The Only One for Her (11 page)

Chapter 22: Lindy

After dinner, Randy had planned for us to have dessert at his house and look at the stars through his new high-powered telescope. I knew he liked astrology, but I had no idea he sat up at night looking at constellations. It was a new side to him that I found a little intriguing. It would be fun and different. The thought of that brought me right back to Maui, parasailing with Trace. Then, my mind turned to making love to Trace. Swallowing hard, I inhaled deeply to attempt to slow my pounding heart. Being in bed with Trace was very exciting and I was a little sad at the prospect of it never happening again.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Randy said, drawing me out from the deepest crevices of my mind.

No way could I tell him I was thinking about another man. “I was just thinking about how lovely our night has been. I’m really enjoying myself.”

“Good to hear. I’m having a great time too, Lindy.”

Randy pulled into his garage and parked. “I got us chocolate cake and mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert.”

“That’s my favorite.”

“I know,” he said, taking my hand in his. “I’m very observant.”

Randy came around and opened my door. When my feet were firmly planted on the ground, he pulled me in for a hug. “I’m so glad you agreed to have dinner with me tonight,” he said softly in my ear.

“Me too,” I replied. Randy had made me see him in a different light tonight. He had moved out of the friend category somewhere between the salad and main course.

Taking my hand, Randy led me into his home through the garage door. It had been a long time since I had been here. The last time might have been with Dane.

Guiding me down the hall, we ended up in the great room. “Did you remodel?” I asked, looking around. What I remembered was stark white walls, stained carpet, and laminate counters.

“Yes. My business is doing well, so I hired Designs for You to come in and make the place more homey.”

“They did more than make it homey. It’s gorgeous,” I said, taking in the granite countertops, tile flooring, rich brown plush sectional.

“Well, I wanted to turn it into a home suitable for a wife and family, not just a bachelor,” Randy said, capturing my gaze.

Nodding, all I could say was… “Oh.” Was I ready for Randy to be serious about me? We’d known each other forever, but this was our first time in a romantic setting. My nerves were getting to me.

Randy opened his stainless steel refrigerator and took out a bottle of champagne. “Why don’t you have a seat?” he asked, motioning to the sectional. “I’ll pour us some champagne.”

I made my way to the sectional, realizing this evening had many unexpected turns. Why hadn’t I seen Randy like this before? Most of my memories with Randy included Dane. We always teased him about not having a girl of his own.

Randy handed me a glass of bubbly and sat next to me. “I want to make a toast. To new beginnings, Lindy. I’m looking forward to sharing many things with you.”

The clink of our glasses made my heart race. I had no idea Randy was full of so many surprises. Tonight he’d come across sophisticated and charming. I could get used to this Randy.

Once we had each taken a sip, Randy took our glasses and placed them on the console table behind us. “Lindy, I know this may seem like it’s all of a sudden, but if you really think about how long we’ve known each other I think you’ll realize it makes all the sense in the world.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, my eyes growing wide as Randy presented a small black velvet box to me. Somehow I doubted the box contained earrings.

“I love you, Lindy. I have for a long time.” He got down on one knee. “Will you marry me?” he asked, opening the ring box.

I looked at the beautiful princess cut diamond ring and then at Randy. “But, this is just our first date.”

Randy smiled as if he expected such an answer from me. “Lindy, we’ve known each other ever since I can remember. I practically went on every date with you and Dane. I’m sure you noticed me tagging along.”

“Of course,” I said, my eyes searching his. “I just didn’t think—”

“You didn’t think that I could be in love with you too? That Dane and I could both be in love with the same girl?”

“Randy, I don’t know what to say.” My life had moved into some sort of hyper-speed mode where men were concerned. First Trace, now Randy.

“You don’t have to say anything right now. Just promise me you’ll think about it.” Randy looked down for a moment. “No, I want more than that. I want you to say yes.”

In one swift move, Randy was sitting next to me, his arms surrounding me, his mouth covering mine. His lips were soft, but urgent, pressing against mine. Before I knew it, Randy’s tongue began sweeping over mine, igniting all of my senses. The pounding of my heart made me lightheaded as I tried to make sense of what was happening. I hadn’t expected this kiss and I certainly hadn’t expected him to propose.

“Say yes,” he commanded between kisses. “Be mine forever.”

My forehead rested against his as I took a moment to collect myself. Strangely, marrying Randy didn’t seem like a foreign concept. He had many qualities I admired in a man. He worked really hard, he was kind and considerate, and now, he was kind of hot, taking charge and asking for what he wanted. Last week I had thought Trace would be my world. It had been quick and wonderful, but had ended in heartbreak. But, had my heart really broken? I hadn’t known him long enough to truly devastate me…but Randy was safe. Dane had loved him dearly so I knew I could too, even if I wasn’t there yet. I don’t want to be alone forever. Being with Trace last week had confirmed that. Perhaps it will be my only chance at happiness. Before my heart and mind could connect, I gave my answer. “Yes.”

