The Come to Me Complete Collection: Contemporary Christian Romance

by Leah Atwood

  Returning to her chair, she saw it claimed by someone else, so she found a spot next to Alice, an old friend.

  “How’d your cousin’s party go this morning?” Alice asked.

  “Very nicely.” She situated the plate on her lap. “She went into labor on the way home.”

  “Oh, wow. Any baby yet?”

  “Not that I know of. Gram and Mom both said they’d call when they heard something.”

  “Gina’s a sweet girl. I’ve spoken with her a few times at church.” Alice lifted her hotdog and took a bit.

  “She is. We’ve never gotten to spend much time together since she lived so far away, but we’ve gotten together numerous times since she’s moved here.” The napkin on her lap blew away. She moved her plate to bend and retrieve it, but Jeff got it first.

  “Here you go.” He handed her the napkin, and she crumpled it into her pocket. “Is this seat taken?” he asked, motioning to the chair on the opposite side of her.

  “No, it’s free.”

  “Hi, Alice.” Jeff’s long legs stretched out in front of him. He leaned back in the chair, completely at ease. “How’s your aunt recovering?”

  Alice smoothed her hair, blushing. “It’s been a long road, but she’s doing much better. She’s able to walk for short distances now as long as she uses the walker.”

  Yeah, she’s one of the women not immune to Jeff. Dani tried not to find it entertaining, but she couldn’t help it. “Does she need any more meals sent to her yet?” The church had been sending them over regularly until the elderly woman’s freezer was full.

  “When I was there last week, she still had plenty, but I know she has a weakness for your seafood gumbo.”

  “Say no more. Monday afternoon, I’ll drop some off to her.” Reaching for a drink, she realized she never got one. “Do you know where the drinks are?”

  Alice finished chewing and swallowed. “They’re in coolers along the back side of the house.”

  “I’ll be right back.” Standing, she set her plate on the chair.

  Jeff also stood. “I’ll go with you.”

  Once by the coolers, she crouched down and lifted the lid to the first one. All bottled water. Moving on, she checked the second one, where she found canned sodas. She went back to the first one and took a bottle of water. When she stood, she saw Jeff leaning against the wall, staring at her.

  Something in his gaze made her self-conscience. She looked down at her shirt for any sign of food spillage. All was clear. “Why are you looking at me like that?” A nervous laugh bubbled up from her chest.

  “I have a confession.”

  “Okay?” She was confused.

  “I still have work at the office to do.”

  The breath she’d been holding left her and her chest relaxed. He’d only been goofing around. “I’m sure it can wait until Monday.”

  “I only took off early because I knew you’d be here.”

  “Oh.” She drew the word out, long and quiet. Darting a glance around, she looked to see if anyone was observing them—they were in relative obscurity. She took a sip of her water, prolonging a response, since she didn’t know what else to say.

  “I like you, Dani. We’ve been friends for a long time, but lately I wonder if we could have more.”

  A coughing fit took over, such was her shock. “This is out of the blue.”

  Jeff chuckled. “Not the response I was looking for, but I get it.”

  “Neither of us have time for more.”

  “Which is why we’d be ideal. We understand the constraints of time.” Unfazed, Jeff touched her shoulder. “Just one date, that’s all I’m asking for.”

  Images of Rob materialized in her memory. What she wanted, she couldn’t have. If she was going to break her no-dating fast, what better man than Jeff? He was everything a woman could want in a man. Solid, hard-working, a dedicated Christian, and stable. She’d never thought of him in that way, but what could one date hurt? If anything, he could be a distraction to help her get over her inane attraction to Rob.

  “Okay. One date.” The answer almost surprised her, and she sucked in another deep breath.

  “Do you still have the same number?”

  “Yes.” Her hands felt awkward, and she busied them taking the cap back off her drink.

  “How about I call you in the early part of the week and we’ll find a time that works for both of us.”

  As her mind tried to process the unexpected events, she struggled to form a full sentence. “Okay.”

  Removing his hand from her shoulder, Jeff stepped back, his smile never faltering. “It’s all right to smile. I didn’t ask you to a death sentence.”

