“Sure is.” Her aunt turned to Addie. “Honey, this is Jackson McCall and his lovely bride, Sydney.”
Jackson? This had to be Chase’s best friend.
“Hi.” Addie held out her hand.
He took her hand and shook it firmly, a glint of mischief sparkled in his brown eyes. “Hello, Addie.”
What was it with these southern boys? They were all prettier than most girls Addie knew back home.
Sydney placed her hand on Addie’s arm and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you. Chase mentioned he picked you up for Miss Janie.”
Okay, so Sydney is probably prettier than her husband.
Jackson started to laugh. “Yeah, he did.” He put his arm around his wife, still chuckling. “Wish we could’ve been there.”
Addie wondered what Jackson found so amusing. She considered asking him, but changed her mind when the speakers crackled through the open door, and a deep southern voice welcomed everyone to church, encouraging them to take a seat.
“Oh man, I’ve gotta get in there,” Jackson said. He kissed his wife on the mouth and then hurried inside the church.
“I’m guessing your husband is participating in the music today?” Aunt Janie asked.
Sydney looked longingly toward the doors where Jackson had just disappeared inside. “Yeah, I love it when they get to play here. It’s a much sweeter environment to be in.”
The music started, surprising Addie. Back home the only music was the choir made up from their little community. Here it was a live band.
“Oh my, we’re late,” Aunt Janie said, stating the obvious.
Oh good. Next to having a root canal, making a late entrance was Addie’s favorite thing to do. Naturally, Sydney wouldn’t have a problem going in late. She was probably used to having people’s eyes follow her all around.
“Would y’all like to sit with me?” Sydney questioned, moving quickly toward the door. “I’ve got some seats saved.”
Aunt Janie grabbed onto Addie’s hand. “We’d love to.”
They rushed inside and followed Sydney toward the front. Sydney slid onto an already occupied pew, and Addie took a seat beside her with Aunt Janie sitting on the end. Sydney reached over and hugged the pretty woman she sat next to.
“Thanks for saving me a seat.”
“Sure thing, honey. I hear you had car problems this morning.”
“Yeah, Jackson came home and got me but we made it back just in time.”
Addie loved listening to the two women talk with their soft southern drawls. She was curious who the family was that had saved a seat for Sydney. With all their fair hair they didn’t look related.
“That’s Chase’s family,” Aunt Janie whispered as the pastor greeted the congregation. “I’ll introduce you to them after services.”
Addie discreetly took a look at the Nichols family. Chase’s mother was slim, her skin virtually free of wrinkles. She didn’t look like she could possibly have grandchildren. The man next to her had to be Chase’s father since the two resembled one another closely. Beside him had to be the twins. With their long, blonde hair they looked like angels—mischievous ones judging by the way they flirted with the cute guy sitting next to them.
It suddenly occurred to her that if Jackson took part with the music today, Chase might do the same thing. She didn’t have time to ask Sydney or her aunt as the congregation quieted and the lights dimmed with a spot light shining on a grand piano. Addie recognized Jackson McCall behind the keys, and listened as he began playing one of her favorite Tim McGraw Christian songs.
After the long piano intro, soft lights shone on each one of the other band members. Chase stood in the middle, holding a guitar. He looked pretty good just standing there in his button up shirt and tie. Addie forced herself not to sigh out loud when he started to sing.
She had no idea he was this talented. His clear tenor voice had a raspy, rocker tone to it. Goose bumps prickled her skin and her tummy tightened with awareness. At the chorus, he added his guitar to blend in with the other instruments. The cuffs of his shirt were rolled up and she could see the muscles in his forearms flex each time he strummed the guitar. Oh, how she wished she had her camera with her. She’d love to capture the image of Chase singing and playing his guitar. He was incredible and Addie might have fallen a tiny bit in love with her pretend boyfriend.
The music was powerful and Addie was as spellbound as the rest of the audience. When the song came to an end, there was a stillness, a reverence that only faith filled music can bring. The pastor gave his message, but Addie couldn’t concentrate on what he said. Her eyes were focused on the lead singer up on the stage. Even when the handsome youth pastor made a few comments, Addie barely noticed the guy.
