A Match for Meghan (Heartsong Presents)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Meghan slid out of the truck. Bavarian music filtered through the outside speakers placed throughout the village, and throngs of people meandered along the sidewalk. He guided her around a lamppost with a large basket of petunias cascading down and scenting the air.

  They strolled across the street, entered the restaurant and climbed the stairs to the second level. “Would you like to sit on the balcony or inside?”

  “Inside, if that’s okay with you.” She smiled at him with a tentative look in her eyes.

  He nodded then gave his name to the hostess who promptly seated them beside a window that overlooked Front Street. The woman handed them each a menu.

  “Thank you,” Ben said. “But I believe we already know what we want.”

  “I’ll send your server right over.” Their hostess whirled around and walked away.

  A few minutes later, they both ordered lasagna.

  “Don’t try too hard to please your date, Meghan. A man likes a woman who thinks for herself.”

  She frowned at him. “Don’t flatter yourself. I happened to want lasagna. I like to change it up when I eat out.”

  He raised his hands in surrender. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend.”

  Her face softened. “I know. It’s okay.” She rested her hands in her lap. “So tell me about yourself. We’ve been working in the same place for over a year, probably closer to two years now, and I don’t know much about you other than what you told me for matchmaking purposes.”

  “There’s not much to tell.”

  “I was afraid of that.”

  “Hey. Strike two.”

  She giggled. “Okay. Okay. You’re right, that was mean. I’m sure there’s more to you than meets the eye. I’d really like to hear about what you do when you’re not working.”

  The sincerity in her eyes prompted a smile. “For starters, I like to volunteer. I help out with the local 4-H group, and I teach an adult Sunday school class. Of course, you knew that already.” He leaned back and crossed his ankles. “I like running, and I love sports. My family is very important to me, and I’d do anything for them.”

  Meghan nodded. “I’ve noticed. I heard from Dr. Harding that your dad wasn’t doing well a while back. Is he better now?”

  “For the most part.”

  “Tell me more.”

  He quirked a grin. “You’re playing to my male ego well.” He winked. “Let’s see. As I mentioned, I enjoy volunteering, but my passion is the Lord.” He reached for his water glass, but bumped it, nearly tipping it over—close call.

  Meghan wrinkled her nose.

  “Did I say something wrong?”

  “No. I’m simply not one for religion. My friend Allison recently found God.” She shrugged. “But I imagine you already know that.”

  He nodded, concerned by her indifference toward the Lord, or rather religion, as she had stated. “I’m curious why you feel the way you do. I don’t really think of myself as a religious person, but I guess everyone doesn’t see things the same as me.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Sorry, that didn’t come out right. What I’m trying to say is that I think of my relationship with God as more personal than a religious act.”

  She nodded. “How does anyone have a relationship with God?” She glanced out the window then back at him. “I don’t mean to sound disrespectful, Ben, but when I was young, I attended my aunt and uncle’s church sometimes and my church friends were no different than me. I don’t see what God has to do with religion.”

  “Exactly. God isn’t religion. People created that. Like I said before, it’s a relationship.”

  Their meal arrived, and she continued to pick his brain about God and the ways in which a person could have a relationship with Him. Ben respected her inquisitiveness and willingly shared his heart, which was the last thing he had expected from this evening.

  Meghan pushed her plate away. “I’m stuffed.”

  “No room for dessert?”

  “Well, maybe some gelato. But not right now. Do you think we could take a walk?”

  “Sure.” He paid then gently took her elbow, guiding them past a series of tables, and on down the stairs. “I’d love it if you came to my Sunday school class sometime.”

  “I don’t know if I’m ready for that, but thanks for the invitation.”

  He held the door open, allowing her to exit first, and almost started when she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm.

  She tilted her head and grinned. “Let’s walk to the end of the block and back. I need to work off some of that starch.”

  He chuckled. “Okay.” He was hard pressed to figure out why Meghan was a one date wonder. For the most part, she’d been a delightful companion. It didn’t make sense to him why no one ever asked her for a second date.

  * * *

  “You’re too quiet.” Meghan leaned into him and nudged his arm with her shoulder. “How did I do tonight? Any great male wisdom to share?” Her lips tugged into a smile, but she quickly smoothed her face—no reason to gloat. She knew she’d done well. More than once, she had held back an inappropriate comment that ordinarily would have blurted from her mouth without a thought. Maybe his dare had been a good idea, after all. A few pointers from Ben and she was ready for a real date.

  “Actually, I think tonight went great. I’m at a loss as to why you’re a one date wonder.”

  “Hey!” She lightly tapped his shoulder with her fist. “I had a good time. You’re not as boring as I thought.”

  “And then she goes and ruins it,” he said, looking up to the sky. “I had such high hopes for you, Meghan. We may need another date to complete your training.”

  “Fine by me, but I’ll pick up the check next time.”

  “What, I don’t have to dare you again?” His eyes twinkled with mischief.

  She pressed her lips together preventing laughter from bubbling out of her mouth. “I’ve decided to use this to my advantage. Getting to know you better will help me find your perfect match.”

  He groaned. “I thought we were done with that.”

