Summer's Belle

by Paige Winship Dooly

  “Good, then we’re in agreement.”

  “On that issue. But we’re still taking my bike.”

  “No, we’re not. My siblings need me intact.”

  “So does the pregnancy center.” Matt stabbed at a piece of egg and popped it in his mouth with a grin. “I promise I’ll bring you home in one piece.”

  “You can’t promise something like that. It’s up to God. And anyone on the street can cause an accident.”

  “That’s true, but I’ve ridden my bike since I was old enough to get my license, and I can promise you I’m very careful, especially if I have someone else on the bike with me.”

  Brit felt a sudden stab of jealousy. It wasn’t often men rode double on a motorcycle, so if someone rode along with Matt, it was most likely another female. She didn’t know why the notion bothered her as much as it did. She’d only just met him after all, and he’d been nothing but a thorn in her side ever since. But she also remembered how considerate he’d been with her siblings when they’d arrived at their grandmother’s. He’d been patient and gentle with them. In comparison, Ryan wouldn’t even take the time to meet them.

  Brit sensed that Matt was special, and as much as he riled her, she had a funny longing to get to know him better and to spend more time in his company.

  “I can vouch for his safe driving record.” Gram joined them at the table. “He’s taken me on his bike a handful of times, and we’ve always arrived at our destination in one piece.”

  He took Gram out on his bike? She was the woman who rode with him? Brit covered her smile with her napkin. “I somehow can’t picture you on a motorcycle.”

  “I hate to admit it because he’ll never let me live it down, but I actually look forward to my rides with Matt. We find a lazy afternoon when neither of us has any plans”—she glowered over her glasses at him—“which in his case are far too few and far between, and we head off down the road that snakes around the lake. It’s beautiful. I’ve even considered getting a bike of my own.”

  “A crazy idea if I’ve ever heard one.” Matt shook his head. “I think we do just fine without your getting a bike. I’m experienced and have years of practice behind me.”

  “The point is, Brit, you will be perfectly safe on the bike as long as you’re on it with Matt.”

  “Looks like I’m outnumbered.” Brit supposed there was no time like the present to find out just how safe she’d be. She pushed away her plate and stood. Reluctant to leave Gram’s house, she slowly walked toward the sink with her dirty breakfast supplies and rinsed them before placing them in the dishwasher.

  “You’d think we were taking her to jail,” Matt observed as he watched her snail-like pace.

  Gram laughed and collected his dishes. “You’ll be fine, Brit. I think you’ll actually enjoy your new job if you give it half a chance.”

  “It’s not the community service I’m dreading.” She sent Matt a pointed look. She’d already tucked her ID and some cash into her pocket. “I suppose I’m ready to go.”

  Matt led the way outside to his huge, shiny bike and handed her a helmet.

  “It’s too tight.” She felt silly with the heavy object resting on top of her head.

  “It’s supposed to be tight.” He walked over and forced it on with a firm push. He adjusted the straps and secured it in place.

  She felt as if her neck would break or at the very least settle into her spine. How could people wear these things for hours on end?

  “Better?”

  “If you mean better than having my brains splattered all over the road, then yes.”

  He laughed a deep belly laugh. “I promise I’ll be extra careful while you’re on board.”

  “You have times when you aren’t?”

  “Nope.”

  Against her will a small smile fell into place. The morning sun touched the air with warmth, and a brilliant blue sky stretched overhead. The day couldn’t be more perfect. “Good, then I’ll try not to hate the experience.”

  “Thank you for your enthusiasm. There’s nothing I like better than an optimistic person. You’re going to love it. You’ll be begging me to take you for joy rides before the day is through.”

  “Hardly.” Brit laughed.

  They walked over to the machine. Her moment of lightness vanished as he swung his long leg over the bike and straddled it. The small section behind him looked far too tiny for her to fit on.

  She frowned. “Where am I to sit?”

  “Back there.” He pointed at the miniscule area. “Slide your leg over and hold on tight.”

