off the highway, with no way to her original destination.

  She's alone, on edge, and unsure who to trust. Her instincts scream to get far away and fast. But how and where?

  Jameson Grant struggles through the roughest year of his life. Suffering from the loss of his father, one grief stricken night, he made a mistake. One which cost him the only woman he's ever loved. Each lonely day he's faced with the constant reminders of how quick things can change. Throwing himself into the one thing he has left, his music, helps dull the pain he fights to keep hidden. His last salvation begins to crumble as things spiral out of control and he has no choice but to face the 'music' of his past.

  The last thing he needs or wants in his life is a woman with more trouble on her heels than the best of country music lyrics. But Melody sings a sirens call within him that can't be ignored.

  Jameson and Melody bond in ways stronger than either could have imagined, but one dangerous person from her past may threaten it all...

  If she doesn't flee before he can convince her to stay, and that some love songs last an eternity.

  The Melody In My Head

  Love and Music in Texas: Book Two

  by

  Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Copyright July 2013, Nikki Lynn Barrett, First Version.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Acknowledgements

  One would think these are getting easier to write, but really? No. I'm always afraid of missing someone. In no particular order, I'd like to thank:

  Alison Chaffin Higson - You read the rough, rough draft because I needed an opinion right away, and you came through for me. Thank you so much for reading the bare bones of the story. I'd say I'm sorry Jameson and Melody kept you up late that night, but I'm not!

  Everyone in Rom-Critters - Whether you've critiqued my story or just shown me tremendous support ... I love being part of a great writing community.

  My wonderful beta readers - Jen Berg, you have been with me from the very beginning, and your encouragement and enthusiasm is very helpful. You always give me your honest opinion and I am forever grateful for that. Crystal Newman - I hope to continue to make you cry ... wow does that sound bad, but it means you're feeling the emotions I write in. Thank you for loving my stories! Melinda Barrera - Thanks for loving Jameson! I'm still in shock, just so you know! I thought it was going to take me A LOT longer! I'm glad that each one of you have been brought into my life and that you continue to read my books and want more.

  Robert - You created another cover that I absolutely love! Thanks for that, for the edits, the proofing ... just thanks in general for sharing me with my fictional characters.

  My family - Thank you for all of your support. I love it when I log into Words With Friends and read your messages when you're reading my books, Daddy. I always laugh or smile and all that, depending on your comments. And for both of you, Mom and Dad, to tell people about my books. Thank you!

  To my readers! Thank you for embracing The Secret Santa Wishing Well and/or Baby Stetson, and inquiring about when The Melody In My Head is going to be released. Well guess what- you don't have to wait! It's here! (Now you just have to wait for the next one. Sorry!)

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to Andrea. I'm glad that you have the love of reading back in your life, and I am thankful that I am the one who brought it back to you.

  Praise for books by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Praise for Baby Stetson

  "I truly enjoyed the mystery surrounding this endearing story of secrets, family, forgiveness, and love. I kept guessing and second guessing on how it was going to play out and wondering if I had all the characters pegged correctly." Christine Warner, author of Bachelor's Special

  "I started this book with the intent to just read a few chapters before I went to sleep. That didn't happen. I stayed up till I finished the whole thing. I loved all the characters and the plot of the story." Racing To Read

  "BABY STETSON by Nikki Lynn Barrett is a good story. It's sweet, and it will snare you into wanting to know more." Unwrapping Romance

  "BABY STETSON is sweet, heart-warming and an all-around a nice read! Nikki Lynn shows true writing potential with her sophomore release." A Tasty Read

  "One of the things I loved most about Barrett's work was that her book felt so real. At times, it felt more like reading Avery's journal than a novel. I loved all the insight into their life." Paws and Print

  "What a fun and beautiful read! Just what I expect from Nikki!" Romancebookworm's Reviews

  "This was a very well written book with great characters and a great story. It had a very good balance of romance, suspense and action. It is a page turner, with a good plot that keeps you guessing about all the characters true stories and their motives." The TBR Pile

  Praise for The Secret Santa Wishing Well

  "There comes a story that when you start reading, the author gets your attention right away. Well, Nikki Lynn Barrett did this in a sweet romantic holiday theme story that will melt your heart." Melena's Reviews

  "This is a magical read for the holidays and I highly recommend it to all!" Romancebookworm's Reviews

  "The perfect Christmas read about the true meaning of Christmas." Romance Book Craze

  "This story takes you on a heartfelt journey with laughter, tears, and even frustration at times. It is a wonderful emotional ride that I enjoyed to the fullest!" Jen Berg

  "Just what a holiday romance should be like!" Under the Covers

  "I would really recommend this book to any one that needs a little pick me up. This book will bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart." Crystal Newman

  Chapter One

  Mid September

  The soft, constant hum of the bus's engine and the off-beat pitter patter of raindrops nearly soothed Melody Roland to sleep. If only she weren't so nervous about her new life. Nothing could calm her, even though the bus took her further and further away from her life in Colorado.

