by JoAnn Durgin
Rebekah tugged on his hand as Reunion Tower came into view in the far-off distance of the otherwise flat landscape. “Dallas, Kevin? We’re in Dallas?”
Tom’s voice came over the loudspeaker. “We’ll be arriving at Love Field in five minutes. Make sure your seat belts are fastened and I’ll make the landing as smooth as possible.”
Kevin bowed his head again as the wheels of the jet connected with the tarmac. Looking out the window, he exhaled a slow sigh of relief. He waited until Tom came out of the cockpit and lowered the stairs. Taking Rebekah’s hand, he led the way, standing a few steps below to assist her. She paused midway, those green eyes locking with his, thanking him without words. So far, so good.
Kevin spotted the waiting silver Rolls Royce. Nothing like going in style. What a phony, but he figured he might as well go all out. Considering it was probably the only time in his life when he’d live like this, he might as well relax if he could—which was debatable—and enjoy it. Just watching the expressions flitting across Rebekah’s beautiful face was reward enough.
A black-coated driver tipped his cap as they walked across the tarmac. “Mr. Moore? This way, please.” When he looked at Rebekah, his admiring gaze lingered a little too long for Kevin’s liking. He was used to stares from other men when he was with her, but he wasn’t in the mood. Not tonight, of all nights. He willed the man to keep moving if he wanted a decent tip.
“I’d have known you and the young lady anywhere,” the driver said over his shoulder. “Mr. Lewis gives very accurate descriptions.”
Rebekah’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are Sam and Lexa meeting us tonight?”
Kevin chuckled. “No way is Sam Lewis cutting into this night. Sorry to disappoint you.”
She shook her head and allowed him to seat her in the luxurious car. “I’m not disappointed. Not at all.” They sat close together, and as the driver pulled away from the airport, their knees touched. “You know how much I love Sam and Lexa,” Rebekah said, her voice quiet, “but this night is reserved for you. Only you.”
~~**~~
Did Kevin plan on proposing tonight? Rebekah had to wonder. He doesn’t know—at least I don’t think he does—that Adam’s no longer in the picture. This had to be his attempt to sway her heart, to show her he was every bit as capable as Adam of looking sophisticated, taking her to elegant places, doing nice things and being more adventurous. A gentle smile curved her lips. In another way, as wonderful as it was, she’d be just as happy sitting on her back porch, sipping sweet tea, talking with him as evening slipped into twilight, stealing looks, sharing kisses and dreams, and falling more in love with each new memory—and each other.
The Rolls Royce rolled up to an old, ivy-covered hotel twenty minutes later. Leaning forward, she glimpsed a sign: The Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek. She knew it by reputation as one of the oldest, most revered institutions for fine dining and romance in Dallas. It was in a league all by itself. As they stepped through the entrance, she looked around in awe of its elegance and beauty as they followed the maître d’ to a special, private table on a back terrace. A candle glowed in the middle of the table and a bouquet of gorgeous fresh roses sat by her place setting. Red, of course. After helping her into her seat, Kevin took the chair across from her.
Rebekah smiled. “You’re sitting too far away.”
Pushing back his chair, he moved to the seat on her right. “Does this mean you want to share your food with me tonight?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The food was excellent, but if anyone asked her what she’d eaten, she wouldn’t have been able to tell them. She sat, enthralled, as Kevin told her about plans for a new TeamWork mission Sam had shared with him. His eyes were bright, and the passion he felt for the ministry thrilled her. He asked about her plans for the summer and they discussed upcoming events with the praise and worship band and his Sunday school class. She asked about his mom and he asked after her mother. It was comfortable, it was easy. It was Kevin.
He glanced at his watch as they finished their meal. “I’m afraid we don’t have time for dessert. Sorry.”
“I don’t need dessert.” The words left her lips and floated on a sigh. “I’m sure we need to be getting back home now.” She hoped her smile conveyed her appreciation. “I can’t believe you did all this, Kevin. It’s been a spectacular evening and one I won’t forget. Ever.” She loved how he’d taken complete charge and planned this entire evening. It was spontaneous and the most romantic date of her life.
