Andy’s mind raced, trying to think who from the church could have seen them in a car alone. Then it hit him. “Deacon Sinclair. Was he your source?”
Pastor Mike hesitated.
“He was at a red light next to us. We waved, but he never waved back. I thought at first he didn’t recognize us, but now I guess he was upset.”
“But if he saw you, why would he not see Jeremy?”
“The cobbler!” Realization dawned, and Andy stifled a laugh at the absurdity of the situation. “Jeremy dropped his dessert in the backseat of my car. I bet he was bent down cleaning it up right at the time Mr. Sinclair looked over.” Andy held up both hands in surrender. “I promise it’s the truth, sir. You can even check my floor mats for cobbler stains. I doubt Jeremy got it entirely clean.”
Pastor Mike’s cheeks reddened. “No need. I believe you. I’ll correct the misunderstanding right away with Deacon—uh, with my sources.”
“Thanks.” Andy offered a slight smile, though his insides still trembled at the close call. “Is that all?”
“Yes. I do apologize for this mishap.”
“I understand.” Andy stood and made his way to the door. “It was an honest mistake.”
“You’re doing a great job here.” Pastor Mike’s quiet voice made Andy pause. “I hope all of this hasn’t discouraged you too much.”
Andy forced his head to shake. “Not at all.”
“But you haven’t forgotten about our talk regarding marriage?” Pastor Mike held his breath.
“I haven’t forgotten.” How could he, with the constant reminders? “It’s just not as easy as one might think.” Andy clenched his teeth from saying more. Talk about an understatement. That was sort of like saying Hurricane Katrina was a mild thunderstorm.
“Oh, of course not.” Pastor Mike shuffled papers on his desk, an obvious attempt at looking preoccupied. “I do have to point out, however, that if you weren’t single, these rumors wouldn’t have been so quickly believed.”
Andy’s stomach tightened, and he nodded again. “Have a good afternoon, Pastor.”
“You do the same.”
Andy slipped into the hall, pulling the door shut behind him with a solid click. He leaned against the thick wooden door and released a heavy sigh. First the entire church staff wanted him married; now they were starting rumors about his misconduct with his youth group?
Tears of stress pressed behind his eyes, and Andy pinched his nose with his fingers. Maybe he should quit. He obviously wasn’t going to win Lori anytime soon, not with Jason back in town and claiming credit for Andy’s romantic attempts. If he couldn’t have Lori, he didn’t want anyone. And if that were the case, the staff would only let him stay on for so much longer before kicking him out. They might not actually ever fire him for being single, but at this rate, they’d make his life so miserable—intentionally or not—he’d quit of his own accord. How could he work for and share a ministry with staff members who didn’t trust him? If the only way to gain their trust was to marry, then they apparently were all in for a long wait.
Andy slowly trudged down the hall, his shoes squeaking against the shiny linoleum. He’d go back to his office and pray about turning in his resignation before this entire ordeal grew worse and he ruined his reputation—or worse yet, the reputation of one of his teenage charges. He couldn’t work so guarded like this, so on the edge all the time. He needed to give his full attention to the teenagers and to his job, not constantly be looking over his shoulder wondering who would be next to misinterpret his every action.
Chapter Twenty
Lori set two napkins, two cups of coffee and a plate of cherry bonbons on the table in front of Jason. A gooey chocolate barrier between her and her ex—nothing safer than that. She plucked a candy from the plate as she sank onto a chair opposite him.
“I’m glad you agreed to talk with me.” Jason folded his hands on the table, ignoring the chocolate and coffee and giving her his full attention.
She nibbled on the candy with a frown. Why couldn’t he have shown such devotion years ago when they dated? Now he was looking at her in the same way she imagined him once having looked at Amy. Lori hated to keep reliving the past, but every time she saw Jason, she saw his betrayal. It was one thing to forgive and forget from miles away, knowing she’d never see him again. It was quite another to sit across from him and not scream every mean thing she’d ever written in her diary.