  His easy charm helped put her at ease, and she smiled. The rest of the night flew by, and she noticed Jeff kept a casual distance. At first, she’d thought it peculiar, then she remembered Mel’s curious looks earlier. It dawned on her that Jeff was preventing any gossip from forming, and for that she was thankful. Only partially convinced that going on a date was the right choice, she didn’t need or want any imposing questions.

  She went home that night, confused, but a little excited. If nothing else, she’d at least have fun with Jeff, since they had a longtime friendship behind them. They hadn’t spent much time together individually, but always got along and were companionable. There was a level of comfort in hanging out with someone she’d always known that took off much of the pressure.

  Pip greeted her at the back door. She set down the empty Tupperware bowl and her purse then picked up the cat, nuzzling his soft fur.

  Her phone vibrated and she reached over, Pip still in hand, hurriedly digging it out from her purse. She’d been awaiting news of Gina and had kept her phone close by all evening. Looking down at the screen, it wasn’t news of her cousin after all. It was a message from Rob.

  Maybe Bryce is right.

  What in the world was that supposed to mean? It could be taken multiple ways, but she couldn’t handle thinking about the possibilities tonight.

  She hugged Pip closer. “Life is so confusing.”

  Chapter 9

  Las Vegas’ famed lights sparkled and flashed in all their garish glory, brightened against the obsidian drop cloth of night. They represented vacations of elaborate shows, endless buffets and never-ending entertainment. To some, it was a den of iniquity, and to others, a fun getaway to escape life’s burdens.

  For Rob, they signified the final stop of the tour and the relief that always accompanied the end. Sure, the tours were fun, and he was doing something he loved, but they were equally exhausting. By their end, everyone was worn out, tempers had a tendency to rise, and the cohesive unit they worked hard to maintain hung by a fraying thread. The Redemption tour was no different, though— to everyone’s relief— not to the extremes of previous trips.

  Rob and Jay were in the bus that brought up the rear of their caravan. With Jay behind the wheel, Rob sat in the passenger seat, glad he didn’t have to deal with the traffic. The last time they’d passed through Vegas, just over two years ago, he’d pulled the short straw and been given the headache-causing task of maneuvering what amounted to a small home on wheels through crowded streets. He didn’t envy Jay, although he’d driven through his fair share of cities during the last few weeks.

  “Can you put the address in the GPS?” Jay asked.

  “Why not follow the others?”

  “We got separated from them a few lights back.”

  Glancing up, Rob saw for the first time the rest of their caravan had moved out of sight. “Sure. What’s the address?”

  Jay gave him a number and street name. “I want to say it’s a street over from where we were last time, but I’m not sure.”

  “I think you’re right.” He entered the information into the in-dash device.

  “Bryce wanted me to remind you about the family, last-stop dinner tonight, once we’re all set up.” Jay switched hands on the steering wheel, not taking his eye off the road.

  �
�Family, huh?” He lifted his drink from the cup holder in the console table and took a swig.

  “Just the four of us, and the girls, plus kids. No crew or staff.”

  “Isn’t that always the case?” The close-knit dinner at the end of a tour had become a ritual.

  “Yeah, but Bryce wanted to make sure everyone knew it was tonight.”

  “I figured. Not like I had other plans, anyway.” Not even talking to Dani. Those conversations had fizzled out, almost before they’d had a chance to begin. Their communication in recent days amounted to nothing more than a few texts here or there. He sighed, wishing he’d never sent that text, Maybe Bryce was right. Things between them changed after that, but he couldn’t pinpoint why.

  Dani felt something for him, of that he was certain. Maybe his comment had scared her, or confused her. Perhaps she hadn’t understood his meaning. Then again, had he even understood? All he knew was that she gave him hope of something other than a bleak, lonely future. Talking to her, getting to know her—fledglings of heart-based emotions had begun to appear. But deep down, he knew he wasn’t ready to try again.

  That was the crux of the matter, and if he was being honest, he could admit Dani probably realized that and was choosing to distance herself. He’d used the same defense mechanism for years.

