by JoAnn Durgin
Oh, no. Lexa reached out to stop him, but it was too late. Following close behind, her cheeks grew warm with shame. She watched helplessly as Sam pulled out the corner of the romance novel. Lexa’s hands dropped to her sides, and she hung her head. She hadn’t been so humiliated since the whole incident when he’d rescued her from the thugs in San Antonio. And before that, there’d been the armadillo incident. She supposed she should be grateful to Sam since he must not have written her up for the offending incident of going out to the worksite by herself on only her second day in the TeamWork camp. What a fool she’d been. A few times over. But somehow, the man still seemed to like her.
Sam’s words brought her back to the present. “What do we have here?” He chuckled under his breath, and his eyes held thinly-veiled amusement. Considering the shirtless Sam look-alike on the cover, Lexa knew her cheeks must be positively flaming. Surely this moment qualified as the most humiliating incident.
“I’m not really reading it.” The protest sounded weak. It was a useless defense although true. After all, it was the same book she’d started since coming to the camp. Under normal circumstances, she would have been on a fourth or fifth romance novel by now. “Besides, my bed, my pillow, and certainly this book,” Lexa muttered, seizing it from his hands, “is my personal property, thank you very much. At least while I’m here in the TeamWork camp,” she stammered.
“But it is your book, right?”
“Just shoot me now.” Lexa buried her face in her hands.
Sam surprised her by laughing. “I won’t say a word except to say the guy on the front looks vaguely familiar. He has a rather ugly mug, wouldn’t you say?”
Lexa stared at him, not bothering to hide her surprise. “For the record, I bought that book a long time ago. If it makes you feel any better, I’ve spent a lot more time reading your Bible than this silly book.” Although he said nothing, Sam’s expression was far too smug. She blew out a quick breath. “Go ahead. Tell me. I’m sure you have an opinion you’re just dying to share.” She motioned with her hands. “Let me have it.”
Carrying the chair back across the room, Sam returned to where she once again sat on the edge of the bed. “Okay, but only since you asked.”
Lexa tilted her chin. “I’m listening.”
“I don’t really know much about those kinds of books except that they’re full of situations that should be reserved for a marriage relationship, if even that.”
He looked embarrassed, as though wondering why he’d voiced his opinion in the first place. Pulling Lexa quickly to her feet, Sam wrapped his hands securely around her waist. His slightly rough jaw brushed against her cheek as he leaned close. She loved his nearness, the smell of the outdoors resonating from him, the feel of those strong arms holding her, completely encircling her.
“I also know something else, Miss Clarke.” With his whispered words, Sam’s lips, soft and warm, brushed over her temple. “Real life is a whole lot more fun.”
With a final wave and a parting smile, Sam was gone. Watching him replace the Stetson on his way out the door, Lexa slumped back down to the bed, covering her head with the pillow to stifle her escaping moan.
CHAPTER 23
Lexa departed the bonfire early a few nights later, suffering a headache. Slipping into the darkness alone, she headed to the dorm. As soon as she entered the building, she sensed something amiss. Although she couldn’t put her finger on it, Lexa knew by instinct something wasn’t right. It didn’t feel right.
The only light came from moonlight streaming in through the window. Lexa fumbled her way over to the bed, her eyes adjusting to the dimness. Reaching for the small lamp on the wall above her bed, she paused, thinking she heard a muffled sound from Sheila’s corner of the room. Turning her head, Lexa strained to see.
“Sheila? Are you there?”
“Ye–ye–yes.” Her voice sounded different.
“Are you okay? You sound strange.” Lexa’s eyes opened wider as she heard more muffled sounds. A burly, dark-haired man dressed in black from head-to-toe darted across the room and out the screen door before Lexa had a chance to be afraid. He pushed the door with such force that it made a horrible cracking sound, ripping clean off its hinges.
“Sheila! Are you all right? Who was that?” Lexa demanded, waiting a few seconds until her eyes adjusted to the darkness. Crossing the room, she dropped onto the bed beside Sheila.
