Kelli pulled her fingers through a few strands. “Straighten my hair?”
“Yeah. I have a hot iron.”
She had planned to go to cosmetology school. But things were different now. Rachel didn't know what she wanted. Not anymore. Her life had been planned out perfectly, until that day. Then everything changed. And nothing had been the same since.
Once in the house, Rachel led her to the kitchen. “Are you hungry?”
“I'm always hungry.”
They grabbed some chocolate chip cookies and rushed upstairs to her room.
“Wow, that's an insane wall of pictures. Are you into photography?”
“My dad gave me a camera for my fourteenth birthday.” She exhaled a lungful of air as she plugged in the straightener and then walked toward the display scattered across the wall. “It's a collection from up until last year. I don't really play with it much anymore.”
“You should. These are really good.”
“Thanks.” Rachel studied a few of the pictures, the memories rushing back like a thousand piercings mixed with a steady torrent of gratitude. What if she didn't have the hundreds of pictures to stare at every night as she drifted off to sleep?
She zeroed in on a picture of her daddy, standing tall on a ladder, working on an addition to the garage. He was always building, designing. And he was good. Mom always said he was the hardest working man she'd ever known. Then her gaze shifted to Jordan. Her best friend. He'd kept his distance since the funeral. It bothered her that he chose to stay away, because she hadn’t understood. It hurt for a long time, but it wasn’t his place to be there for her.
“Is your mom a designer or something? Everything's so beautiful. I absolutely love your room. I love your whole house.”
Rachel cleared the memories for the moment. She'd come back to them later. She always did. Every day. “Yeah, she used to. I guess it will always be in her blood.”
Kelli's eyes widened. “She's really good.”
“Comes so natural for her.” Rachel shrugged. “Maybe some of it will rub off on me.”
“Before school starts, I’m making a trip to Philadelphia to go school shopping. You want to go?”
“Sounds fun.”
“Great. Maybe we can grab dinner on the way back.” Kelli sat on the vanity stool, her cheeks full with a silly grin. “So tell me ... what’s going on?”
“What do you mean?” Rachel couldn’t stop her own smile.
“The Amish guy at the restaurant today.” Kelli's grin nearly glowed with amusement. “Oh, you mean Paul. He’s the one I told you about. He's doing renovations for us. My mom.”
“And?”
“And what? That’s it.” Rachel tried to keep her voice even, but the words fell out with noticeable delight. Could she trust Kelli with this? What if she laughed, or worse, told all her friends? She would never be able to show her face in school or anywhere in Paradise ever again.
Kelli rolled her eyes. “You expect me to believe that? I saw you. The way you gawked at him.”
Rachel combed through Kelli's tangles. “What? I was not gawking.” Especially not at first when she'd thought the unthinkable. Mary was his girlfriend, or worse, something more.
“Ha! Oh, yes, you were. You can tell me. I won’t say anything. I promise.”
Did Paul see that in her expression? “Of course I like him. He’s really nice.” Rachel measured Kelli's reaction, waiting to see if she needed to retract on her admission.
“He’s nice.” Kelli puckered her lips out and made a spitting sound. “Yeah right. Does he know?”
Rachel burst into laughter as she pulled strands of Kelli's hair through the iron. “I hope not.” She slammed her lips shut. How could she have let that slip?
“You really do like him. He is gorgeous.”
“Yeah, but it doesn’t matter. It would never work.” She pulled a few more strands through, her fingers now trembling.
“What do you mean? He couldn’t keep his eyes off you.”
“What?” Rachel bit her lip to contain her excitement. She had imagined that exact scenario, but never thought it would actually happen.
“Every time I looked his way, he was watching you. At first it creeped me out because of that Jason guy, but I knew there was something different about this one.”
“Really?” She leaned against her dresser, her thoughts drifting to those last few moments. “He was?”
“Yes, he really was. Amish or not, I almost gave him a piece of my mind.”
