by JoAnn Durgin
“Excuse me? Qualifications? And the job? Maybe you’re not offering enough.” Heather kept her tone light and teasing in case that remark sounded too sarcastic.
“Right.” He chuckled again, alleviating her mind. “It’s not like I have a typed list of qualifications or advertised for a soul mate on Christian Man 4U.”
“Surely there are eligible single women in your church—demure, soft-spoken, feminine women who’d love to date you. Some might even play the piano or the organ.” She snapped her fingers. “I know! How about the harp?”
“Very funny. I wouldn’t have figured you’d buy into the stereotype,” he said. “Being feminine is definitely good, but I don’t necessarily want demure and soft-spoken. I choose to work with tough city kids. They’d chew up demure and soft-spoken and spit it out for breakfast. And playing an instrument isn’t a requirement for a pastor’s wife. Anymore.”
“So, what do you want, Chase?” Call her crazy, but the darkness gave her the boldness to say things she might not have said to him face-to-face. Then again, maybe not. She wasn’t exactly known for being shy.
“It’s getting warm in here,” he said. “Should we pummel on the door and yell? Sing? Do you rap? Up for a good yodel?”
She laughed. She imagined he was probably tugging on the collar of his T-shirt beneath that fabulous blue sweater. “Sure. You beat on your chest and let out your best Tarzan yell while I pound on the door. That’s sure to bring someone running down here to rescue us.”
“Seems to me discussing a plan to get out of the closet, so to speak, is a better use of our time than debating the reasons why we’re both single.”
“I vote we stay in here and wait it out since neither one of us is hyperventilating,” she said. “Whatever game they’re playing, the person or persons responsible will come down and let us out of here. If this happened by accident—which we both know it did not—someone will miss us eventually. Besides, this is sort of fun, a little adventure. Don’t you think?”
“Beats alligators and man-eating sharks.”
After taking a few steps backward, reaching behind her, Heather tentatively ran her hand over the expanse of wall. “If you’d rather lean, I can offer you a section of bare wall back here.” What a totally irrational suggestion. She wasn’t thinking. Dancers didn’t lean. Oxygen deprivation must be affecting her brain.
“I have a better idea. Give me your hand.” Chase nudged her arm from the right as if gauging her position. “Allow me to be protective and gallant.”
“What’s your plan?”
“Do you mind sitting on the floor? If we do that, there’s less chance I’ll bump into you or bring things crashing down around our heads.”
“Good point.”
His warm hand folded over hers. Giving her a gentle tug, he guided her over to the wall. “Backs against the wall and we slide on the count of three.”
Heather squared her shoulders. “Ready for countdown, commander.”
“One,” he said.
“So, this is a tandem thing? We’re sliding together at the same time?”
“That’s the plan. Two.”
“Seriously. Who told you that I’ve sworn off finding a man?”
“Hang on.” Chase squeezed her hand. “Three. Here we go.” After they reached the floor, he gently disengaged his hold on her hand.
“I really want to know, but please don’t laugh,” she insisted. “Not that you don’t have a very nice…chuckle.” You did not just say that! Heather pressed her flattened palm over her forehead, thankful for the darkness.
“Is it true?” Amusement danced around the edges of his question.
“Answer my question first.”
“Sophia told me in a roundabout way. And I’d never laugh at you, Heather.”
“Then I guess that begs the question as to why you were discussing me with Sawyer’s 8-year-old niece in the first place?”
“We weren’t. Ava apparently said something to Sawyer and Sophia overheard. Then she told Allie. You know how kids are. Before you accuse me of eavesdropping, I was standing near them at the coat check in the restaurant earlier tonight.”
Sounded plausible. “Okay then,” she said. “As I recall, my exact quote was that I’ve sworn off men unless…” Unless God plants one right in front of me and makes it clear he’s “the one.” Ironic, considering the appealing man sitting next to her and this oddly wonderful conversation.
Chase cleared his throat. “Should I ask?”
“No. I really think it’s best if you don’t.”
“One of these days I’ll convince you to finish that sentence.”
“Yes, well. We’ll see about that.” Turning to face him, Heather wrapped her arms around her legs, and rested her chin on her propped knees. “Okay, here’s another question for you.”
“I hope I have an answer.”
“Have you ever experienced true love?” She laughed. “I didn’t mean for that to sound like I’m thirteen.”
“It also came from somewhere out in left field.”
“Not really. You started it with all your talk about…romance or whatever.”
“Agreed. Guilty as charged. Why do I get the feeling you’re not talking about familial love? Or A’Havah, agape love, philia, eros…”
She shook her head. “They must have loved you in seminary. I think you know I’m referring to romantic love. Just so you know, I shifted my position and I’m facing you now. At least I think I am. Not that I can actually see you.”
“I’m aware you switched your position. I could tell from the direction of your voice,” he said. “You’re determined to discuss this, aren’t you?”
“You’ve got to admit this conversation is more intriguing than discussing the weather, the condition of the world, or gas prices.”
“True enough. Just so you’ll know, I stretched out my legs and my feet are crossed at the ankles. I’m currently trying to decide whether or not to cross my arms. There. Just did it.”
That made her laugh. “Thanks for the play-by-play even if it is a stall tactic.”
“I thought I knew what love meant. Once. A long time ago.” Chase’s tone sounded much more subdued. “Jacqui and I were just kids. First love kind of thing. We burned like a bright flame for a few years, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
“No long-term relationship since?” How was that possible with a man like Chase?
“Nope. My work is pretty much my life right now. How about you?”
