“Problem here?”
Rayne let out a breath and looked over Graham’s shoulder to see Garrett staring at them coolly. He had a laptop case over his shoulder and he was dressed similarly to Becket in jeans and a nice shirt. She watched as Graham straightened from the door and turned to face him. The two men looked each other up and down, sizing each other up.
“Garrett, this is Graham Mitchell and he just stopped by to say hello.”
Graham narrowed his eyes at Garrett and looked back at her. “A friend of yours Rayne?”
Rayne nodded and decided to leave out the part where Garrett worked for her. “That’s right. Garrett, why don’t you come in? You can wait for me in the living room.”
Garrett frowned and shook his head. “Nah, I’ll wait here for you if that’s okay.”
Graham glared at Garrett and then turned around, blocking him as he faced her again. “I’m serious about spending time with you Rayne. If not tonight, then soon. Very soon. There are things that we need to talk about. Just you and me.”
Rayne shivered at that and rubbed her cold arms. “Graham, I need to go now,” she said quietly.
Graham nodded and reached out and touched her cheek again before turning and walking away. She watched him get into his rental car and drive away as Garrett stood next to her silently. As Graham’s car disappeared around the corner she sagged against the door feeling a moment of despair.
Garrett put a finger to her chin, tilting her face up to his. “Are you okay?” he asked softly.
Rayne shuddered slightly but nodded her head. “I am now. Thanks for showing up when you did.”
Garrett nodded and looked back over his shoulder before putting a hand on her shoulder and gently turning her to walk into the house. He shut the door and set his laptop case on the floor as he studied her face.
“You’re not okay. That man was scaring you. What’s going on Rayne?”
Rayne licked her dry lips and wished she could unburden herself on Garrett. Just telling someone that she feared for her and her sister’s lives would sound too crazy though. She could give him something though.
“Graham Mitchell is my half-cousin. He’s not the nicest person I know,” she added hoping Garrett would drop it.
“Half-cousin?” Garrett said with a shake of his head. “Does he know that? The way he was looking at you wasn’t very cousinly.”
Rayne blushed and looked away. “He’s brought it to my attention that half cousins can marry in California.”
Garrett made a humming sound in his throat and shook his head. “I do not like that guy.”
Rayne smiled weakly and jumped when Cleo appeared by her side. “What’s taking so long? You and Garrett have been out here talking forever.”
Rayne shook her head but Garrett spoke before her. “No, I just got here, but her cousin Graham was sure making her miserable.”
It was almost comical watching Cleo’s face turn white and then red as she rushed out the front door. Rayne moved to stop her and pulled on her arm. “Cleo, he’s gone. Garrett scared him away.”
Cleo turned on her, glaring. “Why didn’t you come get me? Why didn’t you shout? What in the world were you thinking Rayne? What am I even here for if Graham can just walk up to your front door and you stand here talking to him while I’m in the other room completely oblivious?”
Garrett looked back and forth between her and Cleo with a confused frown on his face as Asher walked out of the living room.
Rayne glanced at Garrett and Asher pointedly before looking back at Cleo. “Everything’s fine Cleo.”
Cleo closed her eyes and sighed loudly. “Yeah, everything’s fine Rayne. He knows you’re here. How in the world is that fine?” she demanded and then walked toward the kitchen muttering under her breath.
Rayne cleared her throat in embarrassment and tried to smile at Garrett and Asher. “Sorry about that. Um, why don’t we go over the bid in the living room? Asher, I believe you have the contracts.”
Garrett and Asher looked at each other silently before Garrett nodded and finally followed her into the living room. He turned on his laptop and ran her through his plans almost as if he were reading from a dictionary. Asher listened almost grimly and then pulled out a contract from a folder and walked her through the deposit and all of the legal jargon.
Rayne was so flustered from Graham’s appearance that she signed the stupid thing and handed it back to Asher, just wanting everyone to go away so she could lie down and think of what they were going to do now.
Becket and Ivy walked in just as Garrett was slipping his laptop in his case. Becket was smiling and looking happy as Ivy stood next to him.
“So is it a go then?” he asked Garrett and Asher with a raised pale blond eyebrow.