She chewed harder, trying to relax. The cherry crème melted on her tongue, and Lori released a slow breath. She really shouldn’t freak out on Jason again until at least hearing what he had to say. After all, her current options were somewhat limited, and who knew? Maybe he could save the day after all. He’d shown through the thoughtful gifts that he could be a decent person. The least Lori could do was swallow her pride and hurt feelings for the next few minutes and hear him out. “What’d you want to discuss?”
A smooth grin slid across Jason’s face. “Other than the fact that I love when you wear your hair up?”
The chocolate suddenly tasted dry in Lori’s mouth, and she fought the urge to pat the messy bun she’d created after leaving the bank. She swallowed hard. “Yes, other than that.” Business, she had to keep this just business. Otherwise Jason would suck her in again before she had a chance to think twice—which would be precisely his goal. “You said you had a business proposition.”
“You’re right.” Jason fingered the edge of his ceramic coffee mug. “But the two are sort of related.”
“How so?” Lori picked up another bonbon, nerves clenching her stomach. She tried to keep her expression neutral as she chewed.
“You want to start your own business, right?”
“Right.”
“And you’re not financially capable at this time, right?”
“Thanks for the brutal reminder, but, yes. I actually just left a bunch of laughing bankers in my wake.” Lori narrowed her eyes, remembering the smirk on the loan officer’s face as he reviewed her credit scores.
Jason leaned back in his chair, pausing to take a sip of coffee. “I have a way we can both get what we want.”
Lori’s hopes jumped despite the fact she knew there had to be a catch. “How so?”
“I’ve spoken with my father, and we’ve agreed that a business run by Lori Perkins would be worth investing in. We can front you the money. Think long-term loan, with zero interest. How does that sound?” Jason’s eyes twinkled over the edge of his mug.
“I think it sounds too good to be true.” Lori crossed her arms over her chest. No way was it that simple. Jason never offered something for nothing—not his time, his energy or his heart. She’d learned that the hard way when he wanted something she refused to give before their wedding—so he found it with someone else.
“There is a catch.” He ducked his head.
“I figured.”
“If you agree to this business loan, we’d get you all set up. Prime real estate, supplies, materials, employees, the works. You’d pay us back a certain percentage as you drew in a profit, from the bottom line.” Jason drew a deep breath and set his mug on the table. “And in return, you forgive me.”
“You think it’s that simple?” Lori shook her head. “What, are you in a twelve-step program or something? Am I checkmark on your list?” She scooted her chair back and stood.
“Lori, I’m giving you an opportunity to live your dream. All I’m asking is that you quit hating me, see that I’ve changed.” Jason leaned forward, his eyes pleading. “I’m trying to move on. I really am a good guy. I wish you’d give me a chance to prove it.”
“You’ve proven plenty over the years.”
Lori began clearing the plates from the table, her heart racing at Jason’s proposal. There had to be an ulterior motive. He couldn’t care about her forgiveness that much. How could he even know she’d held on to that grudge this long? No, there was something else at stake, a card he wasn’t ready to play. She could almost see it peeking from unde
rneath his sleeve.
Lori banged two plates together as she turned for the counter. She was done with his cheating games. “I think you’d better leave.” No business opportunity was worth getting mixed up with Jason again.
Jason slowly stood and slung his leather briefcase strap over his shoulder. “Just think about it, okay? It’d be great—for both of us.” He paused until she looked at him, then offered a gentle smile and walked out of the shop.
Lori sank back into her chair at the vacant table and buried her face in her hands. She couldn’t believe Jason and his father had the nerve to make such an offer. She couldn’t believe she’d sat right there and listened and not slapped him across the face.
But mostly, she couldn’t believe that tiny piece of her heart that was actually considering the idea.
Andy shut the door to his office and headed down the hall toward the sanctuary, Bible in hand. He should go pray and get his head together before the service started. He had an hour before the kids showed up. Even if Andy left without any answers, just being quiet for a while would hopefully deplete the stress that had consumed him ever since his talk with Pastor Mike.
