Raspberry Kisses (The Bakery Romance Series Book 1) by Cecelia Dowdy Page B

went into the meeting, so, that helped me to keep calm.”
    She nodded, drinking from her cup. “That’s good. I honestly don’t see how Linda has such a strong influence over the women. It makes no sense.”
    “But, to imply that I’m a womanizer? How ludicrous is that?”
    Trina licked some of the whipped cream off of the top of her coffee. “I think her agenda has nothing to do with you personally. There’s something wrong with Linda—both spiritually and mentally.” She paused for a few moments. “Linda whispered something to you, and you looked upset. What did she say?”
    “It’s not important.” The past was the past, but it puzzled him that Linda knew about his college years. How could she be privy to one of the most awful times in his life? Had she hired a private investigator to look into his past?
    Trina touched his hand. “What’s the matter?”
    He sighed, staring at his drink. “Just thinking about something.” His family didn’t even know about that time in his life, so how in the world did Linda know?
    Wait. Trina mentioned Linda’s agenda. Initially he’d found it hard to believe that her vendetta against him was personal. But after her comment about his college years, he wasn’t too sure what to believe. Why was she acting this way? He balled his hands into fists, tried to calm his racing heart.
    He had to get that pastorship. He felt that if he were voted in, then it would be like God finally giving him His seal of approval. He’d messed up his life so much in his younger years, and after his salvation, he’d never felt good enough to lead a church, that is, not until a few years ago. Everything had changed when his father unexpectedly needed his help with preaching to the congregation.
    Although he was still haunted by his past, he’d found that he felt better, leading others to Christ instead of focusing on all the turmoil he’d caused during his youth.
    She squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry you’re upset.” She leaned back into her seat, stretching her legs in front of her. “I don’t want to talk about Linda anymore. Don’t let your worries about Linda interfere with your studies in divinity school.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Did you meet any women at the retreat?”
    “Oh, no, the retreat.” He’d been so caught up with getting to Linda’s meeting, defending himself, that he’d forgotten that he needed to get back on the road. He stood, pulled out his cell phone, checking the time. “If I leave right now, I should make it there in time to speak.”
    He raced toward the door and Trina followed him. After they’d left Starbucks he marched toward his car and Trina struggled to keep up with him. “I would slow down so that you can keep up, but, I really need to get going. Why don’t I call you and tell you about the retreat later?”
    Trina huffed. “No, just tell me now. My walking with you will help me get some exercise today.”
    While they walked to his car, he told her about meeting Rhea at dinner, and spending time with her afterwards.
    Her voice softened when they arrived at his vehicle. “You like her.”
    “I’m attracted to her, but, I don’t know her very well. Besides, I’m not trying to date right now. It’ll just mess up my life.” Visions of his dream about Rhea played in his mind. Would he dream about her again tonight?
    “But—”
    “No buts about this. I only went on this retreat because you volunteered my services as a speaker.”
    “Martin,” she whined.
    “Trina,” he playfully responded, opening his car door. “Did you need me to drop you off at your car?”
    She waved the comment away. “Don’t worry about me. I know you’re in a hurry.”
    As he started the ignition, Beethoven’s Fifth Sympathy chimed from his pocket. He removed his phone, looking at the incoming number. Raven, again. He sighed, waving good-bye to Trina while he drove away.
    He needed to return her phone calls, but had not felt up to