A Gentleman's Kiss Romance Collection

by Ginny Aiken

  She pulled back from his embrace but remained silent.

  “‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,’” he quoted from Proverbs. “We don’t know why God called your father home, but we’re not told to try to understand it. We’re told to trust Him.”

  With his final words Melissa broke down and sobbed in his arms while he struggled with his own emotions. He held her until she grew quiet and then kissed the top of her head.

  “You need some rest. Let me help you up.”

  They walked to the front door in silence. Once outside on the step he turned to her. “You’re the best mistake that’s ever happened to me. I don’t know what God has planned for our relationship, but I’m trying to trust Him to show me. Will you at least think about what I said?”

  She nodded, still looking sad and doe-eyed.

  He found it difficult leaving her like that, but he knew he couldn’t stay. “Take care.” He walked away, fighting the urge to run back, gather her in his arms, and make everything better. But only God could do that, no matter how much he wanted to.

  Chapter 6

  You’re in love!”

  Melissa laughed. “Nowhere near it.” But maybe a little serious, she admitted to herself. “I’m not ready for a relationship. I’m still trying to figure out who I am.”

  Gram gave her a warm hug as she entered the house. She moved to the living room and sat down on the sofa, patting the couch for Melissa to join her. “Tell me more about him.” She kicked off her sneakers and settled in. Her jeans had tiny flecks of glitter, and her red T-shirt said, “If things improve with age, I must be near magnificent.”

  Once comfortably seated, Melissa started to tell Gram all about the last four weeks. “He visits almost every day, even went with me when I had the cast removed. When we came home, he cooked dinner and then later massaged my hand and wrist with moisturizer.” She held up her pale arm and looked at it. A ripple of excitement shuddered through her as she remembered his caring touch.

  “Is that all you’ve done so far—hold hands?” Gram asked, impatience resonating in her voice.

  Melissa could feel the warmth rising in her cheeks. “There’s nothing between us.”

  Gram smiled. “He’s the one.”

  A tingle zapped through her. How she wished this were true. “It’s not that simple. He’s a pastor with a great many demands on his time. And I think—I think he has or had a wife already.” There. She’d said it. She’d voiced her fears.

  “Oh.”

  Melissa wanted to laugh. It seemed Gram was finally speechless. “It’s been a long time since I cared for someone.” A moment of trepidation threatened so Melissa blurted out her concern. “And I’m afraid I’ll get hurt.”

  “Lissa, you can’t trust anyone but God.”

  “You sound like Greg.”

  Gram smiled and patted Melissa’s hand. “He seems very wise. Maybe you should listen to him.”

  She’d been doing just that. “I think I need more time.” Though her relationship with God still felt somewhat precarious, she now enjoyed reading her Bible and attending church and home groups. Yet, if she were honest with herself, she knew God still waited with open arms for her full surrender. When would she have the courage to step into His embrace?

  “Honey, the pain of your loss will eventually fade. You may never know why, but it doesn’t matter.”

  “I think I know that, but it just hasn’t reached my heart yet. How do you deal with it? After all, he was your son.”

  “It wasn’t easy at first. And I still have my days. A mother never expects to outlive her children. But I see our lives as though we are on a large chessboard. I’m a small piece, and my vision is restricted to the square I’m on. But there are other players and other squares. God is the only one who can see the whole board and all the moves.”

  Melissa liked the analogy.

  “I also see how you’re starting to blossom now that you are out of the shadow of your dad.”

  Ouch. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m not trying to hurt you, but I know the Bible says all things work for good. Yes, it was difficult to lose Martin, but I think you lived for him. If any good came out of his being called home, it’s that you’re searching to find yourself. It may be that you still love all the things you did together, or it may be that you did most of them because he loved them. I don’t know what you’ll find. But I know God will be with you when you do.”

  Melissa fought the desire to fall into Gram’s arms and weep. “Do you think that’s why Dad died?”

