by Elder, Jan;
~*~
Hunter watched Cassidy’s car back out of the driveway and zoom off. Lowering the mini-blinds in the living room, he strode to the kitchen, wolfed down a slice of leftover chocolate pie with a cookies and cream crust, and called it lunch. He licked his fork clean, pushed away from the table, and folded his hands. That was truly a delicious piece of pie, but it didn’t take his mind off of Cassidy.
Since last week, he hadn’t been able to get the image of her smile, or the silken warmth of her cheek against his, out of his head. All was right with the world when she was in his arms. She belonged there. And for a few cherished moments, he’d thought she felt the same way. He was almost positive she’d enjoyed that kiss as much as he did, but she’d been so quiet on the drive back to her house, his confidence had withered like a freshly picked flower in the harsh summer sun.
And then, when they’d arrived home, she’d fled—there was no other word for it—and he hadn’t seen her lovely face since. There was something going on with her, and he was at a complete loss to figure it out.
Hunter lugged cartons of retreat materials to the truck Aaron had loaned him until his own vehicle was repaired. He glanced at Cassidy’s house and grinned. Gracey had arranged herself on the front windowsill in a warm puddle of sun. Despite Cassidy’s protests to the contrary, it was obvious she felt a certain amount of affection for the friendly feline.
He hoped Cassidy wasn’t backing out of going to the retreat. He would have offered her a ride, but somehow, he doubted she would have said yes. What was he doing wrong?
A year ago, he’d vowed to quit dating until he found someone special. Cassidy was beyond special. Cassidy was someone precious. If she would consent to dating him, and hopefully be his girlfriend, he would do it right this time. Before he’d become a Christian, he’d been less than a gentleman where females were concerned. He’d asked God for forgiveness, and he’d apologized to a few women for the way he had treated them.
But no one had ever made his spirit soar the way Cassidy did. Not even close.
Hunter checked the time on his phone and strode to the bedroom to finish packing freshly washed clothes. He chose the shirt he’d worn the last time they’d been together. The thought of being with her for the next three days filled him with anticipation. And trepidation. His stomach seized. He would find some way to get through to her. Maybe he could get her alone so they could talk. Who was he kidding? Talk? He wanted to kiss her again so badly he could taste the sweetness of her lips on his. But they did need to talk…first.
He groaned. She upset his equilibrium. Loving her required a delicate balancing act of epic proportions.
Loving her? Where had that come from? Whoa. He really needed to get a grip.
And he needed to get going. There were a million things to do at the retreat center before the crowd arrived. Forty-seven people were attending, praise the Lord, and he had plenty of help. Zach was organizing the room assignments and passing out maps and schedules. Aaron had volunteered to handle the music and lead the singing. And Blake was bringing the sodas and the snacks. He was also on call to be Hunter’s assistant and all-around gopher.
The conference center was taking care of the meals, but twenty-something guys ate like starving piglets. Better to over-prepare. That morning he’d connected with the speaker, Andrea, nailed down last minute details, and conferred on the topic of relationships and her points of discussion.
He hefted his suitcase and was about to head out when an idea popped into his head. Relationships. He could get something for Cassidy to show he cared. She seemed to appreciate the pies, but that was too easy, and not exactly personal. He chuckled. A box of chocolates wouldn’t do, either. Flowers? Tried and true, but was it too cliché? Plus, they’d be staying in the retreat center cabins. What would she do with them? If he wanted to surprise Cassidy this weekend, he was running out of time.
Linus pussyfooted into the kitchen, meowed, and bumped against his leg. Hunter reached down and scooped him up. “Hey, buddy. You got any brilliant ideas?” He flipped the easygoing cat over onto his back and cradled him in his arms. “I’ve been neglecting you lately, haven’t I? Sorry. I’ll be gone for a couple of days but Cody and Cameron will be over to take care of you. Be good, OK?”
Linus purred and snuggled in his arms.
Snuggling. Cassidy. Warmth flooded through him and his chest burned. Little help here, God. I’m fresh out of inspiration.
Gabby could give him some direction. Hunter whipped out his phone and thumbed through his directory until he got to Gabby.