  “To what?” she muttered, awkwardly doing as he said. A small backrest held her in place—thank heavens—and would hopefully prevent her from tumbling off the back. She placed her hands on her knees and looked for a handhold. “There isn’t anything to hold on to.”

  “You have to hold on to me, hon.” With a laugh he reached behind him, grabbed both of her arms, and wrapped them around his torso. She pressed forward against his back with an oomph. She was glad she sat behind him because she could feel her face flame into a brilliant hue of red.

  He let go, and she relaxed her hold.

  “Tighter.”

  “I’m not used to clinging to people I’ve barely met.”

  “Maybe that’s part of your problem.”

  “My problem? I don’t have a problem! It’s just that I’m used to doing for myself and my siblings, and no one else has ever been around.”

  “We’re around now. You have family and friends to rely on. We take care of each other around here.” He stood and righted the bike so he could prod the kickstand out of the way with a firm tap from his thick leather boot.

  They’d attended church with her grandmother the Sunday before, and the sermon had been on trust. Her siblings had each loved their classes, and according to their eager reports, each class seemed to have covered their own age-level appropriate version of the same theme: trust. This seemed to be a good time to put the sermon in action.

  Brit opened her mouth to comment, but he started the bike, and the motor roared to life. She squealed as the motorcycle shifted and clutched him tight, his black T-shirt balled up in her fists.

  “Not quite that tight,” he yelled. “It won’t do to arrive at the church and have to explain to everyone that you ripped my shirt off my back on the way over.”

  Brit could hear the laughter in his voice. She relaxed her grip on his shirt but kept her face buried against his back. Fear displaced the awkwardness.

  Lord, I’m heading to Your place to work. Please let me arrive in one piece!

  Once they’d cleared the gravel drive, Matt pulled out onto the asphalt road, and the unnerving slipping sensation eased. They’d reached firm ground, but Brit was well aware of the fact that they now faced the added danger of sharing the road with other drivers.

  A mile or so down the street, Brit eased her face from the back of Matt’s T-shirt. The summer breeze teased her senses as they moved smoothly toward town. She kept her eyes closed as she soaked in the sensation of the ride. Matt’s strong back protected her face from the wind. He’d been right. She actually felt safe as she held on to him. She relished the presence of his strong body as he shielded her from any danger that might lurk ahead of them, a new sensation for sure. Her confidence in his skill grew as he carefully navigated the curving road.

  The sweet aroma of early summer flowers drifted around them. May had morphed into June, and scents of summer filled her senses—suntan lotion, fresh air, and even a hint of fishiness that drifted from the docks. After a few moments, she opened her eyes, not able to resist taking a quick peek at their surroundings. The lakeside view beside them stole her breath away, momentarily distracting her from her fears. Brilliant blue skies reflected off the surface. The sapphire water sparkled in the sunlight as colorful ducks floated on the surface. They dipped from sight every now and then as they searched for unsuspecting fish that swam below the surface. A variety of boats spotted the lake, some
with sails raised in the slight breeze while others sped back and forth across the open water. It was too early for skiers, but she could imagine that in another few hours the lake would be full of them.

  What fun it would be to sit on Gram’s deck and watch the action on the water!

  True to his word, Matt drove with caution and kept the speed to a minimum.

  Matt slowed even more as they rounded the bend toward town. They passed the school. The playground seemed to double as a community park. Mothers and caretakers sat on benches and blankets and watched the children play. Brit made a mental note to bring the younger kids over as soon as possible. It would be a great place for them to make some friends.

  “You doin’ okay?” Matt called over his shoulder.

  “Yes. I’m doing fine.” She leaned close and spoke into his ear, hoping he could hear her. He slowed for a stop sign, and the world continued to move. The bike vibrated with power. Brit wondered if she’d be able to walk after she slid from the seat when they arrived at the church. The last thing she needed was to fall on her face in the parking lot. She imagined the experience was similar to acclimating to “sea legs.” The vibrations might jar her muscles and deafen her ears, but she knew she was hooked. She already loved the adventure. No wonder Gram liked it so much.