“No, you didn't.” Rachel pulled the last few strands through the iron. “What do you know about their rules and stuff?”
“They don’t approve of romantic relationships between, you know, couples like you and him, but you two might be an exception. What if he gave up his Amish upbringing to be with you?” Kelli's voice softened and she placed a hand over her heart, her face tilting toward the ceiling. “That would be so romantic.”
Rachel thought of his note again and soared on an emotional wave as all sensible thoughts flew from her mind. Her hopes rose with each moment that passed. “He invited me this Sunday ... to the singing.”
Kelli's mouth and eyes widened stretching her brows high into her forehead. “What? Really?”
“I know.” She couldn't quite bring herself to believe it was anything more than him just being nice. “But I'm sure it's no big deal.”
“Not a big deal? He asked you for a date.”
“No.” Rachel whispered gutturally as glee tickled her throat. “It's nothing like that.” It was better not to get her hopes up.
“Whatever.” Kelli rolled her eyes, her bigger-than-life smile stretching across her face all at the same time. “You better tell me every single detail Monday.”
“Yes, ma'am.” Rachel released the iron and brushed through Kelli's hair. “There. How do you like it?”
“It's beautiful.” Kelli sifted the golden locks through her fingers. “It's so soft. Can you come to my house every morning before school?”
Rachel laughed.
At least she’d made one friend this summer. Maybe even two.
22
Twirling in place with the small wrinkled note held tight against her chest, Rachel repeated the phrase. He's looking forward to Sunday. A tingling rush skittered across her chest.
She read Paul’s note at least ten more times before hiding it in her jewelry box on the dresser.
She assessed each piece of clothing in her closet and decided on a navy long-sleeved V-neck. She slipped on her favorite pencil skirt that hung just below her calves. It would be perfect for an Amish singing on a cool night. Well, almost.
Rachel curled her hair and finished off her makeup with a layer of pink lip gloss. She glanced at the time and a quivering emptiness filled her stomach.
Rachel didn’t want to read anything into his intentions, but couldn’t help herself. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this happy, this carefree.
The buggy’s familiar rhythm traveled through her open window. She rechecked her hair, brushing through the long layers one more time, careful not to straighten her bouncing waves. She took several deep breaths before running downstairs and meeting Paul at the door.
“Hullo. I saw these and thought of you.” He handed her a bunch of wildflowers. The yellows, blues, and orange bounded through the green just like her heart—leaping all over the place.
She took them, concentrating on the assortment in an effort to hide her warming cheeks. “Thank you.”
He followed her inside.
“Oh, how lovely.” Her mom reached for the arrangement. “I'll put these in water for you.”
“Mrs. Adams, I promise not to have her out too late.”
He crossed and uncrossed his arms. Was he nervous?
Mom lifted the bundled flowers to her nose. “You two have a nice time.”
Paul led her toward the buggy, and Rachel waved at Mary sitting in the backseat. Paul took Rachel's hand to help her inside. When
she tried to step up, she couldn’t spread her feet apart enough to reach the step.
His smile faded.
“Maybe I should change. I won't be able to climb … Oh!” The exclamation escaped as Paul scooped her up beneath her knees and lifted her into his arms.
The deliberate presence of his hands reached through the material of her skirt, her blouse, as he held her against his chest. She wrapped both arms around his neck, her pulse racing. His strength shocked her when he released one hand to grab the wagon and took one unwavering step up, their faces almost touching. His slight grunt of effort was soft in her ear.
Her hair fell across her face when he released her, and he swept the loose strands out of the way, his fingers grazing her cheek. She gripped the edge of the seat, lightheadedness colliding with the soft buzz floating around her head. It took a moment to catch her breath, so indwelled was she on the intimate moment.
Paul grasped the reins, his eyes scanning her face as if admiring every feature. “You haven't changed your mind about going?”
“No, I’ve been looking forward to it all day,” Rachel said, breathless.
“Me too.” Not until he gave her a gentle smile did he steer his horse toward the road.
