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

  Because of kids.

  Well, hell.

  Blaine made a stop over at the inn to see if the Callimers had anything she could use as creativity projects. They had a rec room which had some crafty things available. Luckily, she’d made the right call. Mrs. Callimer was there with Emily and Belinda.

  “Thank you! I appreciate it so much.” Blaine had her hands full of things.

  Mrs. Callimer smiled. “Good luck. Sounds like Randy got more than he bargained for.”

  “Yes, just don’t tell him I told you. He’d kill me.” Blaine grinned.

  “It’s our little secret.” Mrs. Callimer hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re visiting again. Avery was so happy to have you at the wedding.”

  “I miss it here,” Blaine said softly. “Anyway, I’ll catch up later. The faster I relieve poor Randy, the better he’ll owe me.”

  Avery’s mom laughed. “Good luck dear.”

  Shuffling the items in her hand, Blaine smiled and walked away. She rounded the corner and made it to her car when she heard someone calling her name. Caught off guard, she turned around. Belinda Wainscott was heading her way.

  “Blaine, hi.”

  “Hi, Ms. Wainscott. What can I do for you?” Blaine noticed something in her hands. She shifted, hoping to be able to free one hand to grab her keys.

  “Here, let me help you with that, and then I’ll tell you, though it isn’t good news,” Belinda said, reaching out and taking some of the crafts off her hands.

  “Thank you.” Blaine grabbed her keys, unlocked the door and dropped the stuff on the front seat. Then she took the things Belinda held and stacked them on top.

  “I came across this in a paper from California. I usually follow things to be aware, especially with everything that’s happened the past year.” Belinda frowned and opened the paper.

  Blaine waited for her to continue.

  “Look, there’s no easy way to say this. Frederic is throwing out some vicious words about you.”

  She thrust the paper in front of Blaine.

  Bile rose in her throat. While she’d anticipated him pulling some shitty stunt like this, she didn’t expect it this soon. “How viral has this gone?”

  “So far, not very,” Belinda replied.

  Her hand shook. God, she hated that bastard and his games.

  “I know that man is terrible to work with, and for,” Belinda said. Blaine had worked with Belinda a time or two, but never had a chance to talk with her. What a surprise to find out she was Avery’s birth mother. She’d come for Thanksgiving last year at the inn and when Jameson introduced them, Blaine had avoided all talk about Hollywood, fearing Belinda would mention Frederic and she’d have to answer to everyone then and there. She’d avoided that conversation easily. It wouldn’t be so easy if it came up again.

  “Oh, and then some,” Blaine muttered.

  “I just want you to know, if he’s causing trouble, I’ll do what I can to help you. He’s a big name, but I can try-”

  “Don’t. Please.” Blaine cut her off. “I’m done with that. I’m done with him and his demands. I knew he was going to pull this crap on me, and I’ll deal with it as best I can, but I’m ready for a new turn in life.”

  Belinda’s eyes widened. “Are you sure? I know it can be cruel. There’s times I want to run and hide myself.”

  Blaine sighed. “Did you know from early on that singing and acting was what you wanted?”

  “I did.”

  “See, I didn’t. I was surrounded by friends and family that had their dreams all mapped out. My brother… Avery… I felt like an outsider. I went looking for a passion, and now that light has died. I’m ready for something better. I can’t live that life any more.”

  Understanding and sadness darkened Belinda’s green eyes. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be. It’s time for me to face the music,” Blaine said, keeping her voice neutral. “I appreciate you letting me know. The Callimers haven’t seen this, have they? No one really knows what’s going on yet.”

  “I haven’t told a soul. Your business is your own.” Belinda crumpled up the paper. “There. That’s what I think of Frederic. I wish someone would expose him for the jerk he is.”

  “Maybe I’ll do a tell-all.” Blaine grinned, knowing full well she’d never stoop that low, no matter how good the idea sounded.

  “A girl after my own heart.” Belinda’s eyes sparkled before the look faded. “It’s not easy being in the limelight. I hope Baby Stetson has success, but there’s so much more that comes with it, the good and the bad. Anyway, I’ll let you go. I hope to see you around a few more times before I head back.”

