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

by Kristine Cayne

  “By the way, did I mention Madison wants you to teach her more dance moves?” Hopefully, Blaine would be interested. He couldn’t blame her if she wasn’t, considering. If she agreed, Marsha would be surprised for sure.

  “Really? She was that interested?” Blaine sounded surprised.

  “Yep. According to Marsha, she hasn’t stopped talking about it. She thinks it’s really cool you worked in Hollywood.”

  Blaine made a face. “Well, if your sister approves, I’d be glad to work with Madison.”

  “Yeah?”

  She nodded. “Sure. Why not? It’ll give me something to look forward to while I try to get back on track. When she wasn’t having strange conversations with her phone buddy, Madison is a pretty cool teen.”

  “She’s going to love it, Blaine. Thank you for accepting the idea.”

  Blaine held up her index finger. “One condition.”

  Uh oh. She had that devious look again. “What’s that?”

  “You be my dance partner.” That sexy grin of hers widened.

  Oh hell yeah. He’d make a fool out of himself with more dancing if it meant spending more time with Blaine, holding her in his arms and twirling her around a little bit.

  “You got yourself a deal.” Randy nodded. Yeah, this could turn out great.

  Chapter Eleven

  The outskirts of Harmony’s Echo was abuzz with the county fair excitement. Baby Stetson’s performance wasn’t for another few hours, but everyone wanted to get there early to have some fun. Ride the rides, play some games and enjoy some local music. As Randy searched for any of his family, he heard Lucas talking to Emily from behind him.

  “You and I are sharing a first together, little angel.”

  “You’ve never been to a fair?” Avery, Jameson and Melody asked at the same time, then laughed.

  Randy turned around, listening to the conversation with interest.

  Lucas shook his head, tapping his fingers on the stroller. “Not much opportunity growing up.” A dark shadow crossed his face.

  “We have so much to show him.” Avery kissed her husband’s cheek. “We won’t be gentle, either.”

  “Sorry I’m late!” Blaine darted through the crowd, making her way to them. She grinned at Randy and then gave him the thumbs up sign. He knew exactly what that meant. His parents gave her a job. He wasn’t sure if they would, considering their reaction. He smiled back. “Mom and Chet will be here soon. She told me earlier.”

  As he turned away, he noticed Jameson watching the two of them, but his friend didn’t say a word.

  I hope you ’fess up, Blaine. I can’t keep this from Jameson much longer.

  “Dare I ask what you won’t be gentle about?” Blaine gave her attention to Avery.

  “This is Luke’s first time at a fair,” Avery explained.

  “We used to be out here every year,” Blaine mused. “Another touch of home I’ve missed.”

  “Where’s Marty and Sean?” Randy asked, noticing the other band members weren’t here yet.

  Jameson sighed. “Marty is supposed to be here in an hour. Sean, I’m not sure about. I have this feeling we won’t have a drummer once again.”

  “I hope he doesn’t become a no show today!” Avery folded her arms and bit her lip.

  “Chris said if Sean is a no show, he’ll fill in.” Melody tapped a text into her phone.

  “Your brother plays drums?” Jameson asked. “I didn’t know that.”

  “He can. Doesn’t do it often, but he says he doesn’t want us to miss out, so he’d fill in.” Melody flashed a wicked grin. “Besides, I bribed him.”

  Avery laughed. “Yep, we’ve taught her well.”

  “While I agree with you, I’ve always used that as a back up resort with my brother.” Melody giggled.

  “I guess if we all split up to do different things, we should meet right here before it’s time to set up.” Jameson pointed at the ticket booth a few yards away.

  Randy nodded, wondering if he could convince Blaine to go on a few rides with him. “That works for me.”

  “Seriously, thank you Melody. If Sean ends up not showing, I’m glad your brother is willing to fill in for the day,” Avery said, fiddling with one of Emily’s toys. “Ready to experience your first fair, Luke?”

  One by one, everyone went their separate ways. Randy was pleased when he noticed Blaine hanging around. Once everyone left and went off to do their own thing, she faced him.