Andy took the long way toward the sanctuary, past the secretary’s office and through the outdoor courtyard. He took a long breath of chilly night air, letting the cold sink into his skin through his thin long-sleeved shirt. It was a little colder than usual for mid-February. Last year on Valentine’s Day he remembered wearing short sleeves and sandals. This Valentine’s was just a few days away, not that his bruised heart needed the reminder. The weather wouldn’t really matter, though, seeing how he’d spend the day at church and then holed up alone in his apartment, trying to rid his mind of the image of Lori out with Jason.
Andy yanked open the double doors to the sanctuary, stress already knotting his shoulders. God, I really need to focus. Please help me. He couldn’t keep torturing himself this way. Lori hadn’t even talked to him since their phone call last Saturday at the movie theater. It was clear she wanted time to spend with Jason.
The heat seeping through the church warmed Andy, trimming the sharp edge off his thoughts. He soaked in a small measure of peace as he quietly made his way down the dim aisle, past rows of vacant pews toward the altar. He’d sort all this out in prayer and hopefully be able to focus on his pending sermon.
A bowed head in the third row caught Andy’s eye, and he slowed his pace, not wanting to interrupt what appeared to be fervent prayer. He sneaked a peek at the loyal parishioner as he passed, then gasped at the familiar locks of chocolate-brown hair. “Lori?”
She looked up, red-rimmed eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Hey, stranger.”
The cozy-warm church suddenly felt burning hot, and Andy tugged at the collar of his button-down shirt. There was so much he wanted to say, wanted to ask. Hope sparked inside that maybe this was his answer from God at last. But it was all he could do to choke out a greeting. “Hi.”
Lori wiped her eyes with her sleeve and sniffed. “How are you?”
Silly question coming from a woman crying. Andy’s counseling instincts took over, and he slid into the pew next to her, forgetting the awkwardness of the moment. “I’m fine, but you’re obviously not. What’s up?”
“Nothing. Just…thinking.”
“Lori.” Andy inched closer and brushed her hair away from her tearstained cheek. “Talk to me. I know things have been a little weird between us lately, but I’m still the same old Andy.”
Lori hesitated. She turned her head to look toward the altar, the church’s dim lamps highlighting the natural streaks in her hair and turning them amber. Andy held his breath and waited. Would she confide in him at last and bring their friendship back to what it was? Or was this it—their final goodbye?
Andy gripped the back of the pew in front of them with his free hand, the other still lightly resting on Lori’s shoulder. He had no intention of moving it until she gave him a sign. He craved contact with her, anything to show him she still cared, even if it was only as a friend. When Lori spoke, her voice was quiet, her gaze never leaving the front of the church. “It’s Jason. He’s made me an offer.”
Andy’s stomach twisted painfully. “What kind of offer?” Please don’t say marriage, please don’t say marriage.
“A business deal. He and his father want to invest his father’s money into my own shop.” Lori smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s everything I’ve always wanted.”
“So, are you going to do it?” Andy’s hand dropped from her shoulder and fell limply to his lap. He couldn’t believe Lori would consider getting mixed up with her ex again financially, even if she was desperate to manage her own store. Would she really sacrifice her values for the sake of some business deal? He wasn’t stupid. Jason would hold that financial tie over her head until he got something from the arrangement, too. His stomach churned imagining what.
“I don’t know.” Lori finally turned and met Andy’s gaze. “He wants me to forgive him, but I think there’s more to it than just that.”
A fist socked Andy’s stomach. Of course there was more to it. Jason wanted her back. No man hopped the border to another state to offer his ex-fiancée money without a reason. “Oh?” He forced his voice to stay neutral.
“I can’t trust him emotionally. How can I financially?” Lori let out her breath in a long sigh. “But I have to be logical. I’m about to be out of a job when your aunt comes home, and I need a new plan. Maybe this is God’s provision.”
