Moonbeams: A Christian Romance Novel (The Lewis Legacy Series Book 5)

by JoAnn Durgin

  Time to face facts.

  I want what these people have. In the short time he’d been with the TeamWork crew, he’d seen how great it could be to have a wife and family. Especially after his dad died, he’d known he wanted what his mom and dad shared all those years. He wanted someone to come home to at the end of a long day. When he made a bad trade or lost a client, who would he turn to for comfort and reassurance that he wasn’t a complete screw-up? He didn’t want to go through life alone. At Amy and Landon’s wedding, as he’d listened to their vows, it was like some internal light switch got flipped on to illuminate his shortcomings.

  “Turn right at the next light,” Cassie said, interrupting his thoughts. “The restaurant’s two blocks down on the right.”

  Within five minutes, he’d parked the car and they walked inside. The hostess greeted them and he spied Rebekah and Kevin waving to them from a large table near the dance floor. As they chatted with the others, Mitch was glad none of them brought up the earlier events in the day. More than that, he was grateful that Cassie didn’t seem unduly traumatized by what happened to her. Beneath the aura of small-town charm was a woman strong in character. If Cassie wanted to talk about it, she’d say something. Otherwise, he was content to relax and enjoy the evening.

  Sipping his Coke, Mitch watched Cassie without bothering to disguise his fascination with her. She was a natural on the dance floor. A live band set up in one corner of the restaurant played until they took a break and a DJ spun country western tunes, none of which were familiar, but they were catchy.

  Marc and Natalie weren’t as adept with the line dances, but they danced beside Sam and Lexa, briefly trading partners for the livelier dances. Amy and Landon held their own—Landon was originally from Texas—but Kevin? Another surprise. Who could have guessed the shy, quiet man could dance like that? Kevin and Rebekah danced near Josh and Winnie and they also traded partners every now and then. Mitch watched Kevin twirl his wife beneath his arm before bringing her smoothly back into the circle of his arms. Way to go, Kevin.

  At the first hint of a slow dance, he’d make a beeline for Cassie. A couple of guys cut in and danced with Marta and Gayle, but Cassie politely declined when asked. That pleased him, although he had no claim on her, no right to deny her the opportunity to meet other guys. After all, he was going back to New York in a little over two days. That thought disgruntled him, irrational as it was.

  Chomping on a tortilla chip, Mitch caught the inside of his cheek. Hard. “Ow,” he said under his breath, carefully finishing the bite. He leaned back, throwing his arm on the back of the chair vacated by Cassie, trying to appear nonchalant. Tapping his foot in rhythm to the music, his back stiffened when a tall cowboy approached her. Slightly long, dark hair, muscular and not bad looking. Mitch grunted under his breath and straightened in the chair. The guy didn’t have a hint of a receding hairline and not an ounce of fat on that lean frame.

  “Stone!” Cassie threw her arms around the cowboy and gave him a warm reception. “It’s so great to see you.”

  Stone? Seriously? If he was honest with himself, the name was fitting. The guy looked solid as a. . .well, a rock. A very big, immovable rock. Grabbing another chip, Mitch stuffed it in his mouth. He tried to train his attention elsewhere, but it didn’t work, and he moved his gaze back to where Cassie talked with the man. If that guy grabbed her and headed to the dance floor, he’d cut in. Make a fool of himself, if needed. Whatever it took.

  In too snug jeans, a short-sleeved red shirt—unbuttoned one too many buttons—and a black Stetson, Stone what’s-his-name epitomized the stereotype of a cowboy from the cover of one of those romance books he’d seen women sneak into their grocery carts. And did every single man in Texas own a Stetson? What was it about those hats that women loved so much, anyway? Did the hat make the man? No, it was probably more the combination of outdoors, brawny man and the Stetson. Women fawned all over guys like that.

  Leaning to the left to get a better view, Mitch clenched his jaws. Well-worn cowboy boots made from some kind of an animal. Probably rattlesnake or alligator. He wouldn’t doubt this Stone guy killed the animal with his bare hands. Might even be one of those champion bull riders women went nuts over, judging by the obnoxious silver buckle.