Mary leaned forward against the front seat. “So have I.”
Rachel turned to look at Mary. She had almost forgotten Mary was there ... had almost forgotten all her troubles.
The company of this Amish man had a way of making everything brighter.
Paul lost all of his good sense when he lifted Rachel into his arms. It had been necessary the day the snake appeared in the garden, but this was totally different. His heart pounded against his chest when her fingers had curled into the hair at the base of his neck. He could still feel them there, and it was sending his mind to places it shouldn't go. As Paul released her, he breathed in, hoping to capture her scent. A fusion of soft, sweet, and exotic soaked through his senses. Maybe he could keep it forever, if he inhaled hard enough.
When they arrived at the farm, Mary climbed from the buggy, but that skirt made things difficult for Rachel again. And he was more than happy to help. She slid into his arms, but even while wanting to pull her closer, he was careful not to linger. The thrill of knowing Rachel was here felt dangerous. In her presence, he felt more alive than ever before, and he couldn't imagine ever going back.
Mary grabbed Rachel’s hand and pulled her along like they had been friends for months. There was no need to worry about Rachel; Mary’s friends were delighted to see her. Most had already met her at the last singing and all took turns giving her hugs.
Anna marched toward Paul, her disappointment evident. Paul strode toward the barn, careful to keep his voice even. “Hi, Anna.”
“Paul.”
Anna webbed her fingers between his and almost leapt closer. Unease wrapped around him as her grip tightened on his fingers. Paul yanked his hand from her firm hold, and his gaze wandered in Rachel's direction before he faced Anna fully.
“What’re you doing?”
Her lips curved in satisfaction. “I just wanted to say hullo.”
Paul's nostrils flared as Anna sashayed away. He met Rachel's gaze for the briefest of moments before she quickly turned away.
Had Rachel witnessed the exchange with Anna? Had that been for Rachel’s benefit? Had Anna sensed the truth?
He wanted to march over there and set things straight with Rachel. There is no Anna and me, he wanted to say. There will never be anyone for me but you. But he couldn't. He had to be the plain Amish man everyone expected him to be.
How quickly he’d been reminded that this would be no walk in the park.
Paul blew out a heavy breath, then smiled as he passed Mary and Rachel. The pain he'd thought he detected in Rachel’s eyes was now gone. Maybe she hadn’t seen Anna’s scheme after all.
Paul talked with his friends, trying not to be drawn to the fact that Rachel stood right across the lawn from him. What he experienced was a once-in-a-lifetime thing. The other guys only spoke of her briefly. They cared nothing about the Englisch girl.
She was the only thing filling his mind.
23
Rachel attempted to breathe normally. Why had she agreed to come here? Why did Paul even invite her? Did he intend to rub the girl in her face?
The picture of them holding hands, standing so close to each other, clenched a knot in her middle. She wanted to go home.
Rachel forced herself to concentrate on the conversation the girls were having.
Mary took her arm. “They're starting a game. Let's get on the same team.”
“I'm no good at volleyball. But I enjoy watching.” Rachel pointed toward the bench set against the barn. “You go ahead. I'll be fine.”
Mary joined the others, and Rachel leaned against the barn. She tried to soak in the competition taking place before her, but to no avail. Her mind was focused on the man standing on the other side of the farm with a group of guys and the blonde-headed Amish girl trying to keep his attention.
When the game ended, Mary spoke to Paul briefly before joining her.
“They're getting ready to start singing. But Paul's ready to go.”
Ready to go? Rachel had convinced herself to ignore Paul and the hovering Amish girl. And was even looking forward to the singing. Maybe it was for the best. It would be harder seeing him sitting next to the girl.
One of the young men from her last visit approached. “Hullo, Rachel. I was hoping you would be willing to share with us again tonight.”
“Oh, I'm sorry.” She glanced at Mary. “We're ... we aren't going to be able to stay.”
“Share again?” Mary tugged on her arm. “You sing?”