  “So, the thumbs up meant…”

  She nodded. “They gave me a job. Thank you so much for asking.”

  I’d do anything for you.

  “I’m glad it worked out. You know what you can do to thank me?” He grinned, knowing full well she’d probably sock him for the comment.

  “I had no idea we were playing pass the favor.” Blaine tried to hide a smile.

  “Oh, come on. This one’s simple.”

  “Tell me already!”

  “Ride a few rides with me,” he said simply.

  Blaine laughed. “Now that sounds like a fairly reasonable request.”

  Randy crossed his arms. “Fairly reasonable?”

  “Well, yeah.” Her eyes lit up.

  Raising his shoulders in a shrug, Randy gave in. “I’ll take it. The Ferris Wheel line is pretty low. What do you say we hit that first?”

  “I say bring it on.”

  In an impulsive move, Randy curled his fingers around Blaine’s. He was surprised when she reciprocated. When her fingers gently twined with his, want curled through every bone in his body. This woman was going to be the death of him, he wanted her so much. Blaine had always been his first major crush, long before it escalated into something more.

  Maybe, just maybe, she was coming around and seeing him in a different light.

  Blaine didn’t know when it started, but something was definitely changing between her and Randy. She couldn’t quit thinking about him. Strange sensations slammed into her body when he was close, especially when he took her hand.

  They still set the Ferris wheel in the perfect position. From the top you could see the whole town of Harmony’s Echo.

  As soon as they were secure, their hands connected once again. Neither said a word, just exchanged a smile. For a split second, Blaine wondered what was up with her. She felt like … Hell, she felt like a teenager. Young, carefree, finding that one guy to make her heart flutter. The one guy she never, ever expected to feel that way about. Changes were in the air, and now those changes included new feelings for Randy.

  Slowly, they were lifted in the air, coming to a jerky stop here and there to let other passengers on.

  “I’ve always loved the view up here,” Blaine mused softly as they went higher. “I used to be afraid of how high we were. Every little squeak made me think we were going to fall. But then I looked over, saw the whole town and I forgot everything else.”

  “Blaine Grant, actually afraid?” Randy teased. “I always thought you were a bit fearless.”

  She faced him. “Me, fearless? You’re kidding, right?”

  He shook his head. “Nope. I really did.”

  “You’re crazier than I thought,” she blurted. Fearless. Ha. Funny. One of the biggest fears she had was never finding her place in the world. Silly, maybe. Stupid, possibly. It was one she’d never really expressed to anyone, which was why she pushed so hard to find something she was good at and could turn into a passion. Surrounded by family and friends who knew what they wanted early, like Jameson and Avery with their music, Blaine felt a little left out.

  “What would a beautiful, headstrong, confident woman like you have to fear?” Randy squeezed her hand. Was it her imagination, or did he scoot even closer to her?

  She licked her lips, all too aware of how her body reacted to him.

  Her mouth worked against her brain, and once again, she blurted out another truth she never wanted to admit to anyone. “Not finding where I belong.”

  The words hung in the air. Randy blin
ked, but for what felt like an eternity didn’t say anything. The wheel moved again, taking them higher. Breaking the tension, she stared down, wondering how many more cars were left to fill with riders before this thing went into full swing. The people walking below were so tiny, they reminded her of ants scurrying around in an ant farm.

  “Where do you want to belong?” Randy finally asked.

  “What’s with the philosophical responses?” Blaine shot back, totally caught off-guard by what he’d asked. What got her the most was how she didn’t know the answer.

  Randy shrugged. Thankfully he didn’t seem offended. “I’m the oldest of a bunch of sisters. I tend to ask a lot of those kinds of questions.”

  “And they still go to you for advice?” She cracked a smile.

  “Maybe I trap them. Kind of like how you’re all the way up here with me and no way out, and now you have that question in your mind.” Randy reached across and brushed her hair away from her face.