  It didn’t hurt that she was forced to cling to a handsome man who gave every indication of being her protector. She’d been let down too many times to believe the illusion—with the most recent letdown coming from Ryan—but just this once she wanted to enjoy the moment and believe it would last forever.

  Her thoughts paused on Ryan. He hadn’t called or texted. She’d tried to call him, but he hadn’t picked up. Instead when she’d found out her grandmother didn’t have e-mail, she’d written him a note, to which she’d received no reply.

  Whether he shunned her from choice or the lack of cell reception she didn’t know. She halfway assumed it was the prior though. She’d felt the conclusiveness of their final conversation, the unspoken ultimatum that she head to Florida on his heels or else. He reminded her far too much of the type of man her mother had always dated. They’d come on strong, charming, and sweet, but once her mother was hooked, the demands and attitude would begin.

  The bike swerved, and Brit tightened her grip, forcing thoughts of Ryan from her mind. A soft chuckle from Matt had her wondering if he’d swerved on purpose, just to make her hold on to him tighter. She doubted it, but the thought made her smile. Matt was focused and direct. Even when he pushed for her to get on his motorcycle, even when he was firm and insistent, Brit felt deep down that if she’d dug in her heels he would have respected her feelings, and they’d have taken her car. He had a built-in compassion that encouraged trust.

  They slowly moved through town. Many people waved, their smiles genuine as they heard Matt’s motorcycle approach.

  They continued on through the far side of town, hugging the lakeside. Vivid green trees covered the rolling hills that spread out before them. Matt headed toward the decent-sized white church perched halfway up the hill, picturesque in its simple beauty as it overlooked the lake and surrounding community.

  Brit felt the presence of something big as she drank in the beautiful setting. The building had been surrounded by cars and people on Sunday. She hadn’t had time to fully appreciate the view. She had a funny feeling that the summer of her probation would end up being one of the best summers of her life.

  Ten

  Matt parked the bike in the church parking lot and wondered what Brit must think of their small town after living in big-city Atlanta. For some weird reason, he really wanted her to like Lullaby. She slid off the seat, and he followed suit as soon as she’d cleared it.

  She removed her helmet and handed it to him. Her hair was tussled, her cheeks flushed from the wind and sun. The huge smile on her face encouraged him.

  “I take it the ride wasn’t quite as torturous as you expected?”

  “Not at all! Not by a long shot. It’s so beautiful here. I had no idea. The hills and trees, the lake, this church!” She spun around as she spoke. “Who’d have thought this tiny town was tucked back in here, hidden away from civilization? I had no idea the area would be full of such beauty. I love it.”

  Her reply might not be the glowing review of his driving acuity that he’d hoped for, but Matt found himself responding to her enthusiasm with a smile of his own. “Nothing like the big city, huh?”

  “Not at all. I guess when we first approached your motorcycle I was still in city mode, picturing dangerous highways and crazy drivers. Instead, the ride for the most part was relaxed and filled with beauty. I enjoyed it.”

  That was more like it. Matt couldn’t keep the smile from his face.

  Brit took a step, and her legs gave way. Matt grabbed her and supported her until she’d steadied.

  “Okay, so maybe it was a bit nerve-racking.” Her dark eyes sparkled with humor.

  “You’ll get used to it.” Matt wondered at his choice of words as soon as he spoke them, though he figured she’d ride with him quite a bit during the next few weeks as they worked together during her probation. He’d have to thank his dad next time he saw him.

  He led her to the recreation building with a spring in his step. They stepped into the church office where he introduced Brit to the pastors and receptionist. Brit followed along, her demeanor friendly and pleasant to everyone she met.

  Matt began to wonder if he’d overreacted when he’d given her the charge and pulled her into court. He felt bad that he’d put her in this situation over a reckless-driving ticket. He’d honestly thought his father would let her off with a warning and a fine. He sure hadn’t expected her to get anything like probation. He’d make it up to her.

