Raspberry Kisses (The Bakery Romance Series Book 1)

by Cecelia Dowdy

  “Your father?”

  He nodded. “My father is the lead pastor at the church. I’m hoping to take over the role of lead pastor…God willing,” he mumbled.

  “You don’t sound sure about that.”

  “I’m not sure about that yet.” He shook his head. “But, I don’t want to talk about that now. Your sister lying like that…” He shook his head again. “That’s the kind of thing that makes a pastor look bad. She told you we were dating, and that’s not true. What if she’d told people in my congregation? It doesn’t take much to start a rumor within the church.”

  Rhea couldn’t say anything. What was she going to do now? Could she boldly ask Raven why she’d lied about her “relationship” with Martin? If she did that, what would Raven do? Would Raven loan her the money? How would Raven react if she discovered Rhea was attracted to Martin? Closing her eyes, visions of Raven’s cold, calculating manner, shifted through her mind. Raven wouldn’t loan her the funds if Rhea boldly confronted her about these things now. Perhaps, after she’d gotten the loan, and paid Raven back, she could confront her sister about all of this.

  “Does Raven usually exaggerate things?”

  She sensed that Martin was being tactful—not wanting to blatantly ask if Raven made a habit of lying. She slowly nodded. “Yes, she does, but…” she paused. “When she talked about you, she made it seem so realistic.”

  “Maybe to her, it was something more. To me, she was lost looking for Jesus and I was just trying to help.”

  Rhea swallowed, gathering her thoughts. Clenching her fists together, she digested this newfound information. Was Martin attracted to her sister? He must’ve unknowingly done something to make Raven believe he was romantically interested in her.

  “So—” A pounding knock sounded from the door.

  “That must be the maid with the cookies.” Martin stood and walked to the door.

  *

  What a time for an interruption. Martin opened the door. Zora stood in front of him, wearing a tight, provocative red dress and carrying a plate of cookies. Swinging her slim hips, she marched into the room, offering him the treats. Her eyes sparkled as she grinned, displaying her perfect teeth. “You disappeared after your sermon, Reverend, and I’d wanted to talk to you.” She licked her red-painted lips, stepping farther into the room. “When I went into the lobby, I saw the maid bringing you some cookies. I took that plate away from her and brought them here myself.” She dipped her head and batted her eyelashes before she spotted Rhea.

  “Oh.” Her smile faded, and her shoulders sagged. She glared at Rhea. “I didn’t know you had company.” Martin glanced at the window. The left side of the table, where Rhea was sitting was not easily visible through the window. He figured that’s why Zora had not seen Rhea when she’d entered the lobby.

  She walked over to the counter, placing the cookies beside the coffee maker. She glanced at Rhea again. “Since you have company, I could always come back. I’d wanted to talk to you about a few things.”

  He gritted his teeth, opening the door. He really needed to be polite, but, this woman tried his patience. Lord, help me not to lose my temper. “Zora, it was nice meeting you, but I’m in the middle of a discussion right now.”

  “I thought we could enjoy some refreshments—”

  “No. I don’t mean to be rude, but I must ask you to leave.”

  “Oh.” She narrowed her eyes. “Well…” she chewed her lower lip for a few seconds. “Perhaps we can get together this evening or tomorrow morning.”

  He forced himself to smile, gently leading Zora out the front door. “Perhaps we’ll run into one another.”

  “How about breakfast? I’ll save you a seat in the cafeteria.” Her voice softened, and her eyes glistened, as if she were about to cry.

  He ignored her question, taking her hand and shaking it as if they were ending a business meeting. “It’s been nice meeting you, Zora. Have a good afternoon.” He gestured toward the cookies. “Thanks for bringing those.” He opened the door, and Zora glanced at Rhea and stomped her foot, before stalking out. Martin closed the door after she left. Peeking out the window, he watched her march out of the lobby.

  “I wish she’d leave me alone.”

  Rhea cleared her throat. “Her sister, Desiree, told me that she’s determined to marry a pastor.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure why.”

