Natalie's Deception (The Candy Cane Girls Book 5)

by Bonnie Engstrom

  Natalie’s

  Deception

  The Candy Cane Girls, book 5

  By Bonnie Engstrom

  Copyright ©2016 Bonnie Engstrom

  Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications.

  All rights reserved as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. No part of the publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior permission of the publisher.

  All verses from NIV version

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental, except for the instances where they were used in conjunction with a business on purpose.

  All rights reserved.

  Special Thanks

  I am indebted to so many friends for helping with Natalie’s Deception. The story started out simply with a minor situation in Nat’s Gym. But, as it developed, as the characters told me what to say and what they wanted to do (yes, they do that), more people offered to help.

  Adam Story and Claire from Spine Scottsdale Physical Therapy explained all the details of sky diving to me, and Claire edited chapters. (Her mother is an English teacher. Go figure.)

  Sweet Marg Rodger, the proprietor of North Scottsdale Floral, is so supportive and always fun to share ideas with. I want to be Marg someday and inhale the scent of her beautiful blooms.

  Marg is in almost every book I’ve written. She is a well-deserved Award Winning Florist.

  Bryce and Billy are totally fictional, but Bill Lord Senior is not. He first appears in Candy’s Wild Ride. He is real! So is Jaeda who gets a surprise from Connie with the help of their little dog Jake.

  Larry, the Private Investigator, is totally real. He guards the gate in the community where we live. And, yes, he really is a PI. Thanks, Larry, for allowing me to use you in this story. Sorry I wasn’t able to use your cycle. Maybe in the next one … if you date Natalie.

  Finally, Jill the wedding coordinator. She is in every Candy Cane story and deserves her own story. She is very real; she planned two of my children’s weddings. She is amazing, tireless, creative and filled with ideas for settings and vendors, as well as coordinating the actual weddings. Unfortunately, she has retired in real life, but her legacy continues.

  Blessings to all, and thank you to anyone I’ve forgotten. I couldn’t have done this book without you.

  Bonnie

  PROLOGUE

  Bryce banged on her office door almost shattering the glass insert with his massive fists. Natalie jerked her head up and trembled when he yelled “Help, help. Woman down. Call 911.” She jumped from behind her desk so suddenly the pile of papers scattered, most landing on the floor. Yanking her cell phone from her purse she dialed the emergency number, but she wasn’t sure why or for whom.

  She rushed into the main workout area of the small gym. Several people surrounded a prone figure on the floor. Praying it wasn’t a dead body, she pushed the others aside and knelt beside a face-down woman dressed in black shorts and a sleeveless white tank top. With Bryce’s help she turned the woman over planning to administer CPR, if she could remember how.

  Claire? Nick’s mom?

  Natalie started the mouth to mouth and pressing on the chest motions just as two burly men rushed forward in firefighting attire. “We’ll take over, M’am,” the taller one said. She hadn’t even heard the sirens. She was so grateful the experts were here. She was visibly shaking now. Bryce wrapped his big arms around her and almost crushed her.

  CHAPTER ONE

  She needed to call Nick, Claire’s son. Maybe his name was on her gym application as an emergency number. She was so flustered she grabbed all the papers on the floor and dumped them in a pile on her little desk. She remembered one of the firefighters, or were they paramedics, asking for ID information. She had pulled the coiled pink band off Claire’s wrist and opened the locker door with the small key to grab the woman’s purse. Hopefully all ID was in it.

  Her hands were still shaking, and her body couldn’t keep still when she passed the large gray purse off to a policeman who had suddenly appeared. Nothing like this had ever happened before at Nat’s Gym.

  Bryce knocked lightly this time and opened the door to her weak “come in” bid. His smile lit up the small office as he settled in the one chair across from her desk. He pulled it close and reached across the desk to grab her quivering hands in his warm ones. “You did great, Nat. Did all the right stuff. Hopefully, Claire will be okay.” He looked askance at her, and she felt her face heat up and her eyes water.

