Page 1 of Little Hidden Fears

CHAPTER 1

Noelle Winters slipped in between the guests, humming to herself as she scooped up a few empty plates off the table and walked to the kitchen. Handing them off to one of the staff members she’d hired to assist her for the evening, she moved a hand to her hip, reminiscing over the night’s events.

The party was winding down now, a fact she was pleased about. Over the last hour, her feet had begun to hurt, making her wish she hadn’t worn heels in the first place. She wanted nothing more than to kick them off and go barefoot for the remainder of the evening. And given most of the remaining attendees were at least a few wines in, she doubted anyone would notice, or care, for that matter.

Six months of party planning had all come down to tonight, throwing the perfect engagement party for Zoey, her best friend since grade school. It was hard to believe a year ago Zoey was single and had announced she’d sworn off men for life. Noelle hadn’t believed a word of it. And sure enough, Zoey retracted the statement the second she laid eyes on the debonair Lucas Bronson.

After a whirlwind, three-month romance, Lucas proposed, and Zoey said yes. Over the next several months, they planned their wedding. In a few short weeks, they’d marry, move in together, and begin their new life in Cambria, California.

Thinking about it now, it was hard for Noelle to believe how much had changed in so little time.

But Zoey was happy, which was all Noelle had ever wanted.

And while she was excited for the next chapter in Zoey’s life, there was a looming sense of unease in her own. In recent days, she’d taken an unexpected risk, one she might not have taken,even though it was the right thing to do. But that was a tomorrow problem. Tonight was about Zoey.

A hand brushed across Noelle’s arm, and she turned to see a beaming Zoey standing next to her in a satin, champagne-colored, split-thigh dress. She recalled the day they’d gone shopping for it. Zoey must have tried on at least fifty dresses that day. But when she stepped out of the dressing room in the one she wore now, they both knew their search had ended.

“I can’t thank you enough for hosting my engagement party,” Zoey said. “Every single moment tonight has been amazing.”

Noelle smiled, saying, “If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

“I am. Hey, I haven’t seen Lucas for a while. Have you?”

Noelle hadn’t.

She’d been so focused on the party there hadn’t been much time to focus on anything else.

“Sorry, no. I’ve been preoccupied,” Noelle said.

Zoey draped an arm around Noelle’s neck. “I thought that’s why you hired staff tonight, so you could relax and enjoy the party along with everyone else.”

“I know, I know. I can’t help it. I want everything to be perfect.”

“Itisperfect. Promise me you’ll relax now.”

“I promise I’ll try.”

“Where’s Kiera? I haven’t seen her much tonight either.”

“Dominic took her up to bed about a half an hour ago. I bet he’s still with her, helping her settle in,” Noelle said.

“Or hiding out somewhere upstairs. Your husband has never been comfortable in a room full of people.”

Noelle shot Zoey a wink. “That’s true, but when I suggested hosting the party here tonight, he was a good sport. I’m surprised he lasted as long as he did.”

“I’m not. He’d do anything for you.”

Almostanything.

“It’s just about time for the toast,” Noelle said. “And given the guests have gone through almost all of the champagne, I need to bring in some reinforcements.”

“Should I send someone to get more bottles?”

“Not only do I have backups, I have backups for the backups.”

They both laughed, and Noelle excused herself, heading upstairs to grab the additional bottles of champagne she’d stashed in the wine fridge upstairs. Along the way, she cracked open her daughter’s door and peeked inside. Five-year-old Kiera was curled on her side, fast asleep, her favorite white teddy bear clutched in her arms. Dominic was nowhere in sight.

Noelle pulled the bedroom door closed and rounded the corner. She made her way to the wine fridge and bent down. The moment she reached inside to grab the bottles, the lights went out, cloaking the room in darkness.

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