Chapter 1
“You’re not going to die on my watch, Dominion,” Charisse whispered to herself as she paced the halls of the nursing home, checking on each of her patients briefly before returning to Dominion Connan’s side.
She was only a volunteer, not a real nurse or even a CNA, but she’d quickly fallen in love with the quirky group of elderly residents and spent most of her free time here, using her special gift of kindness to bring a touch of happiness to the often sad and lonely people who spent most of their days trapped in their beds.
Risse wiped a cool wash cloth across the Dominion’s forehead and adjusted his blankets before collecting his empty water pitcher.
“Fill that thing with Mountain Dew, whydoncha? I could use the energy boost.” Dominion’s voice was a hoarse crackle.
Charisse’s lips curved in a smile she couldn’t quite hide. Unlike her brother, Zeph, who was close friends with him, she’d never spent much time with the Dominion before. She only knew him as the leader of the Celestia Divisa — a wise, dignified, and highly-respected authority who performed all the important Celestia ceremonies. She’d only learned of his impish side since he’d entered the nursing facility a week ago.
“I’m surprised you didn’t ask for something stronger!”
“Hmm, that might be even better…”
Charisse chuckled and carried his pitcher down the hall towards the kitchen where her nose told her Chef Maggie was preparing a meal that was low sodium, low cholesterol, high fiber, and completely unappetizing. Charisse felt so sorry for the residents, she had taken to sneaking them mini candy bars. Today she’d brought a bag of fun-size Snickers.
The voice of Nancy Hariden, director of Sunnybrook Retirement Community, echoed from the kitchen. “You’ll be responsible for delivering meal trays to and from the residents’ rooms and cleaning up afterwards. Oh, and filling the water pitchers,” Nancy added, spotting Risse coming into the kitchen.
The guy beside Nancy glanced appreciatively at Risse and nodded. Risse quirked an eyebrow, taking in the designer jeans and cocky attitude. She tipped her chin in greeting and offered a small smile.
“Risse, this is Jake Henley. He’s going to be helping us out for a while. Risse is one of our newest volunteers, and one of the residents’ favorites.” Nancy gave an approving smile.
Risse held out a hand, and Jake glanced lazily at it before sliding his own hand from his back pocket. “Sup?” he said, his gaze drifting down her body.
“Nice to meet you.” Risse smiled, fighting her desire to sneer instead. Didn’t this guy have any manners?
“Reese like Reese Witherspoon?”
It was a common mistake, so why was it so irritating when he made it? “No, like Cyd Charisse.”
Jake wrinkled his nose and raised an eyebrow. “Who’s that?”
“The actress and dancer — Singin’ in the Rain, Brigadoon…”
“Sorry, I don’t do chick flicks.” Jake smirked and curled his lip.
Risse resisted the urge to roll her eyes and waved her water pitcher instead, pushing her way past him. “I need to get back to Domin… I mean, Mr. Uriel. He’s thirsty.”
Jake nodded, watching her backside as she walked away. “See you around, Shuh-reeessse.” He drew out the last syllable like a hissing snake.
Charisse shuddered and wondered if she could change her schedule to avoid working the same shift as him.
“If you have any questions, just ask Charisse. She knows everything there is to know about Sunnybrook. In fact, how about giving him a tour for me, Risse? I have a new resident checking in shortly that I need to attend to. I’m sure you can show Jake everything he needs to know.”
Risse cringed but swallowed her dismay before turning back with an almost-genuine smile. Her special gift was kindness, wasn’t it? Surely she could spare some for this ill-mannered, sleaze bag, low life… She interrupted herself as soon as she realized she was definitely not thinking kind thoughts.
“Sure. I’d be happy to. Just let me fill this pitcher and we’ll be on our way.”
“I’ll leave you here then. Come to my office before you check out, Jake.” Nancy nodded at them and walked away, her low heels clicking rapidly down the hallway.
“Thanks for rescuing me from the boss lady, babe. You’re a lot nicer to look at anyway.”