  “When did you become so evil?” Her voice came out hoarse. Blood rushed to her ears. All she could think about were his lips. So sexy. So … Oh God, what was happening to her? Was she starting to fall for Randy Hughes?

  “Apparently the same time you’ve not been fearless. We’re seeing sides of the other we haven’t before.”

  Wasn’t that the truth?

  “We’re totally missing the view.” But she never took her eyes off Randy’s face.

  “We could always ride again.”

  Yeah. They could. And right now, she could lean over and…

  Holy hell. Randy beat her to it. His lips crashed over hers. Blaine’s sigh caught in her throat as she closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around Randy’s neck and kissed him back.

  Hard, fiery kisses. Fingers tangled in hair. At one point, Randy caressed her cheek. He moved away from her lips, and planted soft kisses along her jaw and her neck. She uttered another moan and tilted her head back until she needed his lips back on hers.

  Need exploded in her. Raw, heated passion. She couldn’t think. Randy wrapped his arm around her and pulled her even closer, if that was possible. The Ferris wheel jerked again. Descending. The ride had begun. They pulled apart, breathing heavily.

  “Ferris wheel kiss. Total small town appeal.” She had nothing else to say, so of course out popped a blunt comment.

  “I know, I know. A little cliché.” Randy’s lips were moist as he pulled away. With his arm still around her, he touched her cheek gently with his thumb.

  “Sometimes, cliché is underrated.”

  He kissed the top of her head, then laughed. Blaine leaned her head on his shoulder, waiting for her heartbeat go back to normal. Neither of them had anything else to say for the rest of the ride. They just sat huddled together as they circled around.

  Time was lost to her. She wasn’t sure how much passed since the kiss. Randy squeezed her shoulder. “Blaine?”

  “Hmm?” His touch rocked her, comforted her.

  “The ride’s over.” She looked up and he gestured to the now open door.

  She smiled, feeling sheepish, and followed Randy out.

  The ride might have been over, the kiss long gone, but Blaine’s conflicted heart and feelings had just begun.

  For the next hour or so, Randy walked around in a half daze still reeling from the kiss. He waved at Marty when he saw him standing in line at one of the game booths with his girlfriend.

  “My mom was supposed to show with Chet,” Blaine muttered. She looked around.

  “Still worried about her?” Randy pulled her close as they stood in line for a snack.

  “I can’t stop. I know she’s doing well. She looks and says it. The guy she’s dating she met from the meetings. I don’t know about that. I just don’t. I’m trying not to be all judgmental, but … it’s weird. I can’t picture her with any other man but my dad, even though he’s not here any more.” Sadness etched in her voice. “When she admitted it, I snapped and acted like a childish brat. I still feel bad. I just- I don’t know.”

  “After what your family went through, I can only imagine it’s natural for you to feel so worried. What does Jameson say?”

  “He says as long as she’s happy. You know Jameson though. He might just be trying to keep the peace.”

  The line moved quickly. Randy bought Blaine a drink and a handful of snacks for them to share, then led the way to a shaded area full of tables and sat down. Country music blared from nearby speakers, slightly drowning out the live band playing on the other side of the fairgrounds. At the table across from them, a family with two little girls were trying to keep the kids from tearing at each other’s hair. It reminded Randy of his own sisters. Speaking of which, he wondered if Marsha was still coming with the kids. Madison wanted to see the band. He hadn’t heard a thing either way so far.

  From beside him, something vibrated. Blaine sighed and pulled her phone from her pocket. “I knew it was too good to last,” she muttered.

  “What?” If he had to guess, it would be Frederic. He wondered about the outcome of his comments that night.

  “Frederic. He’s left me alone the past few days. Now he’s calling again. I’m not even going to answer it. I’ve been having a nice day and for once, he’s not going to ruin it!” She tossed her phone into her purse, picked up her soda and took a long sip. Then she glanced over at Randy, giving him a smile.

  “I like the way you think.” He slid an arm around her. What was with him and his bold ways of touching her? He didn’t know. Blaine sure didn’t seem to mind.

