by Nancy Hopper
“I’m sure that won’t be too difficult.” she purred, smiling sweetly and making sure both of her dimples jumped into play.
But Gary had turned to look out over the water, and he missed her expression entirely. Peeved, Tasha scowled, and set her teeth.
“I’ve always just loved the beach.” she forced herself to say dreamily. She stopped walking, and gripped his arm fiercely. “Gary, take me walking on the beach every night! Say you will! Please?” she asked dramatically.
Gary’s lips twitched, but he managed to make his answering smile nice. “Any time I’m able, I’ll be happy to.” he promised. “But I thought you were planning to be quite busy with Jim Phillips?” he asked nonchalantly.
Tasha’s elation was complete. He was jealous! And he was playing directly into her hands. She loved it! “Oh. Jim’s a nice boy, but he’s awfully shy. I tend to admire men who are strong and really take charge.” she said in a soft voice. Her doe eyes looked with apparent admiration up into Gary’s.
He looked at her for a moment in surprise, and then puzzlement clouded his eyes. Finally, he looked away, feeling definitely disturbed.
“You stupid oaf!“ she thought gleefully. “You’ll be sorry you treated me so poorly before I’m done with you! Treat me like a servant and a child, will you? I’ll tear your heart to shreds and then hang you out to dry!”
“So, you’ve just completed two years of college?” he asked conversationally.
“Mmm, hmm.” she answered softly.
“What now? Are you going to finish your four-year degree?”
“No, I don't think so. I hated the first two years. I see no reason to torture myself for another two.”
“What, then?” he asked with genuine interest.
She looked up at him, turning her eyes artfully. “Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t really thought past this summer. I’ll just have to see what happens.”
"Now's when it would get interesting, actually. You'd get to choose your major, and study something you're really interested in."
"Maybe." she sighed in bored voice.
They walked in silence for awhile. Tasha was getting used to the feel of his strong, warm forearm under her fingers. He was feeling very warm and cuddly to her, tonight. They seemed to want to stroll at just the same speed. And he was incredibly handsome with the moonlight playing off his golden brown hair.
What an interesting creature he was! Tasha was certain he would make a very fascinating subject to toy with. Oh, what fun it was going to be, to torment him!
Gary could see the wheels turning in her head, and wondered what she was up to. She was suspiciously docile tonight. But, he told himself he was probably imagining things. She couldn’t be all bad. Could she? He sighed deeply, and shook his head.
“Penny for your thoughts.” she said hopefully.
He chuckled. “Actually, I was just marveling at the way we’re getting along. This afternoon, we were at each other’s throats.”
She tipped her head, and looked up at him thoughtfully. “Strange, isn’t it?” she asked sweetly. “Maybe you and I are going to be very good friends, after all.”
“Could be.” he answered brusquely. “I guess I’d better head back. I’m getting pretty tired.”
“Sure. Why don’t we just sit for a few minutes?” she offered. Her eyes offered him a lot more than a rest.
Gary couldn’t possibly have hidden his grin, so he let it shine. “All right.” he said agreeably, wondering what in the world she had up her sleeve, now.
They found a log at the water’s edge that was big enough to sit up on comfortably, and keep their feet dry. Tasha sensed that Gary was the kind who’d hate a gabby woman, so she let him take the lead. She contented herself by pressing close against him, and putting her head on his shoulder.
Gary looked at her as if she’d grown two heads, but he restrained himself from pulling away. Good heavens, she couldn’t possibly think he was some kind of sap she could manipulate, did she? Hadn’t she taken the hint that he wasn’t into playing games?
When he couldn’t stand it anymore, Gary stood up and reached a hand to Tasha.
“So soon?” she pouted prettily.
“I feel ready to tackle the walk now.” he said, a mite shortly.
Tasha set her firm, little mouth and jumped down to her feet. She was determined to make the brute’s blood boil before this was all over!
The walk home was silent and slightly uncomfortable, but Tasha’s humor was restored by the time they got to the house. It was just going to take a little time, that’s all.