“Yes, you’ll marry me?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Oh, Lindy. You’ve made me so happy,” he said, hugging me hard. When Randy pulled back, he took the ring out of the box, placing it on my finger.

“It’s beautiful,” I said, staring down at it. “And really big.”

“I’m so glad you like it.”

I smiled, but didn’t know what to say next. I’d just agreed to marry a man whom I felt completely safe with and I did love, just maybe not in the exact way he loved me. But, those feelings could grow over time. I knew I had passion in me. Trace had brought it out of me. Now, I just needed to find that kind of desire for Randy. He was so happy, I don’t think he noticed I was on the quiet side. But that was okay. Perhaps meeting Trace was the push I needed to realize I wanted to open my heart again. My experience with him in a way made accepting Randy easier. I might not have been able to do it before. I was so caught up in Dane. But, Trace had shaken me from my doldrums and made me want to live again. One thing I knew for certain, Randy wouldn’t do anything to break my heart. Not in a million years.

Chapter 23: Trace

Driving to work, I felt downright giddy at the prospect of tracking down Lindy. My plan was to have Fran clear my schedule and book my flight. It might take a day or two before I could get out of here, but at least I had a plan. She couldn’t run away from me if I was on her doorstep. I’d probably have to pawn off a couple of meetings to Derrick, but I had a feeling he’d be okay with helping me out. Even though he didn’t act like it, guilt was getting to him. It was all over his face every time I saw him. Maybe his need to be right overpowered his decency as a human being.

Fran was at her desk when I arrived. I told her my plans, barely able to contain myself. But when she looked up at me, she had been crying and didn’t respond right away.

“Fran, what’s wrong?”

“He died last night.”

“What? Who died?”

“Mr. Thompson.”

“Derrick died? What are you talking about? How?” What the fuck? He’s dead.

“Angelina phoned and told me he had been in a car accident and didn’t survive. He’d gone out to pick up a few things from the store and never returned home. He was in a collision and died instantly at the scene.”

“I can’t believe it,” I said. Sure, I was pissed off at the guy, but I never would have wished him dead. My gut twisted. Something wasn’t right, but I just didn’t know what. “I’d better call her.”

“Do Derrick’s parents know?”

“Yes, they do.”

“Okay, Fran. I’ll be in my office. I’m going to track down Angelina and find out more.”

“Do you still want me to book your flight?”

“Not today. We better hold off.”

Fran nodded. Turning to walk away, I caught a glimpse of a photograph of Derrick and me that had been taken last year. Two best friends, partners in business, all gone. I had told him he wasn’t my friend anymore. I could never take that back now.
Shit
.

Taking a moment before I called Angelina, I thought about all he had meant to me over the years. He had been my best man. Ending up torn apart wasn’t something I ever thought would happen to us. But we let a woman get between us.

It struck me hard. I had never divulged the details of how Derrick and I ran the business. I always said Derrick and I were partners, not what the split was. Surely I can’t be right here. Had Angelina played us? Just because she’s a cheater doesn’t mean she was a murderer. I was losing it. I guess if my mind could go there, I hadn’t completely moved on from what they did to me. What she did to me. But, Derrick’s death would be awfully convenient for her since California was a community property state. Everything Derrick had automatically goes to her.

Picking up my office phone, I called my chief of operations. “Jack, I need to see you right away.”

“Be right there.”

Jack was my right-hand man, taking care of my business like it was his own. He always went above and beyond the call of duty.

“Close the door. I need this conversation to be confidential.”

“What’s going on, Trace?”

“Derrick died last night in a car accident.”

“Oh fuck. That’s terrible.”

“Yes, it is. I need you to find out everything you can about Angelina. I mean everything from the day she was born.”

“You think she had something to do with this?”

“I don’t know, maybe. Something doesn’t feel right.”

“Okay. I’m on it. I’ll get everything I can. I’ll let you know when I have a report.”

“Thanks. I know I can count on you. You’re the only one I trust.”

Jack left my office. I had no idea if he would find anything suspicious, but I had to find out. I was also going to have to pretend to console a woman who might be the reason Derrick was dead. I wasn’t looking forward to being there for her. Maybe that made me a jerk, but I didn’t want to have any part of her.

Now for the dreaded call. “Angelina, it’s Trace. Fran just told me what happened. I can’t believe it.”

“Trace, I’m so glad to hear from you. I’m in shock, I think. I just keep expecting him to walk through the door. But he isn’t going to…ever.” Her voice sounded shaky.

“Where are you? I’ll come over.”

“I’m at my parents’ house. They had a doctor come over and give me a sedative to relax. I was hysterical earlier. What are we going to do without him?”

“We can talk about things later. Right now, you just need to rest. Why don’t you let me begin making the funeral arrangements? I know Derrick wanted to be cremated. When do you think you would want to have the memorial service?”

“I don’t know. When should we have it? You’ve always been so good at things like this.”

“Well, I’ll find out what’s available and get back to you. Is there anything in particular you would like for the service?”

“Nothing’s coming to mind right now. You knew Derrick well. I’m sure whatever you think is fine. His parents may want things a certain way,” she said, her voice cracking. “Trace, whatever you decide works for me. I’m so grateful for your help.”

