Table of Contents
A Note From The Author
Here Comes The Rainne Again | Janet Elizabeth Henderson
1 | * Rainne and Alastair *
2 | * Lake *
3 | * Kirsty *
4 | * Rainne and Alastair *
5 | * Joe *
6 | * Rainne and Alastair *
7 | * Megan *
8 | * Rainne and Alastair *
9 | * Megan *
10 | * Rainne and Alastair *
11 | * Lake *
12 | * Joe *
13 | * Rainne and Alastair *
14 | * Rainne and Alastair *
15 | * Lake *
16 | * Joe *
17 | * Rainne and Alastair *
18 | * Joe *
19 | * Rainne and Alastair *
20 | * Joe *
21 | * Rainne and Alastair *
22 | * Megan *
23 | * Lake *
24 | * Rainne and Alastair *
25 | * Megan *
26 | * Rainne and Alastair *
27 | * Lake *
28 | * Rainne and Alastair *
29 | * Megan *
30 | * Rainne and Alastair *
31 | * Kirsty *
32 | * Rainne and Alastair *
33 | * Rainne and Alastair *
Epilogue
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A Note From The Author
Hello,
Over the past few years I’ve had a lot of emails asking when I’m going to finish telling Rainne and Alastair’s story. Well, this is it!
But, before you start reading, I want to give you a heads up. This book isn’t like the rest in the Invertary series. Here Comes The Rainne Again isn’t a standalone novel. To really appreciate this book, you need to have read Lingerie Wars first.
Characters from the rest of the Invertary series turn up in this book too and although you don’t have to have read the other ones, you would get more out of this story if you had. There are a lot of in-jokes that readers of the whole series will spot. (I hope!) Also, this book ties up some loose ends in the series so far and introduces new characters—and a new spin off series. It may sound like a lot, but trust me, it’s subtle and doesn’t take away from the heart of the book—Rainne and Alastair.
Okay, so you’ve been warned! It’s back to business as usual with the next Invertary book, where we watch Mitch make a fool of himself for love. Can’t wait!
It’s always nerve racking when you send a book out into the world. This one probably more so, as everyone has their own idea as to what should happen between Alastair and Rainne. Whatever you’re wishing would happen, I hope you enjoy my version of their story.
Thanks for reading my books,
Janet
Here Comes The Rainne Again
Janet Elizabeth Henderson
1
* Rainne and Alastair *
“I have nothing to say to you.”
Alastair’s words sliced through the fragile courage Rainne had wrapped around herself. She looked down at her purple moon boots as she fought back the tears that prickled. The boots, which she’d thought were fun when she’d bought them, now looked stupid against the pristine white snow.
“I’d like the opportunity to explain.” Rainne looked back up at him.
He’d bulked out in the past three years, matured into his size by adding muscle. He was bigger, harder, colder. Yet there were still touches of the man she’d known—hair that flopped onto his forehead, sinfully lush lips that begged to be nibbled and sharp, intelligent eyes that missed nothing.
“I don’t need explanations, Rainne.” He folded his arms over his wide chest, blocking the doorway to the old abandoned church. “It was a long time ago. We both got on with our lives.” He glanced behind him into the brightly lit interior. “I need to get back to work.”
There was scaffolding around the building and a sign saying it was being renovated. Invertary was going to get its first ever spa. It wasn’t where she’d expected to find Alastair. She’d gone to his workplace first, the fishing tackle shop Alastair owned with his father, but there had been a sign on the door saying they were closed due to bad fishing weather. It said in case of an emergency, go to the old church. She wasn’t sure what constituted a fishing emergency, but the sign led her to Alastair.
“You’re doing building work now?” Rainne said, trying to buy a minute more of his time with inane small talk. It was pathetic. She was pathetic.
“Helping out a friend.”
They stood in awkward, heavy silence.
“Can we talk, Alastair, please?” Yeah, she had no problem begging. Pride wasn’t something she deserved. “I’m really sorry about what happened and want to explain.”