Discovering the other woman’s hands tied behind her back in a sloppy, loose knot, she took in a quick breath. “What’s going on here? I can tell that guy wasn’t a Boy Scout,” Lexa muttered, loosening the rope to free her hands.
Clutching her sore wrists, Sheila darted her a grateful look, tears shining in her dark eyes. “Th–that w–wa–was m–my hu–hu–husband.”
“Your husband?” Lexa had no idea Sheila was married. She’d never noticed a wedding ring, and Sheila never mentioned him. Witnessing the man firsthand, she could understand why he wasn’t a frequent topic of conversation.
“What’s going on?” Lexa repeated, catching her roommate’s eye. Lowering her voice, she smoothed the other woman’s messy hair away from her face. “You can trust me, Sheila. I want to help you.”
“I do–do–don’t . . . w–wa–want t–to . . . t–t–talk a–ab–about it.”
“You’re shaking like a leaf.” Lexa grabbed the soft, light blue blanket from the end of Sheila’s bed and tossed it around her shoulders. Putting her arms around her, Lexa rocked back and forth with her for a few minutes until the other girl’s shivering stopped. “You don’t have to talk about it now, if you don’t want to, but please know I’m here for you if you decide you need to confide in someone.” Lexa prayed Sheila would trust her enough to tell her the truth.
“D–do–don’t . . . t–t–tell any–anybo–anybody, L–L–Lexa. O–O–Okay ?”
Pleading eyes implored hers, and Lexa nodded with reluctance. Her instincts told her—as leader of the TeamWork camp—Sam should be notified. But she also didn’t want to get in the middle of another scandal that could get her kicked out of the mission. Including the armadillo offense, this could be counted as the third incident, even though the last two were circumstances beyond her control.
Why did these things keep happening to her? The Lord would have to answer that one. Just as she needed to help Margarita in the marketplace, she needed to protect Sheila now.
As she climbed into her own bed a short time later, after first making sure Sheila was all right, Lexa pondered the change in her own thinking. For the first time in her life, she truly belonged somewhere. Surely God Himself led her to the TeamWork camp. She was part of a group working toward a common goal, helping others and making lasting friends along the way. It felt good. But it was about more than making herself feel good. It was about serving the Heavenly Father. By doing that, she showed others how much He loves them, too. And that felt right.
Then there was a very tall, handsome man named Sam Lewis. Lexa smiled as she pictured him in her mind. The hole in her heart was mending, a void in her life slowly being filled. After what Rebekah told her about Shelby, Lexa hoped she could help Sam fill the void in his heart. They needed each other. At least for now.
~~**~~
Margarita missed the first few days of school following the incident in the San Antonio marketplace, but started coming back later in the week. Lexa noticed with relief that the girl looked all right and her spirits were what she’d consider normal. While never giddy with happiness, Margarita participated in class and worked hard.
Every now and then, the little girl’s eyes fell on Lexa. Those eyes were way too young to look so haunted. Full of sadness. Lexa spent as much one-on-one time with her as she could. Sometimes in the late afternoon, Margarita would grow weary, and she’d crawl onto Lexa’s lap. Stroking her long hair, Lexa sang quiet songs and stole a kiss on her forehead every now and again. Snuggling closer, Margarita put one finger in her mouth and closed her eyes.
Pray for
her, Lexa. It was that same small voice that whispered, more and more in her mind, in her heart.
Lexa wrestled with confiding in either Rebekah or Sam about Sheila. The scene with her husband—if that’s who he really was—didn’t sit well. The whole thing seemed shady, with him all dressed in black and tying Sheila’s hands behind her back. In the dark. No, this wasn’t good at all.
After debating it all the next day, Lexa decided she had to tell someone, for Sheila’s own good. Working with Josh at the worksite, she sensed he could tell something was bothering her, but respected her silence. The Lord would honor her decision if she told Sam, not as breaking a promise to someone, but in order to protect that person from possible physical harm. As the leader of the camp, Sam should know.
“Sam, I need to talk with you about something.” Lexa opened the screen door to his office that evening with barely a knock, and stepped over the threshold without waiting for his invitation.