  His head jerked forward, and his body rammed against the seatbelt that locked taut. Instinct drove his hand to grip the door’s handle. “What in the world?”

  “Sorry,” Jay said with a raspy breath. “You didn’t see that eighteen-wheeler blow through the red light?”

  “No.” His gaze wandered, looking for it, but it had already disappeared.

  “You must have been lost in space. If we’d been two feet ahead or going any faster, it would have rammed us.”

  Unwanted triggers were pulled. Rob covered his mouth, rubbing the spot just above his lips. His fingers shook and his heart thumped against his chest in an uneven beat. He unbuckled and made a sprint to the back to the bus. Echoes of crunching metal rang in his ears. Scorching flames of fire nipped his skin. He gulped. This wasn’t happening.

  Hunching over the small sink, he turned the faucet on, cupped his hands and splashed water onto his face. Again, and again, until the waking nightmare subsided. Breathing in and out, he silently repeated the phrases reminding him of reality. This wasn’t a two lane country road. There was no accident. He was safe. He was alive.

  Face still wet, he sat down on the sofa and raked a hand through his hair. Would he ever be completely free?

  “Are you okay back there?” Jay called.

  “Yeah, just needed a drink,” he lied, his breathing still uneven.

  “Do you mind bringing me one?”

  “No problem.” Still on edge, he grabbed one of Jay’s soda’s from the fridge and took it up front, handing him the can as he sat back down.

  Jay took it and set it in his holder before bending the tab back. He gave Rob a quizzical look. “Where’s yours?”

  “I forgot I had one already.” As if to make his point, he picked up the one he’d taken a drink from right before the close call.

  If Jay thought anything of it, he didn’t say a word. “Shouldn’t be much longer now. I’ll be glad when this show is over and we can go home.”

  “You and me both.” He buckled his seatbelt.

  “We must be getting old.” Jay laughed. “I remember tours when we were gone for six months and I wasn’t nearly as exhausted as I am at the end as this one.”

  “You still have another year before you hit thirty. Talk to me about old then.”

  Jay chuckled again and rolled his eyes. “Yeah because you’re so old and knowledgeable at the ripe old age of thirty-one.”

  “More than you know,” he muttered, so low the words weren’t audible.

  Minutes later, they were pulling into the parking lot of the venue. Staff members were on hand to direct them where to set up camp and to keep away unwelcome fans who couldn’t respect privacy. There’d be time for loyal followers to interact with the group at tomorrow’s meet and greet, and again at the VIP sessions after the concert.

  “Think Bryce would mind if I skip out on dinner?” Rob asked after they’d parked. A throbbing pain had taken root behind his right eye, a physiological after-effect of the episode earlier. He’d popped two aspirins from the bathroom cabinet a few minutes ago, but they hadn’t taken effect yet.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Jay looked at him, creases marring his forehead. “You’ve been acting strange for the last hour.”

  “Just tired.” He lifted a shoulder, shrugging that it was no big deal.

  “Come on, last-stop dinner is a tradition. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

  “Fine.” The guilt trip he’d receive if he didn’t show would only make the headache worse. He tossed Jay a set of keys. “Would you mind unhitching the Jeep?”

  “Now I know something’s up.” Arms crossed, keys dangling from a finger, Jay stared him down. “You never willingly hand over keys, let alone offer them up.”

  “Let it rest, Jay.” Without another word, he went to the bedroom and plopped down on the bed. He’d close his eyes for a few minutes until it was time to leave.

  How much later he didn’t know, but he awoke to Jay shaking his shoulder. “Time to leave.”

  He blinked several times, coming to. Whatever length of time he’d slept had helped. The pain behind his eye was nearly gone. Hand behind his neck, he rubbed the knotted muscles and immediate relief came. “Where are we having dinner?”

  “A new place one of Elle’s friends recommended. Saffron Brothers.”

  Now that his head was feeling better, anything sounded good, even a drive-thru burger. “Where are my keys?”