  She thought everything had been perfect.

  Boy was she wrong.

  So deadly, horribly wrong.

  Tears welled up in her eyes, and she quickly wiped them away. There was no time for tears right now. She had to plan. Think. What next? Even though she'd dyed her hair and ditched any evidence of who she was, she didn't feel safe.

  She played the last year in her mind. The words he'd said and she'd believed.

  "I love you, Melody. You make my life complete. How could I ever survive without you?"
/>   Images of the events from a few days ago haunted her. Had it only been a few days? It seemed like yesterday. A knot formed in her stomach. I'm sure you can live just fine, since you lead a double life.

  I can't even call home to find out what happened.

  Would she ever see her family again?

  How the hell had she become so naive? Hadn't living with two men most of her life taught her anything? Her father and brother Chris may have protected her from life, but Melody had learned not to believe in sweet lines thrown her way. How had she allowed herself to slip up so badly?

  The very pregnant woman beside her shifted and finally opened her eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling. Then she sat up. Melody had talked to her off and on throughout the trip. It was nice to have someone to talk to, even if it was only idle chit chat.

  "Where are we now?" The woman brushed back her deep red hair and stifled a yawn.

  "Somewhere in Texas," Melody replied. She hadn't paid attention to the signs. With the heavy rain, they weren't easy to spot anyway. "Did you have a good nap?"

  The woman made a face. "Ugh. No. My back is killing me. I can't get comfortable. I appreciate you lending me your jacket for a pillow though."

  Melody smiled. "It's no problem."

  The woman gasped, then clutched her belly. "Ooh. It hurts."

  Melody blinked, alarmed. Back pains, belly ache...

  Oh no, was the woman in labor?

  Then, to make matters worse, it sounded like the bus's engine died … or something. A loud clanking followed by a screech had Melody covering her ears.

  Geez, what would happen next?

  "Folks, it looks like we're having engine problems. I'm going to have to pull off the road. We're going to experience some delays," the driver said. "This isn't too far off from the Harmony's Echo stop, but we won't be going further for awhile."

  A round of groans and unhappy voices filled the bus.

  Melody exchanged a look with the woman whose face had gone pale. "Are you all right?"

  The woman shook her head ruefully. "I think- I think the baby's coming. It's too early! I'm not due for another six weeks."

  Dread crept into Melody's gut, and her heart went out to the woman. She reached for her hand and clasped it. "Wherever the bus pulls off, we'll find a way to get you to a hospital."

  The woman nodded, gasping for breath. "I don't want to have this baby on the bus."

  The vehicle slowed down, pulling off the highway. The rain let up just a little bit and Melody glanced around at the outside surroundings. A bed and breakfast sign hung nearby. If anything, they could go there and at least call an ambulance.

  When they rolled to a stop, the driver jumped out of his seat, opened the doors and headed outside. The scent of rain filled the bus, and chilly air rushed in.

  "Are you all right?" Stupid question, she knew, but Melody had no idea what to say right now. This woman was in labor and they were in an unknown town, on a bus! "Do you think you'll be able to walk? I'll help you." Melody grabbed her duffel bag and purse and stood. She held out a hand out to the woman. A middle aged passenger nearby came over and aided Melody in lifting the woman from her seat. She gasped and groaned, her breathing shallow and rapid. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Melody hoped they could make it to a hospital, or at least have a team of paramedics handy when that kiddo decided to come out into the world.

  "God, it hurts!" the woman nearly screamed.

  They were off the bus now, edging toward the bed and breakfast, just a parking lot away.

  Two men stood outside the inn. Maybe they had cell phones!

  "Hey, please help!" she shouted, hoping they would pay attention.

  Sure enough, they turned, both looking startled, but they ran toward them.

  "What's going on?" the taller of the two asked.

  "Our bus broke down, and this woman is in labor. We have to get her to a hospital," Melody said, adrenaline taking over. Her voice shook a little.

  "Let's move her inside," the taller man instructed. "Jameson, call an ambulance."

  The other passenger lingered behind as the two new strangers took over.

  The woman looked at Melody. "Please don't leave me."

  Melody held onto the strap of her bag and shook her head. "I won't go anywhere."

  It threw off her whole plan, but she wasn't about to leave. This poor woman seemed so frightened. Besides, if she was being tracked somehow, she could hide out for awhile.

  The blond, Jameson, pulled a phone from his pocket and talked to a dispatcher. After he hung up the phone, he helped the taller, dark haired man with the woman. Melody followed behind, holding her bags and the woman's.

  Inside the inn was much warmer and calm. The desk person watched them with alarm. "What's going on, Lucas? I thought you were heading home."