Risse ignored his comment and resumed filling her water pitcher. When the water started spilling over the top, she knew she couldn’t stall any longer. Sighing, she turned and marched out of the kitchen, tossing the words “follow me” over her shoulder.
“Sunnybrook has two wings,” she explained, heading back down the hall toward Dominion Connan. “The West wing is for the residents who need the most care — the invalids, the Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, and the end-stagers. The residents in the East wing can still do a lot of their own care.”
“So you’re taking me to see the crazies first, eh?”
Risse stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. “This isn’t a mental institution; they’re not crazy. They’re just old, or sick, or they’ve lost their memory. They just need a little more care, a little more kindness.” She spat the words at him.
Jake held up his hands in defense. “No offense, babe. I didn’t mean anything.”
Risse narrowed her eyes and glared. “And please don’t call me babe.”
“Sorry! Chillax already.” Jake smirked, and Risse flipped her long, blonde ponytail over her shoulder and huffed away. Jake rushed to catch up to her.
“I take it you’re really attached to these old fogies since you’re so sensitive about ‘em.”
Risse closed her eyes and forced herself to speak politely. “Yes, I care a lot about them. They’re good people who just need extra patience and kindness. Attributes I’m not sure you have to offer. So why exactly are you here, anyway?”
Jake shrugged. “Community service requirement.”
“Maybe you should find something that involves a little less community.”
“No can do, darlin’, it’s this or the big house, and I’m far too pretty for that,” he said with a wink.
Risse raised an eyebrow in a silent question.
“I’m not, like, a criminal or anything. I just got in trouble for a prank. It was nothing, really. Totally harmless, or, it was supposed to be, anyway.” Jake flashed a killer smile, and Risse could see why this guy thought he was invincible. His clothes and shoes were expensive, so Risse guessed he was wealthy, and with his devilishly handsome face he’d probably been favored all his life.
They had reached Dominion Connan’s room, but Risse wanted to hear the rest of the story so she lingered in the hallway.
“What kind of prank?”
Jake threw his head back in a throaty laugh. “Aw man, it was so funny! You’ve seen that movie Carrie, right? Where they dump pig’s blood on the girl at prom?” Risse shook her head.
“No? Well, anyway, for the Halloween dance, my buddies and I rigged up a bucket full of half-melted, red Jello, and when they crowned the prom queen we dumped it on her! It was awesome! Well, at least until she slipped off the stage and broke her ankle.” Jake’s shrug made it obvious to Risse that he wasn’t sorry.
“That is the most terrible thing I’ve ever heard! I can’t believe you did that to somebody! Stay away from me, Jake, and stay away from these patients.” With that, Risse stormed off and disappeared into Dominion Connan’s room, slamming the door behind her so Jake wouldn’t follow.
Chapter 2
She forced her scowl back into a smile and took a deep breath before approaching Connan’s bed, but the spry, old man still caught her distress.
“Here you go, Dominion; I brought you some fresh, cold water.” Charisse poured him a glass and held the straw to his lips.
Dominion took a sip then struggled to scoot himself into an upright position. Charisse set down the water and pulled up his pillow so he could lean back. She added a second pillow behind it and tugged his blanke
ts up to cover his frail chest.
Dominion coughed a little, and a wry smile lit his face. “I hope this water didn’t give you that sour face. I knew the food they serve here was poisonous, but I thought the water was safe.”
Charisse smirked. “The food here is healthy and nutritious, Dominion. You’re just used to eating too much junk food. Maybe this will help ease the transition.” She pulled a mini Snickers bar from her pocket and slipped it into his gnarled hand. Connan winked and gave her hand a squeeze.
“So why is someone with a pocketful of candy so upset?” Connan asked, tearing open his treat with shaking hands.
“Oh, it’s just this new volunteer — Jake Henley. He’s kind of a jerk. I don’t think he has any business being here.” Charisse sat on the edge of the bed and brushed candy bar crumbs off his chest.
“He must’ve had a pretty rough life.”
