by JoAnn Durgin
Leaning against the counter, Josh returned Sam’s smile. “Seeing them in action, I have all the admiration in the world for Lexa and Winnie. They must crash after one of these shindigs.”
“They do.” Sam glanced at his watch. “But right about now, the adrenaline should be kicking in. At least they’ve got a few days before the next event, but if business picks up much more, they’ll need to hire a few permanent part-time helpers.”
“Looks like they’re born to it,” Josh said. “A lot of people never find their niche but looks to me like ‘our girls’ have found it.”
“Not to change the subject,” Sam said, waiting until the server left the kitchen, “but I have a question for you.”
“Ask away.”
“You’re already head over heels for her, aren’t you?”
“You could say that. I never stopped caring for her.” Leaning forward with clasped hands over the stainless steel counter, he stretched his muscles to ease the tension in back and his shoulders. A moment later, he straightened up and met Sam’s eyes. “I’ve always loved her, even back in the TeamWork camp. I understand Winnie’s skittish, and I don’t want to scare her away by coming on too strong.” He grinned a little. “It might be too late for that, anyway. I’m not exactly known for reticence.”
“Speaking from the front seat perspective, it looked like the action was pretty heated between you two,” Sam said. “Winnie didn’t look inclined to run in the opposite direction but a word of caution: be careful. She’s gone a long time without a man in her life and you’re reawakening needs, if you understand my meaning.”
“We’re fine,” Josh said, “but it’s probably a good thing I’m going back to Baton Rouge tomorrow. Chloe brings an entirely new dynamic into the situation. I want to do what’s best for both her and Winnie but, above all, I want to honor the Lord in this relationship. I also want my heart’s desire, and I pray it’s all the same thing.” He met his friend’s gaze. “I won’t hurt her, Sam.”
Sam held his gaze. “I know.”
He ran a hand over his jaw. “I still can’t believe I have a daughter. Now I need to figure out the best way to tell Mom, Dad and Beck. That’s a big step, but I’ll do it this week.”
“You know I’m praying for you, brother. Always have and always will.”
“Thanks,” Josh said with a small grin. “Keep at it. I’m sure I’ll need it.”
The swinging door flew open and Winnie rushed in followed by a string of servers. She didn’t stop moving as she tossed an incredulous glance their way. “What are you two doing just standing around? We need some more mushroom caps, bacon wraps and quiche tarts out there right now!”
“Aye aye,” Josh said as both men sprang into action.
~~**~~
Late Saturday Night
At Josh’s insistence, before they left the hotel, Winnie called Jessica to make sure Chloe was tucked in bed and fast asleep. She’d put him off the first five times he’d asked, and he could tell his concern for Chloe’s well-being had transitioned from sweet to annoying. Exhausted from the day-long event, both ladies rested and it was a quiet ride as Sam drove them back to the house. The rain came down in torrents and Sam focused his energies on the road. He finally pulled the station wagon into the garage at quarter past eleven.
“I’ll take care of all this stuff,” Sam said, his glance encompassing the supplies stacked around them before settling on him. Lexa had already said good night and gone to check on Joe. The leftover food had been sent to a homeless shelter, but they still had a load to take back into the house. Sam’s gaze fell on Winnie. “You take care of getting her home.”
“Right. I don’t want her driving in this rain. It’s too dangerous, especially since she’s so tired. I’ll leave Ladybug here,” he said, catching Sam’s wide grin at his use of the car’s nickname, “and I’ll go back in the morning to get Winnie and Chloe for church.” He darted a glance at Winnie still dozing beside him.
Sam climbed out of the car as he did the same. “Wait a second and I’ll grab an umbrella for you.”
“Never mind. I’ll just pull the car up close to the garage and carry her.”
Sam nodded. “Church starts at eleven, Sunday school at nine-thirty, if you’re so inclined.”
“Does Winnie usually go to Sunday school?”
“She does, but she co-teaches the single mom’s class.” Sam chuckled under his breath. “I’m sure you’d be a big hit.”
