Stepbrother: Instant Spark (Stepbrother Billionaire Romance) (Stepbrother Romantic Suspense) (15 page)

Rayne was in her new garage suite doing her homework that evening when she heard a knock at the door.

“Come on in. It’s unlocked.”

“Hi. I know you’re busy doing homework so I won’t take up much of your time.” Mrs. Patterson said as she entered the room. “I just wondered if you had a chance to meet Ellie’s golfing instructor today.”

“John? Yes, I met him.”

“He’s about your age you know. And super good looking. I thought you two might hit it off.”

“You and Ellie must be in cahoots,” Rayne giggled. “She told me the same thing on the way home.”

“Well you haven’t had a boyfriend since you’ve been working with the kids. Surely you want one, don’t you?”

“I don’t know. I guess when the time is right, one will come along. I’ve been so focused on getting through college that I just haven’t had time think about boys.”

“I hate to sound too forward, and if I’m overstepping my boundaries, just let me know, but John’s mom just happens to be a nurse at the practice and I was wondering how you’d feel if we set you two up on a date. You two seem to have a lot in common and you’re both in college, so you probably have close to the same schedule. I just think it would be good for you two to get to know each other. You don’t have to fall in love or anything.”

“I don’t know about that. I don’t see a guy who looks like he does has any trouble meeting girls on his own.”

“Look, you don’t even have to call it a date. Let’s just meet somewhere for a cup of coffee during an afternoon. No pressure there, right?”

Knowing that Mrs. Patterson wasn’t going to let the subject go until she agreed, Rayne conceded. “Okay, it’s hard to turn down coffee.”

“Great!” Mrs. Patterson exclaimed as she jumped off of Rayne’s bed and headed out the door. “I’ll talk to his mom tomorrow and we’ll set it up!”

The next Monday, Rayne got a call from Mrs. Patterson asking her to pick Ellie up from golfing lessons again. Not that Rayne was surprised, after the conversation they had about the coffee date the Monday before, she was pretty much expecting to get Ellie from lessons that day. So much so that she made sure that she was wearing makeup that day.

When she got to the golf course, Ellie immediately ran over to her and grabbed her hand. “Mr. John wants to talk to you” She said excitedly as she pulled Rayne over to where John was standing.

“Hey, Rayne.”

“Hi John, how are you?”

“I’m good. So, uh, did Ellie’s mom talk to you about hanging out sometime?”

“Yes. I’m so sorry. I think they’re worried I might never find a man.” She laughed.

“My parents are the same way. But it might be fun, if you want to go. I hear you like coffee.”

“Sure. Coffee is good. Any day in particular?”

“How about Saturday? Mrs. Patterson already told my mom she’d give you the day off that day. They seem to have it all figured out.”

“Don’t they though? Sounds like Saturday it is then.”

“Cool. Want me to pick you up around 10:00 or so Saturday morning?”

“Sounds perfect. I guess I’ll see you then.”

“Okay. See you then. Bye, Ellie Lou.”

“Bye Mr. John.”

The rest of the week seemed to fly by and before she knew it, it was Saturday. Rayne dressed casually in a pair of dark skinny jeans and a sky blue fitted t-shirt that she thought played up her trim figure nicely, and complimented the outfit with a cute pair of silver ballet flats. She put her long, dark, lustrous locks into a high ponytail and kept her makeup simple with just a touch of mascara to open up her crystal blue eyes, and a smear of slightly tinted lip gloss.

John was right on time, ringing the doorbell at precisely 9:58 a.m. Rayne was nervous for some reason. She knew it was just coffee, but what if things didn’t go well? Mrs. Patterson was so sure that they were a match made in heaven. She didn’t want to have to disappoint her. She stopped and took a deep breath before she opened the door.

“Hey. Ready for a nice cup of Joe?” John asked cheerfully.

“How about a nice double-shot caramel macchiato, instead?” Rayne replied.

“Sounds good to me. Ready?”

“Sure. Let’s go.”

Rayne was relieved to see that the coffee shop was fairly empty of patrons when they walked in. They each ordered and macchiato and a biscotti and found a nice seat in the corner of the shop by a large window, perfect for people watching.

The conversation seemed to be flowing well when John said something that made things a bit awkward.

“I can’t figure it out but you seem so familiar to me. I know this is really weird, and probably pretty creepy, but the way you smell… I know that smell from somewhere.”

“Oh, God. I smell?” She joked, not knowing what else to say.

John laughed. “No, not at all. You smell like… like bubble gum and baby powder. But in a good way!”

Rayne was giggling hysterically. She wasn’t sure if it was her body reacting to being completely mortified or if she really thought the conversation was that funny, but she was finding it hard to gain her composure. “Well, as long as it’s in a good way.”