“Hey, Hunter. Are you calling me to offer cookies?”
“What?”
“I have blackened cookies smoldering on my kitchen counter. Did Cassidy call you? I told her not to call you.”
“Uh, no. She didn’t call. I haven’t talked to her all week. Do we need more cookies for the retreat?”
“I’m afraid so. You got any?” Gabby groaned.
Hunter chuckled. “Think on it, little one.”
“Oh yeah. You’re the baker. I’ll bet you have cookies galore.”
“What kind do you want?”
“Oatmeal raisin if possible. With Cassidy keeping watch, I’ll be bringing a few dozen, but I was supposed to bring more.”
“Cassidy? Keeping watch?”
“She’s on her way over. Oh. If she didn’t call you, what were you calling for then?”
Chatting with Gabby was always an adventure. “Believe it or not, I’m calling about Cassidy. I want to get her a gift, but I have no idea what will please her. Just a little something.”
“Ah. I get it. You’re crazy about her and you want her to like you. Is that it?”
Hunter gulped. Good thing Gabby couldn’t see him because he suspected his face was a deep shade of crimson. “Yeah, that sums it up. Any ideas?” Five minutes later, Hunter ended the conversation. He had a plan.
He grabbed his suitcase, the last box containing folders, pens, paper, and the devotional he’d written, and closed the kitchen door. Hunter hopped in Aaron’s truck. The dented vehicle wouldn’t win any beauty contests, but the engine purred. He’d been able to postpone his trip to Vermont and his own truck would cost less than he thought. He was supremely grateful God had provided precisely what he needed. As usual.
He wished his relationship with Cassidy—if one could call it that—was remedied as easily.
19
Midnight was closing in fast when Cassidy opened the door to the room she and Gabby were sharing for the weekend. The room was clean and cozy, but there were no frills or flourishes. No TV, no gold faucets, no marble sinks, no whirlpool bath. Just a good place to rest in the Lord and rejuvenate.
They’d moved into their room that sunny afternoon. The picture window with a view of the mountains had immediately drawn a gasp of pleasure from her lungs. Outside the smaller window, a dappled wood bustled with activity. Chipmunks peeked from their burrows and chattering gray squirrels skittered around tree trunks, their soft syllables soothing to the mind and the body. Now, with a full moon rising, a faint glow backlit the closely spaced trees and the mountains were edged with a silver-tinged sheen in the moonlight.
Cassidy kicked off her shoes, wiggled her toes, and sank onto the twin bed she’d claimed for her own. Gabby was still out flirting with Blake, a good thing since Cassidy craved a bit of alone time. Seeing Hunter leading the group from across a crowded room for hours on end had worn her out, but what was even more troubling were the moments she caught his gorgeous brown eyes on her. He didn’t glance away when their gazes met. Far from it. He’d lit up like a polished chandelier, a smile taking over his face.
Cassidy brought out her journal and jotted down some insights she’d received from the speaker’s talk. The topic centered on the most important relationship of all, a person’s relationship with God. With a lot to ponder on the subject, Cassidy wrote whatever came to mind, her pen scratching against page after page. And then she prayed, thanking God
for the opportunity to learn more about Him.
She plucked the schedule for the weekend’s activities out of her Bible. Tomorrow’s emphasis was on all types of relationships—family, friends, and workplace, and Sunday, they were tackling how to hear God’s call, the single life, dating relationships, and marriage. The very notion made Cassidy’s head throb. She lugged her suitcase up on the bed and searched for the little white bottle where she kept her migraine medicine. She shook out two pills and washed them down with the bottled water she’d brought back to the room.
Maybe a steamy hot shower would loosen bunched muscles. In the tiny bathroom, she turned the faucet to medium-hot, undressed, waited until the water was up to temperature, and ducked under the spray. Bliss. The healing stream eased her back and shoulders, calmed, and refreshed. She was toweling off when she heard the key click in the lock and the door to the room open and close. “I’m in the bathroom, Gabby.”
The squeak of bedsprings sounded.
“Hey, Cassidy. Great night, huh?”
