Falling for Rayne: Book 1 in the Love and Flowers Trilogy

by Shannon Guymon

  She got in her car and drove home, all happiness and joy from lunch now gone as she worried about Garrett.

  Chapter 18 – Curiosity Kills

  As soon as Rayne got home, she forgot about Garrett as Ivy and Cleo demanded all the information from her meeting with Tate Matafeo. She calmly told them everything and glanced at her watch.

  “It’s been an hour and a half though. He should have called me by now.”

  Cleo glanced at the clock and frowned. “Let’s give him another hour and then we’ll call him.”

  Ivy nodded. “If he’s interviewing Graham, maybe he got a confession? Maybe right now, Graham is sitting there in an interrogating room, crying his eyes out because he’s eaten up with guilt over trying to kill me.”

  Rayne grimaced and sat down on Garrett’s nice, soft leather couch and leaned her head back. “That or he’s confessing to killing our parents,” she said, feeling sad and angry all at once.

  “Why though? Why kill mom and dad and try to kill you over money? Garrett’s right. It doesn’t make sense. I mean, he has enough. He’s oozing with money.”

  Cleo sat down on the floor cross legged and stared at her hands. “Isn’t that the definition of greed? Always wanting more?”

  Ivy nodded her head. “That’s Graham for you. Weird, greedy guy who has a sick obsession with my sister.”

  Cleo stared at Rayne for a moment and smiled. “You know, I looked up that whole half-cousin thing online to see if it was for real. And it is. If he’s your half-cousin, genetically speaking, it’s no big deal if you guys get married and have kids. It sounds weird and gross, but it’s not illegal in California and most people don’t care. Maybe Graham is innocent and he’s just some poor guy who fell in love with Rayne and can’t get a clue?”

  Rayne and Ivy stared at her as if she’d spouted a second head. “You’re defending him?” Rayne asked carefully.

  Cleo nodded. “I guess I am. Innocent until proven guilty. It’s kind of the American Way.”

  Ivy sighed loudly. “But he’s so convenient. If it’s not Graham, then who in the heck would kill our parents and try to take me out?”

  Cleo shrugged and stretched her legs out in front of her. “That’s the question, isn’t it? Rayne’s investigators in California didn’t come up with anything. Let’s just hope Tate can do a better job.”

  Rayne groaned and grabbed a throw pillow, hugging it to her chest. “I can’t live my life always looking over my shoulder. I want this to be done. This needs to be over so I can finally be free.”

  Ivy raised an eyebrow and smiled a little. “You mean so you can fall in love with our very handsome landscaper, am I right?”

  Rayne closed her eyes and leaned back against the couch, getting comfortable. “What makes you think I haven’t already done that?” she asked with a sly grin.

  Ivy and Cleo both started screaming at the same time and jumped up and down before attacking her on the couch and beating her with the throw pillows.

  “You went and fell in love and didn’t tell me!” Ivy screamed as she laughed and threw another pillow at her.

  Rayne laughed and ducked before getting hit by the pillow but was tackled by Cleo and tickled mercilessly. “We’re in the middle of trying to stay alive and you figure now’s the perfect time to fall in love? Who does that?” she demanded, laughing as she tortured Rayne.

  Rayne gasped for air and turned on her stomach as she tried to get free and looked up to see Asher and Becket staring at them with stunned expressions.

  “No way did we just see three grown women in a pillow fight,” Asher said, grinning at the women.

  Becket’s smile was slower but just as big. “I always dreamed I’d see it someday, but the real thing is much better.”

  Rayne glanced back at Ivy and Cleo who were staring at the men with narrowed eyes. They each grabbed a pillow and threw it as hard as they could at the men, making them laugh and duck.

  “Now, let’s calm down. Ivy’s shoulder and arm don’t need all of this excitement,” Becket said, catching another pillow right before it hit him in the face.

  Ivy sighed and touched her bandaged arm. “I was using my good arm and I didn’t tackle Rayne like Cleo did. I know my limitations, thank you,” she said primly before sitting down in the large leather chair.