He shook his head. “You’ve had three years to explain. You could have taken the chance when I found you in Glasgow the week after you ran away. As I remember it, you wouldn’t even open your door to me.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Look, we both know you’re only here because Lake’s getting married in the morning. It’s best for everyone if you just enjoy your brother’s wedding and forget about the past. I have. It’s over. It’s done. You want absolution, you’ve got it. You can carry on with your life guilt free. You were right; I was too young. I jumped in too fast and too hard. Don’t worry, I’m all grown up now and I won’t make the same mistake again.”
His golden brown eyes stared right through her. His face was blank. He was utterly closed off to her.
“We done here?” he said.
She flinched at his words. Were they done? Yes, it seemed so. Rainne wanted to curl in on herself, but she didn’t. She wasn’t that person anymore. Sure, she’d never be massively courageous, but she’d worked hard to stop cowering and hiding at the first sign of conflict. Alastair wasn’t the only one who’d grown up.
“Yes. Yes, it seems like we’re well and truly done.” She wrapped her arms around her padded, down-filled coat and hugged herself. She took a deep, shaky breath and looked up at the only man she’d ever loved. “I understand. I won’t bother you again. But I want to let you know I’m sorry for how I behaved. I was lost, inside myself.” She fought the tremble in her bottom lip and raised her chin. “I waited too long to come back to you, to see if it was possible for us to try again. I thought about it every day but I was afraid. It took Kirsty and Lake’s wedding to force my hand.” She took a deep, shaky breath. “I want you to know that I still love you. I’ve only ever loved you.”
She gave him a tremulous smile. “That’s it, I guess.” She fought tears to put on a brave front, while Alastair stared at her, stony-faced and silent. “Okay, well, I’d better get over to the castle. It’s the hen party tonight.” She was rambling. She bit her tongue to stop herself and nodded. “Okay,” she said again. “I should go. Have a good life, Alastair.”
She turned on her heels and walked back to her tiny, ancient Ford Fiesta. The light from the church’s open doorway made the snow glow around her. She picked her way carefully, her vision blurred from tears that hadn’t yet managed to fall. Slowly, the glow around her disappeared and she heard the door click shut behind her.
One tiny sob escaped as she unlocked her car. She climbed inside, rested her forehead on the steering wheel and wept silently. She’d gotten exactly what she deserved, and yet, even knowing that, it still shredded her heart.
♦♦♦
“That was harsh.” Jodie Miller leaned against the hall wall, completely unashamed of eavesdropping.
Alastair had met Jodie through her brother Deke, who was a keen fisherman. It was an a
cquaintance he deeply regretted. The woman loved to poke her nose in where it didn’t belong.
“It’s none of your business, Jodie.” Alastair walked past her and into the kitchen, where he was clearing up the mess he’d made fitting cabinets all afternoon.
Of course, Jodie didn’t listen. “That girl laid her heart at your feet and you stomped all over it. I didn’t think you were that callous.”
Alastair frowned at her. “You know nothing about what went on between us. You don’t get an opinion.”
She feigned injury, clasped a hand to her chest and swayed backwards. “I’m wounded. Now you’re being harsh with me too. Touchy, touchy Alastair. Did she catch you at the wrong time of the month? Are you man-struating?”
“You know it’s at times like these that I totally get why you’re divorced.”
The brunette narrowed her eyes and gave him what he’d come to think of as her Wolverine glare. “We don’t talk about that.”
“But it’s okay to talk about my past relationships?”
“You’re a baby. How many relationships are we talking about? One? Two? And I’m not counting the one with your mummy. You broke that girl’s heart on my doorstep, which makes it my business. Don’t you think you should man up and let her talk to you? I mean, what harm will it do? Will it hurt your poor, delicate feelings?” She batted her eyelashes and faked a sympathetic pout.
“One of these days,” Alastair said as he packed up his toolbox, “that mouth of yours is going to get you into trouble.”