Lori’s voice held equal levels of doubt and hope. Andy drummed his fingers on the back of the pew, hating that Lori teetered on the cross beams of wise and foolish, and he wasn’t able to do a thing about it. But he just couldn’t sit back and let her make this mistake. Forget waiting for clarity, forget waiting on Lori to decide what or who she wanted. It was time to make a move. Time to finally share his heart.
“Before you agree to anything rash with Jason, there’s something I have to say.” Andy tucked a strand of hair behind Lori’s ear, cupping her cheek with his hand and gently turning her face toward him.
She inhaled sharply at his touch, and his hand shook as he stared into her eyes. “I—I know this is really sudden, but please. Don’t say yes to Jason.”
Lori’s eyes darted back and forth, studying his with an intensity that made Andy forget to breathe. He pressed on before he lost his nerve. “Say yes to me.”
“What—what are you asking?”
Andy had a planned response, but it escaped him as he stared at her mouth. Instead, he asked the only question that filled his mind. “If I can kiss you.”
Lori’s lips parted, but before she could do more than nod, Andy leaned in and pressed his mouth to hers.
Chapter Twenty-One
Lori’s eyes widened, then slowly closed as the realization of Andy’s kiss sank in. She kissed him back, a mixture of shock, relief and joy melting together like chocolate into one fantastic dessert. His hand buried in her hair, and she tilted her face to his, never wanting the moment to end.
The subtle yet pointed sound of a throat being cleared echoed through the sanctuary, and Lori jerked away, breathless. Pastor Mike stood in the center aisle behind them, a grin teasing his features. “Pardon me. But this might not be the proper time or place for such a personal display of affection.”
“Sorry, Pastor.” Andy stood and drew Lori up with him. Her heart hammered and her knees shook, from both the kiss and the embarrassment at being caught. She awkwardly reached up and patted her hair, hoping it wasn’t mussed.
“No need to be embarrassed.” Pastor Mike rocked back on his heels, one hand jingling the loose change in his pocket. “I just was coming in to practice my Wednesday-night sermon.” He kept grinning.
They were grown adults, caught kissing in the middle of the church, and all Pastor Mike could do was smile? Where was the lecture? Lori frowned.
Andy led Lori up the carpeted aisle toward the back doors. “We’ll get out of your way, Pastor.” He
squeezed Lori’s hand, and a flock of butterflies suddenly took up residence in her stomach. “I need to go over my sermon as well.”
The pastor winked at Andy and clapped his shoulder as they passed. “I knew I shouldn’t have worried about you, boy. Good choice!”
The doors to the church shut behind them. Lori paused in the foyer and tugged on Andy’s hand. “What did he mean by that? What choice?”
Andy threaded their fingers back together and pulled her hand up to his chest. “Nothing important.” He ran one finger down her cheek and smiled. “Nothing like this.”
A blush heated her cheeks. “So what does this mean?”
“I don’t know. I’m still waiting on your answer to my question.”
“If you could kiss me?” Lori laughed. “I think you got your answer.”
Andy’s eyebrows meshed. “Oops. I mean, the question I never got to ask.” He smiled. “What do you think about us dating?”
Lori reached up and clasped their joined hands with her free one. “I’m thinking that sounds like a much better offer than Jason’s business proposal.”
“Are you sure?” Andy edged back a step so he could look her in the eye. “I can’t give you money and your own store and make all your dreams come true like—”
Lori pressed one finger over Andy’s lips. He immediately hushed. “I don’t need all those things to be happy if I’m with you.”
“Really?” Andy’s mouth brushed against her finger. “You’ve felt the same way about me all this time? I only realized it myself a few weeks ago.”
Lori nodded. “I always figured you never thought of me as more than a friend, so I didn’t say anything. Then that Friday at movie night, when you almost kissed me…” Her voice trailed off, and her cheeks burned at the memory. “I felt so foolish.”
Andy groaned and rested his forehead against hers. “I wanted to kiss you so badly that night, but I thought it was too soon. I thought you were mad at me for even trying. Plus there was that thing you said a year or so ago about not dating after Jason.”
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