  “Having a good time?” Kevin slid into the chair beside him.

  Mitch moved his arm. “Yep. The TeamWork crew sure knows how to have a good time.” He nodded in Cassie’s direction. “So, who’s the cowboy in the red shirt?” As casual as he tried to be, he couldn’t fool anyone. He’d always been regrettably obvious with his feelings.

  Kevin chuckled under his breath. “Stone? He’s a friend of Cassie’s from a few years ago.”

  “I take it you’ve met him before?”

  “You can be straight with me, Mitch. I’ve been there. When Rebekah dated Adam, I’m sure I had the same look on my face that you do now.”

  “The British guy?”

  “The same.” Kevin was a handsome guy, and Rebekah was tall, blonde and leggy—the girl-next-door version of a supermodel. Rebekah could have had her pick of men, but from what Mitch could tell, she was unaffected by her God-given beauty and adored her husband. Who wouldn’t? Kevin was a walking pillar of faith, loyalty and strength of character. Their personalities meshed well.

  Crossing his arms, Mitch rested them on the table. “I hear you waited a while—as in a few years—to stake your claim for Rebekah. Can I ask why?”

  As Kevin considered his answer, Mitch darted another glance to where Cassie talked with Stone across the room. What could they have to talk about for this long?

  “I wanted Rebekah to make the conscious decision that she wanted to be with me,” Kevin finally said. “It wasn’t a contest between Adam and me. We’d dated and she knew the way I felt about her. The only way to explain it is that God gave me a peace that Adam would eventually mess up the relationship. And that she’d figure out what she wanted.”

  “The waiting must have been tough.” Kevin’s smile confirmed his words. “You’ve got a lot more patience than I would have. It’s not my long suit and I’d have barged right in there. Tell me something. Is this friend of Cassie’s a casual acquaintance or did they date?”

  “Not sure. You should ask her. The main thing is, even if she did date Stone in the past, she doesn’t now.”

  “Right.” Good point. Mitch finished his Coke. “I’d better get over there in case there’s a slow dance soon. Aren’t we about due?”

  Kevin nudged his arm. “Go get your woman, city boy.”

  “Thanks, man. I think I’ll do that.” That’s all the impetus he needed. Rising to his feet, Mitch squared his shoulders. He hadn’t a clue what to say to a guy like this and felt a little less worthy as a man the closer he came to all that rugged masculinity. If he knew how to swagger, he might try it, but he’d probably end up looking stupid and feeling even more inadequate.

  Bottom line? No way, no how was this Stone guy going to hone in on a slow dance with Cassie.

  Time to stake his claim.

  Chapter 17

  Cassie’s heart skipped a few beats as Mitch approached where she talked with Stone. The man was completely adorable wearing that who is this guy? expression. Why would a man as confident as Mitch be intimidated by the man standing beside her? Stone might be impressive physically, but he was a total goof. She’d met him shortly after her arrival in Houston. They’d gone out a few times, shared one awkward kiss totally lacking in chemistry and been friends ever since.

  Something about the pasted-on expression on Mitch’s face struck her as comical. Could it be he didn’t know what to say for once in his life? She’d let him speak first.

  “Mitch Jacobsen,” he said, offering his hand to Stone. Was it her imagination or did his voice suddenly sound deeper?

  “Stone Bicklebing.” He pumped Mitch’s hand a few times before releasing it.

  Cassie bit her lip not to laugh as Mitch darted a glance at her. “Don’t tell me you�
��re related to my old friends Doris and Walt?”

  “They’re my aunt and uncle. How long have you known them?”

  “Cassie introduced us when I first got to town.”

  “And when was that?”

  Mitch grunted. “Yesterday, as a matter of fact.”

  “I see.”

  “Great people,” Mitch said. “We talked about the moon, among other things.”

  “Okay then,” Stone said as he cast a curious glance in her direction.

  “Your aunt told me I’d be a fool to leave Cassie behind when I leave Houston.”

  Stone crossed his arms. “And how long have you known Cassie?”