  They entered the gymnasium where the youth pastor was overseeing a basketball game that several of the youth had organized the previous week. They walked over to him.

  “Britney, this is Caleb, our youth pastor. He also happens to double as the owner of the candy shop in town.”

  “Ah, Britney, it’s good to finally meet you. I tried to make it over to you at church Sunday, but people kept stopping me to chat.”

  “It’s good to meet you, too.” Britney smiled up at him. “My sister Allie was in your class Sunday morning. She really enjoyed your teaching—she said you were funny and kept her attention. That’s a high compliment coming from her.”

  “Glad to hear it. And your timing today is impeccable. These guys show no mercy. I’m getting too old for this.” Caleb held out his hand to Brit, and her face furrowed into a frown. Caleb laughed. “It’s okay. Matt already called to explain your arrival and the work arrangements. We’re glad to have you join our staff.”

  Brit shook his hand. “Thanks, but I hardly think you can consider me staff.”

  “You will be when we’re done with you. I have faith.” He faced Matt. “What’s up with you, buddy? Shouldn’t you be out giving tickets to all the other pretty ladies who dare to speed down Lookout Mountain?”

  “I’m off this morning, helping her settle in.” Matt would throttle Caleb as soon as he had a minute alone with him. “Shouldn’t you get busy yourself?”

  “Good point. C’mon, Britney. I have a file for you to look at while you’re here.” Caleb thrust the basketball toward Matt. “See if you can keep up with the kids while I take Britney to my office.”

  Brit sent Matt a questioning glance, and Matt felt a surge of unexpected protectiveness. He didn’t want to let Brit out of his sight. He’d gotten her into this mess, and he wanted to make it as easy as possible for her.

  “Thanks, but I think I’ll tag along.” He tossed the ball to the waiting boys, who instantly went back to their game.

  “Not necessary.”

  “I insist.”

  Caleb’s face suddenly clouded as he stared across the gymnasium. “Six-inch rule, Sailor!”

  Matt followed his friend’s glare and saw Sailor move away from her boyfriend. The scowl on her face
matched her father’s. She slunk down on her chair, folded her arms in defiance, and put her feet up on the chair in front of her. She continued to glare into nothingness as she blew a huge bubble and popped it.

  Brit studied the interaction with interest but didn’t say anything.

  “Six-inch rule?” Matt teased.

  “I’ve implemented it to keep them apart. That boy sticks to her like a burr. I don’t understand her these days,” Caleb muttered as he walked toward his office. He motioned for Brit to sit down on a chair and ignored Matt. “Here’s a folder I’ve put together for you. You can look it over later. It basically states the center’s goals and plans. We plan to launch as soon as possible.”

  Even though he hadn’t been invited into the impromptu meeting, Matt took a seat on a chair next to Brit. Caleb pulled out of his sour mood and smirked. Matt suddenly wished he’d stayed out in the gym. He knew how Caleb would take the action. He would never stop questioning Matt about Britney now.

  Caleb crossed his arms and stared at Brit. He continued to stand but leaned his hips against his desk. “We’ve done interviews with all the applicants for midwife and counselor and have narrowed both positions down to our favorite three applicants for each. You’ll need to interview those three for each position and make the decision about who to hire for each respective job.”

  “Me?” Brit squeaked. “I don’t know the first thing about interviewing and hiring! Maybe Gram could do that.”

  “I’m sure Matt will be more than happy to help you,” Caleb quipped. “And your grandmother was at the original interviews and helped us nail down the top three for each position. Talk to her about our choices, and I think you’ll have an easy time of it. I’m here to help if you need me.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  “The other thing you’ll need to do as soon as possible is come up with an idea for the festival fund-raiser. Wow, try saying that three times fast!”

  “No, thank you.” Brit laughed, and a dimple that Matt hadn’t noticed crinkled her cheek. “How do I come up with the theme?”