At the foot of the stairs, she turned so quickly that he ran smack into her, front to front. She slipped her arms around his broad, strong shoulders.
“Gary, thank you so much for a lovely evening.” she said gratefully. “I was certain to be bored to death without you.”
“I’m very glad you enjoyed it, Tasha.” he said cautiously, crossing his arms in front of him. It took some doing, with her standing so close.
Tasha ran her hands lightly over the firm muscles of his forearms, and turned her soulful green eyes up to stare meaningfully into Gary’s.
“Really, Gary, you’re a darling. I’m so glad we’ve learned to appreciate one another.” she whispered. She edged so close to him that he could feel the considerable heat from her body. She waited with upturned face, for too long a moment.
When she realized he didn’t intend to kiss her, her eyes filled with big, hot tears. “Don’t you like me, Gary?” she stammered, flinging herself away from him in humiliation.
“Tasha”, his voice chastised from behind her. “You can be a very nice girl. Why do you have to resort to these crazy games?”
She sniffed and turned to look at him. “Nobody cares. Not even my daddy. My mother left, and I’ve never seen her since.”
“You can’t let your life continue to revolve around your parents’ divorce, Tasha. Channel your energy into building a happy, successful life for yourself, instead.” He turned her gently around, and smiled at her red eyes and nose. “You don’t need so much attention, anymore. You’re grown up enough to stand on your own two feet.”
“Of course I am! I don’t need anybody, or anything!” she sneered. “I happen to be independently wealthy. Or didn’t you know?”
Gary laughed softly in reply. “We always need other people, Tasha. Having money has nothing to do with our need for companionship. The trick is to discover who to trust, and build relationships with.”
She snorted. “People just want to use me! Either they’re after my money, or else they want to get lucky.”
“Well; maybe you just need to find a new circle of friends.” he suggested gently.
“I just tried, but you don’t seem to want me, either.” she said coldly.
“I never kiss on the first date.” he answered teasingly.
“Oh. You are despicable! You’re the most infuriating man I’ve ever met!” she seethed.
“That’s entirely possible. I suggest you sleep on it, and see how you feel in the morning.”
“You! You pompous creep! If I dream, Gary Taylor, it certainly won’t be about you!” she stormed. If looks could kill, he’d have been in shreds. She tossed her head, and flew up the stairs to the house.
Gary stood grinning after her. Slowly, he mounted the stairs and let himself into the house. He sat in a chair in the dark for a moment; then sighed, and went on up the stairs to his room. He was very tired. Tasha was exhausting to contend with.
His steps were silent on the plush hall carpeting. He stopped to listen, hearing something that made him uneasy ... but he couldn’t place the sound. Then he heard more clearly, and looked at the carpet, unable to believe his ears.
Tasha was crying. Very quietly. It wasn’t her usual ploy for attention. The muffled sobs were of a quality that tore at his heart. His lips thinned in consternation. Had he been too rough with her? The Lord only knew what was under that brittle exterior of hers.
He
felt shaken, to think that perhaps he’d truly wounded her in some way. He’d only meant to call her bluff, and shake some sense into her. But perhaps, he mused, she had behaved in the only way she knew.
Gary hesitated, then walked on by her door to his own. He was awake for several hours, thinking about it. Was there hope for a girl like Tasha? Somehow, he wanted to think so. He liked her, despite her tantrums and spoiled ways.
He didn’t appreciate the behavior, but there was a spark inside her that reached out to him. She was witty, and intelligent, and physically very lovely. If she could just put her attributes to good use, what a girl she’d be!
He smiled, and closed his eyes.
“Lord, I lift Tasha up to You. She needs You desperately, Jesus. Save her, Lord. I ask You to give her grace, Father. Show us how to intervene on her behalf, Lord. Show us how to reach into her heart and touch the places that are wounded.”
“Heal her heart, Lord. I call upon your angels to keep watch over her, and to lead her in the right direction. Put her feet on the path, Lord. And put those people in place who can support her.”
“I thank you, Lord, for bringing her to us. Let us help her. Give me the words to say, and teach us the right way to be Your witness to her. I thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name.” he said softly.
