What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9)

by Kristine Cayne

  “What if they think it’s more reason for us to want to kill him?”

  “Blaine, you can’t not go because you’re afraid they’ll arrest me. If they do, then we’ll fight because we both know nothing happened.”

  “I don’t want you to have to go through any more.” She calmed down a little.

  He cupped her face and kissed each cheek. “We can’t stop what may or may not happen. All I know is this was the last straw. If you don’t go, I will. I’m not letting this man bring you down any more, no matter what. I care about you too much to let it happen.”

  “But-”

  “No. Stop. No buts. Tomorrow morning, we go. I’m going with or without you.” He dipped his head to kiss her. “I can’t sit back knowing what I know and let him get away with it.”

  Blaine let out a ragged sigh. “I wanted to start over. That life, I just wanted to forget.”

  Taking her hand in his, Randy led her back to the living room to sit with him. “It’ll pass. It might get worse before it gets better, but it’ll pass. Please consider going with me in the morning. It’s going to be better coming from you. You’re the one he did this to.” He gently rubbed her shoulder as she leaned against him. Her muscles were so tense.

  “Okay. I’ll do it. You’re right, and I have to stop letting him win. I just- if this gets out even more?”

  “Then you stand up, hold your head high and fight like the strong woman I know you are. Dragging out dirty secrets is ugly, but you need to remember you didn’t do anything wrong. Frederic did this to you and he needs to pay for it. He crossed the line here with the law. That’s illegal.”

  “I don’t feel so strong right now,” Blaine whispered. “I feel … sick. Exposed. Stupid.”

  “He hid his secrets well. He didn’t want you to know. Maybe when you left him, he decided to get vengeful and expose you. If you go to the police with it, show them you were married. Tell them every single thing. Maybe they’ll find something else. Who knows, it could lead to the other woman. Maybe he did this to her.” He remembered the words that night about videos before Frederic was hit.

  Blaine straightened her shoulders. “Oh God, I didn’t even think of that. I may not be the only one!”

  Blaine closed her eyes and wished things were different. What next? Really, what else could happen? Frederic became more and more of a headache and she couldn’t seem to get the hell away from him! Acid churned in her stomach, threatening to surface again and she almost had to run back to the bathroom. Randy’s comforting hug kept her where she was. She never wanted to leave his arms again. Damn it, this man was dragged down in her crap. She dreaded the morning and the visit to the police station, but Randy had a point.

  They held each other in silence until Randy’s phone rang. Blaine dreaded who would be calling him until he told her it was Avery. Then he answered it.

  “Yeah, I’m okay. I know, it’s crazy. Blaine? Well, she’s actually with me right now. Let me see.” He looked over at her. “Feel like talking to Avery a bit?”

  Blaine nodded and held out her hand for the phone.

  “How are you holding up? Can I do anything? Good God, Blaine! I knew something was up and I just never knew how bad.”

  “I know. I’m sorry for keeping it all in. I didn’t expect things to come out like this. I just wanted-” She inhaled sharply, trying to calm her nerves down again. “I wanted to get away.”

  “I’ve got your back,” Avery said softly. “Belinda called me. She heard about what happened and wanted me to check on you. She says if there’s anything you need or anything she can do, to let her know.”

  “Thank you, Avery. It means the world to me.” Blaine’s waterworks started again.

  “Hey, remember a few months ago when Luke sent me on that mental health day at a spa with you? How about we do that again? You and me, or we can invite anyone else you want, too.”

  Blaine remembered. Avery had struggled with a lot of mixed feelings right after Emily was born. A weekend away from everything had helped, and she’d been able to take some time off and spend it with her. It was two months after the accident. She’d told Frederic she had an appointment and stayed out all day with Avery. Her friend never knew the real reason she’d been in pain that day. It had been a wonderful escape to see her for a while and she wished she’d just run home then.

  “I’d love to. We should invite Melody. I need a chance to really get to know her.”

  “Well then we better do it soon. Melody’s supposed to go in a week back to Colorado.”