Chase sang another number she wasn’t familiar with but the last song was a popular song that had crossed genres to mainstream radio. Addie was mesmerized by both the lyrics and the musician. She was so tangled up in emotion that when it ended she felt like she couldn’t breathe.
Aunt Janie reached over and clasped Addie’s hand. “You okay, sugar?” she whispered.
Addie swallowed and nodded her head. “That was beautiful.”
Her aunt gave her hand a gentle squeeze as the meeting closed and the congregation buzzed to life. Sydney patted Addie on the back and excused herself, making her way up on stage to greet her husband. Addie watched and was a little envious at the couple’s obvious love for each other, if the lengthy kiss Jackson gave his wife was any indication.
Trying to look for Chase, but trying not to appear to be looking for Chase, Addie caught a glimpse of him before he was swallowed up by a crowd of girls. She stifled the niggling feeling of jealousy. He wasn’t hers. She needed to remember that.
Aunt Janie prodded Addie out of her seat and introduced her to Chase’s family. “Addie this is Amanda and Charles Nichols, Chase’s parents.”
“Hello,” Addie said shaking Mr. Nichols’ hand. “It’s nice to meet you both.”
“Thank you,” Mrs. Nichols said, taking Addie’s hand next. Rather than shake it, she clasped it between her hands and smiled. “Chase told us all about you.”
He did? Addie was dying to know what he’d said. Amanda released her hand and glanced behind her. “I’m sorry I can’t introduce you to our girls. They’re already off socializing.” She faced Addie again. “You can meet them when y’all come to supper this evening. Is that still all right, Janie?”
“We’re planning on it.” Janie placed a hand on Addie’s shoulder. “Addie made a delicious apple pie we can bring for dessert.”
What? Her pie had looked worse this morning. And when had these eating arrangements been made?
“Wonderful.” Amanda winked. “Chase loves apple pie.”
“So do I,” Charles said, sounding very much like Chase. He patted a fairly flat stomach. “As you can probably tell.”
Chase’s parents said their goodbyes and exited the row of pews. Addie really liked them, and they seemed very friendly towards her. Unlike the first time she’d met Brandon’s parents who both had made it very clear Addie wasn’t good enough for their son. It hurt to know they’d probably been thrilled when Brandon had dumped Addie.
Aunt Janie tugged on Addie’s hand and introduced her to other friendly members of the congregation. While she smiled and said hello, Addie continued to surreptitiously look for Chase. He was probably still encased by the throng of girls on the stage.
Slowly, Addie and her aunt made it out of the pew and into the aisle, giving Addie a perfect view of Chase up on stage. Sure enough, a whole gaggle of pretty girls were talking with him. He looked like he was having a great time and not at all concerned about his would-be girlfriend watching.
“Addison,” her aunt said, tapping her on the arm. “Stop scowling and go on up there to say hello.”
“I’m not scowling.” At least she hoped she wasn’t. “And I’m not going up on the stage.” Chase can do the chasing, thank you very much.
“Oh,
stop it now and go on up there.”
Suddenly, Addie didn’t feel like playing this game. Chase said he would come and find her, but he wasn’t in any kind of hurry. “Would you mind if we just went home? I don’t feel all that well and I think I need to eat something.” Preferably something loaded with sugar.
Aunt Janie’s eyebrows drew together. “Sure, honey. I had wanted to introduce you to Pastor Dave but I guess it can wait until next week.”
Addie caught sight of the youth minister. He was kind of cute, and had just as many girls surrounding him as Chase did. Neither man needed Aunt Janie to set them up with her jilted niece.
“How about we just stop by and say hello to him on the way out?” Janie said, nudging Addie toward him.
“That’s fine.”
Addie just wanted to escape. Her head hurt and she was seriously doubting her decision to date a handsome, popular guy like Chase. Sure, they were only going to pretend to date, but it would still involve actual dating. She glanced back up at the stage. Unless he’d changed his mind. She should just grow a backbone and tell her aunt she wasn’t going out with any guy, no matter how persistent she was.