  “Oh, come on. Don’t spoil my fun.” She tugged his arm and turned them around, so they could head to his truck. “I want to do this for you.”

  “Don’t you have other clients that need your attention?”

  “Sure, but they’re easy compared to you.” She caught her breath. “I probably shouldn’t have said that, huh?”

  “You’re learning.”

  “Thanks.” She rolled her eyes. “Seriously, though, you’re my pet project. I want to help.”

  “Why?”

  “At first, it was a dare.”

  “You’re kidding. Who dared you?”

  “My lips are sealed.” She pressed her lips together then mimed zipping them.

  “Fine, don’t tell. I wouldn’t want you to break a confidence. But I’m curious why you took the dare.”

  “That’s easy. I can’t resist one, but besides that, when I see you at work, you sometimes look sad or wistful.”

  “That’s ridiculous. I’m not sad or wistful.”

  “Just calling it how I see it.” She might have exaggerated his condition, but every now and then, he really did look that way. “Please give me another chance. I promise to never interrupt when you’re with a patient again.”

  Doubt clouded his eyes as he studied her. She maintained eye contact, though it was tough. His baby blues were dreamy, and she didn’t want to get sucked into their vortex.

  “I’ll think about it. When do you want to go out again?” They’d reached his truck and he pulled open the passenger door.

  “The sooner the better. Don’t you think?”

  He shrugged. “If you say so.” He helped her into the cab then
closed the door. A moment later, he hopped in beside her. “We never had gelato.”

  “Next time.”

  Meghan stared out the front windshield. She had another date with Ben, which was a bad idea. She enjoyed being with him way too much. What if she fell for him and he didn’t reciprocate—another reason why she preferred to focus on the love lives of others rather than her own. Rejection hurt.

  She knew all too well what it felt like to love someone and not be loved in return. Maybe it hadn’t been a romantic love, but her mom’s abandonment had forced her to learn at a young age to be careful with her heart.

  Meghan nibbled on her bottom lip. She could kick herself for agreeing to go out with him again. Sure, he had given her some good dating tips, which she appreciated, but in the end, the tips didn’t matter. When it came right down to it, true love wasn’t for her.

  Ben had made it clear he wasn’t interested and that tonight wasn’t a real date. She couldn’t allow herself to care for him, or she’d wind up hurt. “You know, I’ve changed my mind. Let’s not do this again. I think you’ve given me enough help. I’m ready to face a real date and see what happens.”

  He glanced her way then shifted his attention to the road. “Okay. If you feel you’re ready.”

  She nodded once. “I do. I mean I’m ready.”

  “Good.” He signaled and pulled into the parking lot to her apartment.

  “Don’t get out. I’ve got this.” She quickly unbuckled and slid out of the truck until her sandals hit the pavement. “Thanks again. Good night.” She turned and walked as fast as possible to her apartment, the entire time feeling Ben’s eyes on her. Dare she look? She pulled out her keys and opened her door. She glanced to where his truck had been, and sure enough, he was still there. She raised a hand and waved before stepping inside and locking up.

  “How’d it go?”

  Meghan screamed and whirled around. “Cassie, what are you doing sitting in the dark?”

  “Waiting for you. I figured if I left the lights off, I could slip out unnoticed if he came in with you.”

  Meghan flipped the light switch and willed her racing heart to slow. “Next time, leave a light on. I about had a heart attack.”

  “Sorry. How’d it go?”

  “Really well. He’s actually a pretty cool guy. Unfortunately, he’s very religious, but strangely he says he’s not.” She kicked off her sandals and sat across from her roommate.

  “What do you have against religion anyway?”

  “Nothing. I just don’t see the point, if it doesn’t make you a better person.” Her words echoed in her mind. Ben was one of the best people she knew. He radiated care and concern for others—except when he was angry. Like the time she’d tried to set him up with a client who slipped him her phone number. But she could see why he’d be angry about that, so that didn’t make him a bad person. Hmm, maybe there was something to the relationship thing he had mentioned. She yawned. “I’m beat. See you in the morning.”

  A short time later, she climbed into bed still mulling over her date. Why did she have to enjoy it so much? Now all she could think about was Ben. Would working in the same office be awkward?

  * * *

  Ben took the long way home, too keyed up to go back to his place yet. Meghan was a lot different than he’d expected. In fact, he found himself drawn to her, and had been disappointed when she’d called off their second date. It was probably for the best, though. “What am I supposed to do, Lord?” he said into the quiet of his truck cab. Silence met his question. He pulled into his driveway and killed the engine. He really should have thought things through before daring Meghan to go out with him, but he had never anticipated enjoying himself, much less wishing for another date.

  He walked to the barn to check on Jeremy’s cow, then made his way into the house. Why was the Lord being so quiet? Surely, He had some wisdom to offer. Maybe Pete would be able to give him advice. Monday was three long days away, and he couldn’t wait. The phone on the side table snagged his attention, but he hesitated. Maybe it would be best to wait and talk to Pete at the clinic on Monday. No, he needed to talk with someone now. And he trusted Pete. He punched in his number.

  “Hey, it’s me.”

  “What’s up? It’s not like you to call. Is there a problem at the clinic?”