“Sure, Angelina. I’ll get in touch with the Thompsons and we’ll figure it all out. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay, Trace. Thank you.”

Whatever I thought? Whatever I wanted?
I’m so good at things like this.
She was trying to play me.
Unbelievable
. If she thought she was going to insert herself back into my life, she had another thing coming. I would never trust her again.

I didn’t want to get tangled up with Angelina’s parents, but I would go visit Derrick’s. I’d known them for years. Walking out of my office, I informed Fran that I was leaving for a few hours. She nodded, but that was all.

The last time I’d seen the Thompsons was at my wedding. More specifically, they saw me punch their son. I was prepared for them to lash out at me given the circumstances. But, I was going over anyway. Derrick and I may have been on the outs, but I couldn’t stay away at a time like this.

Knocking on their door was one of the most uncomfortable things I’d ever had to do. I didn’t know what would be greeting me from the other side. Would they want to see me?

“Trace,” Olivia said, grabbing onto me for dear life. “Thank God you’re here.”

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” I said, hugging her back. She was like a second mom and feeling her shake in my arms broke my heart. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what she was going through.

“Come in,” she said, releasing me. I followed her into the great room where Mike, Derrick’s dad, was sitting on a bar stool at the kitchen island.

He got up when he saw me and extended his hand. “Thank you for coming over. We didn’t know if you’d be around after everything…” he said, trailing off.

“My secretary told me about the accident when I got to the office this morning. I can’t believe he’s gone. I’m so sorry.”

“Would you like a cup of coffee,” Olivia asked.

“If it’s not too much trouble.”

“It’s already made,” she said as she turned toward the counter. Seeing her do that brought back a flood of memories of hanging out with Derrick and his family through the years. Mike and Olivia had always been so welcoming.

Seconds later she was handing me a steaming cup. “Creamer and sugar are on the island,” she said. I knew that from all the times I’d been over here, but I would imagine mundane communication was better than talking about what had happened.

“I spoke with Angelina before coming over. She’s resting at her parents’ house. I told her I could help with memorial arrangements.”

“We appreciate that,” Mike said.

“How did she sound?” Olivia asked.

“I’m not exactly sure. She wasn’t crying, but she said she had been given a sedative from a doctor her parents called to the house.”

Derrick’s mom leaned on her elbows
against the granite island, her head in her hands. Mike went around and put his hand on her shaking shoulder. “I just can’t stand this,” she said through muffled sobs.

“I know, honey. We’ll find a way to handle this somehow.”

Olivia looked up at me. “We hated that he married her. After what happened at your wedding. After what they did. She’s just…not someone we wanted our son to be with.”

I nodded, not exactly sure what to say. I had brought Angelina into our lives. She had figured out a way to get into both our hearts. It was beginning to feel like it had way more to do with her own agenda than her being in love with either of us. Did she ever really care about either of us? Or was some other agenda at play? I just wasn’t exactly sure what to think.

“Trace, what do you really know about this woman? I feel like something is terribly wrong where she’s concerned.”

“I thought I knew everything about her. We shared our lives. She told me all about her childhood. When I was with her, it felt so effortless. She was always agreeable, fun, loving. I obviously thought she was the one, or I wouldn’t have proposed. I was pretty shocked when I learned the truth.” I hoped the last thing I said didn’t upset her even more. Derrick was part of betraying me.

Olivia had tears streaming down her face. I couldn’t imagine the pain she must be in. It broke my heart to see it.

“I know Derrick betrayed you…what he did was horrible, but deep in my heart I believe that she seduced him. She had some kind of hold on him.”

“Honey, Trace probably doesn’t want to talk about what Derrick and Angelina did to him.”

“I’m sorry, Trace. I don’t want to dredge up painful issues. I know this sounds awful, but she never seemed to fit with you. Not that she fit with Derrick. That I never saw coming. Oh Trace, were we all somehow blindsided by her? I just can’t help but wonder if…I don’t know, this may sound crazy, but if Angelina had something to do with Derrick’s accident. It sure is convenient for her to become a wife and widow all within seven days, and then…inherit everything Derrick has.”

Her thoughts were starting to mirror my own, which made me wonder if I wasn’t going crazy with my thoughts about Angelina after all. How well did I really know her? She hadn’t wanted to live with me until we were married. Was that weird? The Thompsons had known me for years, and they hadn’t felt comfortable around her either. Like my family…I wasn’t sure if I should reveal my suspicions and tell them about the background check or not. What if they confronted Angelina? If she was actually guilty of doing something to Derrick then I needed the element of surprise. “Oh, Olivia. I know this is so hard to take. I think we’re all in shock right now. If anything is wrong, I’m sure it will come to light.”

“How will that happen, Trace? This has been classified as an accident. The police aren’t looking at the bride thinking she had something to do with this.”

“Have you requested an autopsy? Maybe he was drugged.”

Mike and Olivia looked at each other. “I’ll get on it right now. That’s an excellent idea,” Mike said as he began walking toward his study.