Aunt Janie politely wiggled in between the group of girls talking with the youth minister. She dragged Addie next to her. “Pastor Dave, I’d like you to meet my lovely niece, Addison Heywood.”
The pastor had the bluest eyes, emphasized even more so by his tanned skin. He flashed a white-toothed smile as he took Addie’s hand. “Hello, Addison. It’s nice to finally meet you. Your aunt has told me all about you.”
I seriously doubt it. “I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.”
“It was all good, trust me.” He held onto her hand for a few seconds before slowly releasing it. “How did you like today’s services?”
Shoot, she should’ve paid better attention. “I loved it. The music was amazing. I mean, wow—so incredible.”
“The music is pretty fantastic.”
“Not that your message wasn’t good because it was, um…very inspiring.” Please don’t ask me specifics. Please.
His lips twitched. “Thank you. Making an announcement about our upcoming retreat can sometimes come across as boring.”
Oh. He’d made an announcement, not given a sermon.
“Nope. Not boring.” Addie could feel her cheeks reddening. “I’m sure you’ll have a great turnout.”
“Especially if there’s good music, right?”
Was that a trick question? Had he mentioned the band would be playing? “I really enjoy music.”
The skin around Pastor Dave’s eyes crinkled and he chuckled lightly. Yeah, the guy was definitely a hottie. Speaking of being hot, Addie was feeling way too flushed. She really needed to go home, or at least outside for a breath of fresh air. Glancing around, she realized Aunt Janie had abandoned her. Licking her lips, she brought her gaze back to the minster’s amazing blue eyes. “Well, it was nice meeting you, Pastor Dave.”
“Please call me Dave.”
“Okay, it was nice meeting you, Dave.” Addie took a step backward. “I better go find my aunt. I’ll see you later.” She made a slight turn and hurried toward the exit only to slam into someone standing in the aisle.
She squealed. Yes, squealed and fell backward. Except she didn’t fall. The person she’d hit grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close so her face pressed against their chest. She sucked in a lungful of air and knew immediately it was a man who had just caught her. And boy did he smell good.
Chapter Nine
Tipping her head back, Addie stared into Chase’s light green eyes. “Hey, there,” he drawled.
“Hey,” Addie said, feeling a little dazed and breathless. What was it about this guy that rattled her so much? “Sorry about nearly running you over.”
His fingers tightened around her waist and the smile he gave her doubled her already racing heart. “I’m glad. As fast as you were leaving, I would’ve had a hard time catching you.”
Did he want to catch her? Frankly, she wondered how he’d managed to get away from his adoring fans in the first place.
“Addison,” Pastor Dave said, coming up beside them. “You dropped this.” He held out Addie’s sparkly iPhone.
Realizing she was still in Chase’s arms, she stepped back and took the phone. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
The minister looked at Chase and an amused expression crossed his features. Addie followed his gaze and noticed Chase did not look particularly happy. “Chase, you did a wonderful job with the music today. It was very inspiring,” Dave said.
“Thank you, sir.” Chase’s words were clipped and formal. He addressed the pastor like he was much older than him when in reality the two men had to be close to the same age.
“I know Addison enjoyed it as well,” Dave said.
“I’m happy she liked it.”
Um, hello. I’m still here. She glanced back and forth between the two men. Dave still had a smirk on his face and Chase’s lips were pressed tightly, like he was ticked off at the minister. He couldn’t be jealous, could he?
“Well,” Addie said, making the men look at her. “If you’ll both excuse me, I need to find my aunt.”
Chase’s scowl disappeared and his lips curved into a smile. “Actually, Miss Janie asked me to take you home. She had something come up and had to leave.”
“She left me?” Addie looked around incredulously. Her tenacious aunt was not very subtle. “Did she say where she was going?”
Chase lifted up one shoulder. “Something about needing to stop by the retirement home. She said she wouldn’t be long.”
Yeah, just long enough for us to be alone together. Addie wasn’t sure why she was irritated. It would fit in perfectly with the plan she and Chase had come up with. Still, when it came to manipulation, she liked having the upper hand.