  “Thanks, Ms. Wainscott. I appreciate it.” Blaine moved the crafts to the passenger seat and climbed in.

  “Call me Belinda. See you later.” With a little wave, Belinda pivoted and headed back inside.

  Blaine sighed, anger raging through her veins. There was nothing she could do now. Frederic was an ass and his karma would come. Maybe when Frederic called her again, because she knew he would, she’d give him a piece of her mind.

  She arrived at Randy’s a little calmer. Maybe this distraction was just what she needed. A few kids and Randy for an evening? Couldn’t be that crazy. She climbed out of the car, gathered everything and headed for the front door. Randy must have already known she was here, because he opened it just as she was about to knock with her foot. His head was covered in pasta sauce.

  “What in the world happened to you?” She held back a laugh. Oh, the image! Randy’s glowering look told her she’d be in for it if she dared to laugh.

  “Remind me never to do favors for my sister to prove a point,” he whispered, gesturing for her to come in.

  Blaine took in the sights. Well, this place had turned into a zoo! Sauce was all over the floor in the kitchen and on the entire body of a screaming toddler. Finding a non-messy spot, she dropped everything down. Then she whistled. Loudly. Shrill. Enough to cause all three kids to stop in their tracks and stare at her, bewildered. “You know, I never thought a zoo was supposed to be this crazy,” she finally said, when she had everyone’s attention.

  “This isn’t a zoo! This is my Uncle Randy’s house!” the teenager scoffed, rolling her eyes.

  “Really? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like a zoo,” Blaine said evenly. “I have some really cool things to show you all, but first, I think it’s time for a clean up crew. What do you think, Randy?” She looked at him for affirmation. He seemed just as stunned at her take charge attitude and how everyone stopped.

  “Yes, I agree with the idea.” Randy nodded. “Madison, why don’t you give your sister a bath?”

  “But-” the teen protested.

  “Should I tell your mother the conversations I overheard? She probably wouldn’t be too happy at some of the words you were using.”

  Go Randy! Blaine covered her mouth to hide her grin.

  “I thought you were the cool one,” the girl grumbled. “Come on, Janey. Let’s get your bath going.”

  “Frank, you also need one, but will have to wait until the girls are done. In the meantime, you can start by helping me clean the sauce up.”

  Blaine followed them into the kitchen and grabbed a sponge as well. As Frank muttered and began to clean, Randy stepped around him and faced Blaine. “So, how did you get roped into this?” she asked quietly as she crouched down to start wiping.

  “You don’t have to help clean.” Randy tried to take the sponge from her. “I just needed a hand with some ideas.”

  “I’ve got it,” Blaine insisted. He reached for it again, and with a grin, Blaine flung the sauce at him. It splattered all over his white shirt.

  “You little-” Randy’s jaw dropped.

  She laughed, then realized the error of her ways. “Sorry. Shouldn’t have done that, considering.”

  “You’re such a bad example,” Randy teased, looking over at Frank. He was faced away, so he never saw anything.

&
nbsp; “Yeah, but you still called me. What does that say?” Blaine shot back.

  Chapter Six

  After baths and clean up, even the crafts Blaine brought didn’t keep his nieces and nephew interested. Not for lack of trying either, because Blaine had some pretty neat things.

  “Uncle Randy, can I watch Dancing With The Stars?” Madison asked.

  “Ugh, don’t let her! That show is so boring!” Frank whined.

  “It is not! You just wouldn’t know what good is if it kicked you in your butt,” his sister snapped back.

  “Whoa, come on guys. Stop getting so defensive.” Randy debated. Maybe he could keep the younger two occupied if Madison was in front of the TV. “Blaine was a dancer for a while. She even worked with big stars.” He shot her an apologetic look, but it seemed to grab the kids’ interest.

  “Really? Did you work with Pink or Lady Gaga?” Madison’s eyes went round as saucers.

  Blaine laughed. “Oh no, not that big. But let me tell you, some of the behind the scenes stuff from what you all can see on TV is really fascinating.” If she was bothered about him bringing up dancing, Blaine didn’t show it.

  “Can you show us some moves?” Frank asked. “Can you break dance or something?”

