by JoAnn Durgin
For his part, Sam seemed content not to seek her out. He didn’t try and explain himself further, or try to talk with her more about it. That hurt. But that same sparkle was still there whenever he turned her way. Whenever he met her eyes, Lexa’s heart pounded and her breath caught in her throat. There was also a hesitancy in his manner.
It wasn’t like she encouraged any of the banter, the lighthearted teasing or even the barbs they’d traded during her first week in the camp. Call it what is was, Lexa. Unabashed flirting. She’d never admit it out loud, but she missed it.
“Are you going anywhere on your weekend off?” Winnie asked as they handed out ice cream sandwiches at the worksite a few days later.
Lexa frowned. “I haven’t even thought about it. I suppose I could go home to Houston.” But what was waiting for her there? Maybe she could find a church to attend. It hadn’t been a priority for her before, but now she wanted to focus on that aspect of her life. A church with a thriving singles program would be ideal. A place where she could meet more people her own age who shared her interests and lifestyle while learning more about the Lord and deepening her spiritual walk.
“You’re welcome to come with Amy and me. We’re going to stick around here, maybe go to some of the missions. You know, sightseeing and shopping. It should be fun.”
Lexa smiled. “Sounds great. Can I let you know tomorrow?”
“Sure. No rush. We’re flexible.”
The more she thought about it, the more the idea of staying put around camp and then sightseeing during the day in San Antonio sounded like fun. Until Winnie told her that Sam might be tagging along for part of it. “He’s driving us into town Friday night. He’s got some business to do for TeamWork on Saturday, but he said he’d like to join us when he can.”
“Oh,” Lexa muttered, disgruntled. Did Sam know she might come along, too?
Winnie eyed her curiously. “Is that a problem?”
“No,” Lexa protested, perhaps a bit too insistent. “Of course not. Why shouldn’t Sam come along?”
“Considering he’s our only free transportation around, it’s the best offer we have.”
“Right. I just hope that old station wagon lasts the rest of the summer,” Lexa commented under her breath, handing an ice cream sandwich to Josh.
“How are you?” He flashed his brilliant, trademark smile, oozing that all-too-easy charm.
“Just fine, thanks.” Lexa returned his smile. Josh sat by her in the dining tent as often as possible. Now that she thought of it, he managed to sit beside her at the bonfire a lot. Maybe he flirted with all the women. It was flattering, but she couldn’t take it seriously. Still, if she made the slightest move in his direction, Lexa suspected Josh Grant would be more than willing.
~~**~~
Sam’s eyes strayed over to Lexa as he finished his lunch. He couldn’t stop looking at her. Since their night together in San Antonio, she was more compelling than ever. He’d kept his distance, but witnessed her volunteering for more assignments, growing more comfortable with her surroundings and their work at the camp. It thrilled him to see it.
She had relaxed more and enjoyed herself in many activities at the camp, getting to know the others. As he led the devotions, Lexa was one of his most avid listeners. She asked thought-provoking questions which clued him in that she was reading and studying her Bible.
The one thing Sam didn’t like was Josh Grant sitting by her almost every night. His eyes focused in on Lexa as she talked with Josh now. At the bonfire, it was customary for Josh to sit on one side of her with Sheila on the other. Sam liked the fact that the shy, quiet woman was bringing out the caring instincts in Lexa, just as little Margarita brought out Lexa’s innate motherly instincts. He didn’t know what else to call it. He remembered the small boy waving to her from the boat at the Riverwalk. Children gravitated to her. So did grown men. He scowled when Josh touched Lexa’s arm.
Rebekah tipped him off to the fact that Margarita’s parents paid little heed to their youngest and that the child was drawn to Lexa. In fact, she thrived under her attention and personal instruction. One afternoon, stopping into his office before heading out to the worksite, Sam spied Lexa sitting with Margarita on the ground outside the schoolroom, leaning against the wall. They sat side-by-side and Lexa stroked the girl’s hair as they read together. He watched as Lexa encouraged Margarita to read a passage from the book, waiting patiently as the girl stumbled over the words.