“Come in, come in,” Sam welcomed, gesturing with one hand. “You’re just the kind of welcome interruption I love. Sit down, please.” He pulled out a chair for her. Dropping down beside her, his smile was expectant.
It was good to see him so relaxed, and Lexa prayed what she had to say wouldn’t upset him. “You’re certainly in a good mood.”
“I just found out TeamWork has added a major new source of funding. Which means,” he said, his smile widening, “we can keep going for at least the next three years.”
Lexa frowned. “Was there ever any doubt?”
Sam’s broad shoulders lifted in a shrug. “Let’s just say we were in a moderate amount of danger. Even though the volunteers all pay their own way, there’s still an enormous amount of expense with building materials, food supplies, that kind of thing.”
“Not to mention the upkeep of the transportation.”
Sam laughed and his eyes sparkled. “You’re good for me, Lexa.”
“I’m thankful for this new source of funding. It makes me happy to see you so happy.” His smile grew brighter as quickly as Lexa’s faded. She mulled over how best to broach the subject of Sheila. She’d gone over and over it in her mind. Best to plunge right in. She inhaled a quick breath.
“What’s up?” He leaned close, one brow quirked. “Something’s bothering you. Speak to me.”
“I walked into something disturbing when I went back to the dorm last night. I left the bonfire a little early,” she admitted.
“Was I that boring?” Sam teased, crossing his hands behind his head.
He did that a lot, along with raking his hand through that gorgeous mane of hair and chewing on his lower lip when he was worried. That last one was particularly endearing. Shifting in the uncomfortable chair, Lexa focused on what she needed to tell him.
“I had a headache and was really tired, so I left. This is serious, Sam. Obviously, I walked into a situation I wasn’t supposed to see.”
“Sorry.” His smile sobered. “I noticed you leaving. I missed you. I was hoping we could do some more . . . talking after the bonfire. Tell me what happened.” Sam leaned his elbows on his knees, and his fingers tapped his chin as he waited.
Lexa drew in a deep breath. “When I walked back into the dorm, it was dark. I thought I heard an odd noise, and then, all of a sudden, this big guy—dressed all in black, mind you—darts across the room. Well, lumbers is more like it. Anyway,” Lexa continued, shaking her head, “he goes tearing out of the dorm like a tornado, ripping the door right off its hinges. Then, I found out he tied Sheila’s hands behind her back. Not very well, I might add. This man was certainly no Boy Scout.”
Pausing, Lexa looked up at Sam to gauge his reaction. Those piercing eyes watched as he gave her his full attention. So far, he didn’t look surprised. Concerned, yes, but surprise didn’t register in his expression. “Doesn’t that sound strange to you? Sam?” Lexa insisted, impatient when he didn’t respond as quickly as she expected. “It was obvious this guy wasn’t up to any good. And, even more than that, Sheila admitted he’s her husband.” She didn’t intend to reveal that specific bit of detail, but he needed the facts.
“Yes,” he said, “it sounds strange, but not altogether hard to believe. That probably was Sheila’s husband, especially if she told you it was.” The words were slow, measured. “You’re right in that he’s up to no good. And I wondered what happened to the door, but I figured it was the wind since it was pretty strong the other day.” He sighed. “It’s probably a good thing you showed up when you did. I’m thankful Sheila wasn’t hurt. Or you.”
“What is he, an ex-convict or something? He looked the part, I’ll say that much.”
“Bingo.”
Lexa stared at him. “Are you serious? The guy really is an ex-con?”
Sam nodded. “His name’s Howard Morris, and he’s got a record a mile long. Mostly things like felony robberies, although he attacked a woman a couple of years ago. They think the attack was motivated by robbery, and not anything more sinister. He got off on some legal technicality.”
Lexa tilted her head, trying to catch Sam’s full attention. He avoided eye contact with her. It was uncharacteristic. She didn’t like it. “What is it you’re not telling me? And why is it that Sheila’s allowed to stay here in the camp, knowing it’s a strong possibility this man might show up unannounced?”
Sam’s eyes moved back up in a slow path to meet hers. “You’re getting to know me pretty well already, Lexa. I’m not sure I should tell you, to be honest.”