  “Nope. No break dancing for me. Hey, what do you say we teach your uncle some moves? We’ll create our own version of Dancing With the Stars. You guys can be the judges!”

  Blaine’s wicked grin told Randy this was only the start of the payback. Hell, he’d play along. Why not?

  “Uncle Randy can’t dance.” Madison scoffed, rolling her eyes.

  “Hey!” he protested. Madison was right, but geez! She could give him a little credit.

  Blaine giggled and patted his back. “Maybe he can, maybe he can’t. But after he takes my crash course, we’ll see exactly what he can do. You up for the challenge, Randy?”

  “Bring it on!” Apparently, he wasn’t learning the lesson of not taking a challenge yet.

  “So how is this going to work?” Madison asked, plopping down on the couch. Janey followed, then Frank.

  “Well first off, let’s move the coffee table out of the way. We’re going to need some space.” Blaine reached for one side of the table. Randy moved to the other and they moved it a few feet over, close to the front door.

  “Okay, Randy. Show us your moves.” Blaine pulled a hair clip from her purse, scrunched up her hair and pinned it up. A few loose strands hung over her face.

  “My moves?” He arched a brow. “I have no moves.”

  “Everyone’s got moves. Strut your stuff so I know what I have to work with.”

  Damn her. Blaine was enjoying this way too much.

  “Come on, Uncle Randy!” Frank thrust his fist in the air.

  “All right, all right.” Here went nothing.

  All the kids laughed at him. He stole a glance at Blaine. Amusement blazed in her eyes. Oh, she was good. Hiding it, even though he could tell she wanted to laugh her ass off. He’d get her.

  “I hope we aren’t going to judge this,” Madison said between bouts of laughter.

  “No, no. Not yet.” Blaine shot forward and took Randy’s hands in hers. “Ready for a few lessons?”

  “Is this only the beginning of my payback?” he whispered in her ear.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know,” she whispered back. “Follow my lead.”

  Randy looked down. “You’re wearing sandals. I hope I don’t crush your feet. As you’ve noticed, I’m not good at this.”

  “You were fine at Avery’s wedding. All you need is practice.” Blaine grinned. “Now shut up and do as I say.”

  He wanted to tell her how much he loved it when she had that kind of attitude with him. It was hot. Randy saluted and placed his hand in hers again. He was well aware of the sparks that zipped through his body. It happened every time he touched her.

  After a half hour, Randy knew more than he ever wanted to about salsa, waltzing, and the tango. But all eyes were on them. The kids were calm, laughing and having fun.

  “Okay. Now we’ll play the music, and this time you can judge,” Blaine said, pulling out her Ipod and searched for a song. Randy pointed out where she could plug it in at for better sound. She set the song to play and hurried back to him. “Ready for your first performance?” She laughed, holding out her hands.

  “You fight dirty,” he replied. The music began. Randy’s two left feet amazingly didn’t make an appearance in this dance. By the time it was done, he actually enjoyed it. The sparkle in Blaine’s eyes as she swept him across their makeshift dance floor held his attention. She claimed her passion for dancing had died, but that didn’t seem to be the case right now. She flawlessly led him through all the steps.

  The song ended and Blaine and Randy had their grand finale. He was shocked when the kids cheered for them.

  “That’s actually pretty good, Uncle Randy!” Madison squealed. “I had no idea you could dance like that!”

  “It’s all Blaine.” He smiled, never taking his eyes off Blaine’s face. Her beautiful grin was contagious.

  “Kiss your dance partner!” Frank piped up. “I see it on the show sometimes.”

  “Thought you didn’t watch it?” His older sister smirked.

  “I don’t, but duh, I’ve seen you watch it and I walk past sometimes.” He stuck his tongue out at her.

  “I don’t think there’ll be any partner kissing here. You guys don’t need to see that.” Randy finally tore his gaze away from Blaine.

  Madison rolled her eyes. “Oh please. Like we haven’t seen that before. Just do it.”

  “Kiss her, kiss her, kiss her!” All three of them, even Janey chanted.

