Chapter Eight
Randi awoke to the glow of sunlight streaming through the lace curtains in her bedroom. She hadn’t had a restful night at all; each time she closed her eyes, that man’s face returned. She had no idea who he was or how he knew her.
She dragged herself out of bed and made her way to the kitchen for a much-needed cup of coffee. Once recharged, she planned to dress and wander around town. With it being daylight and crowds bustling about, she refused to hide away out of fear of encountering that man. She hoped she would never see him again. It was a wait-and-see situation, but if he was watching her, she wanted him to know she wasn’t afraid of him.
After a quick shower, she threw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and slipped her feet into white flip-flops. Grabbing her purse and keys, she opened the door and after locking it behind her, jogged down the stairs, stepped out onto the street, and smiled at the lively scene.
Surveying both sides of the sidewalk, she made her way toward the row of stores on her side, popping into nearly every shop as she passed by.
Her stomach began to grumble when she reached the bakery, a reminder that she’d skipped breakfast. She stepped inside, groaning ever so slightly at the aroma of fresh baked goods. Approaching the ticket dispenser, she drew a number and then settled at a small café-style table to wait her turn.
When her number came up, she stepped up to the counter and ordered three chocolate cupcakes with buttercream icing.
“Are you a tourist?” asked a pretty blonde woman.
“No, I just opened a new shop, Randi’s Scented Haven, up the street, across the alley from Paige’s,” Randi explained.
“Oh! I saw that. I promised myself I’d come by. I’m Courtney Shelton,” the woman said, extending her hand over the glass display. Randi shook it and introduced herself, “Nice to meet you, I’m Randi Guthrie.”
“Are you closed on Sundays?” Courtney inquired.
“Yes. I haven’t hired any help yet, so I need a break after nearly six days of work.”
“That makes sense. I’m usually off on Sundays, although my husband, he’s a deputy, got called in today, so I decided to work.”
“Oh, I’m seeing a deputy. What’s your husband’s name?”
“Nevada Shelton. And who are you seeing?”
“Jack Lawrence.”
“I know Jack. He used to live in Clifton years ago and recently came back to work as a deputy. Jack is a good man.”
“I haven’t met your husband yet. The only deputy I’ve met, aside from Jack, is Declan Cavanaugh.”
“Now that is one hot man!” another woman chimed in from behind Courtney, prompting a laugh.
“This is JoJo Watkins. JoJo, this is Randi Guthrie.”
“Nice to meet you, Randi,” JoJo said as she shook her hand.
“Likewise. And yes, I agree; Declan is very handsome.”
“Don’t let her fool you, Randi. Her husband is very handsome too,” Courtney teased with a laugh.
Randi chuckled and after paying for her cupcakes and picking up the box, she told the women to stop by her shop sometime, then stepped back out into the bright sunshine.
She waited for a lull in traffic before crossing the street toward the shops located on that side. First, she stopped in front of an ice cream parlor called Scoops of Joy, but she didn’t venture inside since the line was long. Then she passed a coffee shop named The Everyday Grind and eventually made her way into A Touch of Glass.
Inside, she was captivated by the exquisite handblown glass pieces on display. However, the shop was bustling with people, so she decided to leave, promising herself she would return. Continuing along the sidewalk, she paused before an antique store called Timeless Treasures and smiled at a beautiful dollhouse in the window.
Determined, she pushed open the door and stepped into the crowded shop.
“Hi, I’m Savannah Collins. If you need any assistance, please ask either me or Maggie,” said a smiling woman with striking dark red hair.
“Hi, Savannah. I’m Randi Guthrie. I just moved here and have opened a shop,” Randi replied.
As they conversed, Randi recalled Savannah from a previous encounter at the diner where she had held the door open for her. Savannah had seemed friendly then, and after speaking with her now, Randi was convinced she was indeed kind.
“I’m going to take a look around. I love antiques,” said Randi.