  “Well, I doubt I’ll be seeing her again.”

  Rhea frowned. “Don’t be so quick to say that. She seems very determined.”

  “I meant that’s the last I’ll be seeing her this weekend. I’m leaving tonight.”

  “You’ll miss the last day.”

  He shrugged. “I know, but, I have some things to take care of at my church tomorrow. When I’d agreed to speak I’d told the retreat director that I’d have to leave on Saturday night. I always preach at the early service and my dad does the 11:00 AM service.”

  “You mentioned assuming the role of head pastor one day, is your dad retiring?”

  He nodded. “Yes, he’s retiring. But, as I said earlier, I don’t know if I’ll be able to take over as lead pastor.”

  “Why couldn’t you?” she asked softly.

  He sat back down, leaning into his seat. “Well a couple of reasons. Number one, our bylaws state the selection committee should choose the two strongest candidates from the pastoral applications. I have to apply just to be selected as a candidate. I think my chances are good since most of the church has supported me on this endeavor for the last two years.”

  “Oh? That’s different than the way we do it at my church. At my congregation, the selection committee only chooses the strongest candidate, and the congregation decides if they want that person as pastor or not. If not, then they select another.”

  Martin shrugged. “I guess since we’re a non-denominational church, we can set our own bylaws and decide how to vote.”

  Rhea nodded. “That makes sense. So, what’s the second reason?”

  He then told Rhea all about Linda Tucker’s actions since she’d joined the church one year ago.

  “Anyway, she hates me because I’m single.”

  “Martin, that sounds…weird.”

  “I just don’t understand.”

  “Well, if you don’t get the job, then who gets it?”

  “What do you mean?”

  Rhea stood and he watched the gentle sway of her hips as she approached the plate of cookies.

  She flipped the switch, turning the coffee maker on. “I mean, what happens if she’s successful in keeping you out of the pulpit? Wouldn’t your church still need a new pastor? What if the selection committee chooses another single person as pastor? What would Linda do?”

  “August 17th is the date that that the new pastor is supposed to be voted in. It all depends on who else wants the job. As far as I know, we haven’t had anybody else come forward who’s interested in the position.” He paused. “Well, the selection committee has received some applications, but, far as I know, they haven’t seen any other promising candidates.” He shrugged. “As to Linda, I’m not sure what she would do if another single person were selected as pastor.”

  Rhea furrowed her brow, frowning, pouring coffee into Styrofoam cups. “What are you thinking?” he asked.

  After finishing her cookie, she finally spoke. “I’m just thinking that something doesn’t sound right.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, what’s the point in her keeping you out of the pulpit? She’s been at your church for a year, right?”

  “Yes…”

  Rhea continued sipping her coffee, apparently thinking. “Well, if Linda knew about your plans when she first joined your church, then why did she join? If your being single bothers her so much, why didn’t she just join another church?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  Rhea slapped her empty cup on the table, looking directly at Martin. “Well, I think Linda wants to do more than keep you out of the pulpit. I
feel like she’ll be causing even more trouble in your church before August 17th.”

  *

  Martin raised his thick eyebrows, staring at her. “I know Linda is trouble.” He told her about the trouble she’d caused at Claudine’s bakery earlier that day.

  “Is she interested in your position?”

  Martin laughed. The pleasant sound filled the room, making Rhea’s insides turn warm. “Linda, as a pastor? You’re kidding, right? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

  “Not necessarily Linda as pastor, but don’t be surprised if she has somebody else in mind for the job.”

  “Well, if she does, she needs to say something soon. August 17th is only a few months away.”

  Rhea crossed her legs, leaned back into her seat, closing her eyes.

  Thoughts of Leonard throwing her out of her apartment crowded her head, and she sighed, dropping her forehead into her hand. Pain shot through her head, and she massaged her temple. The warmth from Martin’s hand soon covered her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  “My head hurts.”

  “Did you want me to go to the front desk to see if they have some aspirin?”

  “Yes. Thanks.”