“Laissez les bon temps rouler.” Rising to his feet, he held out his hand, waiting.
“Let the good times roll. Lead the way.” Was it the headiness of the man beside her or the fragrant roses filling her senses? She knew other women watched as they headed to the door. As well they should since she was with the most handsome man in the world. Lumber man by day and debonair gentleman by night.
As he assisted her into the waiting Rolls, he gave an address in Fort Worth to the driver. Rebekah looked at him as he slid onto the back seat beside her. “There’s more?”
“That’s my last name, isn’t it?” Kevin chuckled at her look of dismay. “Of course there’s more.”
“Where are you taking me next, oh wonderful man of mystery?”
His smile grew brighter. “Someplace I never thought I’d be going, to be honest.”
Kicking off her shoes, she snuggled into the curve of his arm. This night got more interesting by the moment.
Chapter 41
The Rolls Royce pulled to the front of a stately building in Fort Worth that resembled a theater. Rebekah glimpsed a poster in the marquee window advertising a performance by the Texas Ballet Theater—for tonight’s date. She glanced at her watch. Starting within the half-hour.
“The ballet, Kevin? You’re going to sit through a ballet? As if you haven’t already done enough tonight, you’d do that?” Goodness, if everything else didn’t already tell me he loves me, this does it. I can’t believe he’ll watch men in tights prancing around a stage. The thought was ludicrous. A grin curved her lips as he helped her from the car. “What are you doing to me?”
His look was so loving it stole her breath. “The same thing you’re doing to me.”
Kevin accepted the program from an usher as they went inside the theater and found their seats. Stealing a glance at him during the first act, Rebekah marveled all over again how he’d been willing to sit through something he probably hated with every fiber of his being because he wanted to make her happy. Her heart felt pretty close to reaching its full potential for loving this man. He had to know. She felt his eyes on her and slipped her hand in his.
They shared a glass of ginger ale during the intermission. She laughed as his eyes widened when she mentioned the next intermission.
“There’s a third act?” He hadn’t poured over the program like she had.
During the second act, she leaned close to whisper in his ear. “If you want to leave when this act is done, I won’t be adverse to the idea.”
His smile was broad in the darkened theater. Taking her hand, he raised it to his lips.
It was difficult to concentrate on the dancers on the stage when all she wanted to do was stare at the man beside her.
The man I love.
~~**~~
The return flight to Baton Rouge was quiet and uneventful. The lights below winked at him. Rebekah snuggled close, tucking her hand in his and resting her head on his shoulder.
“This has been the most perfect night of my life. Thank you, Kevin.”
He squeezed her hand in silent agreement. Shortly after midnight, he drove her back to the house. Her eyes were closed, but he knew she wasn’t asleep, just content. That’s all he could have asked. All in all, the night had been a rousing success but now came the final test. His defenses were gone and he needed to keep his wits about him. It didn’t help when he couldn’t stop staring at her long, gorgeous legs as Rebekah emerged from the sports car.
<
br /> “You’re staring at me,” she said, tipping his chin with one finger as she walked past him on the sidewalk leading up to the front door. Her sandals dangled from one hand and he carried the roses for her as she pulled her keys out of her handbag.
“I can’t help it. Those gorgeous, long legs God gave you are much too spectacular, not to mention all the rest of you,” he said under his breath, hoping she hadn’t heard. But he knew she had. That comment came from his alter ego tonight, but it was true. A curtain moving next door caught his attention. “I think Mrs. Michelson is watching.”
Rebekah laughed as she unlocked her front door. “She likes you so it’s all good. We might as well give her a real good show.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Well, as much as I’d like to smooch you on my doorstep, it’s probably best if you come inside. I do have some pride, after all. Get in here, Mr. Moore.” She took him by the hand and hauled him over the doorway and into the living room.
“It’s really late, sweetheart,” Kevin said even though his heart wanted nothing more than to go inside with her and never leave. Lord, keep me strong.