“Well, I told you about Sheila even though she begged me not to. That way, I figure we’re even.” Lexa tamped down the irritation creeping into her tone. “Not that I’m keeping score.” Lexa shot him a helpless expression.
“I’m glad you did. And thank you for not crossing your arms in that annoying way you usually do when you’re all spunky and mad. And it’s about time you started telling me things.”
“Meaning?” Lexa fought the overwhelming desire to cross her arms, but let them fall to her lap instead.
Sam chuckled. “Meaning I want to be part of your life, if you’ll let me. It’s what being in a relationship means, after all.” His eyes held hers, unwavering. “You’re becoming very important to me. I want you to feel comfortable coming to me with things that are on your mind, bothering you. I have the feeling that’s something you found very hard to do. Am I right?”
Lexa hesitated for a long moment before nodding. “Okay, I’ll give you that much. You’re right. I’ve always been rather hesitant to open up to others in the past.”
“No way!” Grasping one of her hands, Sam squeezed it and studied her fingers as if they were the most fascinating things in the world. The man seemed to have a great fondness for holding her hand. She certainly wasn’t complaining.
“You know, Sam, you asked me what I was afraid of.” Lexa watched as he traced the pathway of a line etched into her palm. “I’ve been afraid of too much in my life. Being here at the TeamWork camp just this short amount of time, and meeting you, has shown me that much. I think one of the things I’ve always been most afraid of is being hurt.”
“And if you open up to someone, you’ll be hurt? Is that part of why you’re afraid?”
Lexa nodded, not trusting herself to answer as he raised her palm and planted a quick, soft kiss. It was sensual in its sweetness. He couldn’t know its powerful effect on her. With everything he did, everything he said, Sam showed her he was falling in love with her. It was in the way he looked at her, sometimes when he didn’t realize she was aware. Maybe Sam didn’t understand it himself. Was it too soon? Granted, she didn’t have a lot of experience with matters of the heart. But one thing Lexa did know—the feelings she held for him were honest and real.
Sam opened his mouth to speak again, but hesitated. Lexa presumed he planned on telling her about Shelby, but he must have changed his mind. Finally, he spoke. “I need to tell you something. Something about my past.” The words were quiet, spoken with conviction. It was like he had to get
them out quickly before deciding against it.
“I’m listening.”
“Not yet. How about we meet tonight after the devotions, if you’re not too tired.”
“How can I be tired, knowing I’ll be meeting you?”
Sam’s hold on her hand lingered before releasing it. “I’ll see you tonight then, if not before. And thanks for telling me about Howard.”
“Howard,” Lexa repeated, shaking her head. “Howard’s not a name for an ex-convict. Howard’s a name for a bookworm, a college professor. Or a computer nerd.” Preparing to leave the office, Lexa rose from the chair.
“Trust me. This Howard’s an entirely different breed. Be careful, Lexa.” He walked with her toward the door.
“Are you going to tell me more about Howard tonight? You were very deft in not answering all my questions.”
That tiny frown line surfaced between his brows again. “As far as Howard is concerned, please always be on the alert. The board has discussed the situation with Mr. Morris several times. We decided to monitor it, believing the benefits for Sheila being here at the camp outweigh any possible danger.” He paused. “Trust me, keeping my TeamWork crew safe is my top priority. We don’t believe Howard will really hurt Sheila. Put it this way—he has an ulterior motive. Sheila has something he wants.” Sam stepped closer. “Please promise you’ll let me know if you ever see him lurking about the camp again.”
Lexa nodded. “I promise. But may I make a suggestion?”
“Sure. Lay it on me.” Sam leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.
“Maybe you could assign one of the guys to keep an eye on Sheila every day. Schedule some kind of rotation. Just to make sure she stays safe, especially now that we’ve seen Howard lurking around. The fact that he made it into the women’s dorm is very unnerving. Husband or not, I think Howard should be seen as a potentially serious threat. If it’s okay with you, I’ll mention it to Rebekah and my other roommates. I’ll tell them only as much as you think they should know, but they’ll help keep an eye on Sheila.”