  He rushed out of the room, returning minutes later. He pressed two aspirins into her hand. She sat up and accepted the pills as well as the glass of water. She took the medicine, guzzling the water. Martin took the empty glass and returned with a refill. She took a few sips, trying to force herself to calm down.

  “You need to relax. You’re making yourself sick with worry.”

  “If you had my problems, you’d be worried, too.”

  “You’re talking about your bakery problems?”

  “Sort of.” She took a deep breath. “I’ll ask Raven about all that you’ve told me but, I can’t confront her now.” She set her glass on the table. “You know I need to find a new place to live, the place I’m renting now has the cheapest rent in town.”

  He sat beside her. “Yes? Go on,” Martin encouraged.

  “Well, I’m behind on my bills and Raven has agreed to give me a big loan.”

  “That’s nice of her.”

  Rhea shook her head. “You won’t think so when I tell you the conditions of the loan.” She cleared her throat. “She offered to loan me money on the condition that I attend this retreat. She was upset that you weren’t returning her phone calls, so she wanted me to come and spy on you, see if you were dating anybody else.”

  Martin frowned. “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!”

  Chapter Nine

  Martin stood. “If you feel up to it, do you mind if we take a walk?” Hopefully, her head wasn’t hurting too much. It was starting to feel cooped up in the meeting room and he needed some fresh air.

  Rhea remained silent while she followed him outside. The sky had grown dark with clouds. Martin pulled out his phone, checking the time, glancing at the weather forecast. “It’s supposed to rain tonight.”

  Rhea stopped walking, stood in the middle of the wooded path, sniffing. “I smell it.”

  “You smell what?”

  “The rain. Haven’t you ever stopped and smelled the rain coming?”

  “No, can’t say that I have.” A light breeze blew, rustling the leaves of the nearby oak trees. Following Rhea’s suggestion, he stopped and sniffed, concentrating. The faint scent of dampness hinted in the air and it had grown cooler.

  They continued walking, twigs crunching beneath their feet. The faint scent of her floral perfume wafted toward him. He reached toward her hand, forcing himself to pull away. He couldn’t hold her hand, not now. He wasn’t sure if she wanted his affection and, it just wasn’t right. He needed to help her with her business, and when he returned home, he needed to speak with Raven – set her straight about her lies.

  Then…what? He’d continue pursuing his pastorship and, just maybe, him and Rhea could remain friends? Was that even possible? His gut clenched, and he took a deep breath. He could imagine being more than just friends with Rhea. He stopped walking, approaching the same bench they’d sat on the previous evening. He gestured toward the bench. “Mind if we sit for a minute? I wanted to ask you something.”

  They plopped onto the bench. The light breeze continued to blow. They needed to hurry up and finish their conversation before the rain started. “I’m surprised you told me why Raven sent you to this retreat.”

  “I wasn’t going to tell you, but, Raven lied to me. I honestly don’t see the point in hiding the truth from you. Martin, I feel so bad right now. My life is such a mess.”

  He tensed his arms, resisting the urge to hold her, and kiss her frown away. “Don’t say that.”

  “But, it is. My coming here, just to watch you for my sister, so that she’ll loan me some money, is dishonest, juvenile, and ridiculous. I feel like I should’ve trusted God more about this, prayed about it before coming. But, I was scared about being homeless, losing my lease, losing my bakery. Instead of looking to God for the answer, I listened to my sister’s conditions for this stupid loan. Now I feel foolish.”

  He briefly touched her shoulder. “Don’t feel that way. I’m not mad at you, but, I’m upset with Raven for blackmailing you into coming to this retreat.”

  *

  “As soon as I get back home, I’m going to have a long talk with your sister.”

  “Before you talk to her, you need to let me speak with her first. The last thing I need is for Raven to blame me for something that’s not my fault.”

  “For what would she be blaming you?”

  “If you tell her to stop calling you, she’ll automatically think that I said or did something to cause you to do that.”

