She was scared. She hadn’t taken the time to process it, but her body knew what she didn’t want to accept. This guy, Graham or whoever it was, had her terrified. And she hated that.
They needed to find the person who was terrorizing them before she died of a stress heart attack. She drove quickly to the station and jumped out, glancing at her watch. There was no way Ivy would be done with her checkup appointment but that was probably a good thing. She didn’t want Ivy to be stressed out any more than she already was.
She glanced around quickly and then laughed at herself. Who in their right mind would attack her five feet away from a police station? She hurried inside and asked for Tate and was led back to his desk immediately.
She sat down and could see that Tate was talking to a man in another cubicle and decided to check her messages while she waited. Five messages from Graham and two from Liam. Typical. She scanned the messages from Liam. The first was asking her to meet him for lunch. Not gonna happen. The second was garbled sounding as if he hadn’t meant to call her and was talking to someone else. She went back and replayed it and listened closer. It was two people talking, or fighting.
And then she heard her name clearly.
Rayne frowned and shook her head in frustration before moving on to the messages from Graham. Was she available for dinner? Was she available for lunch? Why was she ignoring him? Didn’t she care about him at all? And then the last one. She was going to regret ignoring him.
Rayne swallowed sickly and looked up as Tate walked over to his desk. He looked at her with narrowed eyes and motioned to the phone with his head. “Your face just went white. Bad news?”
Rayne breathed in and out and shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe. Remember we told you that we think the man who killed our parents and shot at Ivy is my half-cousin, Graham? I think you should hear these messages.”
Tate nodded and she handed him the phone. He tapped the prompt to replay the messages and sat down as he listened and took notes. When he handed her back the phone he nodded his head.
“Nothing concrete, but definitely an implied threat. We want to hunt down your cousin and question him today. Would you mind calling him and finding out his whereabouts? Better yet, tell him that you’re here at the station and that you would really appreciate it if he came by.”
Rayne swallowed sickly and looked away. “I don’t want to see him.”
Tate nodded and smiled kindly. “That’s very understandable under the circumstances. You won’t have to see or speak to Graham. We’ll have you safely off the premises before he gets close. You have my word.”
Rayne ran a shaky hand through her hair and nodded, before tapping Graham’s contact number with her finger. She closed her eyes and winced as Graham’s low growly voice greeted her with excitement.
“Rayne! There you are. For a bit there I was worried you were avoiding me,” he said with a low laugh that made her skin crawl.
Rayne cleared her throat. “Now why would I want to avoid you? But listen, that’s not why I called. Something horrible has happened and I’m down at the Fircrest Police Station. Ivy was shot,” she said, her voice quivering.
There was silence on the other end and then Graham’s heavy sigh. “Rayne, I don’t even know what to say. I can’t imagine how traumatic this must be for you especially after the way your parents died. I’m coming down and I won’t take no for an answer.”
Rayne’s eyes widened and she nodded to Tate. “Okay, Graham. Thanks, I appreciate it,” she said softly and then disconnected. “He’s on his way.”
Tate smiled as his eyes went hard and Rayne felt bad for the criminals Tate Matafeo went after.
“Good, I’ll let my partner know. Sit tight for a minute and I’ll be right back.”
Rayne sighed and leaned her head back as she stared at the discolored and stained ceiling. This could not be her life. She was a world renowned concert pianist. She was the pampered and sheltered daughter of one of the wealthiest families in San Diego. And here she was, sitting in a police station because someone was trying to kill her and her sister. Twisted and strange. That was now her life.
“Hey there.”
Rayne whipped her head around and felt her whole body come alive as Garrett walked purposefully toward her. She stood up and ran to him and his arms wrapped around her like iron. “I stopped by the house to check on you but you weren’t there. I texted Cleo and she told me you were down here all by yourself. Why didn’t you tell me?” he said, pulling back and staring down into her face.
Rayne shook her head and stared at him, noting his eyes were dark with worry and his forehead was creased. He was genuinely concerned about her. He really did care.