  “Why?”

  “Oh, they didn’t tell you yet? Crap. Anthony’s going on trial finally. Melody and Chris have to go back for a few days. Jameson’s trying to take some time off to go. He probably forgot to mention it or just didn’t because of what happened here. Sorry, I thought you knew.” Avery sounded a little upset.

  “No. Jameson didn’t mention it, but I bet that’s why he was trying to get ahold of me last night.”

  “I’ll set something up, okay? Call me day or night. You know I’ll be here for you. Tell Randy the same goes for him. I need to let you go though. I hear Emily calling. Take care, Blaine.”

  They disconnected and Blaine handed Randy his phone. He slid it on the coffee table and then his hands were back on her shoulders, massaging.

  “You’re so tense. I could give you the full Randy Hughes back rub treatment,” he whispered against her ear. Hot breaths danced against her skin.

  Blaine laughed after a series of shivers ran through her. “What does it entail?”

  “Lots of back rubbing. Relieving of tension. Soft music, dim lights. Maybe a little kiss.” He dropped a gentle kiss on her neck. “Lots of cuddling. Making you feel like a queen.”

  “Mmm. I like the sound of it. Is this exclusive?”

  “Oh yeah. And all I want in return is for you to feel better.” Another kiss, this time on her earlobe.

  “Can I stay wrapped up in your arms all night? That would make me feel better.” She didn’t want to leave him. Her life and her emotions might be a big mess, but Randy was the one that helped calm her. He’d reignited a passion in her she didn’t know she still had. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think she just might be in love with him. How the hell did that happen?

  Randy stood and held out his hands to help her up. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  As promised, Randy turned on the soft music and dimmed the lights to low. Holding her hands in his, he stopped at the foot of the bed. “Get ready for your massage. I’m going to steal my sister’s lotion she left here. I think it might be her favorite. Too bad when she comes back for it, it’ll be all used.” He winked.

  Blaine giggled. “You’re terrible.” She wasn’t even going to ask which sister. She didn’t care to know.

  He kissed her jaw. “You won’t be saying that when my hands work the tension from your body.”

  “In that case, I’d better hurry. You have your work cut out for you.” Blaine purposely pulled away from him. She flung off her shirt, shed the rest of her clothes and sprawled on top of the blankets on his bed. A few minutes later, she felt the mattress lower as Randy climbed up. The lotion he spread on her back was chilly, and she arched at the cool feel. He started at the shoulders and neck, kneading and rubbing at the tension knots.

  “I look forward to it. Touching you everywhere. Doesn’t sound like work to me.” Randy’s voice was filled with love. “Sounds like a night I won’t want to forget.”

  “Mmm.” Blaine couldn’t concentrate with his hands all over her. He was damn good at working out those knots. Little by little, she felt the tension go away. He worked her muscles to the point they hurt, but the feel good kind of hurt. She started to relax. His thumbs caressed her skin, then pushed a little harder on the spots that needed them the most. He knew exactly how to hit the right spots. She was moist between her legs, as desire surged through her.

  Randy moved from her shoulder
s and massaged her middle back next. His fingers were gentle at times, and tough just where they needed to be. “How’s this feel?”

  “Really damn good.” Blaine moaned as he worked out another tense knot. “Why aren’t you doing this for a living?”

  He laughed, moving even lower. “You want these hands working their magic on others?”

  “Hmm. On second thought, stay with music. I think I like where your hands are.”

  “Come to think of it, so do I.” Randy’s lips were on her lower back, gently pressing kisses and blowing little breaths. He was driving her crazy with need.

  And then her mind went there. A flash of an image that made her feel like someone was watching them. Blaine gasped, then flinched.

  “What? Did I hurt you? Did I push too hard?” Randy asked, scrambling away as Blaine sat up.

  Tears pricked her eyes. “No, you’re perfect. My stupid mind went … I-” She couldn’t even finish. Damn it, damn it to hell!