  Mitch’s face grew pale, visible even in the dim lighting inside the restaurant. “Long enough.”

  This was going nowhere fast. Not Mitch’s best moment, to be sure. The band returned and began tuning their instruments for the next set. She turned to Stone. “It’s been great to see you again.”

  “You, too, Cass. Take care.” He leaned close and whispered. “This guy really likes you. Do yourself a favor and put him out of his misery.” Telling Mitch it was nice to meet him, Stone departed.

  “Well, that was strange.” Mitch tugged on the lapels of his jacket. “Is Bicklebat a big name in Texas or is the world really that small?”

  “Come dance with me.” Cassie pulled him by the hand and led him onto the dance floor. That’s where Mitch took over. Resting one hand lightly on her waist, he took her other hand in his as they started a fast waltz.

  “I have to say, you’re surprisingly good at this.”

  “I’ve learned a few of the social graces in New York.”

  “Social graces?”

  “How to waltz the old-fashioned way, for one. I’m using the same technique now, but it’s set at a faster tempo. The key is in knowing how to properly hold a woman.” He twirled Cassie around the floor, moving them expertly among the other dancers. Sam and Lexa smiled as they passed them, as did Winnie and Josh. She couldn’t miss a few broad winks here and there. Ah, the TeamWork matchmakers must be having a field day. Not that she even cared anymore.

  Cassie relaxed and enjoyed being held in his arms. She didn’t like it when a dance partner wouldn’t—or couldn’t—lead. Or had two left feet. Not that they could help it, but she was glad Mitch had no problems in that arena.

  “By the way, you’re incredibly cute when you’re jealous.” She’d put her hand on his chest, a reminder of how firm and muscular it was. Lord forgive her, but she couldn’t get the image of shirtless Mitch leaning over Donald out of her mind. In more ways than one. Maybe it was the combination of his selfless, heroic actions and his strong physique? Rebekah told her how seeing Kevin shirtless on one of the TeamWork mission projects made her see him in a completely different light. Call it vain, call it inappropriate, but she couldn’t help it. God made her this way, right?

  Mitch grunted. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  She hadn’t voiced that thought, had she? No, she’d said something about him being jealous. “What? They don’t teach you how to talk to a rugged cowboy in those social grace classes?”

  “I’m sure they have those classes, yes, but you won’t catch me in one of them.” He tugged her closer, moving his hand around her waist with firm control. The movement seemed natural and comfortable. Possessive almost, but she wasn’t about to complain.

  “Which class did you enroll in?” She could only blame it on the night and the headiness of being held in Mitch’s arms. Must bring out her flirting gene.

  “How to charm a girl the old-fashioned way.” With that, Mitch proceeded to whirl and twirl her with the best of them.

  She loved every minute.

  ~~**~~

  Two Hours Later

  “Oh, no.” Shifting to face Mitch, Cassie slid right into him. As in flat up against him. She burst out laughing. She’d moved way beyond the point of embarrassment.

  Laughing with her, Mitch struggled to sit up. His feet slipped out from under him and he landed flat on his back. “Now, this is fun.”

  “Shh.” She stifled her giggles and moved a finger over her lips. “Listen. Do you hear that?”

  He stopped. “Um, no. What am I supposed—?”

  “Listen closely. That hissing sound.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” He turned incredulous eyes on her. “We broke the castle?”

  “Unless my ears deceive me, yes, we’ve managed to puncture the castle.” She tugged on the back pocket of his jeans.

  “Excuse me?” Mitch angled his body away from hers, laughing. “Sweetheart, you need to buy me dinner first before you—”

  “Oops. Sorry.” She raised her hands. “Didn’t mean to invade your privacy, but do you have a knife in your back pocket?”

  “Well, yes, but it’s not like the blade is out, if that’s what you’re thinking.” He slid his hand into the pocket. “The bottle cap thingee has apparently broken loose.”

  “Great. What are we going to do?”

  “I say we find the humor in it all. It’s not like we can find the source of the leak tonight and fix it with duct tape or something. Chances are, the leak is directly beneath me.”