  Becket grinned at her and walked over, handing her a bakery bag. “We were at the bakery and Jane said you should have this.”

  Rayne walked over and touched Becket on the arm. “Thanks.” Becket nodded his head and shrugged as Asher walked over with Cleo.

  Ivy opened the bag and pulled out a cupcake with white frosting and a large strawberry on top.

  “It’s a Strawberry Shortcake cupcake,” Asher added helpfully. “She says Ivy reminds her of strawberries.”

  Rayne grinned at the look of rapture on Ivy’s face. “That’s such a coincidence because Strawberry shortcake is Ivy’s favorite dessert,” she said, wondering if maybe Jane was a little magical when it came to baking.

  Ivy took a big bite and groaned loudly. “This is divine. So divine,” she whispered and took another bite.

  Rayne frowned and looked at Cleo. “Dang, and now we have to sit here and watch her eat it in front of us. So unfair.”

  Cleo laughed. “And all she had to do to get it was to get shot. Now we know.”

  Becket grinned and pulled another bakery bag from behind his back. “These are for you,” he said, handing it over.

  Rayne and Cleo squealed happily as they peaked inside.

  “The marbled one is for Rayne and the Red Velvet is for Cleo,” Asher said as he continued to eat a donut he was holding.

  Rayne took a bite of her marbled vanilla and chocolate cupcake and smiled happily. “The best of both worlds. Bless her,” she added, sinking her teeth into the creamy icing and spongy, moist cake.

  “Our work here is done,” Becket said and glanced at his watch. “I’ve gotta get back to the job. We’re half-way done setting your new flagstone walkway.”

  Asher nodded and popped the last bit of donut in his mouth. “And I’ve got to get going on our quarterly taxes. We’re actually going to be in the black this month thanks to the Nyman’s,” he said happily and with a wave, turned around and walked out.

  Becket paused before turning away and looked back at Ivy. “If you need me to get you anything at the store, call me. Okay?”

  Ivy blushed and nodded her head, looking adorable with icing smeared all over her face.

  Cleo sighed and waited for the front door to shut before she handed Ivy a napkin. “That man just offered to shop for you. Forget cupcakes, now I’m really jealous.”

  Ivy laughed lightly and wiped her face. “Don’t be jealous Cleo. He’s just being nice. A man like Becket would never seriously be interested in someone like me.”

  Rayne took in a big breath, ready to blast that to bits but Cleo looked back at her and shook her head and held up her hand to stop her. Cleo sat down in front of Ivy and leaned back on her arms.

  “Well, you might be right. Becket’s been to war, he’s a Marine and he’s seen a lot and experienced more. You guys probably don’t have much in common.”

  Ivy frowned and nibbled on her cupcake. “So I guess that means the only woman right for Becket would be a fellow Marine who has experienced the same exact things he’s experienced,” she said tightly.

  Rayne smiled to herself and looked down. Cleo was a genius. Cleo smiled calmly and studied her nails.

  “Well, there’s that and the fact that you’re only twenty-three and he’s twenty-seven. That’s kind of a big age gap.”

  Ivy’s eyes narrowed and she sat up in her chair, wincing as she put weight on her shoulder. “Four years? That’s why you don’t think Becket and I would work out? Four measly years?” she demanded.

  Rayne had to turn around and pretend to look out the window as her smile grew bigger and bigger.

  Cleo sighed loudly. “It would never work, Ivy. Becket is just too differen
t. He’s hardworking, he’s kind and sweet and he’s mature. He’s pretty much every woman’s dream come true.”

  Ivy stood up slowly and glared down at Cleo. “If Becket and I ever got together, we’d work just fine. Jeez, you make it sound like I could only be with a shallow, immature idiot,” she said and stomped off toward her room.

  Rayne turned around and grinned at Cleo who was looking after Ivy.

  “Ivy will figure it out. She’s just nervous,” Cleo said with satisfaction in her voice.

  Rayne walked over and touched Cleo’s shoulder. “You’re a wise woman, Cleo.”