“Take your time. I’ll be off to lunch once my fiancé arrives, but Maggie will be happy to help you,” Savannah responded.
Randi nodded and began exploring the store. Soon, she found herself enchanted by an antique hurricane lamp. Even though the price was steep, she believed it was worth it and decided to make the purchase.
Maggie carefully boxed up the lamp for her. Though she was very kind, there was a hint of sorrow in her demeanor. Still, she smiled when handing over the box.
“Have a wonderful day,” Maggie said.
“You too. I’m sure I’ll be back,” Randi replied.
“And I look forward to stopping by your shop.” Maggie grinned.
“Please do.”
After waving goodbye, Randi stepped back onto the sidewalk and glanced toward the Courthouse, wondering if Jack was there or out on patrol. She didn’t want to cause him any trouble, even though she had purchased the cupcakes with him in mind.
Taking a deep breath, she crossed the street, ascended the steps, and entered the building. It was quiet, likely because most offices were closed on Sundays.
Making her way to the elevator, she set down the box containing the lamp and pressed the button. When the doors opened, she grabbed the box, stepped inside, and selected the desired floor.
At the sheriff’s office door, she hesitated before reaching for the handle. To her surprise, the door opened on its own, revealing a handsome deputy that made her clench her jaw to keep it from dropping.
“Ma’am? May I help you with something?” he asked.
“Uh, yes. Is Jack here or out?” she inquired.
“He’s here.” The deputy glanced at the bakery box with a grin. “Got some goodies?”
Randi laughed. “I do. I ordered a few cupcakes; it was my first visit to the bakery.”
“My wife works there,” replied the deputy.
“Are you Nevada?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m Randi Guthrie. I met Courtney. She’s incredibly sweet.”
Nevada grinned. “I agree. Well, Jack is in his office. Do you know which one?”
“I do.”
“Okay, come on in. Now you’ve got me craving cupcakes.”
“So you’re off to the bakery just for cupcakes?” she teased.
“Merely an excuse to see my wife. Have a good day.” He touched the brim of his hat and headed toward the elevator.
Randi watched him leave. Some men really do fill out a pair of jeans impressively. She smiled, reminded of Jack.
With a sigh, she opened the door, stepped inside, and made her way to Jack’s office. Upon reaching the doorway, she spotted him on the phone. He glanced up, grinned, and motioned her in.
She entered his office, placed the box of cupcakes on his desk, and sat down. Jack hung up his phone and looked at her.
“Hi. What a nice surprise.”
“I decided to explore the town a bit. I brought you cupcakes. I hope you like chocolate.”
“I love chocolate.” He reached for the box, untied the string, and opened it. “Is that buttercream icing?”
“Yes.”
“Fantastic. It’s my favorite.” He picked up a cupcake, peeled back the paper, took a bite, chewed, and swallowed. “This is amazing. Thank you.”
Randi reached into the box, but Jack playfully swatted at her hand.
“Hey!”
“You said you brought me cupcakes, not that one was yours.”
Randi stood up, resting her hands on the desk, narrowing her eyes.
“You’re going to give me one of those, or I’ll never treat you to… cupcakes again. Ever .” She grinned as he chuckled.
“Cupcakes? Is that what we’re calling it now? Fine, have one,” he said, laughing as she removed one from the box. “So, did you manage to visit all the shops?”
“Not every single one. Some were so crowded you couldn’t even get in. I did pick up an antique lamp at Timeless Treasures.” She gestured toward the box on the floor. “Oh, and I just met Nevada—he was leaving. I even met his wife at the bakery.”
“I had no idea his wife worked there. That might not be a good thing.”
“True, but Courtney was really pleasant. And I met JoJo as well.”
“Courtney? I know a Courtney Bennett. Could she be married to Nevada? I’ll have to ask Nevada when I see him. I know JoJo. I’ve been friends with her and her brother Liam for years.”
“Liam, I like that name.”