  “That’s a great idea! I know where Sam keeps the duct tape.” When Cassie started to scramble to her feet, she slid and landed beside him again. “We’re never going to get out of here, are we?”

  “It has to be deflated, anyway and I’ll tell Sam and he can let the rental company know. I’ll pay them well to find and patch the puncture. I’m sure this isn’t the first time it’s happened.”

  After a few tries, they finally managed to climb out of the castle. Mitch stepped outside first and took hold of her hand to assist her, giving it a tug. “On solid ground again.”

  “Thanks,” she said, smoothing her hands down her clothes. “On Christ the solid rock I stand. . . Do you know that one?” She quietly sang a few bars of the hymn.

  “My faith is built on nothing else,” he said. “Your thought process fascinates me. I’d sing it with you, but you don’t want to hear my voice if you plan on sleeping tonight.”

  She laughed. “That good, huh?”

  “That nightmarishly bad, yes, but your voice is beautiful. Alto?”

  “Second soprano. I’d better scoot on home. It’s past my bedtime.”

  He bowed. “In that case, the gallant knight will walk the fair maiden to her horse.”

  “I had fun tonight,” she told him as they slowly rounded the side of the house. Neither one of them seemed to be in a hurry to end the evening.

  “You were right, you know.”

  She glanced up at him as they reached her car. “What do you mean?”

  “I was jealous of Stone. I didn’t want to take the chance he’d whisk you onto the dance floor first. . .and have you bask in all his. . .virility.” He scratched his head. “That’s a word, right?”

  “It is, and there’s no reason for you to be jealous.”

  “I know that now.”

  “I’ve seen your bare chest. You have nothing to worry about in the virility department.” I can’t believe I said that.

  Mitch’s gorgeous, heart-stopping smile spread across his face. Needing a distraction, Cassie opened her purse and retrieved her keys. That took all of three seconds. The man was uncanny in seeing so much, and she avoided his gaze. “Well, I guess this is good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Mitch stepped in front of the car door, blocking her way. Shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans, he rocked back on his heels. “I think you can figure out what I want to do right now.”

  “This isn’t a date,” she said, trying to sound firm. “We’re two friends who had a good time. A really good time. With their friends. And danced together. It was nice.”

  “It was better than nice and you know it, date or not. Don’t forget I fed you when you were hungry.” True enough, he’d bought her a cheeseburger and fries. He’d amused her by dipping the
fries in mayonnaise, and teased her because she’d asked for extra pickles and eaten every one of them.

  “Doesn’t count since you helped me eat my burger. Wait, are you playing the entitlement card?”

  “Not at all. I’m not entitled to anything, but what I’d like—”

  “Please stop talking for once in your life.” Tugging on his jacket with both hands, Cassie yanked Mitch close.

  His eyes crinkled at the corners and his mouth creased into that addictive smile. She was growing accustomed to this man. He lowered his head and hesitated, waiting. “Yes? Did you want something?”

  “You can be incredibly infuriating.”

  “Are you complaining?” He rested his hands lightly on her shoulders. “You and I understand one another a lot better than you’re willing to admit, Cassie.”

  “Don’t know about that, but I don’t. . .kiss. . .men I don’t know,” she said, helpless to resist him. Mitch had her tongue-tied ten ways to crazy and then some.

  He laughed. “Neither do I. After today, we know each other quite well. As a matter of fact, I’m already falling—”

  She put a finger over his lips, silencing him. “If it’ll make you stop talking, go ahead and kiss me already.” The only thing she’d protest was if he didn’t kiss her.

  “With pleasure,” he murmured as he brushed his lips over hers before settling into a short but memorable kiss. Oh yes, there was a definite spark between them. More like a minor explosion, but who was counting?

  “That’s pretty much what I had in mind.” Slowly brushing his fingers down the length of her arms with a feather-soft touch, Mitch stepped back with a grin that made her all kinds of silly. “You’d better go if you don’t want more where that came from.”

  Cassie cleared her throat. “Didn’t mean a thing. I definitely won’t be thinking about you the rest of the evening.”