“Indulge me. Please.”
“Ready for your dessert now?” he asked, taking one step closer.
“Uh huh,” she said, putting the roses on a side table. “Your lips will do quite nicely.”
Moving his arms around her, he pulled her close. For a moment, he lost himself in her soft lips, the wonderful scent of her perfume, the warmth of her so close to him. Breaking away, he groaned. He definitely had a lot to pray about but this night had been very rewarding.
“Oh, Rebekah,” he groaned. “Keep this up, and I’m going to fly you to Reno and put a ring on your finger tomorrow.” He shouldn’t have said that, but he couldn’t help himself. This woman was driving him crazy, had him thinking things he shouldn’t.
Rebekah laughed with no clue as to the tangled emotions raging inside him. “Would you like some ice cream before you leave? Some real dessert?”
“Not really, but if it means prolonging the eventual good night, I suppose you could talk me into it.” This was just as crazy. He had to leave for Houston first thing in the morning and he shouldn’t be tired when he hit the open highway. As it was, he wouldn’t get much sleep. He hated to leave without telling her the truth, but he’d followed “the plan” this far and couldn’t mess up now. He trusted Josh. A sting of conscience threatened to waylay him as he followed her into the kitchen.
Just a few more minutes, one more kiss—maybe two—and then I’m out of here.
“Chocolate?” she asked, and he nodded. She knew his preferences just as he knew she liked vanilla. French vanilla, of course.
Removing his suit coat, he tried to ignore the time on the wall clock. Watching as she moved around the kitchen, pulling out the ice cream from the freezer and two spoons from the drawer, it looked like she’d gotten her second wind.
“You know what?” she said, “I’m not standing on ceremony. We’ve shared enough tonight. Here.” She put both pints of ice cream on the table along with the spoons. “Chocolate for you and vanilla for me. We can keep them separate or blend them. Your choice.”
He raised a brow. “I have a better idea.” Taking one spoon and digging in, scooping up a good size bite of the vanilla, he held it up to her lips.
She took the bite and returned the favor, scooping chocolate on her spoon, offering it to him. “You realize we’re hopeless,” she said, her voice quiet as she scooped another bite, this time vanilla for herself.
“I know. Wouldn’t have it any other way.” He stopped his spoon halfway to her mouth. She never looked more adorable than with that hint of a vanilla mustache lining her upper lip. “Finish that bite,” he said.
She was obedient and did as he asked, and he was thrilled the ice cream remained on her upper lip. Feeling bold, he ran his index finger around the upper rim of the chocolate container and slicked some ice cream across his lower lip. He sat back in the chair, arms crossed, waiting to see if she’d take the hint. Laughing, Rebekah leaned close. Oh yes, the woman was creative in so many ways.
“Hmm, delicious. You taste good, Kevin.”
I need to go. The woman was seductive without even trying. She had no idea what her words, the look in her eyes—and especially those lips—did to him.
“I’d better go now,” he said, jumping up from the table. His resolve was melting as fast as that ice cream and he needed to put physical distance between them. Based on her expression, he’d surprised her with his abruptness. “Let me put this away.”
“I don’t care if it melts,” Rebekah murmured, watching him.
From all appearances, he’d accomplished his purpose tonight, done his job. Maybe he’d done it too well. His prayer was that she wouldn’t hate him once she found out he’d left town. He wasn’t sure how she’d find out, but she’d know soon enough, one way or another. The gazebo sat in the warehouse. Timing being everything, he’d left strict instructions for it to be delivered after he left for Houston. Kevin pushed the lids back on the ice cream and returned the containers to the freezer. Wiping his hands on a dishtowel, he grabbed his suit coat with one hand and Rebekah by the other as he led her back into the living room.
“There’s one more thing I have to do before I go tonight,” he said.
“What’s that?” Her eyes searched his. It was obvious she didn’t know what to make of him. As it was, he wasn’t sure what to make of himself.