“Oh, right. In that case, guess I’ll tag along with you and Lexa.”
“Lexa’s teaching Chloe’s class. I know you’d be welcome there.” Those smile lines just kept getting deeper.
Josh laughed. “Sounds even better. I’ll see you in the morning, buddy. Thanks for a great day all the way around. Wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”
Running to his car in front of the house, he pulled it behind Sam’s car. Reaching into the backseat of the station wagon, he tucked Winnie in his arms and sheltered her from the blinding rain as he lowered her into his passenger seat. She stirred a few minutes later, but he didn’t dare take his eyes away from the road. “Josh, I’m so tired my bones ache.”
“Then rest.”
“Where are we?”
He blew out a sigh as he made a left turn. “Right where we need to be.”
“I’m glad.”
“Me, too.”
Winnie murmured something unintelligible and shifted, snuggling further into the seat. Josh cranked up the heat in case she was cold, and she was still asleep when he stopped in front of her apartment a few minutes later. Debating his options, he watched the driving sheets of rain under the streetlights. She mumbled something again. He leaned close enough to feel her warm breath. “Did you say something? Sweetheart?”
She tugged at her sweater, not opening her eyes. “Must tell Josh. . .”
He’d give his annual bonus to know what was going through her imaginative mind. It didn’t look like the rain was going to let up anytime soon, and short of sitting in the car half the night, he’d have to get her to the front door. Besides, a babysitter waited inside and she needed to go home.
Running around to the passenger side, he lifted Winnie from the seat and pushed the door closed. It was amazing how light she was. Looking down at her cradled in his arms as he reached the overhang outside her front door, he marveled she was still asleep. She’d worked so hard and he was proud of her, not sure he had the right. Josh allowed his gaze to travel over her face—the damp hair, the perfectly sculpted nose, and those pouty, kissable lips.
Winnie was so beautiful in every way, nurturing and kind. Funny. Witty. What an incredible mother. Still holding her, he brought her closer and brushed his lips over hers. Raindrops dribbled from his hair and dropped onto her cheeks. He kissed her again as a gentle nudge to awaken, moving his lips to her cheek to absorb some of the moisture. He chuckled low in his throat when she shifted and—half-asleep—swatted at him as if he was an annoying insect buzzing around her face. Not able to resist, he finished the task by nibbling on her bottom lip. Winnie’s eyes fluttered open and she stared at him a long moment, dazed, blinking hard a few times.
“Good evening.” Her voice was hazy with sleep, deeper than usual. Sexy as anything. The corners of her mouth upturned. “I keep falling asleep on you tonight. Forgive me.”
“Not a problem. I enjoy watching you sleep.” That pretty but tell-tale pink flush invaded her cheeks.
“Well, um, do you mind putting me down now, please?” Her legs dangled and she shifted in the circle of his arms. There were definite advantages to holding her like this.
“I’d rather not. I like holding you.”
Her smile made him so dizzy that he was the one who needed to be steadied.
“It’s best if you put me down now. Besides, I need to call Jessica’s dad.”
“Oh, right. Sorry.” He lowered her to the step.
She paused while digging the keys from her purse and looked at him over her
shoulder. “Did you kiss me when I was unaware?”
“Would you be mad if I did?”
“Yes.” She didn’t seem mad but the look on her face drove him to extreme distraction. “Mad I wasn’t awake to enjoy it.”
“In that case, I also called you sweetheart and you begged me not to go back to Baton Rouge tomorrow.”
Her lips downturned. Wrong thing to say but gratifying all the same.
~~**~~
Winnie closed the door after watching Jessica drive away with her dad. She resisted the urge to move her hands to her hips. “Josh, how much did you give Jessica for babysitting?”
“Not getting it out of me.” The look on his face told the story. Considerate though it was, he should have let her take care of paying Jessica.
“You realize you’ve set another dangerous precedent tonight. Now all the girls at church are going to clamor for the opportunity to babysit Chloe and expect to be exorbitantly overpaid.”
“Then I’ll set up a babysitting fund. No price is too high.”