Sam looked forward to the weekend since Amy told him Lexa planned to go with them into San Antonio. Perhaps then he could tell Lexa he was sorry for the way he’d acted, the way he’d treated her. He shook his head and winced at the memory.
Maybe Lexa was right when she teased him about being their heartless leader. But Sam knew he had a heart. It pounded every time Lexa smiled, every time she looked his way, every time he thought of her soft lips raised to his, waiting for his kiss.
He’d acted like a complete and utter fool at the Riverwalk that night, and wanted the opportunity to make it up to her. If only she’d let him. And Sam knew that was a mighty big if. They’d shared a special moment when he’d come to her aid with those young thugs. Then again, she wouldn’t have been in that position if he hadn’t made her run away from him. More than ever, Sam was determined to make it up to Lexa.
He sighed as he finished his meal and rose to leave. Yes, he’d be on his knees again tonight with some very specific requests to lift up to the Heavenly Father.
CHAPTER 17
The school session dismissed early on Friday afternoon, and Lexa walked to the worksite alongside Amy and Natalie. Of course, it had to be the hottest part of the day. She pulled the brim of her hat down further over her perspiring forehead and kicked up dust with every step.
“Aren’t we about due for a storm?” She peered up at the sky through narrowed eyes.
Natalie laughed. “Sounds like you’re really hoping for one.”
“I am. A good, soaking downpour sounds great about now.”
Amy laughed. “Be careful what you wish for, Lexa. You might just get it.”
“Fine by me.” They laughed together, but Lexa understood rain might have the opposite effect of what she wanted. It might escalate the humidity, although that didn’t seem possible. A drip of sweat ran down the length of her back as if for emphasis. Even God had a sense of humor.
Covering the short distance to the worksite within minutes, the girls marveled at the progress the TeamWork crew had made in such a short time. The house she’d worked on that fateful Sunday afternoon was now finished and ready to be painted. Maybe that was something she could help them do. When they’d painted the dorm walls a pale yellow, Lexa enjoyed it. She had an affinity for painting.
Sam walked toward them with a smile as they crossed the threshold of one of the houses. Lexa avoided looking directly at him but was never more aware of his masculinity. His red tank was soaked through to the skin so that it clung to him. Those muscular arms glistened, his thick hair plastered to his head in dark waves. But it was those devastating, light blue eyes so prominent against the tan skin—and the ever-present smile reaching his eyes—that tugged away at her heart.
What is this man doing to me?
She was falling in love with Sam Lewis. She couldn’t meet his eyes. If she did, he’d see how much she cared. Her mouth was dry, and Lexa prayed she wouldn’t hyperventilate. Any minute he’d be telling her not to stare and offering her water.
Sam assigned Amy and Natalie to a group in another room of the house. Walking into the kitchen with them, he called back over his shoulder for Lexa to stay put. “I have something special picked out for you.”
Waiting for him to return from helping her friends, Lexa shifted from one foot to the other, hardly an easy feat in the heavy boots. Just what did Sam have up his sleeve? The thought that he wasn’t wearing any sleeves struck her as amusing, and she smiled.
“At least I see your smile is still intact.” Coming back int
o the room to stand beside her, Sam wiped a towel across his forehead.
“It never really left. More like the sun hiding behind the moon.” Lexa avoided his probing gaze. As perceptive as he was, she didn’t want him reading her mind now.
“I’d also like to see your eyes sometime, too, if that’s possible.” Sam leaned his head down in an exaggerated manner. “That is, if they’re not hiding behind the moon, too.” He ran the towel over his head, back and forth a few times to absorb some of the moisture.
Lexa looked up and met his gaze. All that thick hair stuck out at crazy, odd angles yet he never looked more appealing.
“Oh good,” he said, feigning relief. “I was afraid someone had stolen away those beautiful eyes.”
“Enough with the compliments,” Lexa groused, but grinned nonetheless.