“I guess because it didn’t even occur to me. I’m just so used to handling everything myself. I don’t need you to hold my hand, Garrett. But it’s sweet that you want to,” she added, hugging him tightly.
Garrett hugged her back but made an impatient sound in his throat. “You shouldn’t be used to handling everything yourself. It’s not right and that’s changing right now. Rayne, you need me. And . . . I need you to need me,” he admitted softly as he ran his thumb under her jawline.
Rayne melted against him and lifted her face to kiss him. “You are the sweetest man,” she murmured and wanted to say more but pulled away when she saw Tate walk back.
Garrett looked over his shoulder and nodded to Tate. Tate didn’t look surprised to see Garrett with her and held out his hand to shake. Garrett grasped it firmly and the two men smiled grimly at each other.
“Good to see you, Garrett. I was going to have Office Merchant escort Rayne home, but I trust you can see that she gets home safely. We have Graham Mitchell on his way down right now and we need to ask him some questions.”
Rayne held up her hand. “Wait, before I go, I need to know if there’s any information on Ivy’s case? Have you found anything new about the car?”
Tate shook his head. “Because of cutbacks, my partner and I are the only two working Ivy’s case. We’re working as hard as we can but we haven’t come up with anything yet. I’m hoping that will change when we talk to Graham. Now if you don’t want an awkward confrontation with the man who may or may not have shot your sister, I suggest you leave with Garrett.”
Rayne frowned and nodded her head, grabbing her purse and taking Garrett’s extended hand. “Call me as soon as he leaves please. I want to know everything.”
Tate nodded his head. “Tell Ivy I’m doing everything I can.”
Rayne sighed but tried to smile her thanks. “We appreciate it, Tate.”
She hurried away with Garrett and as soon as she stepped outside, she felt ten times better. “I don’t think I like police stations very much,” she said as Garrett leaned down and kissed her lightly.
“I’d be surprised if you did. Let’s get some lunch. Follow me in your car to The Iron Skillet. My treat,” he added with a wink.
Rayne laughed and followed him the three blocks over to the restaurant owned by Rob Downing. She hoped to have the chance to see Wren since she’d promised to come by this week.”
Garrett walked in and smiled at the hostess who blushed and smiled at him probably in the same way she’d blushed and smiled at him when she’d first met him. Rayne smiled as he took her hand in his and they were seated at an intimate table in the back.
“If there’s anything you need, anything at all, you just let me know,” the cute, perky blond hostess said, touching Garrett lingeringly on the arm.
Rayne rolled her eyes as Garrett smiled and assured the hostess they were fine.
“Next week I’m buying you a huge gold necklace with the words, Dating Someone. Back OFF. And I’m going to make you wear it everywhere you go,” she said, turning to glare at the hostess.
Garrett glanced up from his menu and grinned. “I can’t believe how jealous you are. She was just doing her job. She’s paid to be friendly.”
Rayne tilted her head, raised an eyebrow and gave him the look
. Garrett grinned and set his menu down.
“You’re so cute when you’re mad. But if it makes you feel better, fine, buy me any necklace you want and it can say, Property of Rayne Nyman. Better yet, I’ll get a tattoo with your name right across my chest.”
Rayne perked up and smiled as she leaned forward. “Seriously? You would do that for me. But wouldn’t it get in the way of any of your other tattoos,” she said staring at his chest curiously.
Garrett laughed and picked up his menu. “Don’t you wish you knew,” he murmured.
Rayne laughed too and glanced over the menu as their waiter arrived.
“Hey Jason, will you let Wren know Rayne and Garrett are here and we’d love to say hi if she has a minute?” Garrett said and Jason nodded his head.
“Can I get you an appetizer?” he asked.
Garrett blew out a breath and nodded. “I’d love the calamari. Rayne? What sounds good to you?”
Rayne shrugged, not feeling that hungry. “Can I just nibble some of yours?”
Garrett smiled and nodded. “As if you had to ask.”
Their waiter left to put in their order and they talked for a few minutes about whether or not Ivy should go to rehearsal that night. Rayne was all for it, but Garrett wasn’t sure.