  “No. I had my date with Meghan tonight.” Ben sank onto his sofa and rested his head back, eyes closed. He sighed.

  “That bad?”

  “No. That good.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “I wish. I hate to admit it, but I’m drawn to her.”

  Pete coughed. “Well, stop being drawn to her. I thought you were only taking her out to teach her a lesson, not fall for her.”

  “I was, but she’s not what I expected.”

  “She’s not a believer.”

  “I know. But why would God allow me to feel this way if it’s not okay?”

  “It’s called free will. He doesn’t control how we think or feel. Come on, Ben this is Bible 101.”

  “Yeah, well, it’s different when you’re the one experiencing the feelings.” Ugh, that didn’t sound manly. “I mean—”

  “I understand. Look, you should pray about this before you pursue dating Meghan. I didn’t think anything of your dinner date earlier because I never imagined it would go anywhere, but you’re asking for trouble if you pursue this. I like her, too, not like that, of course, but I get it. She’s nice, pretty, smart—”

  “Hey!” Keira, Pete’s wife, said in the background.

  Ben chuckled. “Better be careful. Your wife will get jealous.”

  “She knows she’s the only woman for me.”

  Ben heard lips smacking and he groaned. “Can’t you wait until I hang up?” He disconnected the call and dropped the phone to the cushion beside him. Everything Pete had said had been correct, and as much as he wanted to ask Meghan out again, he wouldn’t. He would, however, pray for her. Maybe he should pray for himself, as well, because he really liked her, and he didn’t know what to do with his feelings. One thing was certain, he needed to be careful. She’d been hurt enough, and he didn’t want to cause her any more pain.

  Chapter 10

  Ben gazed at the dozen or so sets of eyes trained on him in his Sunday school class, all filled with expectation. He wasn’t as prepared as he’d like to be. On top of that, Allison, the woman that Meghan had set him up with last week, sat only a few feet from him in the front row. He ran his hand across the back of his neck. “I don’t know about anyone else, but this past week kicked my backside, and I’m empty today.”

  Several people nodded.

  “If it’s okay with everyone, I’d like to forego what I’d planned for today’s lesson and instead just talk.”

  Again, several nods.

  He breathed a little easier. “Thanks. Maybe we could share any needs we have. Or, if God worked in your life this week, perhaps you’d like to encourage the rest of us.” He looked around and saw a hand slip up. Allison remained still—good. It wasn’t that he didn’t like her, but they hadn’t connected on a romantic level. He read confusion in her eyes, but there was nothing to be done about it. He’d tried to let her off easy after their date—well, he had hoped that not suggesting getting together again had sent the message. The last thing he wanted was to air his dating life, or lack thereof, before his Sunday school class.

  Devon stood. “I have a praise to report. Most of you know I’ve been out of work for a while. Well, I was offered a great job this past week working as a river guide.”

  “Congratulations.” Ben grinned, and the class clapped in agreement.

  “What about you, Ben?” Doug asked from the front row beside Allison. “It’s not like you to admit having a rough week. Is there anything we can pray with you about?”

>   Ben stilled—so much for his great idea. “Not really. My dad is doing better.”

  “How about work?”

  “It’s been busy.” There wasn’t a chance he’d reveal how stressed he’d been thanks to Meghan. He had been doing fine before she had decided to make him her pet project, although he knew she had his best interests in mind.

  “Busier than normal?” Doug leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You sure there’s nothing we can pray with you about?”

  “I’m sure, but thanks. Next week, I’ll be more prepared.” Were it not for Allison, he’d mention the strain at work, but he didn’t want it to get back to Meghan. He wasn’t out to hurt her.

  Several others shared, and they spent some time in prayer. Then the bell tone sounded indicating it was time to wrap up. He gathered his Bible and notes.

  Allison stood and smiled. “I had a good time the other night. I’m sorry you had a rough week. Meghan mentioned you’ve been super busy lately.”

  “She did?”

  Allison nodded, her doe eyes wide. “Umm. I thought if you’re not too busy maybe we could get together again. Sometime this week?”

  Ben’s heart pounded. Clearly, she hadn’t taken his subtle hint. He hated this kind of stuff, and he was very bad at it. The classroom had emptied except for the two of them. He edged toward the door. “I don’t really know how to say this, except to be blunt.”

  Allison fiddled with the strap on her purse.

  “I think you’re nice, and I like you, but we aren’t meant to be a couple.”

  “Oh.” Her face reddened. “I appreciate your honesty.” She pursed her lips. “May I ask why you don’t like me?”

  “I didn’t say I don’t like you. I said, you’re nice, but there wasn’t a connection between us—at least on my end.”

  “It’s because I’m in your Sunday school class, right? I told Meghan that might be a problem. Maybe I could go to a different class.”

  He shook his head. “No, that has nothing to do with it. You’re attractive and kind, Allison. I’m sure Meghan will set you up with a better match than me sometime soon.” Allison just seemed a little too desperate, which didn’t appeal to him. He could strangle Meghan for putting him in this predicament. Then again, he had agreed to the date with Allison. He was to blame, not Meghan. “I’m sorry, Allison. I hope we can be friends.”