“Lexa, you’re a beautiful woman, inside and out.” He leaned close. “Just the way God made you.” Maybe the man was laying it on thick, but he sounded sincere.
She shrugged. “I’ve always had a hard time accepting compliments. Thank you. So, what’s this big job you have for me?”
Sam motioned for her to walk with him as he led the way to another home nearer to completion. “At first, I thought I’d put you on armadillo watch, but then decided your talents would be better utilized elsewhere.” He ducked to miss her playful swat.
“Glad to see your sense of humor is still intact.”
“Always. Here.” He handed her a paint roller. “Since I witnessed the product of your handiwork in the dorm, I decided you could help me paint. Seems safe enough, anyway.”
“Funny thing, I was just thinking the exact same thing.” Accepting the paint roller, Lexa moved over to where the other supplies were clustered. When he didn’t leave, she smirked. “I suppose you’re going to stand and supervise.”
Sam threw his head back and laughed. “Every single stroke.” Those blue eyes positively sparkled.
“Well, in that case, here.” Lexa flung a roller into his unsuspecting hands.
He caught it and shook his head, laughing again. “Watch it, Miss Clarke. You’re throwing things at me again. It’s not heavy this time, but it could get a little messy.”
“You might as well make yourself useful. Leaders are more effective when their subjects see they’re willing to work alongside them, you know.” She gave him an exaggerated wink, and they both laughed as others came over to lend them a hand. Lexa enjoyed meeting some of the women whose houses they were rebuilding, and Sam talked with the men. Every now and then, he caught her eye across the room and winked.
~~**~~
“Man, do I need a good, hot shower.” A couple of hours later, Sam took a step back to appraise their workmanship. Grabbing a nearby towel, he wiped more sweat from his face and neck. He’d probably lost five pounds. When he offered the same towel to Lexa, she crossed her eyes. Sam handed her a clean paper towel, and she accepted it, dabbing at her forehead daintily.
He surveyed their work with a satisfied nod. “Not bad at all. Alamo World Financial should be worried. I’ll make a housepainter out of you yet.” Lexa started to make a comeback, opening her mouth before closing it. Her smile faded so quickly, Sam wondered what he’d said, what she was thinking.
Reaching for her hat, she tugged it down on her head. “If that’s all for today, I think I’ll go back to the dorm now. I need a shower, too, especially since we’re heading into town for the evening.”
“I’m driving everyone in, as a matter of fact.”
“I’m aware of that.”
Sam couldn’t tell if she was pleased by the prospect or not. Lexa turned back around, slowly pivoting on one foot. He needed to apologize so they could move past this impasse. The mood was set. It was time.
“Lexa,” Sam began, walking over to stand in front of her, “I owe you an apology. I know I acted like a jerk that night on the Riverwalk. I’ve been beating myself up about it ever since.” He paused as she stepped nearer, and his heart rate increased the closer she came. “You have to understand my relationship with the Lord has always been the most important one in my life. I don’t take a relationship with a woman lightly. If I’m even thinking of starting something, I want to be sure she shares my faith.” Maybe he shouldn’t have used the word relationship, judging by the tentative look in her eyes.
“I’m not the type of Christian woman you’ve been looking for. That’s what’s bothering you, isn’t it, Sam?”
The words were quiet, not accusatory or full of hurt as he might have suspected. His eyes widened.
“You can admit it. You thought you’d find . . .”
He held up one hand to stop her. “Not that I’ve been actively seeking anyone, but you’re right. I thought I’d eventually find a woman who’s been a Christian as long as me, a woman who’s as strong in her commitment to the Lord as I like to think I am. But you know what I found out?” He needed to keep going before Lexa had a chance to turn away from him in frustration or anger. Given the opportunity, Sam suspected that was exactly what she’d do.
“What?” Her tone held no challenge. It was sweet, really.