  “I didn’t know what to do, Bryce. I was in shock. Never had anything like this happen in the three years I’ve owned the gym.” She focused on his sincere face.

  “Were you in the gym when she collapsed?”

  “I was off in one of the extra rooms giving a training to Kerstin Day. Then, I heard shouts and screams. I rushed over to the main gym and saw her lying on the floor.”

  “I am so glad you alerted me. I know none of you would have had cell phones on you. Maybe some, but not the regulars. They all put theirs away to lessen distraction.”

  “Is she who I think she is? The one who started the GoFundMe for Cindy and Rob? She has a son who is a surfer friend of Rob’s, and also AA. Right?”

  Natalie nodded. Suddenly, she was so tired. But, shouldn’t she go to the hospital and see how Claire is? After all, the woman collapsed in her gym. She would pray over her, and also pray the gym wouldn’t be sued. What an awful thought.

  She grabbed Bryce’s hand. “Come with me, please.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Natalie and Bryce entered the ICU waiting area where they had been guided. Nick stood up. He towered over Natalie, and almost over Bryce. Tall man with long blond surfer hair. Big smile. After hugging Natalie and hand-shaking with Bryce, and thanking them for coming, he gave them the latest update.

  “Mom is going to be okay. She’s always had a problem with her blood pressure. Not the usual high, but extremely low. She gets vertigo when she stands too quickly. But, other than low BP, the docs say she has something called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, BPPV.”

  He referred to a paper in his hand. “The doctor gave me this, but I stumble over the words, especially the second one.” He grinned nervously and looked at the printout again. “It says it’s fairly common, but so easy for those who have it to pass out. Causes dizziness, sometimes confusion, not sure where one is. Something about the inner ear and little crystals that can migrate to other parts of the ear and cause you to be more sensitive to changes in position.”

  Natalie and Bryce nodded.

  “I’m reading from the printout now. Not dangerous unless you lose balance and fall and break something. They are teaching her, of all things, an exercise and upping her calcium and vitamin E for her bones. She will spend another night in the hospital, but she will be okay.” He finally stopped telling them all the details. “Thank you for what you did, and for coming.”

  ~

  Bryce dropped Natalie back at the gym where she retrieved her car. They hugged and waved. He had worked for her for the last two years when he needed an extra, fun diversion from his regular job he said. Something too weird and off the wall to explain to her. His personal references were excellent, though, so she stifled her curiosity and didn’t press him. Maybe she was too trusting, but in the last two years he’d proved to be a perfect addition to Nat’s Gym.

  Coming in only a few mornings a week and
accepting just a few clients, he loved it. Apparently her gym clients did, too. His plate was full every morning he had committed to. The bonus was he also got to use the equipment and the free weights. A perfect combo for him.

  She had driven away, still a little shaky. He called her cell.

  “I am . . . okay.”

  He wasn’t convinced. “Coming over. You like chips and guac from Chipotle?” He didn’t wait for an answer.

  ~

  Natalie dipped a legendary chip into a big bowl of quac. Bryce had overdone it, but it would save – she knew a trick. She passed him a soft drink, his fav was Dr. Pepper, and he’d provided it. He popped it open and slugged it. She poured a small glass of white wine, the new low calorie kind.

  “So,” he said, “what is going on?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “About us.”

  “I didn’t know there was an ‘us.’” She cocked her head and looked him square in the face hoping he was kidding.

  He scooped up a big dollop of guac, stuffed it in his mouth and chewed slowly. “I hoped there might be.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Natalie closed the door behind Bryce trying to not slam it. His cavalier attitude about them being a couple incensed her. Where had he gotten that idea? Not from her. She remembered he’d suggested a cup of coffee twice, but both times were inconvenient, so she had thanked him and refused. Wasn’t there the old thing about not dating a boss or employee? Of course, he was her only male employee, hardly even that. They had a loose agreement. He made his own schedule and posted it on the gym bulletin board. Gym members signed up in advance and paid Bryce independently after each workout with him. He gave Nat ten percent at the end of each month. It was based on trust.