She frowned. “I can’t take money from you, but I’m too tired to fight about it. I’m falling asleep on my feet here.” She ran a quick hand through her damp hair and grimaced. “Great. I must look like a raccoon.”
“A gorgeous one.” He shot her a grin. “Let me check on Chloe and then I’m on my way. Those catering ladies worked me hard tonight.” He headed to Chloe’s room while she made a beeline to repair the damage.
Hearing a soft thud and a muffled groan, Winnie turned around and hurried to the Chloe’s bedroom. All six-foot-four of Josh Grant lay sprawled on the carpet, flat on his bottom. “Sweetheart, you’ve got to teach Chloe to put her toys away before she goes to bed.” He moaned again. “Yep, that’s a bruise I won’t forget anytime soon.” Hearing Chloe mutter something in her sleep, Josh looked over at Winnie. “Sorry,” he mouthed. Scrambling to his feet, he went over to the bed, kneeling beside it. He kissed Chloe’s cheek before taking her hand so she could guide him through the maze of toys back to the living room.
“Who knew a three-year-old’s bedroom could be such a road hazard?” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I haven’t fallen like that since an unfortunate slide into third base at an LSU baseball game. Go Tigers.”
“I’m sorry, Josh. I’ll work with her.” She couldn’t hide her grin.
“Something funny?”
“You called me sweetheart.”
He raised his brows. “I guess I did. You don’t look like it bothered you.”
“It didn’t. I’m thankful I was fully awake to appreciate it.”
“Me, too,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to tell you what to do back there, and sorry about questioning your choice of babysitter. You’ve done a great job raising her so far and I have absolutely no reason to question your judgment.”
“Thank you, but you’re right about the toys.”
He grinned. “Seems Baby Bear also inherited her mother’s tendency to talk in her sleep.”
Her heart rate picked up again. “Why? Did I say something I shouldn’t?” Whatever it was, it could have been highly embarrassing.
“Nothing I could understand, but you said my name once or twice. Sounded pretty hot, whatever it was.” He took a step closer. “It’s going to be very difficult leaving you and Chloe tomorrow.” He had that look she was beginning to recognize and like very much. Way too much.
She raised her hand. “Hold that thought.”
“Where are you going?” he called after her.
“Help yourself to the sweet tea or water, if you’re thirsty. I’ll be right back.” She hurried through her bedroom and into the bathroom. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she muffled a groan. The way she looked, it was a miracle Josh even wanted to kiss her. What a train wreck. Pulling out a makeup remover pad, she scrubbed it over her face and removed all traces of leftover mascara before putting a couple of soothing drops in her tired eyes. Grabbing her toothbrush, she did the one-minute version before tugging a comb through her tangled, damp hair, fluffing it on the ends. Smiling at her reflection, she pinched her cheeks. Not much better, but it would have to do.
Josh stood by the sofa, holding the photo of her and Chloe as she walked back into the living room. He probably thought sitting together on the sofa might be too tempting. It wouldn’t be advisable tonight with all the sparks flying between them. Not sure what to do with her hands, Winnie clasped them in front of her. “All spit-shined now.” Her silly giggle escaped and he got that look on his face again. Who knew a giggle could be so powerful? She couldn’t deny the hold this man had over her emotions, but it also seemed to work just as well the other way around.
He touched her hair and nuzzled her cheek. “In case I didn’t tell you earlier, you’re incredible. All you do with the catering business, you’re nothing short of amazing.” When it seemed those lips were headed for her neck, she stepped back.
“Josh,” she said, swallowing hard, planting both hands on his chest. He had her tongue-tied to the point she wasn’t sure what she wanted to say. All rational thought and reason flew straight out of her mind. She wanted him to kiss the daylights out of her but once he went back home to his “normal” life, he might come to his senses and that would be the end of it. He’d always take care of Chloe’s needs, but. . .
“You have that look again.”
Winnie cleared her throat. When she started to remove her hands, he put his hands over hers. “What look would that be?”