“Whatever, he’s a good man. He got married recently. I missed that wedding too.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Not as sorry as I am. Oh, by the way, Creed mentioned we could go riding next Sunday at his place.”
“Wonderful. I can’t wait. I’m eager to meet new people, especially women. I don’t really have any friends here. Well, except maybe Paige, so far.”
“You will. This town embraces you as part of the family. It always has.”
“I certainly hope so.”
“You haven’t seen that man, have you?”
“No.”
“Good. I was hoping to learn more, but with all these tourists and you not knowing his name, there isn’t much I can do.”
“I know. I hope our paths never cross again.”
“Me too.” Jack took another bite of his cupcake. “Damn, this is amazing.”
“What are you up to after your shift?”
“Heading home. Why? What did you have in mind?”
“I could make dinner again,” she offered softly, her voice carrying a note of hope.
“How about we meet at the diner around four?” he replied.
“Okay. I’ll see you then.” With that, she rose gracefully from her chair, and Jack followed suit without hesitation.
He ambled around the desk. Reaching her, he gently cupped her cheeks in his hands, their touch as tender as a whispered secret, and pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that seemed to promise both tenderness and mischief.
“You taste like cupcakes,” she murmured through a soft, contented laugh.
“You taste like heaven,” he whispered back, his voice low and earnest, before their lips met once more in a slow, sumptuous embrace. He then slowly pulled away, lifting his gaze to meet hers, his eyes lighting up with a playful smile. “Go, before I lock us in here,” he teased.
“I’m game if you are,” she shot back.
Jack chuckled. “Do not tempt me. I’ll see you at the diner.”
“Okay.” With that, she pressed her lips against his in a quick, lingering kiss before stepping away. She resolved to take her lamp home and then unwind, patiently waiting for their meeting later.
After enduring an extraordinarily busy Monday, she unlocked the back door of her shop on Tuesday morning, the chill of the early day biting at her skin as she stepped out, locking it behind her with a definitive click. Making her way to the front, she fumbled with the key to unlock the door and flip the sign to “Open.” A silent hope tugged at her. She secretly wished that a certain man wouldn’t show up today.
As she carefully tucked her purse into the drawer of her desk, her phone buzzed insistently from her pocket, its vibration a surprise in the quiet morning. Pulling it out, she saw her grandmother’s number flash on the screen.
“Nana? Is everything alright?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.
“Yes. Your grandfather went to the grocery store, and I was bored. I thought I’d call my beautiful granddaughter.”
Randi’s breath hitched. She adored her grandparents. “You need to come visit.”
“I know, honey. I would love to do that.”
“I miss you both.”
“We miss you too. Maybe when spring rolls around.”
“When spring rolls around, it will be snowing.” Randi laughed.
“Seriously?”
“That’s what I’ve been told.”
“Okay, maybe in the summer. I’m going to let you go now. We’ll talk soon.”
“Alright, Nana. Love you. Tell Pap I love him.”
“We love you too.”
Randi sighed as she hung up and put the phone into her pocket. She missed them so very much.
At that moment, the soft, tinkling chime announcing a customer’s arrival sliced through the hushed gloom of the shop, its clear note piercing the dense atmosphere. With measured calm and quiet determination, she gently pushed her chair back, straightened her back, and made her way steadily toward the front of the shop. Beneath her composed exterior, she silently wished for a bustling day, one filled with enough distractions to keep her mind occupied and to shield her thoughts from missing her grandparents. Deep within her heart, Randi also carried a subtle sorrow for her grandparents, who she knew missed her terribly.
As she stepped into the sunlit showroom, she saw another deputy standing near the display. He was scanning the room with a casual air, and as soon as his gaze found hers, his face broke into a warm, reassuring grin that managed to coax a smile from her own lips.
“Hi, what can I get you?” she asked in a friendly tone.
“I’m Sheriff Grayson Beckett,” he introduced himself, his voice laced with a calm authority. “I’m here to pick up something my wife ordered. Vivian Beckett.”