  With a smirk, Jay handed them over. “And he’s back.”

  They got into the car and drove to the restaurant, which was far off the main strip, almost to the city’s outskirts. When they got there, Adam and Elle were outside, waiting under an awning made of a heavy green canvas. Shannon, their four-year-old, held Adam’s hand, while Elle balanced an almost one-year-old Lilah on her hip.

  “Where are Bryce and Sophie?” Rob asked.

  Elle switched Lilah to her other hip. “Sophie sent me a text a few minutes ago that said Bryce was on the phone with Gram and they’re running a few minutes late.”

  Shannon tugged on her dad’s pants. “I’m thirsty, Daddy.”

  “I guess we can go in now.” Adam looked at his watch. “Our reservations aren’t for another ten minutes, but I’m sure they’ll have our table ready.”

  “I second that motion.” On cue, Jay’s stomach rumbled.

  Rob opened the entry door, holding it for each person as they walked in. Once everyone was inside, he took the lead and went to the maître d’. “We’re here for reservations under ‘Landry’.”

  The maître d’, dressed all in black, looked at the group with a plastic smile, until his gaze landed on the two children. “My apologies, sir, but children are not allowed here.”

  “You must be mistaken. Do you understand who made these reservations?” Despite the inconvenience, Rob would have let the issue drop and suggested going elsewhere, except for that annoying look of haughty derision on the young man’s face.

  “Yes sir, but I can’t change the policy. Mr. Delang is very firm on his rules to ensure the best dining experience for all his patrons.” Looking rather smug, the maître d’ tapped on the screen of the tablet at his stand.

  “Why don’t you get Mr. Delang himself out here and have him explain his reasoning.” Edginess had him ripe for an argument.

  “I could, but I assure you his answer will remain firm. He’s never once swayed from his rule.”

  Elle tapped Rob’s arm. “Don’t worry about it, Rob. We’ll find somewhere else to go.” Weariness reflected in her eyes, and he could see she didn’t want a scene.

  He turned to the maître d’. “Cancel our reservations.”

  “H
mph.” Lifting his face, so his nose pointed up, the maître d’ let it be known he couldn’t be bothered any further.

  As quickly as they’d entered, they exited.

  “What now?” Adam asked, picking up Shannon.

  “I’ll call Bryce and let him know.” Jay stepped away, his phone already in hand.

  “I don’t think the girls are going to hold up much longer.” Elle looked down at Lilah, whose eyes were fighting to stay open. “I know this is a tradition for you guys, but I’m okay with picking something up and taking it back to the buses.”

  “That’s fine with me. What do you think, Adam?” Rob rubbed his brows, willing the headache not to return.

  “Whatever, is fine with me.”

  Jay returned. “Bryce will be here any minute, but Gracie fell asleep so Sophie stayed behind with her.”

  “Here’s another idea. These dinners mean a lot to you guys,” Elle said. “Since Sophie stayed back, how about I pick up something and take it to her. The four of you should still go out somewhere.”

  Bryce pulled into the lot. Instead of parking, he drove up to the awning and rolled the window down. “What did you all decide?”

  “Elle suggested we make it a guy thing and she’ll go back.”

  “Are you all okay with that?” Bryce looked at each of them.

  Jay was fine, Rob was too.

  Adam looked to his wife, uncertain. “Are you sure, babe?”

  “Yes. You guys go and have your fun.” Elle gave him a soft smile.

  “I guess I’m also fine with it. Can I hitch a ride with you?” Adam asked Bryce.

  “Hop in.”

  Adam laughed. “Let me get Shannon in her car seat first.” He walked away, and Elle followed him.

  Once everyone was back in a vehicle, they drove around until they found a steakhouse joint, which promised “the best steaks this side of town.” Few cars were in the parking lot, not a sign of confidence. At this point, the food could taste like cardboard and Rob would still eat at it. Inside, the place was decorated with the kitschy displays one would expect in such an establishment, going overboard with the cowboy stereotype, all the way down to the mechanical bull and servers wearing chaps over a uniform of white shirts and denim jeans.