  “Blaine! Randy!” Jameson waved, leading the way with Melody, Avery and Lucas. They all held cups in their hand.

  Slightly disappointed, Randy waved. Oh well, he’d get a more chances to talk to Blaine later.

  “Hey guys!” Blaine was more enthusiastic.

  “Avery, your mom said when Emily got tired and it was time for her nap that I could bring her by. Think I should go now?” Lucas asked.

  “I think so. Little Miss seems all tuckered out and I don’t want her to get too much sun.” She made kissy sounds at her daughter. “I’ll take you on a few rides before the show when you get back. Tell Mama I love her and thank you.” After hugs and kisses between Avery and Emily, he walked away, pushing the stroller and whistling. Jameson and Melody shared a drink with two straws and kept making faces at each other.

  All around him, friends, family, and strangers were in love. Randy wanted that experience. Not only did he want it, but he knew exactly who he wanted to experience it with.

  Blaine.

  Now that she was home for good, he had to find a way to see what chances he had. But what happened when the band took off? They were talking about trying for Nashville in a year or two, when everyone was settled and ready to take that leap. He wouldn’t expect Blaine to just uproot herself and follow him, but he didn’t want to leave her behind either.

  And, cut. Now his mind was way in overdrive and they’d only shared a few kisses. He felt like his sisters for a moment, all giddy, crazy and making plans before things ever fell into place.

  Yep, he had it bad, and he knew it. He always had, though this time there was a hint of a chance for something to happen between them.

  “Blaine, have you seen or heard from Mom?” Jameson asked. He finally noticed Randy’s arm around her and shot him a knowing look. Then he leveled his sister with a concerned frown.

  “Nope. I was just talking about that, too.”

  “Neither have I. I called once, when I had a moment and it wasn’t too loud. Went to voice mail.”

  “Well, maybe she’ll show up by the time your performance starts.” Blaine didn’t sound too convinced.

  Chapter Twelve

  A few hours later, Baby Stetson was about ready to go on stage. Sean showed up late and offered up no reasons, but at least he made it. That’s what counted for now. Randy left Blaine with Lucas, his sister and her family so he could get up on stage. The conversation he overheard while walking away was Madison g
ushing about Blaine’s dance moves to Lucas. Mrs. Grant never made it and still wasn’t answering her phone.

  “Ten minutes!” someone called, alerting them how much time they had before they went live.

  Up on stage, Randy plugged in the keyboard and played a few keys to check the sound. Jameson and Marty were bouncing guitar riffs back at each other. Avery plugged her guitar in next, playing along. Sean drummed out a few loud beats. Everyone seemed satisfied. Adrenaline and excitement shot through him, as it did with every performance. The crowd was energized and ready to go.

  The announcer burst on the stage. “Are we having fun today?”

  A loud rumble of cheers and applause erupted through the crowd.

  “We’ve got a local band coming up next. They’ve been making a splash around town more and more. Give it up for Harmony’s Echo’s very own BABY STETSON!”

  “It is GREAT to be here!” Avery said into the microphone. “I love county fairs. I love the small town feel. Looking around today, I watched a lot of couples. Today I brought my own husband and daughter and we enjoyed the fair. If y’all don’t mind, I think we’re going to jump right in to the song that just played on the radio a few days ago. What do you think about Love in a Small Town? Have you heard it yet?”

  Randy loved the reaction the crowd gave when she mentioned the song.

  “For those of you who haven’t heard it, well here it is. Love in A Small Town.” Avery turned around and grinned at everyone before she faced the crowd again.

  Walking hand in hand in the middle of town

  Everyone wants to know if you’re in love

  Whispers and pointing going all around

  It’s what it’s like to be

  In love in a small town

  We’re going on a date and the gossip starts

  Blazing feelings and fast beating hearts

  But when it comes down to it

  I wouldn’t want it any other way

  Love in a small town

  Everybody watches like we’re putting on a show

  Every little kiss they want to know