  In truth she was glad to have him. The members loved him, even the few men who he trained. He was courteous and explained every exercise, even why it was important and how to do it to maximize each muscle. It didn’t hurt that he was handsome with his thick dark hair and expressive brows, plus an engaging smile. Fortunately, in Natalie’s opinion, he wasn’t overly muscular. He was buff, but not like a Mr. Universe. That kind of physique often put others off. Women would feel uncomfortable and men intimidated. Especially the older men, like Bill Lord Senior, who worked out faithfully, but was past emulating a trainer with huge, bulging muscles. Yes, Bryce was a gem in his own way. But, he wasn’t her personal gem. “No, never!” she said out loud to the mirror in her entryway.

  ~

  Blue Moon, the song Connie had at her wedding, pealed on Nat’s cell phone. Seemed appropriate since she was always standing alone. She gulped and picked up the phone to speak with Bryce. His name had come up because she saved it in case there was an emergency at the gym. She knew she could count on him for that.

  “Yes?” She tried to sound very professional. “What’s up?”

  “Called to apologize. Sorry I put you on the spot last night.”

  “’S, okay. Thanks. You coming in today? I haven’t looked at your schedule.”

  “No, I posted my schedule for next week. Hope that’s okay.”

  “That’s fine.” She took a deep breath she hoped he couldn’t hear. She wasn’t sure she could see him today. Too much drama and trauma. “See you then. Thanks for calling.”

  “Natalie, wait, please.” His voice was pleading. “I want to ask you something.”

  ~

  Natalie couldn’t believe she was dressing in her only long black dress to attend a ‘company function.’ She guessed she’d felt sorry for Bryce who implied there was no one else he felt comfortable escorting. Why, she wondered, had she accepted as she clasped the pearls around her neck? She had called all the other Candy Canes and Mom. All said “Do it. It will be fun.” Cindy even said, “It’s not a commitment. It’s just one night. But,” she added with a gleeful snicker, “have fun dancing.” Natalie knew dancing is what brought Cindy and Rob together, also Connie and Jaeda. Well, if dancing was part of the evening, she would dance her heart out.

  The bell rang in her little rented condo in Newport Bluffs. She was looking forward to a pleasant evening. But, when she saw the black limo instead of Bryce’s Honda, she felt queasy. She opened the door, and he held out his hand.

  “You look exquisite, beautiful.” What else could he say? Even she knew she did, but she hadn’t expected such an extreme compliment. Her eyes filled with questions, and when they were seated in the big black car, she asked.

  “This is Dad’s special night when he entertains all the board members. I am on the board, so that’s why I am requested to attend.”

  “Like an obligation?”

  “Yes. All of us siblings have to come.”

  “What board are we talking about? One I might know?”

  Natalie knew about the hospital. Everyone did. But she had never heard of or known anyone sitting on the governing board of it. She had also heard it was a non-profit, so why the expensive limousine and black tie affair? Her parents still lived in Newport, even contributed to many philanthropic organizations, but neither sat on a board. She guessed to be in that category, one would have to donate a lot more than her family ever had, or ever could.

  Nothing was clear to her as the limo pulled up to the large Westin hotel and the driver extended a hand to help her out. She decided to act as cool as a cucumber. Cindy had taught her that. Cindy had taught all of them. That’s why she would be successful planting a church in Costa Rica.

  Bryce crooked his elbow and led her into the foyer of the ballroom. She could hardly believe Blue Moon was playing. Was that a sign? She knew she was clutching the arm of his tux jacket way too tight, probably wrinkling it. How embarrassing.