“Hmph. I seriously doubt that. His shoes alone cost more than my best outfit.”
“Being wealthy doesn’t guarantee a good life, Charisse. Some of the richest people are the poorest where it counts.”
“Well, he’s definitely lacking in the respect and manners department, that’s for sure.”
“Maybe he’s never been taught them.”
“It’s kind of common sense, Dominion. I mean, you don’t need to go to Sunday School to understand that people deserve to be treated with kindness.”
“Even the ones you don’t like?”
“Of course! Those are the ones that probably need it the most!” Charisse’s mouth dropped open as she realized what she’d just said, and a sheepish look came over her face.
“Okay, I get it, Dominion. I need to be nice to him, anyway. Maybe I can help him learn how to be a decent human being.”
“Now that’s the Celestia spirit, Rissey. Go out there and work your magic on him. He’ll be a changed man in no time.” Dominion’s wrinkled face cracked open in a smile that revealed a wide set of straight, yellow teeth.
Risse rolled her eyes. “I don’t know about that. It’s probably going to take a miracle to change him.”
“It just might!” Dominion winked.
Risse’s mouth fell open again. Is that what Dominion thought needed to happen? Huh uh. No way. Every Celestia knew that working a miracle for a human almost certainly led to falling in love, and there was no way she ever wanted to have those kinds of feelings for Jake Henley. She would be kind to him and make sure he was kind to the residents, and that was all.
Jake was waiting for her when she came out of Dominion’s room, leaning casually up against the wall and playing with his phone. “Needed some private time with your boyfriend?”
Charisse’s ire immediately began to rise, but she tamped it down forcefully and plastered on a strained smile. “Connan Uriel is an important leader in my church, but I give the same care to all the patients here. Everyone is important to somebody.”
Jake followed Charisse around as she went from room to room, checking on the patients. Some needed water or an extra blanket, some just needed a bit of company. Charisse introduced Jake to all of them and prayed he wouldn’t say anything inappropriate. He mostly just smiled and nodded as the residents cooed over the handsome new volunteer. He didn’t act eager to be there, but at least he wasn’t rude to anyone.
When it was time for lunch, Charisse explained how the trays were labeled, and the two of them pushed the tall, rattling metal racks down the halls, delivering plates of mystery meat and mushy vegetables to the residents. Charisse carefully demonstrated how she helped each resident sit up in their beds before placing the trays across their bed tables and then made sure they had everything they needed to enjoy their meal. She found something to chat with each patient about, despite the humdrum routineness of their institutional lives, leaving each resident with a smile on their face and a ray of sunshine in their hearts.
When all the meal trays had been delivered, they started back at the beginning, picking them all back up. Many of the residents had to be told again who Jake was or what his name was, and Jake felt like he was in Groundhog Day, repeating the exact same conversations over and over again.
“Doesn’t it drive you crazy to answer the same questions a million times?” Jake asked when they finally escaped the clutches of the most enthusiastic but forgetful patient on the wing.
Charisse sighed. She doubted he’d understand, even when she explained it to him. “It gets a little tedious sometimes, but they don’t mean to be a bother. In their minds, it’s the first time they’ve asked the questions. Getting angry or irritated with them wouldn’t help anything. They wouldn’t even understand why you were upset. All they want is to have a conversation with someone. Most of them are so lonely; they can’t leave their rooms and rarely have any visitors besides the staff. It doesn’t cost me anything to be kind to them.”
Jake just stared at her with a curious look on his face. She was so different from all the other high school girls he knew. Sure, she probably spent way too much time worrying about her hair and makeup — he could only imagine how long it took her to layer on all those different colors of eye shadow — but she was clearly miles apart from the rest of them in attitude. He wanted to hate her for being such a goody two shoes, but she was just so nice it was hard not to like her.
She was pretty nice to look at, too. Thick, blonde hair and blue eyes topped off long legs sheathed in skintight jeans. He purposefully stayed a few steps behind her so he could watch her hips sway as she walked. He could tell she knew she was pretty, but she didn’t make a big deal about it. She just owned it in a way that made it obvious she didn’t consider it her most valuable asset.