Garrett smiled briefly and stood up. “It’s a go. If you don’t mind, I’m going to walk Rayne around the yard and point out a few things that weren’t on the plans.”
Becket shrugged and looked at Asher. Ivy smiled widely and clasped her hands. “Why don’t you two come into the kitchen and I’ll get you some lemonade. Cleo picked us up some cupcakes from the bakery this morning if you’re hungry.”
Rayne smiled at Asher and Becket’s twin grins and followed Garrett outside. She felt a sense of relief to get out of the stuffiness of the house and outside into the fragrant moist air. Sitting in the living room with Asher and Garrett looking stone faced and grim had been exhausting.
Garrett walked toward her side yard and pointed to the large fir tree that towered over everything, including the house.
“That’s the first thing to go. We’ll have a crew here tomorrow to work on it. You and your sister and your uh, friend might want to stay clear of this area tomorrow.”
Rayne nodded her head and stayed silent as she listened to him talk and explain everything he’d already told her. But it felt good to be outside with him. His strong presence beside her pushed the ickiness from Graham’s visit away.
“So what’s the deal with Cleo? Why is she here with you and your sister?” Garrett asked, still staring at a group of firethorn bushes.
Rayne frowned and stuck her hands in her pockets. “That’s kind of a personal question,” she said stiffly.
Garrett turned and looked at her silently. Waiting. Rayne sighed loudly and threw her hands in the air. “She’s a bodyguard, okay? She’s here to make sure Ivy and I don’t get killed off the same way . . .” She stopped and bit her lip, refusing to say more.
Garrett stepped closer and touched her arm. “Your parents died recently. You think someone killed them?”
Rayne nodded and stared at his hand still on her arm. Garrett’s other hand grasped her other arm making her look up at him.
“Your cousin. Sorry, your half-cousin Graham. You suspect him?” Garrett asked in a low voice.
Rayne swallowed hard and stared at Garrett’s neck. “Yes,” she whispered and felt cold again.
Garrett pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her gently. Rayne stiffened in surprise but then softened, bringing her arms up around his waist.
“I’m so sorry,” he said against her hair.
Rayne nodded her head and wondered why his quiet sympathy should leave her so completely undone. “We’ll be okay. Cleo’s actually an amazing bodyguard and she’s nice to Ivy.”
Garrett pulled back and looked down into her eyes, his concern obvious. “Maybe it’s a good thing that we’ll be doing work on your property then. We’ll look out for you too.”
Rayne smiled and stepped back away from the warmth of Garrett’s chest, missing it immediately. “That’s very sweet of you Garrett, but that’s unnecessary.”
Garrett frowned, flinching when his ringtone on his phone went off. He grabbed his phone and switched it to silent, ignoring the call completely. “Cleo seemed pretty upset that Graham was here and knows where you’re living now. Do you have a security system?”
Rayne nodded her head. “And I’m thinking about gett
ing a guard dog too. Ivy loves dogs and it just makes sense to have that added protection.”
Garrett nodded his head and sighed. “You’re so sweet Rayne, I’d hate to see anything bad happen to you,” he admitted, running a hand through his short brown hair.
Rayne smiled and straightened her shoulders. “There’s really nothing to worry about. I promise I’m on top of things. I have a team of investigators working on my parents’ crash. And in the meantime, Ivy and I will hang out here, away from all the hustle and bustle of things until we figure out what’s going on.”
Garrett sighed and looked away. “Staying low or being a sitting duck?”
Rayne narrowed her eyes at Garrett and stepped back. “You think I’d put my little sister in danger after everything she’s been through? She collapsed after my parent’s death. She’s just now functioning and smiling again. I’m not just here to hide out from Graham, I’m here to make sure my sister can regain a sense of balance and stability.”
Garrett held up his hands and stepped forward. “Sorry, sorry. Listen, that came out wrong. I’m a Marine and I look at situations differently than other people do. If you’re in danger, then you need to look at all the angles. That’s all I was trying to say. Your being here with your sister is probably a good thing. You can’t get quieter than Fircrest. And I’ll be around and so will Becket and Asher.”