“She needs to stay safe Rayne,” he said with a firm shake of his head.
Rayne leaned forward and rested her hands on the table. “Garrett, she’ll go crazy cooped up in the house. Besides, Asher and three other guys will be there to protect her and I’ll send Cleo too.”
Garrett sighed but smiled and sat up as he looked over her shoulder. She turned and smiled as she saw Wren walk toward them in a white apron and chef’s hat.
“I’m so glad you came by, Rayne. You too, Garrett,” Wren said as she stopped by their table. “Have you ordered yet?”
Garrett shook his head. “Just an appetizer. Do you have a suggestion for us?”
Rayne grinned in excitement. “Garrett raves about your food, Wren. And I’m open to anything. I have a very adventurous palate.”
Wren raised an eyebrow and grinned. “Well, I suppose flying all over the world to play the piano, you’ve probably tried just about every cuisine there is. Let me surprise you then. Are you okay with that?”
Garrett smiled and nodded. “I’ve only been to two places. Washington and Iraq. Go easy on me Wren.”
Wren shook her head and put an arm around Garrett’s shoulders. “Never. You in, Rayne?”
Rayne shut the menu and pushed it to the side. “I’m in and I’m excited. “
Wren clapped her hands. “I love pushing myself and you’ve given me an opportunity to do that. I’m at my best when I’m trying to show off. Hopefully I won’t embarrass myself.”
Garrett grinned and sat back. “You could put a hot dog in front of me and I’d be grateful. Don’t stress out over it now.”
Wren shook her head. “No stressing. Performing. Like Rayne does. Speaking of which, you should probably make Garrett go with you next time you travel to Europe. Our boy here needs to get out and see the world a little. The nice parts this time.”
Rayne smiled and looked at Garrett who was shrugging off Wren’s suggestion. Seeing Europe with Garrett would be wonderful. Exciting. Romantic.
“I’d love to take him with me next time,” she said softly as she stared at him.
Garrett smiled and looked at her, his eyes warming and his face softening.
Wren sighed loudly. “And on that note, I’m heading back to the kitchen to start on your meal. Enjoy yourselves,” she said and hurried away.
Garrett reached across the table and took her hand in his large tanned one. “I wouldn’t care where we were or what we were doing as long as I’m with you,” he said quietly, his eyes serious.
Rayne bit her lip and looked away. “I really hope you mean that Garrett.”
Garrett kissed her knuckles softly and she sighed a little too. “I mean it.”
Rayne smiled and covered his large hand with her smaller, pale one. “Are you still scared I’ll turn my back on you and go back to San Diego or Europe?”
Garrett frowned and looked away. “Of course I am. That will always be there at the back of my mind. But it turns out I’m willing to gamble my heart on you.”
Rayne studied Garrett for a minute and tried to put herself in his shoes and had to admit that from where he was coming from, his willingness to gamble on her was huge.
“Okay then. I’m in too.”
Garrett grinned and gnawed on his lower lip. “I guess this is serious then.”
Rayne smiled slowly at him, loving the way his eyes crinkled at the edges when he smiled at her. “Serious as a heart attack.”
Garrett laughed lightly. “Are you prepared to be in a serious, committed relationship with a man as stubborn and hardheaded as I am?”
Rayne nodded slowly. “As long as you’re prepared to wear that gold necklace I’m ordering for you as soon as I get home.”
Garrett leaned his head back and laughed as the waiter arrived with their calamari. Rayne was hungrier than she’d thought and ended up eating half. But as soon as they were done, Jason brought their entrees.
“You two are in for a treat. This isn’t even on the menu,” Jason said with a touch of reverence in his voice.
Rayne rubbed her hands excitedly as he placed her plate in front of her.
“Paella Gnocchi with Chicken Meatballs, Mussels, and Shrimp. If it tastes half as good as it looks you’re going to be very happy,” he said sounding jealous.
Rayne grinned and looked up at Garrett who didn’t look so sure. “I don’t think my palate is as adventurous as yours is. I’ve never eaten mussels before.”
