Pastor John walked past their bench, giving Daisy a big smile but not stopping. It was terrifying to share a secret as huge as hers with only one person. Yet she trusted him above anyone else. That’s why he had her secret. He reached the teenager, swiftly took her phone out of her hand, and held it away from her.
She gasped. “Pastor, I was just posting.”
“I know you were, Jericha.” He glanced around at the people settling into their pews, almost like a warning. Daisy saw phones disappear into purses and pockets. Pastor John walked casually back to the front, still holding on to the teenager’s phone.
Daisy glanced over at her brother with wide eyes. “What do you think he’s doing?”
Treven shrugged. “With Pastor John, you never know.”
Cold air rushed in as another group entered the church. Daisy glanced back, and her cheeks heated up despite the breeze. Jamison walked near the rear of the large family group. All the boys were big and redheaded. Jordan was half the size of any of his brothers, being almost ten years younger than the next brother. Jamison’s next younger brother, Jacob, had a beautiful brunette on his arm that Daisy assumed was his wife. Their mom led the way into a long pew, and everyone followed. Everyone that is, except for Jamison. He’d had a hat on at the football game, and this was the first time she’d seen his hair. It was as perfect as the rest of him—dark reddish brown, wavy, and just begging her to run her fingers through it.
Jamison caught her staring at him, and a slow grin lit his face. Daisy couldn’t look away. He’d sat next to her for the rest of the game yesterday, and it had been comfortable and fun as he taught her about football and they both cheered for Jordan. Well, she clapped and Jamison cheered. She’d been very relieved they could still hang out like friends, and Jamison hadn’t pushed her for more.
He ushered Jordan into the family bench and then, with long strides, came Daisy’s way. “Is there a spot warmed up on this hard piece of wood for me?” His deep voice washed over her.
Daisy couldn’t find her own voice to answer.
“Sure.” Treven slid over, and Daisy followed suit, making room for Jamison.
He slid his large frame onto the bench, his long legs pressing into the wooden pew in front of them.
“How do you fit on an airplane?” Daisy blurted out.
Jamison let out a surprised laugh. “It’s torture, believe me.” He stretched an arm across the bench behind her, and his well-defined arm touched her shoulder at the same time that his leg brushed hers.
Awareness had her nerves on high alert. Had a man’s touch ever been this pleasant? And what was she doing thinking about how nicely muscled his leg and arm were in church of all places, and hadn’t she made it pretty clear that she couldn’t date? What was he doing? She noticed his family, and it appeared to her the rest of the congregation, gaping at the two of them. The only person seeming to enjoy themselves, besides Jamison, was Treven, who grinned from ear to ear.
Pastor John took the stand, and the crowd quieted. Instead of leading them in a prayer, his eyes swept the congregation then landed on Daisy. “We have a celebrity in our midst who grew up in Snow Valley.” He nodded to her, and her face burned.
Jamison’s arm went from lazily resting behind her to wrapping around her shoulder. A show of support? It felt like much more, and her face was literally on fire.
“I know it’s tempting to snap a picture of our beautiful Daisy and shout out to the world that you saw her, but please refrain. Snow Valley, and especially our beloved church, should be a sanctuary, a spot to be away from the world and be protected and loved.”
The truth of his words and his caring and love washed over Daisy. Pastor John was right. Snow Valley was like living in a Hallmark movie, and she’d missed it dearly—peace, tranquility, neighbors caring about neighbors. Those things had become so foreign to her the past few years she had begun to doubt whether they existed at all.
Jamison squeezed her shoulder, and she wished she could be the star of her own Hallmark movie with the handsome cowboy saving her heart, but it wasn’t for her. Yet she couldn’t find it in her to move away from his arm around her shoulder and his leg pressed firmly against hers.
“Snow Valley should protect its own. Can you please join me in watching out for Daisy Castleton and not bringing the paparazzi hounds down upon her?”