“I’ve been telling her that for years.” Deke, Jodie’s younger brother, sauntered into the kitchen. “Those cabinets look great. Thanks for helping out.”
Alastair just nodded. It was no big deal. Helping out was what people in Invertary did. Some day he would need a hand from a neighbour, or friend, and Deke would step up. It was the way things worked in the Highlands.
Deke ran his hand over the surface of the central island. It was a very specific type of marble, one the spa’s chef had insisted on. Alastair had expected him to install a standard stainless steel professional kitchen, but Deke wanted marble, wood and brushed steel. It looked good, warm, welcoming. Which was a big plus, as the kitchen was open to the dining area and the guests would be able to watch the guy work. Alastair hoped he didn’t go all Gordon Ramsay on them. That would not make for a pleasant dining experience.
“Alastair just rejected a girl who poured her heart out to him on our doorstep. She declared her love and he sent her out into the snow, probably in tears. Most likely to her doom. It was nasty. Totally heartless.” Jodie obviously wasn’t going to let the topic go.
“And I care why?” Deke looked every bit as thrilled with the conversation as Alastair felt.
“Because,” Jodie said slowly, like they were both on the simple side, “he shouldn’t have let her go.”
“Please tell me you’re not matchmaking.” Deke groaned. “You’re crap at it, Jo. You know that; your track record speaks for itself. Leave the guy alone.”
“It’s Leap Day tomorrow. The day traditionally set aside for women to pour out their hearts without being trodden on. The day they can propose without being mocked. That opportunity only comes once every four years, boys. It’s sacred to women. And he”—she pointed a talon at Alastair—“was mean to a girl. I’m pretty sure there’s a law against that.”
Deke barked out a laugh. “Like you care about Leap Year. You don’t have a romantic bone in your body. Give it up; you only want to mess with him.”
Alastair found himself nodding. He’d only known Jodie a couple of months, but that sounded spot-on.
“Whatever, Leap Year, sheep year. Who cares? The point is, he was mean. Are you telling me you feel nothing for that girl?” Jodie pointed towards the front door.
Alastair ignored her. It was none of her business what he did or didn’t feel for Rainne.
She threw up her hands in disgust. “Fine, I’ll leave it alone. But I’m seriously disappointed in you.” She stuck her nose in the air and stomped out of the room.
Alastair looked at Deke. “Am I supposed to feel bad now?”
“Yep. She’s losing her touch. I’ve seen her bring grown men to their knees with that move.” Deke eyed the doorway thoughtfully. “I wonder if she’s sick?”
The doorbell rang, and Jodie shouted that she’d answer it.
“I need to get going or the truck’s going to get snowed in.” Alastair watched the thick snowfall outside the kitchen window.
“Haven’t seen a storm like this in years,” Deke said.
“Aye, it’s a bad one.”
“Deke,” Jodie called in a singsong voice that made Alastair’s hair stand on end.
He flashed a look at Deke, who seemed equally suspicious.
“What?” Deke called.
They watched as Jodie appeared in the doorway, a gleeful smile on her face. She stepped to the side to reveal the person standing behind her. Rainne. Of course it was Rainne.
“This is Rainne. She came to talk to Alastair, but now her car won’t start. Can you take her to the castle?”
Rainne’s eyes were red and swollen as she looked everywhere but at him. Hell. He’d made her cry.
“Sure thing, gorgeous.” Deke pushed off from the counter where he’d been leaning. “Let me get my coat and keys.”
“Thanks.” Rainne tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled at Deke.
Three years ago she’d had long rainbow-coloured hair; now it was light brown and skimmed her shoulders. Grown-up hair. Serious hair. Like changing her dye job would change the woman inside. Yeah, right.
“No problem.” Deke stopped in front of Rainne and held out his hand. “I’m Deke, Jodie’s brother.”
Rainne blushed, and Alastair went rigid as Deke held on longer than necessary.
“I haven’t seen you about town,” Deke said.