  Cleo sighed and her smile slipped for a moment and Rayne saw the sadness underneath. “I just wish I could be wise when it comes to my own life.”

  Rayne frowned and nodded. “It’s always easier to see everyone else’s mistakes. Why the frown?”

  Cleo shrugged and shook her head, her blond hair falling over her shoulder. “It’s nothing really. I guess I’m just a little tired. I think I’ll go take a nap since I’ll be going with Ivy to practice with the band later tonight.”

  Rayne nodded her head. “Good idea. I think I’ll take Jack for a walk.”

  Cleo nodded. “I took everyone out this morning, but Jack’s probably missing you. Stay close to the house though and take your mace and phone.”

  Rayne saluted and Cleo smiled before walking away. Rayne changed into shorts and a bright blue t-shirt, she grabbed her sunglasses and a water bottle along with doggie treats before opening the sliding glass door and calling for Jack. He was sitting under the shade of the tree next to Patch but immediately stood up and came to her.

  Rayne shut the door and attached his leash and headed for the door. “Be back in about a half an hour,” she called out before walking outside into the sun.

  She leaned down and ran her hands over Jack’s short coat. “Let’s go have some fun.”

  She walked down the street with Jack happy to be outside in the sunshine and sighed happily. Her life was very strange and messed up in some ways but very good and happy and wonderful in other ways.

  She noticed all the pretty yards and flower beds and nicely trimmed hedges and felt a deep yearning to see her own yard. If she cut across town and walked really fast, she could walk past her house and see all the changes that had happened the last few days. She was dying to see the flagstone steps and the gazebo and the purple asters and bright pink coneflowers Garrett was planting.

  She had to see it. She glanced around guiltily, knowing she had told Cleo she’d stay close, but it was too much. She’d just walk quickly past once and then go home. No one would ever know. Besides, it was the middle of the day and honestly, who would try to kill her in the middle of the day?

  Rayne hurried off down the street and Jack was happy to keep up. She paused to let him investigate a nice white fence and gave him a doggie treat before she began speed walking again.

  It took her twenty minutes to reach the end of her street and she frowned at her watch. There went getting home in thirty minutes. Cleo was taking a nap though, so she wouldn’t even know. Ivy was in her room resting, so it was no big deal. She glanced at her phone and frowned, wishing she had heard from Tate. It was weird that he hadn’t called yet. When she got back, her first call would be to him.

  She walked slowly down the street now as she saw her yard come into view. She smiled brightly noting the changes that had happened in the three days she’d been gone. She paused to let Jack relieve himself and leaned up against a tree and had to admit Garrett had been right to remove the tree. Her yard looked five times bigger and more open and sunny. The gazebo was up and the flagstone pathway leading to the house looked beautiful. The flower beds looked perfect with the edging. Most of the flowers she and Garrett had picked were perennials and they all had different blooming times, but she could just imagine what they were going to look like next year.

  It was going to be breathtaking.

  Rayne walked slowly down the street and dreamed of her yard and her house and what her life would be like next year. She thought about Garrett and the fact that he now wanted to be not only dating her, but seriously dating her. She bit her lip and grinned, feeling warmth fill her heart. She’d never in her life been in love before, but she had to admit it was worth the wait. She was more than happy. She was ecstatic.

  Rayne sighed happily and tried to imagine her family sitting on the front porch on rockers, sipping lemonade and laughed softly as a sleek black car sidled up to her.

  She glanced down and frowned as the dark tinted window slid down and a large man with a pale, long face leaned out. He smiled at her as he studied her carefully.

  “Sorry, I saw you walking down the street and I had to do a double take. Would you happen to be Rayne Nyman? I play the piano myself and I go to as many concerts as possible.”

  Rayne immediately relaxed as Jack growled at the man in the car. Just a fan. For a minute there, she’d been worried.

  “Yes I’m Rayne. You have pretty good eyes though to recognize me in a t-shirt, shorts and sunglasses,” she said, taking her sunglasses off.

  The man smiled. “I do have a good eye for faces. So do you live around here then?”

  Rayne nodded. “I do,” she said pausing, knowing it wasn’t smart to give a fan her address.