“I’m stupid. I know. I’m sorry.” John muttered as he looked down on his coffee cup, obviously embarrassed.

Rayne couldn’t help but feel sorry for the guy. He looked so darned cute sitting there with his tousled sandy blonde hair
,
gorgeous amber eyes and sweet pouty lips. She knew he didn’t mean anything bad by what he said, so she decided to shrug it off and move on.

“It’s fine. I’m just teasing you. I don’t think we’ve ever met before though, so maybe I just remind you of someone else. Anyway, how’d you end up teaching golf? Are you a pro or something?”

John was more than happy to change the course of the conversation so he didn’t respond to the first part of Rayne’s comment and went right in with his golf story. “I’m not considered a pro yet, but I am working on it. That’s the goal anyway. I teach at the club every spring and summer. We’ll probably end lessons for the year at the end of September, then I’ll start in on my training again for some big amateur tournaments coming up next spring. Mrs. Patterson’s office is actually one of my tournament tour sponsors.”

“I had no idea. That’s so cool! Maybe one day I’ll see you playing next to Tiger Woods in some big tournament and I’ll be able to say,
Hey, I had coffee with that guy once
!”

“Or, maybe I’ll bring you along as my good luck charm.” John said coyly as he winked at her.

Rayne smiled shyly at his comment, then quickly changed the subject. After another hour or so of discussing college and career goals, they figured that they had worn out their welcome at the coffee shop and John took Rayne home. When they pulled into the drive, Rayne was about to tell John that she had had a very nice time, but he interrupted her.

“Want to hang out again?” John blurted out.

“Sure.” Rayne simply stated after several seconds of contemplating the question.

“How about dinner tonight?”

“Tonight? Uh. Sure. I guess I do have the whole day off. What time?”

“I’ll pick you up at 7:00. Dress casual.”

“Casual sounds good. I’ll let the Patterson’s know. See you then. Oh, and thanks for the coffee!”

“Anytime. See you tonight.”

*****

Mrs. Patterson was waiting in the living room when Rayne walked in the door. “I’ve been waiting patiently. Tell me everything! Did you guys get along? Did you run out of things to talk about? What did you think of him?”

Rayne snickered, “You are really invested in this, aren’t you? It was great. We’re having dinner tonight.”

“Dinner? Already? Well, I can’t say that I’m disappointed.” Mrs. Patterson said with a giant grin. “I knew you two would hit it off!”

“We’ll see. But if I don’t get my homework done, I won’t be able to go anywhere tonight. I’ll be in my suite if you need me.”

After a couple of hours of studying, Rayne decided to put the books away and start getting ready for her date that evening. She chose a cute pair of white capris, a red and white stripped cashmere sweater and a pair of red strappy sandals to make the ensemble more evening friendly. She put a few curls in her hair to give it a bit of volume, and applied a bit more makeup than she was wearing earlier in the day. She added a pair of pearl earrings, a cute red handbag and a spritz of her favorite perfume to complete her nighttime look.

John complimented Rayne on how pretty she looked when he picked her up for their date. He teased her about matching his car as he opened the passenger side door of his vintage candy apple red Mustang to let her in. He wouldn’t tell her where they were going, but he promised it would be a good time.

After a 30 minute drive and ten or so ‘oldies but goodies’ on a 90’s radio channel, they pulled into the parking lot of the city zoo. Rayne couldn’t help but to get a little excited over the thought of spending the evening admiring beautiful animals and enjoying good conversation.

“I love it here.” John said with a smile. “They are staying open late tonight, and I thought it would be a fun place to hang out for a while.”

“This was a great idea. I adore the zoo!” Rayne exclaimed. “I’ve never been here this late. Do you think the monkeys are out?”

“There’s only one way to find out. Let’s go check it out.”

Sure enough, the monkeys were out enjoying their evening meal of fruits and veggies, and picking the occasional bug off of one another. There was a nice setting area in the monkey pavilion, just perfect for two strangers to get to know each other a little better. The conversation between Rayne and John seemed to flow easily. So much so that they lost track of time and didn’t have time to visit any other part of the zoo before they had to leave for the night.

“I guess we’ll just have to come back soon to visit the other animals. We didn’t even get to ride the gondola to the top of the mountain.” John whined as they were walking back to the car.

“I’d love that. I’ve never been brave enough to go on that thing.”

“Well, how about next weekend then? We can bring a picnic. They let you eat at the pond with all the ducks and geese, and fish of course.”

“If I’m not bogged down with homework, I’d love to. Speaking of homework, I better get back to it or I’m going to end up a 2
nd
year senior next year.”

