A Gentleman's Kiss Romance Collection

by Ginny Aiken

  “Right. It drives my family nuts.”

  “Stun.”

  “Hey, you catch on fast.” He seemed pleased. “Do you like palindromes, anagrams, or auto-antonyms?”

  “Auto what?”

  “Antonyms. Like the word rock. It means solid, firm, immovable; yet it can also mean to move back and forth, sway.”

  “I’ve never heard of that,” she said as she tried to think of another auto-antonym. “Left.”

  Greg put on his turn signal and slowed. “You know a short-cut to the church?”

  “No,” she replied with a giggle. “I wasn’t giving you directions. I thought of another word.”

  He responded with a chuckle, turned off the blinker, and resumed his speed. “That’s a good one. Either you left a place or you were left behind. You’re pretty smart for a girl.”

  And you’re pretty handsome for a man, she thought, thankful he had noticed she was indeed female.

  What are you, ten?

  Greg chided himself as he sought out Melissa on the sidelines before he served. He wanted to make sure she was watching. After looking so bad at rollerblading, he needed to do something to redeem his poor image.

  “Grass is gonna grow on you, Greg. Serve,” one of the teens on the other team hollered to him.

  He pulled his arm back then swung forward, punching the ball over the net. The other side scrambled to volley it back but was unsuccessful. They returned the ball, and he repeated his performance. After his third serve he turned away, seeking out Melissa. He turned back to the play at hand, and the ball bounced off his head. Another player swiped it back over the net. So much for redeeming my image.

  He caught a glimpse of Melissa on the sidelines laughing. She looked lovely.

  “Keep your eyes on the ball,” another teen ordered.

  With his serve over, Greg took a seat near Melissa, and the next player bounded out to the floor.

  “What a great turnout,” Melissa said.

  “Yeah. I’m surprised.”

  “Rotating is a good idea. Everyone gets a chance.”

  “And this old man gets a break.”

  “Good thing. You had me worried you’d get hurt out there with that head move. Is that an old trick?”

  “Ha, ha,” he said, pretending to be annoyed. “I’m actually a pretty good player. I think it’s in the genes.”

  “You know what they say about that.” She smiled, and he felt a tug at his heart. “The problem with the gene pool is that there’s no lifeguard.” She slapped him on the shoulder. “So sit back and watch a pro.” She left and took her position on the court.

  Yep, he was more than prepared to watch her. But he caught sight of a young girl sitting off by herself, near the door. She seemed timid, almost afraid to come all the way into the gym. He sauntered over.

  “I’m Greg, the youth pastor.”

  “Selina,” she replied, still looking at the floor.

  “Which team do you want to play on?”

  She twisted her foot, causing her shoe to squeak. “I’m not very good.”

  “It’s just for fun. We’d love to have you join us.”

  “Really?”

  “Really!” he said. “You can take my place. I need to get some refreshments ready.”

  “I could help.”

  “Wouldn’t you rather play?”

  She didn’t respond.

  “You’re up next. I’ll stick around to make sure you’re not competition for me. How’s that?”

  A little pip of a giggle escaped Selina’s mouth. He took that as a yes and ushered the girl over to her place on the court.

  Sitting back at the sidelines, he struck up a conversation with two other teenagers. The kids were bright and funny. This had been a great idea. He sure liked being the pastor here.

  With Selina settled into the game, Greg headed off to the kitchen for the goodies. A couple of youths followed to help. They set up the food in the small fireside room then went back to the gym.

  “Once you left, Greg, our team really got on a roll,” Willy said as they walked off the court.

  “Thanks,” Greg replied.

  Willy blushed. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

  Greg tousled the kid’s hair. “Okay, gang. Let’s head into the other room for refreshments and a time of fellowship.”

  Melissa felt like an outsider. It had been a long time since she’d talked to God; besides, she wasn’t a teen. She didn’t have much in common with most of the kids, and they kept Greg busy. In fact, except for a brief exchange on the sidelines, he’d practically ignored her. When he hadn’t picked her to be on his team, she’d been hurt. Then his attention hadn’t appeared to be on the game. He always seemed to be looking around the gym. As if he were looking for someone. Who was he expecting? Had he forgotten they had come together?