  “Hey, come here.” Randy opened his arms and she fell into them. He surrounded her with his warmth and held her against him. “We don’t have to do anything. I’ll just hold you. You’re safe here.”

  “I know I am. I just can’t get my mind to calm down.” Blaine inhaled and breathed out slowly.

  “Let’s get under the covers.” Randy let her go to set the lotion bottle on the nightstand. He lifted the dark colored blanket and slid underneath. Blaine followed his lead and he reached for her. She snuggled up against him, wrapping an arm around him and dragged her nails lightly down his back.

  “Randy?” She felt so vulnerable, but she also knew Randy was there for her. He’d been wonderful the entire time. She could lose her heart to him and be safe, but it still made her feel uneasy. She’d had enough of being vulnerable. She’d had enough of hurt, anger, and frustration.

  “Yeah?”

  “I’m scared.”

  “I promise I won’t tell you any boogeyman stories tonight.” His face lit up in a little smile. “Okay, okay. Seriously. What are you scared of?”

  “Everything. The changes, both good and bad. I’m falling for you, and I don’t know how I feel about that. I wasn’t ready to go this route again, and I’m scared of what tomorrow is going to bring when I have to bring up all this in the open. Everyone already looks at me like I’m the Texas girl gone bad. Just because I lived in Hollywood and worked around a little bit of fame. I’m still the same girl, just a little more messed up and lost.”

  “Listen to me, and listen carefully.” Randy stroked her cheek in a tender way. “What others think is on them. Were you always so worried about what people thought before, or did you hide it well? Either way, things are going to happen. They might not be good, but they’ll eventually pass. I know you’re the same old Texas girl. I’ve always known that. Hollywood didn’t change your personality. Whatever happens I’ll be right beside you, either as your friend or something more. You already know your family is on your side. So is Avery. I can’t promise it won’t get rough, but I can promise I’m right here by your side.”

  She held him tighter, wishing time would stop and she could keep this moment forever.

  Sunlight streaked through the blinds in Randy’s room. He cracked open an eyelid, realizing the spot next to him was empty. Blaine wasn’t there. Damn! He sat up, hoping like hell she didn’t sneak out and go home to avoid going with him this morning. He really hoped he’d convinced her. The smell of something burning affected his senses and he bolted out of bed, wondering what the hell that could be.

  He stopped cold in the kitchen. Blaine sat at the table with her head in her hands. Nothing was on fire, but the smell was definitely stronger in here. “What happened? Are you okay?”

  She raised her head, and Randy rushed over and pulled her in his arms.

  “I wanted to make you breakfast, a little thank you for how much you’ve been here for me. I lost track of time because of phone calls from reporters in Hollywood asking about Frederic. I burned breakfast and in my crazy funk, I had a mini meltdown. I hope I didn’t ruin your pan.”

  In all the years he’d known her, Randy had never seen Blaine this way. She used to always be so calm and collective, at least in terms of a crisis. Hollywood, Frederic and her years there really changed that part of her. She was more open with her emotions now. It used to be that she was hard to read and could be considered very confrontational to many. He always felt like he saw through the wall she built. There was a deeper, more emotional side to Blaine and it was right on her sleeve lately.

  “I don’t care about a pan. I don’t care that it reeks to high hell in here.” Randy kissed her forehead, holding her tight in his arms. “I care that you took the time to do something nice. Most of all, I care that you’re worn down. I wish I could do something to make it better for you.” He tipped her chin up, looking in her tear-filled eyes. The depths of her blues held so much pain. “As part of the Randy Hughes exclusive you got last night, it also includes breakfast. Here’s my suggestion. You go take a shower, come back out refreshed and ready to eat. I’m going to try and take good care of you today.”

  “I’m beginning to really like this Randy Hughes exclusive. Even if sometimes it does include questions I don’t have answers to or smart ass comebacks.” Blaine wrapped her arms around his neck, and rested her head against his chest.

  “Those smart ass comebacks are usually in return to your own, so I don’t want to hear it,” he teased. “You’re just mad because mine are finally getting better.”