“Yeah. I guess. I’ll be out in a minute, OK?” Cassidy had been hoping for a few more minutes of precious quiet time, but she’d make the best of the situation. Donning her nightgown and her robe, she meandered back into the guest room. “Did you have a good time with Blake?”
A delicate flush bloomed on Gabby’s golden cheeks. She brushed her dark hair out of her twinkling eyes. “How could I not? He’s such a great guy.”
“And you’re a great girl.”
A shy grin graced Gabby’s jaw line, and her gaze hit the floor. “Thanks.”
“OK. What’s up?” Cassidy plunked down on her bed and ran a hand through her new do. Was Hunter the sort to notice a change in her appearance?
Gabby giggled as she pulled down the covers on her bed. “Guess what?”
“What?”
“He kissed me. My first kiss. Ever.”
“Ever? Gabby, that’s great. You really like him, don’t you?” Cassidy was pleased for her friend. An uncomplicated romance sounded, oh, so nice.
Gabby opened her suitcase and dug out a pair of pajamas covered with tiny suns, moons, and stars. “Yes. I really like him. I don’t have much experience with this feeling, but I could get used to it pretty quickly.”
Cassidy plumped the pillows on her bed, dove under the covers, and sank into the soft mattress. “I think he’s making his feelings perfectly clear. He looks at you with that certain sparkle in his eye.”
“The way Hunter looks at you. What’s going on with you two?”
Cassidy sucked in a breath and let out a deep sigh. “Too complicated to explain, and I’m not even going to try tonight, all right? Do you mind if we stay quiet for a while? I didn’t sleep well last night, and I think I’ll read for a few minutes and then go to sleep.”
“I know. I talk too much. Mama always says so.” Gabby tugged on her pajamas. “I’ll sit here on the bed, and ponder the wonder that is Blake. And grin. I’m going to grin a lot if that’s OK with you.”
Cassidy chuckled. “Perfect.” Whew. She was glad that went well. She hadn’t wanted to hurt Gabby’s feelings, but the need to decompress and call it a night reigned supreme. And she absolutely didn’t want to discuss Hunter. Tomorrow she would tell him she only wanted to be friends—no more dates, no more kisses. Her life would be a great deal less complicated if she established some boundaries. It was either that or move, and she was starting to get used to being back in Maryland. She sort of liked the place.
Cassidy cracked her book open and stared at the pages, the image of Hunter’s handsome face vying for attention. She mulled over what she wanted to say to him, trying out various firm, but non-confrontational phrases. After ten minutes of rehearsing her speech, she glanced down to see she was still on the same page. No point in even trying to read. Time to turn in. She switched off the lamp next to her bed and rolled over, the memory of strong arms holding her close blistering her weary mind.
~*~
Hunter strode to the small wooden platform near the bottom of the gentle hill and faced the audience. He loved this place. The outdoor theater-style setting with casual bench seating epitomized the word “retreat.” A colorful sunset painted the sky and the soothing venue calmed his mind and brightened his spirit.
“Thanks, Andrea, for that thoughtful message. I know I have a lot of thinking to do about my own relationship with my family and friends. Especially one person in particular.”
The audience laughed, and he flashed Andrea a warm smile.
“Now, we’re going to have a fifteen-minute break, and then we’ll come back and finish up tonight’s session. When we return, please gather into small clusters of six for group discussion.” He paused and checked the time. “Help yourselves to snacks up in the main hall.”
Bounding off the stage, he made a beeline for Cassidy. They’d hardly said two words to each other the whole weekend, and she’d been dodging him all day. Tonight, she wasn’t getting away.
Cassidy jumped from her seat in the last row of the amphitheater and sped up the hill, but he was beside her in an instant. “Hi. Can we talk?”
She gave him a tired smile. Better than nothing. “Sure. I’d like to talk to you, too.”
Thank heaven for that. Maybe he could find out what was on her mind. Hunter cupped her elbow, and they headed toward a lighted path through the woods. After a few twists and turns, four picnic tables came into view. Hunter and Cassidy sat on opposite sides facing each other. He would have preferred to sit next to her, but it was easier to talk this way. Thankfully, they were alone. He swallowed. “I’ve missed you this week.”