  Now, after talking with the kids in the fireside room, they surrounded him. Laughing and joking. Why couldn’t she join in? Being on the sidelines distressed her, but fear held her back. Gazing about the room, she noticed Greg motioning to her to come over.

  She stood near him, but he didn’t speak to her. He continued to talk with the teens, and eventually Melissa drifted away.

  She was being silly, she knew, but she felt as if she’d been in Greg’s way. He had a job to do, and she needed to learn to take second place to that. But could she? Was she being selfish to want time alone with Greg? Time to get to know him? With his being a youth pastor, would she ever get that chance? It seemed as if everyone wanted a piece of him.

  What troubled her more than her unwanted feelings for Greg were her feelings about God. She felt He’d let her down. Where had He been when her father took ill? She couldn’t think about that right now. Nor could she think about her overwhelming desire to have Greg comfort her.

  Melissa grabbed her purse and asked Willy to let Greg know she had left. Stars twinkled in the clear sky as she walked home. She needed to sort out all the feelings and emotions that were assaulting her. Was she being a spoiled brat, wanting Greg all to herself? Just like with her dad? Her heart ached at the thought.

  How could she go from not needing someone to regretting that things weren’t working out with Greg? She didn’t want to be like her mom. Her dad had done everything for her mom. When he died she didn’t even know how to reconcile the checkbook. He had always made everything right. Yet he’d taught Melissa to stand on her own two feet. No, she didn’t need a man to fix everything in her life.

  But maybe she needed a man to share everything that was right. Now where did that thought come from? If that were true, she knew Greg Kelly wouldn’t be that man. For two brief days, though, Melissa had felt like her old self—only to discover there’d be no time to enjoy anything with Greg. The thought made her sad.

  She kicked a few stones and muttered to herself then wished she could talk to her dad about her feelings. They’d never really talked about boys. Guess maybe he’d never realized Mel was a girl. That had been fine with her. She loved the same things he did. They fished, hiked, and golfed. And she sat with him for every sports game on TV. Melissa loved being the son her dad always wanted.

  “What would you tell me to do, Dad?” she asked aloud.

  A gentle breeze came out of nowhere, and the sway of the bougainvillea lining the street sounded like words. As if her dad had whispered the answer to her. Seize the day.

  It had been one of his favorite songs. She loved it, too. With a slight Celtic flair, both the words and music had spoken to them. Melissa could hear his smooth voice as clear as if he were beside her. But the beauty of the words were simply a memory now.

  Melissa pulled a few strands of hair between her lips, an annoying trait she thought she’d broken. Yet, whenever she felt unsure, the hair ended up in her mouth, reminding her she hadn’t grown up. She tucked the red wisps behind her ear. Well, she was all grown up, and she didn’t need anyone. If that were true, why wasn’t she convinced? And why did she suddenly ache for someone t
o understand her?

  Angry with herself, she unlocked the iron grate door and jerked it open. Unshed tears blurred her vision as she struggled with the key in the lock of the front door. Once it unlocked, she marched inside and slammed it shut. The bang hurt her ears, and she cringed at being so childish.

  She waited for her mother to appear, but the house remained quiet. Melissa dropped her bag on the bench in the foyer, kicked off her sneakers, and headed to the kitchen. A note on the fridge advised her she had gone to visit Gram.

  “Just great. They’ll probably set up another blind date for me to look like a loser,” she muttered as she got a glass of water and took a few sips. “What’s wrong with me?” she said as she padded down the hall to her bedroom. The mess in the bathroom from earlier caught her attention.

  Setting her glass down on the counter, she went to grab the vacuum from the closet. She’d have no time to clean in the morning before the twins arrived.