“How arrogant that kind of thinking is, for one thing, and how dangerous. It doesn’t matter how strong your faith is. If it’s there, and it’s a growing commitment, that’s all I care about. You see, sometimes Christians can get sort of . . . stagnant. We have to work at keeping our faith alive and fresh. When I told you I want to see the Lord through your eyes, I wanted to know how it feels to be young in your faith. I wanted to see Him through the eyes of someone who has a sincere desire to learn, to become a better person through Christ, to help others for His sake.”
“And you see all that in me?” This time, she sounded uncertain.
“I do.” Sam prayed she also understood he wasn’t a man of idle words. “The strength of your commitment has nothing to do with how long you’ve known the Lord. And, at the risk of angering you, I didn’t say anything about you not being the kind of Christian woman I need. You assumed that.”
Lexa nodded. “You’re right. I guess that’s an insecurity on my part. And that whole Adam and Eve thing . . .” her voice trailed. “I didn’t mean I was sinful or anything,” she sputtered, looking totally embarrassed. “You must think I’m crazy.” When she put one hand on her hip and the other over her face, hiding her eyes, she never looked more adorable, especially with that splotch of blue paint on her cheek.
“No worries. Trust me, I don’t think you’re going to lead me down the road to ruin.” She was mighty tempting all right, but he didn’t want her to think she was a temptress. Big difference.
The color of her eyes deepened, her lips parted slightly. “Are you saying you want a relationship . . . with me, Sam?” Disbelief laced her question.
Those eyes beckoned, and Sam could barely breathe. He nodded and reached somewhere deep inside for his voice. “I’d say it’s definitely something worthy of consideration.” He was rewarded by another shy little smile. Good thing, since he sounded pretty inane. Amazing how such a petite woman held such power over him.
He lightly touched her nose before taking her hand in his, turning it over, studying it like a work of fine art. It was, in many respects. Oh, but he was losing ground fast with this woman. Lexa looked up at him with renewed surprise, and he glanced around the room. Several of the other workers were still there. It was obvious they were trying not to listen to their conversation, but it wasn’t as if the room was large enough to afford privacy.
“As my mother would say, you have piano fingers. Long and lovely.” It was unusual for her fingers to be so long and thin. “Do you play?”
Slowly withdrawing her hand from his hold, Lexa smiled. “I’ve been known to tickle the ivories every now and then. I’d better go now. I’ll see you in a little while.”
“Before you go, Lexa, I have to know something.”
She paused, turning back. Her brow raised, but she remained silent.
“Am I forgiven?” Sam’s heart
raced, but the look on her face was encouraging.
“I’ll think about it. A little more groveling might be nice.”
He laughed as she flipped that impossibly long braid over one shoulder and strolled out the door into the bright sunshine. Moving to stand by the window, he watched Lexa greet the other girls for the walk back to the camp. The happiness on her face flooded his heart. Sam lifted a silent prayer of thanks as the sound of the girls’ laughter floated back to him.
“She’s a good woman, Sam.”
He turned away from the window, unable to hide his smile. Kevin Moore stood right behind him. A quiet man, Kevin didn’t offer opinions freely. But he was a godly man, solid and grounded. And one of the best judges of character he’d ever met.
“Yes, she is.” Good for him.
Leaving the worksite with Kevin and some of the other men a short time later, Sam knew the sun’s rays reflected the lightness of his own heart. No doubt, the smile plastered on his face was pretty goofy. But, as surprising as anything else, Sam didn’t care.
~~**~~
“I think Josh is disappointed you’re not interested in him,” Rebekah confided a few minutes later as Lexa prepared for her shower. “He’s quite smitten, you know.”
Lexa smiled as she retrieved her makeup case and bath towel. “I guessed as much. He’s just so young, Rebekah. Besides, I’m sure there’s plenty of girls who are interested in your brother, and would welcome his attentions.”
Rebekah laughed. “There are, but don’t tell Josh. It’d swell his head, and heaven knows, we don’t need that. There wouldn’t be enough room left in the camp.” They laughed easily together. “I can tell Sam likes you. Do you like him?”