Rayne blushed and bit her lip feeling stupid and helpless. “Thanks Garrett. I appreciate it. Should we add onto the bid for security services?”
Garrett grinned and shook his head. “Nah, you get that for free. And it would be my pleasure. Like I said, I don’t think I could stand the thought of anyone hurting you.”
Rayne stared up into Garrett’s eyes and felt caught as he looked directly at her, not moving or blinking. He was serious. Oh wow.
“I don’t know what to say. Thank you. You’re the best landscaping company I’ve ever worked with.”
Garrett laughed and looked over her shoulder. “I’m guessing I’m the only landscaper you’ve ever worked with.”
Rayne blushed and smiled as she looked at him, liking the way the sun glinted through his hair and made his eyes look silver. “You’d be right. Well, come back to the house and I’ll get you some lemonade.”
They walked companionably back to the house as she pointed out the flower beds she wanted to work on herself. She couldn’t wait to get her hands in the dirt and put on an ugly hat.
They walked into the kitchen to find a very somber group of people sipping lemonade silently. Rayne raised an eyebrow at Ivy before walking to the cupboard to grab two glasses.
“So are we moving tonight then?” Ivy asked in a quiet, toneless voice that had her looking at her sister sharply. “I know you think Graham is dangerous.”
Rayne poured two glasses of lemonade, handing one to Garrett before she took a small sip. “No Ivy, we’re staying.”
Ivy’s whole body seemed to relax as she stared back at her. “Even now that Graham knows we’re here? I still remember the way he practically attacked you after the funeral.”
Rayne swallowed sickly remembering the way Graham had turned a comforting hug into a chance to kiss her. She glanced at Cleo before nodding. “Even now.”
Becket frowned and glanced at Ivy. “You girls are obviously mixed up with some kind of trouble. It sounds like you need to go to the police.”
Rayne frowned and took another sip. “Not yet. I’m waiting for more information,” she said, not wanting to lay out everything in front of Asher and Becket whom she knew nothing about.”
Garrett noticed her tight frown and cleared his throat. “We’ll be keeping an eye on things when we’re around the house working.”
Ivy snorted. “Yeah, but what about when you’re gone? What then?”
Rayne sighed loudly and looked at Cleo who was giving her the look. “Ivy, Cleo isn’t just my friend. She’s also your bodyguard. She’s been looking out for us for the last couple of months.”
Ivy’s eyes went huge as she turned and stared at Cleo. “You’re not serious. You’re a yoga instructor. What can you do to protect us from a crazed nut job who wants to marry my sister and might want to kill us off? Downward Dog? Warrior’s Pose?”
Rayne winced and glanced at Garrett whose face had gone dangerously hard. Cleo laughed lightly and lifted an arm, making a muscle.
“I’m tougher than I look, Ivy and I’m licensed to carry.”
Rayne walked over and touched Ivy’s shoulder. “She taught me everything I know about self-defense, Ivy. She’s good.”
Asher stared at Cleo and smiled slightly. “A yoga instructor slash body guard? And you told me you were just hanging out with the Nyman sisters for kicks.”
Cleo grinned and glanced at Asher from beneath her lashes. “You’re on a need to know basis.”
Asher grinned back at her and Rayne rolled her eyes. “Regardless, there’s nothing to worry about. I’ve got this covered okay?”
Ivy and Cleo looked at her doubtfully and Rayne tried to smile. At least she hoped she did.
A few minutes later, Garrett, Becket and Asher left, promising to be back the next day. Ivy stared out the window at them pulling out of the driveway and smiled slightly.
“Do you think Becket’s cute?” she asked no one in particular.
Rayne looked up with a quick smile. Ivy had always done a good job of keeping men at arm’s length. Dealing with OCD and the depression that came along with it had affected her attraction to men. She’d just been completely uninterested. Seeing her sister’s obvious interest in a good looking, healthy man was a sign that she really was on the way to recovery.
“He’s gorgeous,” she said firmly, looking at Cleo pointedly.
Cleo shrugged. “How could I notice Becket when Asher was in the room? Now that man is beautiful.”