Cassidy lowered her head and stared at the table. “You said you wanted to tell me something?”
“And you said you wanted to talk to me.”
“You go first.” Cassidy’s forehead scrunched, and she bit her bottom lip.
Hunter covered her hand with his. “Thanks again for taking me home the other night. My poor, ailing truck is in Aaron’s shop, so I should have it back soon.” He lifted her chin and gazed into her sky-blue eyes. “That night, you were wearing the same pretty blouse, if I remember correctly.”
Cassidy nodded and cleared her throat. “Yes.”
This wasn’t going nearly as well as he’d hoped. She was a bundle of nerves. He reached into a small bag and pulled out the gift he’d bought for her. “I got you a present, a small thing really, but I wanted you to know I was thinking of you.”
“Oh?” The corners of Cassidy’s mouth turned up in a smile. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Close your eyes.” When her eyes were shut tight, Hunter turned her hand over and laid the book-sized package in her palm. She was going to love this, he hoped. “Like I said, it’s just a little gift.”
Cassidy’s eyes flew open and she tentatively ripped off the paper. She clamped her thumb and forefinger around the gift and held it up, hand trembling. “I don’t understand…?”
“It’s a journal. Gabby said you enjoy writing in your journal every night. I thought you’d like the light blue color and the silvery gilt edges. And I had the leather embossed with your name.” Proudly, he rotated the journal slightly so she could see the glittery lettering in the moonlight.
Her eyes lost their luster and grew huge. “Oh…oh…”
Just like the frightened bobcat he’d happened upon last year, Cassidy sprinted off for parts unknown, leaving the journal lying on the table, splashed with tears.
20
Hunter froze, his heart thundering. Should he chase her? She was wounded and he didn’t have the slightest idea what had hurt her so. Dear God, what should I do? This is too hard. Should I just let her be?
He reached for the journal she’d left on the table and held the soft leather-bound book in his hands. His index finger traced the shiny silver letters of her name. He had to find her and get her to talk to him. He vaulted to his feet and raced to the main hall. No sign of her. He trotted back to the outdoor seating area and flagge
d down an oatmeal cookie-laden Blake. “Have you seen Cassidy?”
“No, why?”
“Something’s up and I need to find her. I did…I don’t know what I did, but I did something to upset her and she took off.”
“Sorry, man. Anything I can do?”
“Would you let Andrea know I’ll be back as soon as I can? And ask Zach to introduce the next session? I’ve got to find her, and I’m losing time.”
“You got it. Try her room, maybe?”
“Good idea.” Hunter fist-bumped Blake’s shoulder. “Say a prayer, OK?”
“Will do. Go.”
Hunter raced for the other side of the property and made for Cassidy’s room. He knew the number because he’d made sure she had the newest, most spacious accommodations and the best view. There were no lights shining through the windows, and no one answered when he knocked on the door. “Cassidy are you in there? Please open the door. Cassidy?”
Nothing. Not a rustle, not a sound.
He turned away and pursed his lips. Where would she have gone? He retraced his steps and checked the dining hall, the large assembly room, the chapel, and the gazebo. She’d been so rattled, he doubted she’d rejoin the group. Would she drive home? He loped to the parking lot to check for her car. Relief washed over him. Still there. Hunter strode back to the picnic table area, slumped down on the wooden tabletop, and rested his elbows on his knees. Lord, I need help. Her beautiful eyes held such pain my heart aches for her. You know where she is. Please help me find her. Please.
If he were upset, he’d want to get away to someplace quiet. He headed in the direction he’d last seen her and came to a crossroad. If he knew her at all, she would want to get as far away from people as possible. He turned right, away from the lodge. He continued until he came to another fork in the road. Up the mountain or down?
Down. He turned right again and hurried, always going down. The path narrowed and petered out but he kept going. Glancing up, he gazed at the night sky. A coy full moon hid behind the clouds, and true darkness descended. He tugged his cell phone out of his jeans. No cell towers serviced the area but even though there was no signal, he could still turn on his flashlight.