He sighed. She was an enigma to him. Her dusky eyes and trembling red lips came into his mind to haunt him. He began to recall the feel of her soft, warm body against his, the musky scent of her perfume as she asked for the kiss that he wouldn’t give.
He groaned. It wasn’t a sexual arousal that was tearing at him, despite her obvious charms. He had definitely felt a male reaction, but he’d instantly dealt with that, and put it away from him.
It was her wounded, torn little heart. It was his sense that she was truly, completely unloved. He knew that the Lord was telling him that she’d been reaching out to him tonight desperately, in the only way she knew how. And he’d summarily rejected her.
He felt extremely convicted. A warmth grew in his heart for Tasha that he could only label as love. He fought against it strenuously. It was against everything in his nature to love Tasha Charles in any way, shape, or form. She was trouble, any way you sliced it!
But, it was already too late. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that a divine love for her had been placed in his heart by the very hand of God. The realization of what it could mean, came in the form of a deep ache.
“Oh, God.” he protested. “Don’t let me be vulnerable to that little viper.” he pleaded.
There was no response. The presence of the Lord had come and done the work intended; and then He’d gone again, that quickly. Gary could hardly complain. He’d asked for divine intervention for Tasha. He’d gotten it.
CHAPTER TWO
Sunday morning dawned very warm and still. Tasha stretched, and rolled onto her tummy. Her first thoughts were of Gary’s steady, smoldering eyes.
“Damn you to hell, Gary Taylor!” she muttered. She hated him for not kissing her! Hated him! How dare he not give in to her? How dare he not kiss her? She had to know that he found her attractive!
She’d been so sure, and then when she gave him an opening, he'd laughed in her face! How dare he not assure her that he found her beautiful?
She threw the covers away, and flounced into her robe. The bathroom door was locked. “Deb?” she bellowed, pounding. “Are you in there?”
“Yes.” came the muffled reply.
“Well, let me in!” she demanded.
“All right, all right, already!” Deb muttered.
Tasha was suddenly spun around. She found herself eye to eye with glowering, blue beams of fury. She sucked in her breath at the sight of Gary’s anger, close up.
“My aunt and uncle are still asleep, young lady. Deb will have to deal with your rudeness however she sees fit, but I’m afraid that I will have to see that you respect Nolan and Ruth’s right to some peace and quiet in the early mornings.”
“Rudeness?” she gasped. “Honestly, I just wanted to get in.” Tasha reddened as her voice began quivering tearfully.
Deb opened the bathroom door, and looked from Gary to Tasha with wide eyes.
“G’morning, Deb. Excuse me, ladies.” Gary said tightly. He turned on his heel and walked away.
Tasha stared tearfully after the coal-gray suit and suede boots as Gary disappeared quickly down the stairs.
Deb’s hand was warm on Tasha’s shoulder. “He’s a little bit more than you’re used to, huh, Tash?”
“You can say that again! The insufferable beast!” she gasped, trying to hold her tears in check.
“No, he’s not.” Deb laughed. “Really, he’s a darling, Tash. He just can’t abide heavy-handed women. He’s very ... well, old-fashioned, I guess, for lack of a better word. He kind of insists on being in charge.”
“Male chauvinist ...”
“Definitely not.” Deb cut her off. “Really he’s not, Tash. Someday, you’ll understand him.”
“I doubt it. What’s he all gussied up for this morning, anyway?” Tasha growled.
“Church, of course.” Debora said, sounded surprised that Tasha wouldn’t have guessed. “He has to get there earlier than the rest of us.”
“The rest of us?” Tasha hissed. “No way, Deb.”
“Didn’t you know? Tasha, mother will insist. But it’s not so bad. I think you might enjoy it.”
“Right.” Tasha snorted. “I can hardly wait.”
The church was small, and didn’t look much like a church. It was a square, blue building, out in the middle of nowhere. Tasha could hear the surf and feel the Pacific breeze, though she couldn’t see the ocean.