“Jah. She's wunderbaar-gut.”
“Ah.” Mary laughed. “I must hear this wunderbaar-gut voice of yours sometime.”
Anna moved toward them. “You're leaving already?”
“Jah.” Mary turned and grabbed Rachel's arm. “Anna, you haven't met Rachel.”
“Nice to meet you.” The young woman gave Rachel a ready smile before turning her full attention back to Mary. “See you later. I need to catch Paul and tell him gut nacht.”
Heaviness settled on Rachel's body. She wouldn't look. No matter how much she wanted to. She couldn't.
Rachel and Mary reached the buggy first, and Rachel lifted her skirt high enough to climb in before Paul caught up to them. He would not have to lift her inside again. Especially now. She was ready to be alone, to sulk in her disappointment.
As soon as he climbed in, he faced her. “I’m going to drop Mary off on the way if you don't mind.”
What was he up to? An absurd urge to challenge him zipped through her, but against her own will she mumbled, “Okay.”
When they arrived at Paul’s house, her eyes widened. He lived only two houses down from her. How didn't she know?
Mary hugged her from behind. “Bye, Rachel. Let’s get together soon.”
Rachel reached deep within and pulled out her most sincere smile. “I would love to.” Paul was turning the wagon around on the path before Rachel spoke again. Something true. Something safe. “Your cousin's really nice.”
“Jah, she's like a sister.” He slowed the rig as they approached the highway.
When she noticed Paul watching her with admiration, every feminine instinct she possessed escalated and a portion of doubt dissipated.
“Would you mind riding with me for a while? I want to show you something.”
Her curiosity had her nodding, and she welcomed the cool breeze. Maybe the heat that rose to her face would go unnoticed.
“Where in Florida did you live?”
“Pensacola.” A comfortable tugging pulled at her heart strings.
“That's many miles from here.”
“Yeah, it was my mom’s idea to move here.” Why had he invited her if he had a girlfriend? Why wasn't he driving Anna home? Wasn't that how the Amish courted?
“So, you're not happy about being her
e?”
The moisture in Rachel's mouth dissolved. “No. Well, yes, I mean I like it. It's just different.”
“But you miss your friends?”
The mention of her friends brought a sudden rush of sadness. “Yes, I miss them a lot.”
Rachel wished she’d worn her jacket. The cool air created goose bumps along her arms or maybe it was the idea of sitting next to Paul in his horse-drawn buggy. Holding her arms tight against her chest, she tried warding off the chill. He removed his jacket and handed it to her. He wore only a white T-shirt under his coat. Her thoughts scattered as he lay the jacket across her lap, his hand brushing against hers as he pulled back.
“It’s cool. Take it.”
The warmth of him seeped into her thighs, but the urge to take it and wrap it around her wrestled against her good manners. “But you don’t have any sleeves.”
“I’m used to it.” His muscles flared as he worked the reins leading his horse. “I’m sure you’re used to warmer weather in Florida.”
Rachel pulled the jacket on, and the sleeves settled somewhere near the tips of her fingers. His warmth still lingered, his scent comforting. She forced herself not to pull the black wool to her nose.
“School will be starting back soon. What grade are you in?”
“I’m a senior. How about you? Did you graduate last year?”
His eyes crinkled, the soft lines falling perfectly onto his flawless cheek. “No, I finished school a while back. We only go through the eighth grade.”
Regaining some control over her bundle of nerves sitting this close to him, she turned slightly to face him more fully. “That’s not fair. I would've graduated several years ago.”
“You’re fortunate to be able to finish school. Don’t you like it?”
She shifted, tucking her legs closer to the seat. “I do, but I’m nervous about starting this new school as a senior.”
His sapphire eyes sparkled. “I wouldn’t worry too much about that. You'll make friends easily and probably forget all about your Amish friend.”
Rachel's pulse picked up speed. “I would never forget about you.” Did I just say that out loud?
Chasing Paradise Page 12