Rayne laughed. “They’re okay, but come on, compared to Garrett they’re kind of faded at the edges, don’t you think? I mean, when Garrett walks into the room, what’s the use in looking at anyone else?”
Cleo and Ivy looked at each other and burst out laughing. Rayne winced and looked between the two. “What? What did I say?”
Ivy shook her head and kicked her legs up on the couch. “I believe you just admitted that you are totally into our handsome landscaper.”
Rayne sniffed and looked at Cleo. Cleo smiled and nodded. “She’s right, but who cares. Oh and by the way Ivy, Asher was telling me he’s on the lookout for a lead singer for his band. His last singer ditched them and they’re about to break up unless they can find someone fast.”
Ivy’s eyes brightened in excitement even though her body language remained relaxed and uncaring. “Oh yeah? What kind of music do they play?”
Cleo shrugged and straightened a pleat in her skirt. “Alternative Rock. They do a lot of covers too. Asher is the one who writes their original music. You should talk to him about it. That song you wrote last week was beautiful. It would be a shame if no one ever heard it.”
Rayne blinked in surprise and threw a pillow at Ivy. “A new song? And you didn’t tell me?” she said feeling a little hurt that her sister would share it with Cleo but not her.
Ivy blushed and pulled some of her hair over her face. “Sorry Rayne, but you always just tell me everything I do is amazing. I needed an honest opinion.”
Cleo kicked off her sandal and stretched her long toned legs in front of her. “You can’t get more honest than an audience.”
Ivy let her hair fall away from her face as she stared at the ceiling. “True, but if they hate it then I’ll want to drive off a cliff.”
Rayne looked down at her lap and felt the raw and aching sorrow she’d been pushing away squeeze her breathless.
“Ah sorry Rayne, I wasn’t even thinking,” Ivy said as she moved to her side, falling down on her knees in front of her sister and leaning her head against her knees.
Rayne sighed as she ran her hand over Ivy’s silky brown hair. “It’s okay Ivy, I know y
ou were just kidding.”
Ivy lifted her head and stared at her directly, smiling sadly. “I’ll call Asher about the band.”
Rayne grinned and reached down and hugged her sister hard. “Good. I can’t wait to hear your song.”
Ivy stood up and grimaced. “That’s assuming Asher would even want me as a lead singer. I could try out and he might laugh in my face.”
Cleo threw a pillow at her. “False modesty is so irritating for everyone who doesn’t have any talent. You know Asher will fall at your feet in gratitude.”
Ivy gnawed on her lip thoughtfully as she picked up the pillow and hurled it back at Cleo, catching her off guard and sending her head snapping back.
“I guess I better go practice then,” she said and walked out of the room with a grin on her face.
Cleo glared after her and then gave up and laughed. “Such a brat. So what about you? Are you okay? Coming face to face with Graham on your front porch probably gave you a heart attack.”
Rayne blew out a breath and picked at the cuff of her shorts. “It was like my whole body froze like a rabbit does right before the wolf chomps down. It was a shock.”
Cleo frowned and stood up, stretching out her back. “You won’t turn into Graham Mitchell’s snack on my watch. I’m going to go target shooting this afternoon and hit the gym so I can be on my game. I want you to come with me.”
Rayne nodded. “That would be wise,” she agreed and stood up too, following Cleo out of the room. She had a feeling though that when Graham did come for her, none of her self-defense moves were going to do her much good.
Chapter 7 – Cronut Therapy
Rayne woke up the next day sore from her work out with Cleo. Cleo had focused on core and strength training and kick-boxing for their cardio. Ivy had thrown in the towel an hour in and had spent the last hour drinking smoothies and catching up on emails while Cleo pushed her mercilessly.
She groaned as she stumbled to her bathroom and took the longest shower of her life. She rotated her sore shoulders and swore vengeance on Cleo as she slipped on a maxi skirt and t-shirt. After she finished blow drying her hair, she heard the sound of trucks and immediately perked up. She peeked out the window and grinned happily as she saw trucks with Murphy’s Landscaping logo on the side and immediately forgot all about her sore muscles.
Falling for Rayne: Book 1 in the Love and Flowers Trilogy Page 5