Debora linked her arm through Tasha’s, and led her up the pebbled walk to the building. They climbed a shallow flight of stairs, and Tasha put up her guard as they entered the sanctuary.
It was done simply, but nicely. Skylights filtered sunlight down onto the wide, raised platform at the front. Rows of narrow, vertical windows lit the length of the room from front to rear. There were chairs set in a curving half-circle, rather than pews. There was a wide aisle up the center.
Deb led Tasha toward the front, and sat down close to the inside aisle of the second row. Tasha stared in fascination at the musicians tuning their instruments in the area to the right of the podium. There were guitars, flutes, drums, violins. There was even a harp, in addition to the piano and organ.
Tasha was distracted by a steady flow of people who stopped to greet Deb. All kinds of people – old, chubby men; beautiful girls; young men; long-hairs, Orientals, Indians, Mexicans – even people who were obviously quite well to do. It was amazing to Tasha that the rich were sitting among the poor, Chinese among Chicanos. And they all greeted Tasha with smiles and warm hugs (despite her obvious chilliness), and they said the oddest things to her, offering her the blessings of God. It was clear that they wanted to welcome her.
It was the strangest menagerie of people Tasha had ever seen in her life. She was absolutely sure these weird people were all insane! Gary watched Tasha’s introduction to the church with ill-concealed mirth. It was hilarious to watch her reactions. She was growing more incredulous by the minute.
A young man with long hair, wearing slacks and a knit sport shirt went to the podium, and smiled at the people before him. “G’morning.” he said brightly. He tossed his straight, black bangs away from his eyes, and opened a song book. Tasha rolled her eyes and thought she’d die from the boredom of it.
She wasn’t bored for very long. She had never heard such singing, in all her life. There was something almost intimidating about it. It was like there was an underlying tide of some kind of strong force, pulling her along. It was becoming frightening. She wasn’t used to intensity in others.
Even Debora was different, here. As she sang, she began to look somehow transformed, in Tasha’s eyes. Her soft, peachy skin was glowing, her eyes were closed. She looked simply blissful. Tasha had never known Deb could sing, but
her voice was lovely.
Tasha looked around her cautiously. At last, her eyes fell on Gary. He was standing behind the piano, facing her. Singing like the rest of them, deep into it, like the rest of them. She watched his lips as he sang, but couldn’t figure out what he was singing ... it didn’t seem to be what everyone else was singing. A curious feeling invaded her breast as she realized that Gary was taking it all very seriously. She thought he was praying!
“My God.” she mumbled. “Is this for real?”
They sang song after song; not just hymns, but songs that were strong and determined, jubilant and powerful. Tasha hadn’t heard any of them before. Finally, the church erupted into a familiar hymn, and sang that with even more gusto than the songs that had gone before.
As they went on, excitement seemed to build, until the roof threatened to burst. Voices rose to a great, thundering crescendo, and then burst into shouts and applause; a mighty wall of sound.
Tasha blinked, and looked around her frantically. She began to realize that everyone was singing, but each their own song. Debora, next to her, was simply singing without words, letting her soft voice blend in harmony with everyone else's.
And it was, strangely, very harmonious. It was amazing that so many voices could blend to make a song so complete and unified. It was scary as hell.
Her eyes wandered back to the podium; and she found that Gary was standing with his eyes closed, but not singing. It’s like he was drinking in the music with every pore, just listening and drawing.
As the overall sound softened and gentled, it became almost a whisper, and Tasha saw Gary’s face relax. He almost smiled, as if in relief, and began to sing softly. Tasha couldn’t hear him, to make any of it out. She became more intrigued with every passing moment.
The excitement flared again spontaneously, and the voices raised almost to a shout. The musicians followed in a free form, but their song was wild, and so beautiful that it caused Tasha’s heart to pound strangely.
Just when she thought the flow of music would overpower her, it dropped to a whisper and went to near silence. Then, a hushed stillness fell on the room. Tasha hardly dared to breathe. She felt that the room was filled … with a heavy, frightening presence she couldn't put any name to … but it was warm and pervasive. And the room was filled with Love. Pure love. That much, she knew.