“The look of a woman who needs to be kissed. Thoroughly.”
She didn’t protest when he covered her mouth with his. Now who’s the pushover? Goodness, the man was perfecting the kiss from earlier in Sam’s car, and then some.
“Winnie, I feel like I’ve known you my whole life,” he said at length. His lips brushed her temple as his hold on her tightened. “At least my lips have always known yours.”
“Okay, that’s it,” she said, taking his hand and leading him to the front door. “When you start spouting things like that, I know it’s time to say good night. Not that I don’t appreciate the kisses.”
Josh released a reluctant groan and gave her a look guaranteed to send her to bed with a smile. “I’ll pick you up a little before nine tomorrow to take you and Buttercup to church.” He tweaked her chin. “Sweet dreams, sweetheart.”
Closing the door behind him, Winnie leaned against it, needing the support.
~~**~~
Driving back to Sam and Lexa’s, Josh prayed the entire way. At least the rain had finally let up some. He prayed for Chloe. Prayed about his growing relationship with Winnie. It might be too soon, but he knew what he wanted. Prayed for wisdom to know what was right in God’s eyes. Prayed to keep his physical yearnings for Winnie in check. Prayed for direction in his professional life and his position in the law firm.
“Lord, you’ve given me two precious gifts. Help me be worthy.”
Chapter 27
Three Days Later
Rebekah shared lunch with Adam in a private corner of one of Baton Rouge’s finest restaurants. French again. He’d rejected her idea of Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese. She had the rare day off from school, and he seized the opportunity to take her to lunch. When she suggested a trip to the Museum of Art on the LSU campus, he seemed pleased with the suggestion. She always loved going back to the campus, and looked forward to showing him some of her old haunts.
Wiping her mouth and placing her napkin beside her plate, Rebekah hadn’t a clue what she was eating except that it tasted sort of like chicken. Her stomach felt uneasy. Whether from the food or the conversation, she couldn’t be sure. Adam was acting particularly territorial today, putting his arm around her waist like a vise when escorting her into the restaurant and putting his hand over hers at every available opportunity. His increasingly broad hints about their future together squeezed her chest so tight she couldn’t breathe. She gulped a big swig of water, but it didn’t help. A short break—even if only a trip to
the ladies room—would be a welcome relief so she could catch her breath and gather her thoughts. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“I’ll miss you,” Adam said, standing as she departed. That seemed overkill, even for him. She felt his eyes on her as she moved among the tables. At least he hadn’t rented out the entire restaurant.
Heading back out of the ladies room a few minutes later, Rebekah stopped short as she spied Kevin sitting at a table with an attractive brunette. From the lines around her eyes, she appeared a few years older. Mature was an apt description. She bristled when the woman leaned across the table toward Kevin with an I’d-like-to-get-to-know-you-better expression. No way could it be a date. For one thing, she wore too much blush and dark lipstick, and he looked like he’d rather be anywhere but sitting at that table. Small comfort. Josh had warned her tarrying with the feelings of two men would one day lead to the disaster of her lifetime.
Kevin’s hand rested on the table and when the woman laughed and put one hand on his forearm and squeezed, Rebekah’s breath stuck in her throat. Clamping a hand over her mouth, she choked and then coughed. Too late. Hearing the sound, Kevin looked her way, his eyes growing large. Maybe he wouldn’t recognize her beneath the foundation, blush, lipstick, eyeliner and mascara. She hardly recognized herself, all painted and gussied up like she was trying to purposely lure a man. Deep shame washed over her, but she couldn’t move. Removing his arm from the woman’s grasp, Kevin rose to his feet so fast he almost knocked over his water glass. Rebekah started to walk away; she’d seen more than enough.
“Rebekah?”
She turned but slanted her gaze to the floor, unable to look him in the eye.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.” He moved over beside her, appearing a little nervous.
“That’s pretty obvious,” she said. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my table now.” Looking past his shoulder, she saw the woman giving her the once-over before pulling out her compact to check her lipstick. Save it. Kevin hates it. She turned to walk away again.