  “I would never suggest such a thing. And don’t you hold yourself responsible, young lady.” Gram stroked her hair and sighed.

  “I took the last batch of flies I’d made down to the shop. The guys seemed really glad to see me, but I felt as if I didn’t belong anymore. Charlie and I talked for awhile, but it’s not the same without Dad.”

  “And that’s what I’m saying, sweetie. It’s time to find out who you are and what you want to do with your life. It’s scary, but your mother and I support you totally. So do your cousins, and I’m sure your new young man does as well. But, more important, God is with you all the way.”

  “Greg said God was like my shadow. Even on days I couldn’t see or feel Him, He’s still with me.”

  “If you don’t snap up that man, I just might!” Then Gram jumped off the sofa and began to sing “Me and My Shadow.”

  Melissa watched with misty eyes, blinking often to keep the tears in check. She felt blessed. So very blessed. Thank You, Lord!

  They arrived at Heaven Stables on time. Greg, Melissa, and the teens poured out of three vehicles and walked to the stalls.

  Melissa couldn’t help but notice how great Greg looked in his jeans, T-shirt, and cowboy boots. She watched as he interacted with the kids. Her heart swelled with affection. She’d fought her feelings long enough and finally found herself willing to see where God would take this relationship. If the opportunity presented itself for her to discuss her growing attraction for Greg, she’d seize the day.

  Unless of course her nerves got the better of her. Horseback riding was not a new experience for her, but it had been awhile. She hoped they’d give her a docile pony.

  “Wow! Look at the size of that horse,” one of the teens said as he pointed to a massive white stallion. “That’s the one I want.”

  Greg chuckled. “It would figure. The smallest kid wants the biggest horse.”

  “And he can have him,” Melissa replied. “I want this little mare here.” She moved to a small brown horse with a thick, cream-colored mane.

  “Need a hand up?” Greg offered with a twinkle in his eye.

  “Maybe I’ll let the instructor help me.”

  “Okay.” He stepped closer to her. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look this morning?”

  “A few times,” she answered, not daring to meet his gaze. Her heartbeat raged, and she wished he’d move back in case he could hear it thumping wildly.

  Greg caressed her cheek and then tipped her chin upward. He gazed into her eyes, and she felt the world fade away. She couldn’t stop the undertow. He had pulled her in, and now her feelings were spiraling out of control. “You grow more beautiful to me with each passing day,” he whispered.

  “Oww, yuk!” Willy said. “No PDA, or I’m going home.”

  Melissa turned to the lad. “PDA?”

  Greg laughed and pulled back from her. “He means public displays of affection.”

  “Yeah, and you two are here to keep an eye on us. We don’t want to be your chaperones,” Willy quipped.

  Melissa and Greg laughed.

  Soon everyone mounted a horse and prepared to head out on the trail. Melissa loved the early morning smells and inhaled deeply the pungent odor of the creosote bush.

  They traveled in silence at first, becoming familiar with their horses. Greg was up ahead, just behind the instructor. Melissa brought up the rear. She’d gro
wn to care for the youth group and enjoyed helping Greg whenever she could. As their relationship grew stronger, it seemed easier for her to share him. The thought brought a smile to her lips.

  They rode to the abandoned mining town and dismounted for lunch. The sun beat down on the dusty old place as they seated themselves in the shade of a dilapidated building.

  “I think I’ll belly up to the bar,” Willy said as he pointed to the saloon sign dangling precariously.

  Greg nodded at the boy. “The drinks in there might give new meaning to the word dry.“

  “We have some cold pop over here, Willy.” Melissa held out a can of cola for the teen.

  In no time the food was eaten. With the many jokes and digs the kids had given Greg, she wondered when they’d had time to fill their mouths. She’d laughed so hard her stomach ached.

  Everyone helped with the cleanup then climbed back on their horses. Melissa had been pleased that her pick, Dolly, turned out to be the quietest one of the bunch. Dolly obviously knew the route, allowing Melissa the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the journey.