“Oh, of course,” she replied, her tone equally calm and professional. “I’m Randi Guthrie. I own the shop. Let me get her order for you.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He acknowledged with a nod.
After carefully retrieving the order, Randi placed it on the counter and began to ring it up. As she quietly informed him of the total, the enticing aroma emanating from the package and the shop itself filled the space.
“I don’t know what she got, but it sure smells amazing,” he observed with an appreciative smile. “Of course, the entire shop smells great.” Taking the receipt, he signed it promptly before handing it back. “Have a nice day, Ms. Guthrie. I’m sure Vivian will be back soon.”
“You be careful out there, Sheriff,” she replied warmly, her smile lingering as he touched his hat and strode out the door. Lucky Vivian, she thought.
Later, while talking with Maggie near closing time, the chime sounded again, and that man stepped inside. In an instant, Randi felt the color drain from her face as a wave of apprehension washed over her.
“Are you alright?” Maggie asked gently, placing a comforting hand on her arm.
“I will be, but for now, could you just follow my lead?” Randi requested softly.
Maggie glanced around and Randi knew she noticed the man.
“Whatever you need,” Maggie whispered.
Taking another deep, steadying breath, Randi said, “If you’ll follow me to the counter, I’ll write your order down.”
Gathering her resolve, Randi eyed Maggie, and once assured of her silent understanding, she led her to the counter, and moved behind it, Maggie stood in front of her, creating a protective barrier between her and the mysterious man. With a shake of her head that betrayed nothing of her inner turmoil, she said, “I’ll just jot down what I need.” Stealing her phone from her back pocket, she quickly sent a terse message to Jack, informing him that the man had entered her shop. Looking up once more at Maggie, she whispered, “I’ve sent a text to a sheriff’s deputy. If you could remain here until he arrives, I’d really appreciate it.”
“Randi, I am not going anywhere. I don’t know who that man is, but rest assured, he won’t be getting close to you.”
“Thank you so much,” Randi managed to say, her voice thick with gratitude and emotion.
Glancing down at her phone, a frown creased her forehead as she noticed that Jack had yet to respond. Should she call the department now? Before she could even make up her mind, the chime sounded once again and Jack strode in, his steps echoing as he made his way toward the counter.
“Ladies,” he greeted them firmly yet kindly, his hand briefly touching the brim of his hat.
“Let me ring Maggie’s order up first, Jack,” Randi said. “Do you know Maggie?”
“No, I haven’t had the pleasure,” Jack said with a grin.
Randi introduced them and they shook hands.
“I’ll just take a stroll through the showroom,” he replied with a playful wink, and Randi could feel a warm flush spreading across her cheeks.
After ringing up the order, she swiftly made her way to the section where the bath salts were displayed. The air was filled with the soothing scent of lavender and eucalyptus. She selected a beautifully packaged jar and returned to Maggie, carefully placing a jar of bath salts into her shopping bag.
“For helping me,” she said, offering a grateful smile.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ve been in a bad relationship and I will be here as long as you need me.” Maggie glanced over her shoulder. “I don’t know who that man is or who he is to you, but I am not going anywhere until you feel safe.”
“Thank you so much, Maggie. I owe you lunch.” Randi smiled.
Maggie grinned. “I’ll take it. You know, it’s a common belief that women don’t like each other, but when it comes down to it, we will stand by one another when necessary.”
Randi grinned, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “You can go if you want Maggie, since Jack is here. Let’s get together for lunch soon.”
“If you’re sure, then I’ll head back to work.”
“I am. I’ll be in touch. I don’t have many friends here yet, so I’m anxious to get together, Maggie.”
Maggie grinned. “Well, you have me now.” She exited through the glass doors, sunlight pouring in behind her. Randi’s gaze swept across the showroom, searching for Jack. Her heart sank into her stomach when she spotted him conversing with the man.