  She laughed. “Yeah, maybe.”

  Randy swatted her butt playfully. “Sassy lady. Go on, and I’ll have something ready or almost ready when you’re done.”

  She kissed his cheek, looking him right in the eye. “Thank you for everything. It’s been a long time since I’ve really felt wanted. I almost don’t know what to do with it.”

  “That man is an idiot for never appreciating what he had. If you were mine, Blaine Grant, I would never let you forget your worth.”

  She was about to go, but his words stopped her and she stared at him, mouth slightly ajar.

  “I know you aren’t ready to hear it, but I love you. I have for a long time, and I don’t think it’s ever going to change. I can’t say you were the one who got away because I never had you to begin with, but I can’t shake you.” Randy let the words slip from his lips, but he couldn’t believe he was being this bold. He was tired of being the shy guy who didn’t go for what he wanted.

  “Don’t you know it’s not nice to make a woman cry?” Blaine asked with a teary voice. “You go and say things like that and I just might not be able to keep my heart from falling for you.” He watched her struggle to find something more to say. Her hands were at her sides, but he noticed a twitch like she wanted to reach for him or something. She was in a battle. If he could make himself move, he would close that gap between them and hold her, but his legs didn’t cooperate. In an instant the moment was over. Blaine cut off eye contact and ran from the room. Minutes later he heard the shower water running.

  He probably shouldn’t have said that. Blaine knew how he felt, and he knew it. She was already dealing with so much. He shouldn’t have added his pressure on with his feelings. That wasn’t what he meant to do at all, but that’s exactly what happened.

  It was all said and done now. There was no way to take the words back, and he didn’t want to. With a sigh Randy headed for the fridge, yanked it open and inspected the contents for something to scramble together for breakfast before heading to the police station.

  Blaine must have decided to take her time. Not that he could blame her. The shower head had a good effect on a worn out, tired body. He pictured her naked scrubbing herself clean. He wished he could be in there with her. He’d run his fingers through her wet hair, tangle himself in her arms and get lost. His cock surged to life with the fantasy of him and Blaine in the shower. Yep, he was a goner. Always had been but this time, Blaine felt something too. Of course, life wasn�
�t about to make it easy for them to start a relationship.

  He’d wait forever for her.

  Breakfast was ready, and at about the same time Blaine finally finished up. She looked much more refreshed when she walked back into the kitchen, her hair swept back in a braid. She’d put on a pair of blue jeans and a gray tank top, and wore a touch of makeup. Taking in the sights of breakfast waiting, she held his hands in hers. “I’m the craziest kind of mess right now, and for some reason you still want to be with me. I don’t know what the hell to make of that. I don’t mean to walk away from your words or ignore them. I just don’t know how to handle them. It sounds silly, I know.”

  Randy pulled her close. “I think it’s screwed up that you aren’t used to unconditional love without any strings. If I could find a way, I’d erase all the hell Frederic put you through. I told you how I feel so you know, not for you to feel pressured to feel or say anything back. I just wanted you to finally know.” He gestured to the table and the plates full of food. “Now, breakfast awaits. What do you say we get to it?”

  Blaine stared at her phone blankly as Randy drove them to the police station. Her stomach was in knots, and she felt like she wasn’t going to be able to keep her breakfast down. Jameson and Avery had texted her this morning. Jameson wanted to know if she was okay and if she’d be coming back later, and Avery wanted to confirm that she got spa dates for the weekend. A wave of panic hit her and she dropped her phone. It bumped against her knee and hit the floorboard. She grabbed the handle and gripped it tight. “I can’t do this,” she gasped. “I can’t!” She shut her eyes and tried to block out all the images she had of everyone pointing fingers at her, blaming her for exploits she never even knew about.

  Randy swerved, forcing her to open her eyes. He’d pulled off the road and into an empty field. He reached over and took her free hand in his. “Look at me,” he begged.

  She fought a war with herself. Then she slowly turned her head to face him.