  They stopped when they were about halfway back to the stables. Everyone pulled out water bottles and guzzled down large gulps.

  As they started to move out, the instructor’s horse pranced off the trail, and she struggled to get the pinto back on course. She hollered back to the group, “Keep a tight hold! It might be a snake or something.”

  Melissa gripped the leather reins and prayed she wouldn’t fall. She couldn’t take being in a cast again. Her arm was finally starting to look normal. She glanced up ahead. None of the other horses seemed to be upset. Whatever it was had probably been as scared as they were and left. She relaxed a little.

  Before she’d finished her thoughts, Dolly spooked and roared to life like a mechanical bull. Melissa held tight, her fingers white from the pressure. The horse raced past a few in the group then veered off the trail. She bounced hard in the saddle and forced herself to try to gain control of the horse. Cacti whipped against her legs, and everything blurred. She could hear a loud thundering in her ears, and then Greg appeared at her side. With muscular arms she’d never noticed before, he pulled Dolly to a stop then lowered Melissa to the ground. In one quick motion he dismounted and held her.

  “Are you okay?”

  She nodded and stared into his fear-filled eyes.

  “I–I—” He couldn’t finish his sentence and simply clutched her to him. When their gazes met again, the fear had been replaced. She knew that look. Love. He loved her. She began to tremble.

  “You’re shaking. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Fine,” she whispered.

  And then he lowered his mouth to hers. It seemed as if she’d been waiting for this forever. Her stomach did a loop-de-loop as if she were on a roller coaster. When their lips touched, she forgot her queasiness and responded. His kiss was gentle but full of emotion, and she felt light-headed. She didn’t want it to end.

  Someone cleared his throat.

  “How many times do I have to tell you?” Willy asked.

  “No PDA,” everyone said then burst into laughter.

  Melissa knew her face had flushed worse than a ripe tomato. But she didn’t care. In fact, she didn’t care if Dolly never came back and she had to walk home. She felt as if she had sprouted wings and nothing could shake her light feeling. Not even an embarrassing comment from a teenager.

  Chapter 7

  I love this place, don’t you?” Melissa asked as she walked through the fairgrounds, holding Greg’s hand. Cotton candy and caramel apple smells tickled her senses. Bells and laughter rang out around them.

  Two weeks had passed since the horseback-riding incident. Or, more important to Melissa, since the kiss. Others had followed, but none like that first one that had sent shooting stars throughout her. Yet, despite her joy, she was still uncertain. Ursula always seemed to be hovering nearby, and Greg accepted numerous dinner invitations at Pastor Jamison’s house.

  “I always wanted to run away with this sort of traveling amusement company.” Greg’s words brought her back to the present. “I knew I wasn’t good enough for the circus.”

  “Good enough?”

  He looked embarrassed. “Yes. I have some talent.”

  “Am I supposed to guess what it is, or are you going to tell me?” They stopped walking, and she turned to face him.

  “If you ever tell anyone, I’ll have to kill you.”

  “Scout’s honor. My lips are sealed.”

  “Maybe I should check?”

  She laughed and shook her head. “Don’t try to get around this can of worms you’ve opened.”

  Greg sighed. “I used to place three hula hoops on the floor in our playroom, grab a pair of rolled up socks, and emcee an entire three-ring show. Then I’d pick up a chair, and I’d become The Great Kelly, the world’s best lion tamer.”

  Melissa struggled not to laugh. “And the lions?”

  “The neighbor’s cats. And, trust me, they could be vicious. I still have scars.” He pulled up his sleeve and showed her a faint, white line on his wrist.

  “Ahh, you poor thing. Let me kiss it all better,” she said with a pout as she pulled his arm up to her lips.

  For a moment the world stood still or simply vanished for Melissa. She was only aware of Greg. His dark eyes held her gaze. She slipped her fingers through his hair and basked in the contentment that seemed to fill her life these days.