“This.” Pulling gently on the clip securing her hair, he was utterly entranced as the mass of long, silky blonde strands tumbled around her face and shoulders. He touched her hair before moving one hand behind her neck. He stopped when his lips were a heartbeat away from hers. She raised her chin and her lids lowered. She wanted his kiss, and he needed hers more than the need to breathe. It took every ounce of strength inside him to pull away, to step back.
But he did.
It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her he loved her. How he needed to hear those words from this woman. He wanted to hear them so bad he ached. After tonight, he thought it might actually be true that she loved him. “I hate saying good night to you, but I need to go.” Kevin shrugged into his suit coat.
“Call me tomorrow?” The hint of disappointment in her voice didn’t escape him.
“We’ll talk soon,” he said. That’s the best he could offer but it pained him like a physical blow. Stopping at the door, he knew he couldn’t leave without telling Rebekah with his kiss what he couldn’t with words. He’d followed the plan all evening. He hadn’t told her he loved her.
Kevin opened his arms and she walked into them. Wrapping her in the cocoon of his suit coat, he held her as close as he dared, kissing her again and again. He couldn’t get enough of her. He needed to stop but found it nearly impossible. So dazed he wasn’t sure his legs would hold him upright, so full of love he couldn’t speak, Kevin lowered his arms. Rebekah took a small step backward. It was a beautiful sight. What started out as a hint of a smile on her lips grew into a glorious, loopy grin. Best he’d ever seen. One he soon hoped to see every morning for the rest of his life.
His heart in his throat, he turned to go. I love you.
“Kevin?” she called after him when he was halfway down the walk.
He turned. “Yes?” His heart lurched pretty good at the look on her face.
“I. . .” Heaving a deep breath, she looked away.
He waited. Please say it, Rebekah.
The moonlight reflected her tears as she met his gaze again. “This was the best night of my life.”
He nodded and turned to go, not trusting himself to speak. If she would come after him, run to him, throw her arms around his neck and tell him she loved him, he wouldn’t hold back anything. He’d confess it all—everything—but try not to implicate her brother. She’d probably figure that one out, anyway.
But Rebekah didn’t come after him, didn’t call to him. He started the car and pull
ed away, leaving his heart on her front walkway.
Give her time.
Still, it was going to be one very long, lonely ride to Houston.
Chapter 42
The Next Afternoon
Rebekah poured a glass of water and walked over to the kitchen window. It was a sunny, beautiful day and the humidity wasn’t too oppressive. Over the top rim of her glass, her eyes grew large. Slamming the glass down with such force it nearly broke, she flung the side door wide and ran outside, circling the gazebo several times. It was beautiful. Incredible. Hers? Where in the world did it come from? Who sent it? Was it a gift, or simply a delivery to the wrong house? It was so charming, and she never expected to see one of them sitting in her backyard.
Spying a tag attached to the side, she grabbed it and spotted the familiar logo. Moore Lumber. She shook her head, puzzled, and turned the tag. Why in the world would Kevin send me a gazebo? Her eyes were drawn to the words on the back and she put a hand over her mouth. “Rebekah’s Heart.” What could that mean? Her hand shook, but she examined it again. Those two precious words were written next to Design Name on the back of the tag. Someone had drawn a little red heart beside it.
Rushing back in the house, she paused long enough to grab her purse. Slinging it over her shoulder, she headed to her car. She could call, but she needed to see Kevin in person. As she drove, she wondered if the gazebo was why he hadn’t called her since their date. Their unbelievable, fantastic date. Maybe he knew the gazebo would be delivered and was waiting for her to call and thank him. As soon as she arrived at the lumber company, she headed straight for the customer service desk.
“Welcome to Moore Lumber. May I help you?” A thirty-something, red-haired woman wearing a name tag that read Nancy gave her a friendly smile.
“I’m looking for Kevin Moore. Does he happen to be here this afternoon?” Her quick glance encompassed the large warehouse building, observing the hub of activity. It was good to see business was good with lots of customers buying lumber and home supplies, many trying to save money with do-it-yourself projects.