  A tall man who looked almost like an older replica of Bryce stepped forward from the receiving line. Bryce clasped his hand firmly and turned to Natalie. “Nat, this is my dad, Jayson Armstrong.”

  The older man smiled broadly and seemed to nod his approval to Bryce. Bryce grinned back. Then Bryce’s mom touched fingertips to Nat’s hands. “So nice to finally meet you, dear,” Penny Armstrong said warmly. What? Natalie was confused. To ‘finally meet her?’ What was that about?

  She and Bryce were led to a round table near the front of the stage. Apparently, she would have to endure speeches, but hopefully dinner would be better than rubber chicken.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Natalie kicked off her shoes and opened her Bible searching for a verse that would calm her. And, give her wisdom. She felt conflicted. She really liked Bryce as a person; he was cute and nice, but she felt no romantic attraction to him. Why did he feel one for her?

  She must be missing something in him. He had always been honest in their gym agreement. He had unfailingly been courteous to gym members and her, until that night after Claire’s passing out. That night he took control taking her to the hospital when she asked, then foisting himself on her with chips and guac. She was glad he had at the time, but now she wasn’t so sure.

  The event for his dad’s favorite charity turned out tolerable, even okay. The chicken was covered in fresh spinach soaked in Merlot, and the rice was filled with tiny pieces of crunchy veggies, just like her favorite from Trader Joe’s. The salad was unusual, too. Sliced beets sprinkled with blue cheese. Then there was the dense chocolate cheesecake. Not a bad repast.

  She sat mesmerized during his father’s soliloquy while his mother beamed up at him adoringly. She almost felt as if she was in church. His dad was passionate about the cause and sounded a bit like a TV preacher. It wasn’t until half way through the man’s speech she realized it was for an animal rescue organization. A local one he had founded. The man loved cats! So that’s why there was print on his tie of tiny cats, and why his wife wore a bell-shaped skirt with paw prints on it. Maybe her Candy Cane sister Connie should consider that idea for a new designer line. She was always open to new ideas, and people loved anything to do with animals. After all, Connie had used Jake, her then boyfriend’s, now husband’s, little dog as a model.
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  The charity was appropriately named CATastrophe. Although Natalie wasn’t sure about all the people in the vast room, but looking around she did notice many women wore cat jewelry and the men cat lapel pins. Bryce had never clued her in. Thank goodness she’s worn her slinky black dress instead of the turquoise one with the crazy design. At least it might have implied something about black cats, Bryce’s dad’s favorites.

  Finally, as they were leaving in the long black car, Bryce shared. His parents owned six cats, all black; they had started a cat rescue vet site, but more importantly, they encouraged capture of feral cats to be neutered and returned to the wild. Maybe not the real wild, but the areas around homes and apartments where there was land feral cats congregated. Anyone who requested the little houses to capture the cats could pick up as many as needed from a central place. Still, the biggest roadblock was getting the word out about that.

  Natalie was over cats, at least for tonight. Then, she remembered little Shooting Star, the black and white kitten Emily had abruptly given to Cindy as an apology. Emily had proclaimed love for Rob at AA and believed he loved her back. When she learned he loved Cindy, she was beside herself, devastated, heartbroken and nasty to Cindy. She had finally come to terms with her feelings, realized Rob had only showed love to her as another struggling AA member. As a gesture of apology, Emily showed up at Cindy’s door and handed over a kitten. Star.

  Cindy and Rob couldn’t take Star to Costa Rica without a lot of red tape, and expense. So, Cindy, being who she is, asked Emily to care for the precious baby. Natalie wondered how Emily and Star were doing. Had she kept the kitten? It must be full grown now. More important, how is Emily? Natalie decided to look up her number and call her.

  ~

  “W – who are you?” Emily’s wobbly voice worried Natalie. She explained she was a Candy Cane friend of Cindy’s. Still, Emily sounded defensive. Finally, she said, “Cindy, and Rob, from AA. You gave the cat to Cindy.”