“Don’t be a chicken.” Rayne picked up her fork and saluted Jason with it. “Please give Wren our sincerest thanks for creating such a beautiful dish for us.”
Jason nodded with a grin at Garrett and then walked away. She took her first bite and closed her eyes in pleasure as bright, bold and fresh flavors washed over her tongue. “This is heaven,” she whispered and took another bite.
Garrett sighed again but took a bite and closed his eyes too in order to concentrate. “You know, it’s not that bad,” he admitted, taking another bite.
Rayne laughed in shock. “Not that bad? Honey, this is amazing,” she assured him and took another bite.
Garrett smiled at her and paused. “Ah, you just called me, Honey. I love it. I think we should be more unique though. I don’t want to hear you call me Honey when we’re out walking and have ten other men turn around. For you, I was thinking something like, Cookie, or Honey Cakes, or Cup Cake.”
Rayne’s eyes went wide in amusement. “You’re serious? You want to call me, Honey Cakes? Okay then, I guess I could call you…” she paused, trying to think up the most ridiculous name and grinned. “I could call you, Mac Daddy, or Sweat Pea, or Pumpkin.”
Garrett grimaced and took another bite. “Maybe we should just stick with our given names. If any of my buddies heard you call me Pumpkin I’d never live it down.”
Rayne laughed. “Pumpkin it is.”
Garrett shook his head at her and they both laughed. After they finished their lunch they stopped by the kitchen and Rayne gave Wren a hug and thanked her for their perfect lunch. Wren seemed pleased by their reaction and insisted they come again next week.
They walked out into the warm summer sun and Garrett pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly. She didn’t want him to go back to work, but knew he had to.
“Thanks for being there for me today,” she said and leaned up to kiss him.
Just as Garrett tilted his head toward her, he froze and Rayne could feel his entire body go stiff. She let go of him and turned around to see what had caught his attention.
Garrett was staring in shock at an older woman and man coming out of the bank across the street.
“Garrett?” she asked softly.
Garrett continued to stare at the couple and she looked
more closely. The woman had to be in her fifties and she had bright red hair, pulled high in a poufy pony tail that would have been better suited for someone much younger. She was wearing a skin tight flowered dress and four inch high heels. The man was dressed in a worn out suit, two sized too big for him and what hair he had left was combed back and looked shiny.
“Honey?” she tried again and he blinked and shook his head.
“Rayne, I . . . I gotta go. I’ll call you later,” he said tersely and walked across the street as he kept his eye on the couple.
She walked slowly toward the parking lot, keeping her eye on Garrett and the couple but it was obvious Garrett had forgotten about her. His whole focus was on the woman. She gave up trying not to look nosy and stopped at the corner of the restaurant and watched as Garrett walked up to the woman and tapped her on the arm lightly.
The woman looked up in surprise and then smiled big, her face lighting up and she grabbed her companions arm and yanked it, gesturing to Garrett proudly. Rayne began to feel sick to her stomach as she wondered if this was Garret’s mom. It couldn’t be. The woman who had abandoned Garrett and Asher when they were little boys couldn’t be this happy, flashy looking woman.
She continued to watch and saw Garrett put his hands on his waist as he talked to the couple. The woman frowned after a while and shook her head. The man she was with smiled and held his hands out to the side as he talked fast and she watched as Garrett’s jaw clenched and he shook his head. He talked for a few more minutes and she could tell from the woman’s expression that she was getting mad.
When Garrett motioned to the bank with his hand though, the smile was back on her face and the woman and man looked at each other triumphantly. Garrett nodded his head and all three of them walked into the bank.
Rayne leaned up against the restaurant and frowned. Something about the exchange she’d just witnessed was off. Garrett looked so grim and sad and the woman looked so gleeful. If this was Garrett’s mom, something bad had just happened.
And she didn’t know what to do about it. He had just shown up at the police station for her, but if she barged in there right now and demanded to know what was going on, he’d just be embarrassed and hurt. And she didn’t want to do that to him. He’d been through enough without that on top of everything else.
Falling for Rayne: Book 1 in the Love and Flowers Trilogy Page 17