  When she finished, she prepared for bed. Though tired, she couldn’t sleep. Turning on the lamp, she glanced at her Bible on the nightstand. Exactly where she’d left it the day of the funeral. She picked up the book and flipped through a few pages then set it back down. She knew the answers she needed were not there.

  Melissa turned off the light and squeezed her eyes closed, ordering herself to sleep. In the stillness of the house she thought she could still hear the song “Seize the Day” playing softly. She covered her head with a pillow. But the music echoed in her ears. Seize the day.

  Chapter 4

  You’re an idiot, Kelly!

  Greg hadn’t noticed when Melissa left. He wanted to find her, but the equipment had to be put away and the kitchen tidied first; then he had to lock up the church. He drove straight to Melissa’s when he finished, but no one answered. He felt a tightness in his stomach. Where could she be?

  He dropped down on the front step to wait. He’d stay all night if he had to. With his hands braced on his knees, he rested his head in his palms. An occasional breeze helped in the warm night. Crickets chirped, oblivious to him, while some sort of whirring noise, like an air conditioner, emanated from the house.

  Moments later he noticed the sound had stopped. He knocked again. Still no answer. Greg settled back into position, wondering if he should drive back toward the church in search of Melissa.

  Soon a car pulled into the driveway, and Mrs. Stoddard greeted him. “You’re the wrong blind date guy. Greg, isn’t it?”

  “That’d be me.” He stood and reached out to shake hands.

  “Are you coming or going?”

  “I sort of lost your daughter this evening. I’m hoping she’s home.”

  Mrs. Stoddard raised an eyebrow and stepped forward to unlock the iron grate door.

  Greg felt like a student caught in school for cheating and wanted to explain. “I got kind of tied up with the kids, and I guess Mel grew tired of waiting.”

  Mrs. Stoddard turned back to him quickly. “What did you say?”

  “I got tied up—”

  “No. What did you call Melissa?”

  Greg shrugged, not sure what he’d just said. “Mel, I guess.”

  “Oh, dear. That’s not good.”

  He waited while she bit her lip as if trying to think.

  “I see her purse and shoes, so she’s home. I’ll tell her you stopped by.”

  “I’d like to talk with her.”

  “It might be best if you wait until the morning.” He couldn’t help but notice Mrs. Stoddard’s pleasantness had slipped to something almost verging on irritation.

  “Is something wrong?”

  She sighed. “Only Martin, my husband, called her Mel. She’s still easily upset since his passing. I’m sure she’ll be fine in the morning. Good night.”

  “Yeah, good night.”

  Greg stood on the step and stared at the night sky. He wouldn’t hurt Melissa for anything, yet that appeared to be just what he’d done. How could he have been such a jerk?

  He reminded himself that she’d made it home safe and decided he’d better leave before Mrs. Stoddard called the police. That wouldn’t look good. Though he and his boss got along well, the church had already been through a scandal, thanks to some untrue gossip. As a result, Pastor Jamison had become image conscious. Though he’d never said anything, Greg felt certain his boss would have preferred he drive a more sedate car and be married. Yes, staying on Melissa’s doorstep would cause a problem.

  Since it would be several hours before he could see Melissa, he decided to go home and pray. What did the Lord want him to do about the pretty redhead who’d invaded his life so easily? He knew the importance of staying in God’s will. He hoped that will included Melissa.

  “Lissa,” her mother called as she rapped on the bedroom door.

  “I’m awake.” She yawned and stretched.

  “No need to get up. Mrs. Marshall called. The twins kept her up most of the night so she is staying home from work. She won’t be dropping them off this morning.”

  Yes! “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Did you want some breakfast?”

  Melissa climbed out of bed and opened the door. “I’m not hungry. I think I’ll shower and head to the park.”

  “You’re missing the most important meal of the day, sweetie.”

  “It’s not the first time.”

  Her mother reached out and touched Melissa’s forehead. “You look tired. Why don’t you go back to bed?”

  “I just need a shower.”

  “By the way, Greg came by last night. Why didn’t you answer the door?”