  She became aware of someone else’s presence only when Greg pulled away quickly. “Hey, are you guys still at it?” the boy asked.

  “Give it a few more years, Willy, and you’ll understand.”

  “I bumped into Marcus, and he told me you were cleaning up the place. Winning everything.” Willy pointed to the stuffed animals Melissa carried.

  “You know how rumors go,” she answered, worried that Greg might be upset with her skill.

  “Don’t listen to her modesty. She’s incredible.”

  Willy’s eyes lit up. “Wanna help me win something for my mom?”

  “Sure.”

  A short time later Willy left, a large panda bear tucked under his arm.

  “That was nice of you.”

  “I enjoyed it.” She laid her head on his shoulder as they wandered through the fairgrounds. They’d been working their way toward the food area when Melissa asked if they could sit down somewhere.

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  “We could go, if you like.”

  “I’m waiting until it gets a little darker, and then I’m taking my favorite girl on the Ferris wheel. No one will catch me kissing her there.”

  “Do I know this woman?”

  He chucked her chin. “Oh, yes.”

  The loop-de-loop feeling had returned. Were her feet still on the ground?

  Greg left to buy food while Melissa waited. When Ursula sat down beside her, she wanted to get up and leave.

  “Hey. Did Greg win all those for you?”

  Melissa hesitated. “Ah, no.”

  “Where is he anyway? I want him to take me on the Ferris wheel.”

  “He’s over there getting some food.”

  Ursula stood and headed toward him. Melissa watched as fear boiled in her stomach. Why did it feel as if their perfect evening had been ruined? No matter how much she cared for Greg, there would always be something—or someone—coming between them. Why, Lord? What am I to learn?

  Greg spoke briefly with Ursula then carried hot dogs and cherry lemonade to their table. They ate in companionable silence, watching the crowd.

  “Is my girl ready for the ride of her life?”

  “I don’t know. Where did Ursula go?”

  “Is that what’s been bothering you?”

  Melissa couldn’t answer.

  “It’s just a little crush. Give her time, and she’ll get over it.” He pulled her closer. “Now are you ready for the ride of your life?”

  “A little sure of yourself, eh?” sh
e teased, knowing that being with him was already the ride of her life. He accepted everything about her and didn’t ask for more than he willingly gave. He respected her and appreciated her talents, never trying to compete. She’d never known a man like him, and just thinking about him gave her goose bumps.

  “I’ll give you your money back if it isn’t,” he said with a wide grin.

  “Deal.”

  He replied in an instant, “Lead.”

  “You got it this time.”

  “Emit.”

  Even this silly game between them somehow caused her to feel warm and tender toward him. “If this is the experience you claim it will be, what’s your reward?”

  “Drawer.”

  “You’re a nut.”

  “Takes one to know one.” He pulled her into his embrace while they waited for their turn on the ride. “Besides, I have all the reward I need right here in my arms.”

  On the wheel Greg held her hand as they went around and around. She loved the view, with a crimson sunset off in the distance. When they were stopped at the top, he turned to her. “You’ve brought so much joy into my life, Mel.” He kissed her forehead, nuzzled her neck then found her lips with his.

  Melissa realized that for the first time since her dad’s death it didn’t hurt being called Mel. In fact, it felt right hearing Greg say it. Everything felt right, and she thanked God that she’d finally trusted Him. It seemed as if her life was now on track. And she’d finally had a date that didn’t constitute a disaster.

  When she looked down on the ground, she could see Ursula watching, and a feeling of foreboding surrounded her. She shivered.

  Melissa checked her watch. Not quite noon. Maybe she’d wait inside the church for Greg. Perhaps he could even leave early for their lunch date.

  She entered the building and made her way to the office. The church secretary waved as she left her desk.

  “Your timing is perfect. I have to get more paper, and we store it in the basement. Can you answer the phone if it rings? Greg’s in with Pastor Jamison.”