Some of the congregation nodded while others murmured or said even louder, “Yes, Pastor. For sure. Hallelujah.”
Daisy’s heart seemed to swell. She hadn’t seen these people in years, and if any of them agreed with Treven, she’d ditched them for something more appealing. Yet they still cared about her, still considered her one of their own. Emotion choked her. She tried to swallow it down and blink hard, but a tear crested her eyelid and rolled down her cheek. Jamison turned to her with a soft smile and gently lifted the tear off her cheek. Daisy startled at the simple gesture—so kind but also so intimate. Jamison would be there for her if she let him.
“And if you share that we have our angelic singer back in our midst, you might get reprimanded by angels.” He chuckled. “Or by Jamison Hall, who I promise you is more than capable of making you wish you’d kept your thumbs silent.”
Jamison inclined his chin toward the pastor while the crowd laughed. Daisy felt like this man could protect her from paparazzi and anyone else who wanted to hurt her. Pastor John handed the phone to the front row, and they passed it back until the teenage girl held it again. She glanced at Daisy and mouthed “Sorry.”
Daisy smiled at her, nodding her thanks.
Pastor John looked supremely satisfied as he turned his attention to the prayer. She steeled her spine, clasped her hands together, and straightened out of Jamison’s grasp. He gave her a wistful look but removed his arm and folded his hands in prayer. Daisy hated the loss of his touch, but it was for the best.
The prayer finished, and it seemed like every person picked up the hymnal in front of them. Daisy reached out automatically then drew her hand back like someone had slapped it. She couldn’t sing. Maybe she could sing without projecting, or sing softly, but she wanted to sing, really sing.
Clasping her hands together, she looked down at them and blinked quickly, willing herself to be strong and not cry.
The song began, and Jamison’s strong bass belted her from one side while Treven’s condemned her from the other. She’d been too busy over the past four years, most moments of her life planned out by her agent, her production schedule, and her manager. She’d felt the emptiness without God, her family, and any close friends, but never, until this moment, had she really understood how the Lord had deserted her. He’d taken her mother, and now, he’d stolen her voice. It was the most beautiful thing about her, and now it was truly gone.
Jamison had enjoyed rubbing shoulders and legs with Daisy during church. He hadn’t gone for the arm around the shoulder again after she shrugged him off the first time, but if her blushing cheeks and soft gazes meant anything, he was fifty-eight percent sure she was interested in him. If only that forty-two percent didn’t concern him so much. Why wouldn’t she let him take her on a date? It could be that she wasn’t planning to stay around and didn’t want to develop something, but he felt there was more, and for the first time in his life, he didn’t dare ask Treven. His buddy had acted like he accepted him being around Daisy, but he had a lot going on with a wife on bed rest, and honestly, Jamison didn’t want to know if he truly had no chance with Daisy.
When the first song passed, and Daisy didn’t sing, Jamison was puzzled. After several songs of her staring at her hands and Treven giving her dirty looks, he was getting concerned. He nudged her and whispered, “You okay?”
She blinked up at him. Her eyes were bright and bluer than ever. She gave him a forced smile and nodded quickly before pulling out a hymnal and staring at it. Why in the world wasn’t she singing? He’d love to hear her voice. Maybe she didn’t want to strain it or she’d signed some contract about not singing? But she’d
looked close to tears. Maybe she was feeling the Spirit and was too choked up to sing or she was thinking of her mom. Her mom had always sung in the choir. That could be it. He wished he felt close enough to her to ask.
The service ended, and he stood quickly to stretch his legs and back. He offered his hand to Daisy, who was still sitting. She glanced up at his face then back to his hand then back again. It would’ve been comical if he hadn’t wanted those fingers in his so much. Finally, she placed her hand in his. He grinned and wrapped his fingers around her much smaller hand.