  Fat drops of rain fell from the sky. Rhea jumped off of the bench. “I’m going back to my cabin. I don’t want to get soaked in the rain.”

  He touched her elbow. “Come on. I’ll take you to your cabin.”

  They trotted in the falling rain until they’d reached her cabin. They stood in front of the awning shadowing her door. Drops of rain dotted her toasty brown skin and her eyes appeared heavy with sadness. He clenched his fists together, resisting the urge to wipe the water away from her brow. “I need to come by and fix your mixer. Is it okay if I come to your bakery on Monday afternoon?”

  Thunder shattered the sky, and lightning flashed. She nodded, her hand on the doorknob. “Is two o’clock okay? I have an appointment on Monday morning.”

  He grinned. “Two o’clock is fine. I’ll see you then.” He rushed away, the rain pummeling all over him.

  She jerked the door open, entering her room. Zora sprawled on the bed, fast asleep, snoring.

  Desiree sat in her bunk, looking at something on her smart phone. She smiled at Rhea. “Hi,” she whispered, pointing at Zora. “She’s asleep. Her medicine makes her tired. She’s had a rough day.”

  Hopefully, Zora would remain asleep while she gathered her things for her journey home. Rhea glared at Zora before going to her dresser. She lifted the phone from the windowsill, shoving it into her pocket. She’d forgotten to carry it with her during most of the retreat. She removed her suitcase from her closet. She opened it, began dropping items into the case.

  “Are you leaving?”

  Rhea nodded, keeping her voice low. “I need to get back home.”

  “But, it’s raining outside, plus, there’s a flash flood warning.”

  Rhea waved the comment away. “I’ll be fine. If the driving conditions get too bad, I’ll just pull over to the side of the road.” Since Martin was also leaving, there was no reason for her to stay. She also didn’t feel like dealing with Zora’s antics any longer. She wanted to go home, to her own bed. Being in her own environment would probably put her in a better mood.

  She had her suitcase packed in minutes. She then grabbed her purse and keys. She needed to check out at the front desk before driving home.

  Rhea had her hand on the doorknob.

  “I just wanted to apologize again abou
t Zora.”

  Rhea nodded, not wanting to waste time talking about Zora. “I need to get going.”

  Desiree sighed, approaching Rhea. “Can I treat you to dinner? I feel so bad about my sister’s behavior that I just want to make it up to you.” She glanced at Zora, her eyes glistening. “This was the worse she’s acted in a long time.”

  Rhea shook her head. She just didn’t feel up to sharing a meal and chatting with a stranger this evening. She’d not really bonded with Desiree for the short time she’d been here. Why would they share dinner? She supposed paying for her meal would help ease Desiree’s conscience. She glanced at Desiree before focusing on Zora. What a tough job Desiree seemed to have, keeping Zora in line. Did she have to live with Zora to ensure the woman didn’t misbehave?

  Her phone buzzed. She lifted the device from her pocket, checking the Caller ID. Raven. She had not spoken to her sister during the entire retreat, and she knew when she finally talked to her tomorrow, her sister would be raging with anger.

  She shoved the phone back into her pocket. “I appreciate the offer, but, I have to get on the road.” Not giving Desiree a chance to respond, she opened her umbrella and rushed out into the torrential rain, dragging her suitcase behind her.

  Chapter Ten

  Rhea pulled into the parking lot of her apartment building. She removed her suitcase as well as the empty cookie plate. Before leaving the retreat, she’d returned to the room in the lobby where she’d met with Martin. She’d taken the cookies that Zora had delivered with her. She’d munched on the treats on the drive home. She entered her apartment and dropped onto the couch.

  Man! What a weekend! Now what was she going to do? She still needed to get the loan from Raven, but, she couldn’t tell Raven that she was attracted to Martin. But, from what Martin had said, Raven had blatantly lied. She dropped her forehead into her hand, thinking. She hated lies. That’s why she finally had to come clean with Martin and let him know why she’d gone to the retreat. Withholding the truth was the same as lying, as far as she was concerned.