“You’re a volunteer, right? They don’t pay you to be here?” The concept seemed completely foreign to Jake, whose family never did anything that didn’t benefit them in some way.
Charisse nodded.
“So, why do you come here? Don’t you have anything better to do? Hobbies? Extracurricular activities? A boyfriend to hang out with?”
Charisse gritted her teeth and once again resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “I have plenty of hobbies and extracurricular activities — I play volleyball, I’m on the swim team, I have a beauty blog — but when I found out they were low on volunteers, I figured I could give up a few hours of my week to help out.”
Jake noticed she didn’t say anything about a boyfriend. Did that mean she was available? He shook his head at the thought. With his looks and his family’s money, he could usually attract any girl he wanted, but he was pretty sure this girl was not impressed by either of those things. He could tell she didn’t really like him; he could see how she bit her tongue and forced a smile whenever she looked at him.
Why would he want a girl like her, anyway? She probably spent her Saturday nights playing board games and her Sundays at church. He wondered if she’d ever even let a guy kiss her. He imagined grabbing her firm curves and ravaging her strawberry lips with his own, abrading that smooth skin around her mouth with his rough stubble. The fantasy left him breathing hard, and he noticed her staring at him with a puckered brow. He shook his head to clear away the image but couldn’t wipe away his mischievous grin.
He desperately wanted to ask her what she was doing tonight, but he knew his interest would only push her away. The trick was to make her want him, only, he had no idea how to do that. His usual charm wasn’t working. It was a puzzle he needed to solve.
“Let’s get these trays back to the kitchen.” Charisse interrupted his musings with a flick of her ponytail and started pushing the unwieldy cart back down the hall. Jake hurried to catch up and help her.
“So what do you like to do?” Charisse asked after a few minutes of trying to control her negative feelings towards him. She bit her tongue before the words “besides torturing innocent people” could escape her lips. The fact that his biceps bulged alluringly out of the sleeves of his tee shirt only made her more flustered. If he was even half as nice as he was attractive, he’d probab
ly be irresistible, but instead his personality covered up his handsomeness like a Halloween mask.
Jake raised an eyebrow, surprised she was interested. “I play football, but I got kicked off the team when I got suspended.”
“I’m amazed you didn’t get expelled,” Charisse blurted, then instantly covered her mouth with her hand. Why was she so incapable of controlling herself around this boy? “Sorry, that was rude.”
Jake chuckled. She was kind of adorable in her wholesomeness. She’d probably never even said a swear word out loud. “I probably would have if I went to a public school, but my dad’s money greased a lot of palms at my school.”
Charisse quirked an eyebrow but didn’t respond. She didn’t trust herself to say something kind, so she decided to say nothing at all. For a few minutes, they cleaned the trays in silence.
“You said you have a beauty blog — is that like on YouTube or something?”
Charisse smiled enthusiastically. “Yeah, sometimes I do videos, sometimes I write articles. It’s all on my website — Risse’s Pieces.”
Laughter escaped from Jake’s mouth, uncontrolled. “Cute. Did you come up with that by yourself?”
Charisse huffed. “It’s very popular, you know. My videos have millions of views.”
Jake nodded appreciatively. “I’m actually into vlogging, too. I have a few popular videos, myself.”
“You do? What are they about?”
“Movies, music, cars — just whatever I’m into at the moment. The views skyrocketed when I told the story about the prank that got me suspended.” Jake cracked a smile at the memory, and Charisse cringed.
“I did mention that it got me suspended from school and a hundred hours of community service.”
“Hopefully that will dissuade anyone else from trying it.”
“Probably.” Jake grinned.
“So you have a hundred hours to log, then? Are you going to come here every day?”
“Most likely. How often do you come here?” His sentence might not be so bad if he got to spend it with a hot, little firecracker like her.
Date with Destiny Collection: Angel Romance Series: Books 1 - 4 Page 14