  "I was, Greg, but we have an emergency."

  "An ambulance is on their way!" the blond said. "Just hang on, okay?" he added softly to the woman. "What's your name?"

  "Shelly," she said in a small voice, then gasped again.

  "Has your water broken yet, Shelly?"

  She shook her head vigorously then let out a yelp.

  "Should we have tried to take her ourselves?"

  "Jameson, I gave Avery the car to go home in. The truck is a little too high to try and get her in. And I'm your ride, remember?" the other man said. "There's an emergency station nearby. They won't be long."

  "I hope so."

  Jameson pinched the bridge of his nose as he sighed deeply. Then he flicked his gaze over to Melody. "Are you two traveling together?"

  She shook her head. "Well, yes and no." She laughed nervously. "Obviously we're on the same bus, but we didn't know each other before." He had beautiful, deep blue eyes.

  She was just about to scold herself for thinking about his eyes when Shelly let out another cry. The sound of sirens filled the air. Help was coming.

  Jameson and the other guy looked relieved.

  Within a few moments, paramedics flooded the lobby and surrounded Shelly. Melody stepped back to avoid being in the way. Jameson stood beside her. The other guy was on the phone. "Honey, I'm going to be a little late. There's an emergency over at the inn. No, everyone's fine. I'll tell you about it when I get home. Get some rest, I love you."

  They loaded Shelly on a stretcher. Melody walked over and handed them Shelly's purse and belongings.

  "Do you think you can come to the hospital?" Shelly asked, tears streaming down her face. "You're the only one I know, I'm afraid."

  One of the paramedics looked over at her. "There won't be room in the ambulance," he said softly, compassion in his eyes.

  Melody was torn. She had no idea what to do.

  "If you want to go, we can take you," the taller guy said. "I'm guessing you're taking her to the hospital just north of the inn?"

  One of the paramedics nodded.

  Shelly cried out again.

  "We've got to go, now."

  "If you can take me, I'll go." It wasn't like she had anywhere else to go.

  Melody followed the men outside. The bus was still there, and a few of the passengers headed toward the inn.

  "It's a good thing this is where we ended up, so at least we have a place to stay for the night until other arrangements can be made for transport," Melody overhead one of the passengers grumble as she passed them. The ambulance already had Shelly loaded up.

  "Wow, what a night," Jameson said. He turned to Melody. "I'm Jameson, by the way. And this is Lucas."

  Lucas nodded in acknowledgement.

  "I'm..." Damn it, she almost said Melody. It wasn't a good idea to give her real name. "Mary."

  "It's nice to meet you, Mary." Jameson smiled.

  What a smile.

  "Jameson, what if I drop you two off in front of your house and you can get your truck? I want to get home and make sure Avery is okay. She looked a little worn out after the show." Lucas opened the door to the truck and unlocked the other side
.

  "Scoot on in. Sorry, it's not an extended cab," Jameson said. "Here, I'll hold your bag for you. That way Lucas doesn't bump into it while driving. Lucas, yes, you can drop me off at the house."

  "Thanks," Melody said, handing him the bag. She hoisted herself up into the truck, scooting in. She felt a little uncomfortable being in the middle of these two strangers, but they both seemed nice. Lucas was a little gruff, but Jameson had been pretty friendly.

  Her thoughts reverted back to Shelly. What would happen after she had her baby? Melody couldn't stay at the hospital the whole time. She hardly had any money to stay at the inn. It wasn't like she had time to grab money and run, since everything happened so quickly.

  "It's not a problem, Jameson. I just hate leaving her alone so long. I didn't particularly want to drop by the inn, but I had to make sure there wasn't a leak in the spot I worked on before we left for the show." Lucas started the truck. "Are you comfortable?" He directed that at Melody.

  It was a bit of a tight squeeze, but she could handle it. She nodded.

  "All right. The ride to Jameson's isn't far, so we won't be cramped for long. My fiancée's truck isn't made for too many people."

  "It's a good thing you got that car, otherwise you'd have fun with the baby," Jameson pointed out.

  "Yeah, I know. But Avery loves this truck."

  "That she does," Jameson said softly.

  Lucas was right. The ride to Jameson's was short. He pulled up in front of a house and put the truck in park.

  "This is our stop. Let's go see how your friend is doing. Night, Luke. Give Avery a hug for me, okay? Tell her to rest. And tell her not to worry about practice tomorrow unless she's up to it." Jameson gave a little wave, then pushed open the truck door. He took Melody's bag with him.

  "Thank you for this." Melody scooted out of the truck and nearly slipped in the mud as her feet decided to not work properly. Jameson dropped her bag to grab hold of her, keeping her steady.

  "Careful there," Lucas called out.

  "I've got her. See you later," Jameson said, pushing the door closed. Lucas drove off.