“I doubt that. But I get the hint, I’ll take you home.” John teased.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that to come out rude, it’s just that school has to be my main priority. If I don’t graduate, I’m afraid I’ll be stuck being a nanny for the rest of my life. And as much as I love the little rug rats, a career of taking care of other people’s children is not on my list of life goals.”

“I’m just kidding. I think it’s cool that school is so important to you. But, seriously though, I’d love to spend more time with you.”

Rayne opened her car door when they pulled into the drive, but John quickly got out and ran over to escort her out. “I’m nothing if not a gentleman.” He said as he walked her up to the door of her garage suite.

“I had a nice time. Thank you.” Rayne assured John. “And I will try very hard to get my homework done so we can do something next weekend.”

“I’d really like that.” John admitted as he moved closer to Rayne. He took her hands and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek. He hesitated a moment before he moved away, and slowly inhaled through his nose. “I just can’t get over how familiar you smell. Anyway, you smell really good. Just thought you should know that.”

“Thanks, goof.” Rayne chided. “Give me a call this week if you’re bored or something.”
“Definitely. Goodnight Rayne.”

*****

Rayne wouldn’t admit it to herself, but she found herself making sure all of her class work was done early throughout the next week. She told herself that it was because she was trying to be efficient, but she knew that it was because she really wanted to see John again that weekend. When she went by the golf course to pick up Ellie from golf lessons that Wednesday, she had to work hard at being coy and nonchalant about accepting his invitation when he asked if they were still on for that weekend. Judging from the smug look on his face and the tone of his voice, however, she didn’t think she did a very good job of hiding her excitement.

“You choose where we go this time. I chose last time.” He demanded.

“There is a music festival going on over at McCorkle Park this weekend. We could go check that out if you want. I can pack a picnic and a blanket.”

“Sounds fun. Pick you up about 8:00 on Saturday night?”

“Great! See you Saturday!”

Rayne panicked as soon as she got in the car. She didn’t ask him what he liked to eat. What was good picnic food? Should she bring alcohol? What should she wear? Ellie was having a good time at Rayne’s expense, but she was having a freak out moment!

“My mom’s a girl.” Ellie stated matter-of-factly. She can help you make food.”

Brilliant idea!
Rayne thought. She needed to go to Mrs. Patterson for help.

“How about a nice pasta salad with some diced chicken?” Mrs. Patterson suggested. “I’ve got the perfect recipe. I’ll find it and leave it out for you. That, a couple of fresh fruit cups and a nice bottle of wine would be the perfect end of summer dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make, easy to eat and won’t spoil easily. And it won’t contain onions or garlic so it’s good date food.”

“Ha! Ha!” Rayne said sarcastically. “But that does sound like the perfect menu. Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll go by and get the ingredients tomorrow after school.”

“I’ll pick out a special wine for you on the way home from work, but you have to promise that you will take a taxi home or call me to come and get you.”

“How sweet. Thank you! I saw that free rides are being offered by the music festival sponsors, so I planned to take advantage of that service.

“You’re a smart girl, you know that, Rayne? That’s why I trust you so much with our kids. You always have your head on straight.”

“My head doesn’t feel like it’s on very straight these days.”

“…and they call it puppy looooove…” Mrs. Patterson started singing as she walked away.

Rayne couldn’t help but laugh as she walked out into the backyard and into the garage. She didn’t know what she was feeling, but she was starting to get scared of it. But, she didn’t have time for any of this right now. She had to focus on school and graduation. She liked spending time with John, but he couldn’t become a distraction. Now was not the time to take her eye off the prize.

Determined to keep her mind off of John, Rayne spent the next few days cramming for upcoming exams, coming up with fun activities to do with the kids, and cooking. Okay, the cooking didn’t exactly help keep her mind off of him, but it had to be done. Plus, cooking was one of the few things that she remembered about her mother. So, in a weird way, cooking soothed her and made her feel closer to her mom. Whenever she was sad, mad or confused, she always found herself cooking and enjoying those few memories that she had of the person she missed most in the world.

Rayne was excited for Saturday’s events. She packed up the cutest little wicker picnic basket with goodies, a blanket, wine glasses, and of course the wine that Mrs. Patterson had bought for them. She was ready and waiting by the door when John arrived. She grabbed her picnic basket, hobo bag full of makeup and essentials like umbrellas and bug spray, threw on her oversized floppy hat and met him outside before he even made it to the front door.

“Don’t you just look pretty as a picture?” John declared as Rayne hopped in the front seat.

“Oh, now. Flattery will get you everywhere.” Rayne flirted back. “Is your friend okay with us parking your car at his house for the night? I promised Mrs. P we wouldn’t be drinking and driving.”

“It’s all under control. I promise I’ll make sure we both get home safe and sounds. Now let’s go find ourselves a good time.”

“I’m ready when you are!”

*****