****
“Are you a tourist?” Jack inquired; his gaze fixed intently on the man as if trying to decipher a hidden story behind his eyes.
“Yes,” came the curt reply.
“Where are you from? We get people coming from all across the states,” Jack said, a tentative grin tugging at his lips as he attempted to diffuse the palpable tension threading between them.
“Uh, Massachusetts,” the man answered slowly, his tone as guarded as his posture.
“Quite a long journey,” Jack observed, extending his hand in a friendly yet firm manner. “I’m Deputy Jack Lawrence.”
“Kent Bridges,” the man replied, his hand meeting Jack’s briefly before he retracted it, his grip almost as fleeting as his interest.
“How long will you be in town?” Jack asked, folding his arms across his chest and tilting his head slightly as if weighing the man’s unspoken hints.
“It’s all day to day. It depends on a few things,” Bridges replied, his voice low and measured, carrying an air of reluctant ambiguity.
“I see,” Jack said, his words deliberate. “Do you happen to have some form of ID on you?”
“Why do you need to see that?” came the cautious retort.
“Because I asked for it,” Jack replied flatly, leaving little room for debate.
“I left it at the motel,” Bridges muttered, clearly uncomfortable with the inquiry.
“Right,” Jack acknowledged, his tone tinged with skepticism. “Well, I know Ms. Guthrie is closing up soon, so if you’re not planning to buy something, you should leave. Now.”
Jack’s eyes locked onto Bridges’, and in that brief moment, the message became unmistakably clear.
“I don’t need anything right now. I’ll come back some other time,” Bridges announced, his voice fading under the weight of implied threat.
Jack stepped deliberately closer, lowering his voice into a gravelly murmur that seemed to vibrate with authority.
“I don’t think you understand,” he said, his words measured yet heavy with intent. “I not only want you out of this store, but I also want you out of Clifton.”
“Have I done something to upset you, officer?” Bridges questioned, feigning innocence while his eyes darted around the room.
“Deputy,” Jack corrected him sharply, “and no, you haven’t upset me. But if you make Randi uncomfortable again, you and I are going to have a serious problem.”
At that, Bridges’ gaze swept the room until it rested on Randi, and with a narrowing of his eyes that sent a warning, he quickly turned his attention back to Jack.
“I’ll be going,” he stated briskly.
“And not coming back, right?” Jack pressed, his tone unyielding, as Bridges nodded silently before his hand reached for the door handle. With one final defiant glance at them, Bridges pushed the door open and left the shop behind.
Jack moved toward where Randi stood, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace.
“It’s okay, baby. He’s gone,” he murmured softly, his voice laced with warmth and reassurance.
“He’ll be back,” Randi replied, her voice trembling slightly. “Maybe not to my shop, but he seems intent on intimidating me for reasons I can’t fathom.”
Jack shrugged. “Well, he’s too young to be your father.”
“That never even crossed my mind,” she admitted, a small smile flickering briefly despite the heaviness in her tone. “But you’re right. I’d say he’s even younger than I am.”
“Not by much,” Jack agreed, his eyes narrowing in a mix of concern and suspicion. “I don’t trust him.”
“I don’t even know what he thinks we need to discuss. I’ve never met him before the first time he came in here,” Randi said, her voice growing softer, edged with uncertainty and fear.
“You’re shaking. Are you sure you’re alright?” Jack asked, his concern deepening as he took in her trembling form.
“I’m just a little shook up right now,” she said. “I have no idea why he keeps coming around. I don’t want anything to do with him.” A heavy sigh escaped her, and though she tried to shrug off the fear, a solitary tear trailed down her cheek.
“Come here,” Jack said, pulling her even closer into his embrace. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist, her body pressed tightly against his as if seeking refuge. The first quiet sob tore at his heart, and as her body quivered with sorrow and the sound of her grief filled the space around them, Jack silently vowed to do everything in his power to show her that he would always be there for her.