  “All right, all right! Just a quick one!” Randy gave in. “Thank you for the dance.” He acted formal, then leaned over and kissed Blaine’s lips. Quick, gentle, and damn it, he wanted more. Blaine’s response surprised him. It took him a few seconds to register that she hadn’t moved away yet. Holy hell, was it hot in here all of a sudden?

  The kids cheered again, bringing Randy back to reality. He had to stop. Breaking the kiss, he took a step back. Blaine’s eyes were wide, curious and sexy.

  He noticed it took her a second regain her composure before turning back to the kids. “Okay, judges. It’s your time to vote.” Did her voice just waver? God, if only he could ask her what she was thinking about right now. She turned off the Ipod and put it back in her purse.

  “Well, you certainly had chemistry, and Uncle Randy’s moves were to die for!” Madison started.

  Blaine laughed.

  “What the heck. I give you a 10!” She held up a piece of paper with the number.

  “I got a ten? Nice!” Randy pumped his fist in the air. This from the girl who said he couldn’t dance!

  Now it was Frank’s turn. “I don’t know. The dance was kinda weird. But I still give you an eight.” He held up his sign.

  “Not half bad.” Randy chuckled.

  “You have to hold up a sign,” Madison whispered to Janey. “Here, take this one.” She handed her the ten, which Janey proudly held up.

  “Twenty eight out of thirty. We rock!” Randy hugged Blaine.

  “You should be a dancer on the show, Blaine. I really like learning the moves. Can you teach me a few?” Madison jumped up with excitement.

  “Sure!”

  And that was how the rest of the night was spent until one by one, the kids fell asleep.

  Randy was in awe of how Blaine had won them over.

  He’d made the right call.

  Marsha and her husband came by an hour later to pick up the kids. She looked at Blaine in surprise, her mouth ajar slightly. “How did it go?”

  “After a little rough start, the night turned out well. Don’t be surprised if your kids want to play their own version of Dancing With the Stars.”

  “Really? What on earth did you do?” Marsha picked up a very out of it Janey.

  “Let’s just say they all wish Blaine was on the
show.”

  “Mom, I want dance lessons,” Madison said sleepily.

  “Sorry.” Blaine’s cheeks flushed.

  “Nothing to be sorry about. I’ve been hoping she’d find something to get interested in. Great to see you again, Blaine.” Marsha smiled. “And Randy, thanks for taking them for a few hours. I really appreciate it, and I took your earlier words to heart.”

  He squeezed her shoulder. “Glad to hear it. Have a good night.”

  Blaine couldn’t believe those kids decided to get them to kiss. But even more crazy, she couldn’t believe how much she wanted that kiss to go on and on.

  “So, was that the end of my payback?” Randy grinned when he walked back inside after helping his sister get the kids to the car.

  “Oh come on, it didn’t turn out that bad. You cleaned up pretty good with your moves.” Blaine laughed.

  “Wanna know what I noticed?” Randy asked softly, standing close. Another jolt of electricity shot through her.

  “What’s that?”

  He moved closer. “For a little while, you looked like there was a bit of passion there. With your dancing, I mean. Your eyes lit up when you were teaching me.” His voice went even lower. Husky. Sexy. Randy moved his hand and gently caressed her cheek. The look in his eyes was intense, full of … hell, she couldn’t even figure out what. “I think you still have it in you.”

  “I-” Blaine was at a loss for words. He had a point. She had been enjoying herself. Randy made a great dance partner and even though he was very awkward at first, teaching him turned out to be a blast. She’d forgotten for a few hours how much she didn’t want to dance. “You’re right. I did enjoy it. When the idea popped up in my head at first, I wanted to smack myself for saying it. But the way they all calmed down and got so in to it, and watching you turn into a one left foot kind of dancer, I did enjoy it.”

  He still had his hand on her cheek, gently rubbing with his thumb.

  Blaine took that moment to lean close and kiss him again. “Thank you, Randy. You’ll never know how much tonight helped me, even when I was supposed to help you,” she whispered after pulling away.

  Randy finally moved his hand from her cheek, instead placing it on her shoulder. With his other arm, he pulled her closer. Without another word, he pressed his lips to hers. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, Blaine closed her eyes, losing herself in his kiss. He tightened his hold on her. “Blaine,” he uttered before his tongue plundered in her mouth, exploring.