  She swallowed. “I didn’t hear anything.”

  “Seemed as if he’d been here a long time when I came home.”

  “I went straight to bed after I cleaned up the bathroom. I must have been asleep.”

  Her mother nodded. “I’ll make some banana hotcakes.”

  She laughed. Her mother always made her favorite pancakes whenever she believed Melissa needed some TLC. Maybe she’d feel more like eating after her shower.

  An hour later, feeling like the fatted calf, Melissa headed to the park. Her body needed a lengthy workout, thanks to the pile of food she’d managed to down. She also found this to be the best place to think. Greg had laughed when she told him that.

  The park appeared almost empty. Melissa donned her skates and headed off along the rollerblade route. She’d picked up quite a bit of speed when she glanced up, nearly colliding with a rather awkward skater.

  “Oops. Sorry,” she said as she spun around the man. Coming to an abrupt stop, she leaned down to catch her breath. “You should stay to the right.”

  “It seems I’m always in the wrong these days,” a familiar voice replied.

  Melissa’s head shot up. “What are you doing here?”

  Greg wobbled, and she steadied him. “Do you want the truth?”

  “Will I be disappointed?” she asked, wanting to remain angry with him but unable to do so.

  “I’m not sure.” He pointed to a bench. “Can we sit for a minute?” Once they were seated, Greg continued. “I wanted to surprise you. I figured I’d try to get the hang of this, and then maybe we could start over.”

  She looked away from his earnest gaze and stared out at the small lagoon. What could she say? Sorry, Greg—I’m too afraid of losing you? What a dumb thing to think. And here he was learning to skate—for her. She wrestled with her thoughts.

  “You don’t have to give me an answer right now,” he said, taking her hand. “I want you to know I’m sorry about last night. Your mom explained everything to me. Forgive me?”

  Melissa couldn’t hear a word Greg said. All she could focus on was that he held her hand. Little electrical shocks of excitement worked their way up her arm to her heart. If she wasn’t careful, the ice wall she’d carefully built would start to melt, and then where would she be?

  Greg reached up and with a gentle tug turned her face toward him. “Is this the silent treatment, or are you co
nsidering my request?”

  “I’m not sure,” she replied, unable to formulate a coherent thought.

  “Okay.” He eased up off the bench and turned cautiously to leave. “See you.”

  “Huh? Are you just giving up? Whatever happened to that old saying, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’?”

  He looked back at her and grinned. “That may be the way things are here in Heaven, Arizona. But not where I come from. My grandpappy always said, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, hide the evidence you even tried.’” He nodded his head. “Good thing I didn’t buy these skates.”

  Melissa stood up, hands on her hips, and watched him struggle to maintain his balance. A light breeze rustled the trees.

  Seize the day.

  “I think I liked you better when I hated you.”

  He tossed back his head and laughed then landed on the ground.

  Melissa skated to his side. “Are you okay?”

  “It takes more than a fall to bruise my ego.”

  She stared into his eyes and felt her thoughts swimming in circles. She reached out and helped him up. “I’ll race you to the rental shop. Loser buys the coffee.”

  “What I wouldn’t give for a miracle right about now.”

  Melissa took off then hollered over her shoulder. “It’ll take more than a miracle to beat me.” She wobbled on her skates; then to her astonishment her feet separated, and she sprawled on the ground. A throb from her wrist quickly built to huge proportions, and she fought a wave of dizziness. She’d never fainted in her life, and she wasn’t about to start now.

  “You don’t have to let me win,” Greg said when he caught up to her.

  His words sounded like an echo in a tunnel. “I feel like the hare,” she replied then slumped forward, only vaguely aware that he’d caught her in his arms.

  “If you two don’t stop hovering over me like a couple of mother hens I’m going to scream!” Melissa said as she narrowed her eyes and glared at Greg and her mother.

  Greg looked at Melissa’s mother and nudged her with his elbow. “Hmm. Grumpy. Either that means the painkillers have worn off or she’s really mad that she has to pay for coffee.”