Members of the congregation streamed around them, casting curious glances. Luckily, Treven was talking to Luke Wilson and his wife, Annie, who had sat in front of them. Jamison wouldn’t have minded asking Luke about his buddy, Ty, who had married Luke’s little sister, Kazzy, and was coaching basketball at USU, but holding Daisy’s hand and staring into her beautiful face took precedence over chatting with anyone.
Daisy stood and kind of tugged her hand back, but Jamison stayed firm, keeping her fingers in his clasp. He bent down closer to her. “I’ve got your hand captive right now.”
She blinked up at him. The wistful look from earlier was replaced by a mischievousness that he really liked. “What kind of ransom do you have on my fingers?”
“Nothing too scary.” He stroked his thumb along the soft skin on the back of her hand.
Daisy’s pulse was visible in her neck, and he wanted to pump a fist knowing he affected her, even if she wouldn’t date him.
“We have different visions of scary,” she said.
Jamison chuckled. “Is a date with me really that terrifying?”
Daisy swallowed, and his attention was drawn to her throat again.
“I don’t know that I’d survive a date with you,” she said softly. Her voice sounded raspy and painful. Maybe she was getting sick and that was why she didn’t sing.
Jamison was irrationally happy with that comment. She wanted him. She just didn’t want to admit it.
That pulse was throbbing in her neck now, and he couldn’t resist. He lifted his other hand and gently pressed his fingers to the soft skin. She gasped, and it was the cutest sound. He was hot and cold all over just from the simple connection—feeling her heart beating, knowing the speed of it was because of him. He wanted to bend his head and kiss that spot on her neck and then kiss those rosebud lips, but he was still in the Lord’s house, and he didn’t think even Pastor John could stop the pictures if he kissed her right here and now.
“You might survive.” He winked and forced himself to pull his fingers off her neck, but kept his hand surrounding hers. “Don’t you think it would be worth trying?”
Daisy stared at him. He could see the debate going on behind her eyes and could hardly stand waiting for the verdict.
“Aunt Daisy!” Little Hazel was standing on the bench next to them. “You gonna kiss Jamison?” Her laughter tinkled over them.
Daisy looked mortified, but Jamison couldn’t help but laugh at the cute little girl. “She wishes.” He squeezed Daisy’s hand.
“Oh!” Daisy pulled her hand free, and he finally let her go. “Why would you say that?” She turned to Hazel.
“You was staring at him like my momma stares at my daddy.”
Daisy’s face was a deep red. Jamison wished he could control his laughter, but it just spilled out. He leaned in close again. “Even a two-year-old sees our connection, sweetheart. Think you’d better agree to a date. Tomorrow night? I’ll pick you up at six.”
Daisy’s eyes widened. She put her hand to her neck, right where he’d touched, and she sputtered. “But … Wait. I don’t know.”
Jamison looked her over and winked. “Don’t worry. I know it’s right enough for the both of us.” He picked Hazel up and gave her a hug as she giggled then set her back on the bench. “Be good for your momma and your aunt and I’ll bring you a treat tomorrow.”
“Yay!” Hazel gave him a dimpled grin.
Jamison saluted Daisy and walked away before she could refute his offer or whatever he’d just done. Had he forced her into the date? Maybe tricked was a better word. He’d treat her like gold, and with any luck, she’d admit to what he already knew. There was something so strong between them it was like the electric fence he used to dupe his brothers into touching.
Pastor John approached him. Jamison shook his hand. “Thank you for helping Daisy,” Jamison said, liking that the pastor had included him with Daisy in his warning.
“I think between the two of us we can keep them all in line.” His mirth disappeared, and he looked deeply into Jamison’s eyes. It felt like the time Jamison and Treven had been caught having a bottle rocket war with Luke and Porter Wilson when they were supposed to be in Sunday School. “You be careful with her, you hear?”
“Yes, sir, I mean Pastor.” Jamison was quick to answer, but as the pastor released his hand and moved to talk to Daisy, he couldn’t shake the seriousness of the request. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Pastor John in deep conversation with Daisy. She’d been through something really hard with losing her mom and her dad going off the deep end. That must be what the pastor was saying because, of all the hearts in danger of being broken, Jamison was pretty sure his risk level was hundreds of times what Daisy’s was.