  The man nodded and looked around. “It’s a beautiful neighborhood. My wife’s parents live just down the street.”

  Rayne nodded and glanced down at Jack who was still staring at the man and snarling low. Odd.

  “I just moved here myself, but I hope to get to know the neighbors soon.”

  The man smiled. “Maybe you can help me out? My wife sent me on an errand to bring back dessert. Can you give me any recommendations?”

  Rayne nodded her head. “Belinda’s Bakery. They’re amazing. They sell cronuts and the best cupcakes you’ve ever had. I buy them every chance I get.”

  The man grinned. “That’s great. Listen, since I’m not familiar with the area, would you mind showing me? I’ll buy you a cupcake in payment,” he said, sounding charming.

  Rayne smiled and stepped forward but then stopped thinking better of it. “Uh, I really shouldn’t. Just drive down this road until you hit a stop sign, turn right and head four blocks down and it’ll be on your left.”

  The man shrugged in disappointment but smiled. “No problem. It was nice meeting you. I’ll let you get back to your walk.”

  Rayne waved the man off and then continued on her walk, staring across the street at the men working hard in her yard and wished now that she had gone with the man. She could have bought everyone a few boxes of cronuts.

  She walked down the street and then turned around and walked back slowly. She stopped with a gasp when she saw Garrett’s truck drive up and park at the side of her road. She moved quickly into the shadows of the trees and watched as he hopped out and hurried up the driveway to talk to one of his guys.

  Jack howled and she winced, shushing him as she leaned down to pet him. She’d have to stay put. If she started walking down the street, he’d see her for sure and then she’d be in trouble. He’d told her not to come anywhere near her house. This was not good. He’d be furious with her.

  She watched him move off and walk around the house and decided she better go for it. She stood up and pulled on Jack’s leash as she half ran, half walked down the street. She was so worried about getting far away from her house that she didn’t pay attention to the sound of a car driving up fast until it was right next to her.

  Rayne ignored the car until it stopped right beside her and turned her head, surprised to find that it was the same car as before. But this time the man jumped out and ran around the car. Rayne frowned as Jack growled and barked at the man.

  The man glanced at Jack before pulling out a gun and aiming it at him. Rayne screamed in shock and threw herself at the man, pushing his arm away and making the man curse loudly. Jack went wild and barked three times before launching himself at the man and latchin
g onto his leg.

  The man yelled and kicked at Jack making him let go. Rayne pulled back from the man and turned to run but he grabbed the back of her shirt and yanked her back against his chest. Rayne was panting now with fear and reached for her mace in her pocket. The man yanked her back toward the car and her arms flung out to catch her balance. She screamed again as she realized he was trying to shove her into his car.

  Rayne tried to remember all of her self-defense moves, but she was in full panic mode and all she wanted to do was get away. Jack was freaking out now and lunging for the man, but he was using her as a shield and Jack wouldn’t hurt her. The man opened the door to his car as she tried to twist free.

  “Stop moving you little . . .” the man yelled, not finishing his sentence as she finally twisted free and lunged away from him.

  Within seconds though, the man had an arm around her waist and a hand in her hair, yanking her head back as he breathed in her ear. “Try to get away one more time and you’re going to regret it. This can be painless or it can hurt. Your choice. Now get in the car or I’m going to shoot you in the back. Understand?”

  Rayne nodded her head, as tears leaked out her eyes at the pain of having her hair ripped out. The man sighed. “Good, now we’re going to turn around. But first, call off your dog. Do it, or I’m going to shoot him in the face.”

  Rayne held up her hands to Jack. “Calm down, Jack,” she whispered, her throat clogged with fear. “Hush now, Jack.”

  The man grinned and turned her around, walking her back to the car. “Easiest job I ever had.”

  Rayne caught sight of Garrett’s truck and knew if she got in the car with the man she’d never see Garrett again. This was her last chance. She opened her mouth and screamed as loud as she could. “Garrett! Help me!”

  The man rammed his arm against her windpipe, cutting off all sound and choking her as he wrenched the door open.