Rainne’s eyes flicked to the floor before she looked back up at the traitorous bastard. “I’m Lake’s sister. Here for the wedding.”
“Staying long?”
What the hell? He was flirting with her? Couldn’t he see her red eyes? Her distress? She wasn’t in any fit state to deal with his sloppy come-on. Alastair frowned at his soon-to-be ex-friend. It slid off him.
“No, I don’t think so.” Rainne’s eyes flickered to Alastair for a beat.
And bloody Deke still hadn’t let go of her hand.
“Now that’s a shame,” Deke said. “I would have liked to show you around. This is a cute little town.”
“Rainne has already seen the town.” Alastair folded his arms and took a step towards them. “She used to live here.”
“Is that right?” Deke looked amused. Dickhead. He smiled at Rainne. “Well, maybe you can show me around after the wedding?”
Rainne blushed again. Why wasn’t she telling the guy to get lost? Where was her common sense?
“Let’s get you to the castle before we get stuck in the snow together.” Deke pressed his hand to Rainne’s lower back as he turned her towards the door. “Although you don’t need to worry. If we get stuck in my truck, I have a survival kit and we can cuddle up for warmth.”
Alastair had heard enough. “I’ll take her.” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.
Three sets of eyes turned on him. Jodie was smug, Deke amused and Rainne shocked.
“Don’t worry.” Deke put his hand on Rainne’s shoulder in a possessive gesture. “I’ve got this.”
Alastair waited a beat, but Rainne didn’t shrug off Deke’s touch—as she should have done. She didn’t even know the guy, yet here she was letting him touch her. She didn’t have the sense God gave a snail. No normal woman let a strange guy paw her like that. It was a wonder she’d survived in Glasgow these past years. On top of that, she didn’t know Deke from Adam and she was planning to get into a car with him. Okay, so Alastair knew he was a good guy, but that wasn’t the point. It wasn’t like she’d asked his opinion. Which would ha
ve been the sensible thing to do.
Alastair glared pointedly at Deke’s hand. “I’m leaving right now anyway. No point in you going out. I’m passing the castle.”
“Alastair, I don’t think...” Rainne still stood too close to Deke.
Alastair strode towards her. “Come on, Rainne. We’re going.” He walked between her and Deke, making the man step back and drop his hold on her.
Rainne looked bewildered but didn’t follow him. Instead she sent a pleading look towards Deke, asking for help. This was exactly what Alastair meant. She trusted far too easily.
“It’s only a lift, Rainne. Get in the car.” Alastair threw open the front door, ensuring the heat flooded out into the icy night. It was the least that interfering Jodie deserved. Maybe while she was freezing her backside off she’d think about why she shouldn’t meddle in people’s lives.
“I, I...” Rainne still didn’t move. Her pale blue eyes looked slightly panicked.
Deke’s amusement faded, and he eyed Rainne with concern. “I’ll get my keys.”
“Rainne.” Alastair softened his voice. A little. Not too much. “I can take you. It’s no big deal. Do you want Deke to go out in the snow just for you?”
Okay, so it was a low blow to make her feel guilty, but this was pathetic. He could take her to the castle. It wasn’t a big deal.
Her cheeks went red again. “Yes, you’re right. I’m sorry.” She turned to Deke and smiled. “Of course you should stay here. No point in getting cold when Alastair is going that way anyway. Thanks for the offer, though.”
“Anytime, gorgeous.” He smiled at Rainne before frowning at Alastair. “I’m sure Alastair will take good care of you and make sure your trip is totally uneventful.”
In other words, don’t make her cry. Again.
“Let’s go,” Alastair said to Rainne, and watched as she dragged herself towards him.
Like a woman to the gallows.
2
* Lake *
“Why did you pick Betty for your best man?” Matt Donaldson grumbled over his beer.
The stag party had taken over the only pub in Invertary and the entertainment had fallen to the best man—eighty-nine-year-old Betty. Or as the locals called her—Satan.
Here Comes the Rainne Again Page 1