Chapter 6
Daisy tried to act nonchalant and normal throughout the rest of Sunday and Monday but it was a struggle. Even the slight irritation of her throat and the fact that she hadn’t been able to sing in church couldn’t bring her down. Had she really agreed to a date with Jamison? No, she really hadn’t, but he’d roped her into it, and she was so over-the-top excited to go out with him she couldn’t find it in her to call him and back out. Treven must’ve been listening to their conversation with one ear in church because he knew about the date. He had told her he would be home from work by five on Monday night to watch Hazel and help Maddie so she could get ready for her date. That was the extent of it. No teasing or anything. So weird and un-Treven-like.
The doorbell rang Monday night, and her heart leapt. She hurried out of the room Treven and Maddie had set aside for her in their two-story house and rushed down the stairs. Treven, unfortunately, beat her to the door.
“Hey.” Her brother extended his fist to Jamison.
Daisy reached her brother, and her eyes found Jamison’s. They were so blue. She was flung back to images of him as Thor on Halloween. Oh, deliciousness. She liked his dark reddish-brown hair better than the blond Thor wig though. It was thick and slightly mussed, like it was ready for her to run her fingers through. Stop, please stop, she begged her brain. She got this one date with her dream man, and then she had to get back to reality. Falling deeper for him would just cause more agony. She had to get through surgery and see what cancer was going to do to her, and then she could plan her future. A future that would be very different if she couldn’t sing. She’d never really thought of a different future, but what if it included Snow Valley and dates with Jamison Hall? Would Treven welcome her back? Would she somehow be able to help her father? Those were dreams for another day. Today, she would enjoy being with Jamison and staring into his blue eyes.
“Sis?” Treven was watching her with the utmost enjoyment. “You okay?”
“Um, sure, why do you ask?” She tucked a lock of dark hair behind her ear.
“Jamison said you looked beautiful, the lame sap that he is, and you just stared at him.” Treven looked to be trying not to bust up.
Jamison smiled at her. “Ignore him. It’s awkward for the Green Monster to let Daisy Pipsqueak grow up.”
“The Green Monster.” Daisy laughed. “Because his shoes always smelled like mildew.”
“Daisy Pipsqueak.” Treven chuckled. “I’d forgotten about that.”
Daisy rolled her eyes. “Thanks for reminding him.”
“Sorry.” Jamison didn’t look repentant. “Let’s ditch The Green Monster, and I’ll tell you again how beautiful you are.” He extended his hand.
&
nbsp; Daisy’s eyes flitted from his hand to his face and back again while Treven snickered. Finally, she placed her hand in his, part of her hoping he knew what a huge thing that was for her and part of her hoping he thought she’d dated everyone in L.A. and this wasn’t any big deal. She couldn’t make it a big deal no matter how it felt.
Jamison’s large hand wrapped around hers, and he gently tugged. Daisy followed him out the door and into the cool fall evening. The sun had already gone down, and it was chilly. She had on a long sweater and jeggings so she would be all right. She stared up at Jamison. Why did he have to be so perfect, and why did he come into her life at the worst time possible?
“You want a coat?” Treven called from behind her, effectively breaking the mood.
“No, I … I don’t know. Will we be outside?” She focused back on Jamison.
“Yeah, we’ll be braving the great outdoors.” He blew out a breath. “Sorry. I was so twisted around by how beautiful you are I didn’t think about making sure you didn’t catch hypothermia during my original date planning.”
Daisy absolutely loved the way he talked and that he’d been distracted by her. She felt unreal beautiful when she was around him even though she wasn’t professionally made up or dressed like she would be back home. Home? Was it L.A., Snow Valley, or right here staring into Jamison’s eyes?
Romancing the Singer (Cami's Snow Valley Romance Book 5) Page 4