“Okay. I’m ready when you are.” Addie glanced at Dave. “I guess I’ll see you next week.”
“Next week it is,” Dave said, putting his hands in his pockets. He flashed a decidedly wicked grin for a man of the cloth. “Unless I happen to see you sooner.”
Was that a hint he’d like to call on her or something? Before she could make a reply, the pastor leaned in a little closer. “Miss Janie is helping me plan the menu for our retreat. I need to follow up with her on a few things so I may stop by her house.”
Addie wasn’t sure whom that clarification was for: her or Chase. Dave’s amused gaze was pinned directly on the cute musician standing next to her. “Oh, well, in that case, I guess I’ll see you when I see you,” Addie said.
Dave chuckled. “Sounds like a plan. Y’all have a good day.”
“Thanks.” Chase didn’t sound very thankful as he picked up his guitar case with one hand and placed his other hand at the small of Addie’s back to guide her out of the chapel. He didn’t say anything until they were outside. “I’m parked over here.” He moved his palm from her back and pointed to the east side of the building.
As they approached his truck, Addie glanced over at Chase. He still seemed so annoyed. “Sorry you got roped into taking me home. Aunt Janie just can’t seem to help herself.”
“I don’t mind.” His scowl deepened. “But now that you’ve met Pastor Dave have you changed your mind about our plan?”
Addie bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing out loud. Chase was definitely acting like he was jealous. “No. He’s not my type.”
Chase was quiet for the remaining few steps it took to get to his truck. He pulled the keys out of his pocket and unlocked the doors. Then he turned to look at Addie. “What is your type?”
Truthfully, Addie had no idea. It’s not like she’d had a ton of dating experience. Brandon had been her first serious boyfriend. Clearly, he wasn’t her type. “I’m not sure,” she answered honestly. She hated how vulnerable she sounded.
The creases on Chase’s face softened. “I wouldn’t worry too much. You’ll know it when you meet the r
ight guy.”
“I hope so.” So far her track record hadn’t been very stellar. Feeling silly, she turned to open her door.
“Let me help you up.” Chase held out his hand to her, and Addie braced herself for the skin to skin contact. She might not know what kind of guy was her type, but she knew she and Chase had chemistry.
Her dress was a little short and she exposed more of her thigh than she’d intended once she was seated in the truck. But like the gentlemen Chase had proved he was, his eyes only flickered down for a brief second before he stepped back and closed the door.
While Chase went around the truck to the driver’s side, Addie tugged on the hem of her dress and tried to calm down. Her heart pounded like she’d just sprinted across the parking lot. For a few seconds, she entertained the thought of Chase being her type. She definitely was attracted to him.
He opened the back door and put his guitar on the seat. Before he could close it, a trio of his groupies surrounded him, and Addie changed her mind. Guys who attracted girls like this were off-limits. Brandon had frequently attracted female attention whether Addie had been with him or not.
“Chase, I didn’t get a chance to tell you how incredible you were today!” one of the girls said. She was pretty and looked exactly like Chase’s type. Blonde, skinny and had even more curves up top than Addie did. In fact, she looked very similar to her niece’s Barbie. “Your cover is even better than the original soundtrack.”
“Wow, thanks.” Chase’s face glowed with the praise.
The other two girls offered similar compliments but Barbie moved in for a hug. “I just know you’re gonna be famous someday. Just don’t forget me, okay?”
Addie tamped down her irritation at the girl’s cheesy line and the lingering hug. No wonder Chase didn’t have a girlfriend. He wouldn’t be able to limit himself to just one. The girls lavished Chase with more compliments and promised to come to his next performance.
Addie tuned them out and pulled out her phone to check her messages. There was another email from the camera company about the photo contest. She really needed to focus on her purpose here in Georgia, which wasn’t dating Chase or any other guy. If she wanted to move forward with her plan to open her own photography studio, then she had to win the contest.
Under a Georgia Moon: Georgia Moon Romance Book 1 Page 9