“I’ve had dates and a few relationships,” she said. A lot of dates and short relationships, but she probably shouldn’t tell him that or he might think she was flighty or unstable. “Turns out, the most serious relationship was little more than a starry-eyed infatuation fueled by my clueless, early 20s vision of what I thought true love was supposed to be or should be. You know—that lovely first stage where you think the other person can’t say or do anything wrong and even their flaws are a thing of wonder. You float along in a blissful euphoria of ignorance and defend them to the ends of the earth. With Drew, I only heard what I wanted to hear, and not what he was actually saying.”
“If it’s not too personal, what happened?”
“He used me as a means to an end and dumped me after I couldn’t promise him a job with my dad’s company. That tarnished the silver real fast.”
Oh, no. Please don’t let him ask about Dad’s company. She wasn’t in her right frame of mind or she’d never have mentioned it in the first place.
“Sounds like a real stand-up guy.” Chase didn’t bother masking his sarcasm. “I’m thankful you found out the truth before you married him.”
“Yes, but you’d think I might have picked up on a few clues along the way. I’ve had relationships since but nothing lasting.” That was the most diplomatic way to put it.
“You can’t blame yourself, Heather. Relationships are difficult. It’s like you said. Love has a unique way of blinding us to the truth.”
“I finally s
urrendered the fantasy of the forever fairy tale and admitted the handsome prince who possesses no human flaws was only a figment of my imagination. He doesn’t exist in the real world.”
“You’re going to be disappointed if you think any guy is perfect.”
“I know that, and I’m not seeking perfection,” she said. “Want to know the biggest revelation? I woke up to how much I needed to work on my own considerable flaws before I could contemplate another serious relationship. I can’t regret the experience with Drew. Ultimately, I learned a lot from it.” She slapped her hands on her jeans-clad thighs. “So, there you have it.”
“Sounds to me like you’ve dated the wrong guys.”
“Agreed. Thus the swearing off part because I have yet to meet the right kind of guy. At my age, for the most part, they’re pledged to someone else, already married, married with kids, a diehard confirmed bachelor, or let’s just say they have…other preferences.” Ironically, she’d most often dated guys who were similar in mindset to her father. Power-hungry overachievers who strived for financial success and falsely equated a bulging bank account with soul satisfaction.
“I meant you haven’t dated a guy who recognizes and values the significant qualities you have to offer.”
She nudged his leg with her foot. “Are you paying me a compliment?” Her pulse took off again. “Two in one night?”
“Trying to.”
“Thank you. The truth? My love life slowed down—okay, more like came to a grinding halt—when I became a Christian four years ago,” she told him. “In spite of the fact there’s no steady man in my life now, I’ve never been happier. Ava took me to her small group Bible study, and I’ve learned that my self-worth isn’t defined by a man, my work, or anything else.” Unconsciously, she’d moved her hand over her heart. “It’s defined by who I am in Christ. My faith is the most precious thing in my life.”
“Do you think it’s safe to reach for your hand?” Chase’s tone had softened.
When she held out her hand, Chase found it and wrapped his hand around hers. “That was a beautiful testimony. Thanks for sharing.”
“I can’t believe I told you all that,” she said. “The stuff about my nonexistent love life, I mean. As far as the faith element, five years ago—if you’d told me I’d be a Christian now—I’m pretty sure I’d have labeled you as a disillusioned dreamer.” She laughed quietly. “Maybe we could start a trend with a new kind of therapy. Closet therapy. It’s very freeing, don’t you think?”
“Dark closet therapy, to be specific,” he said. “Seems to work for us, anyway. If you don’t mind my saying, it sounds to me like you have your priorities straight. In my considered opinion, you’re ready for a relationship.”
That was an intriguing comment. “You know what they say. Love happens when you’re not looking or you least expect it.” Feeling a bit awkward, Heather withdrew her hand from his.
“Have you tried the produce aisle?”
She balked. “What does that mean? Oh, wait a second. Are you talking about a grocery store match-up?”
“Sure. Since you’re a ballerina, I’m sure you eat healthy, right? Stands to reason you’d like to meet a guy who shares that interest.”
“It’d be nice, but it’s not a huge deal. Really,” she insisted when she heard his low chuckle. “I mean, of course physical fitness is important. So, tell me, Chase. Do you know how to cook?”
“Is that your way of asking me out?”
That made her sputter. “No.”
“In answer to your question, I can cook a few things but mainly easy stuff teenagers like to eat,” he said. “Meaning it’s not the healthiest food in town. Look, all I’m saying is that you’d stand a much higher chance of a relationship thriving if you met your soul mate in the whole foods market instead of Health Nuts Unite.com.”
“I get it. You’re saying it’s better to find a guy strolling the grocery aisle instead of trolling the Internet.” She laughed when he groaned. “You strongly dislike online dating websites, don’t you?”
“How can you tell? I pretty much hate them, but I’m happy to say I’ve never had any personal experience with one. I prefer being stuck in a dark closet with a fascinating woman. This is a great way to get to know each other better.”
Silence filled the small room, but it wasn’t awkward. In many ways, this had been the most honest conversation she’d ever shared with a man. She’d certainly never been so transparent with a man she hadn’t dated.
“Chase, I’m sorry your relationship with Jacqui didn’t turn out the way you’d hoped.”
“Thanks. I have a lot of regrets, but I have to look at it as God’s plan. He had His purpose.”
“My turn to ask what happened. Unless that’s too personal—”
“No, it’s okay,” he said. “Our family situations weren’t ideal, and Jacqui and I were needy and co-dependent in ways that weren’t healthy. We were two kids in way over our heads, and we weren’t equipped to handle the emotions.”
Heather appreciated his frankness but wasn’t sure how to respond. She understood how insecurities could sometimes be overwhelming. Chase seemed so confident, she found it hard to imagine him ever being needy in any way. Still, everyone had relationships and experiences in their past that shaped who they were in the here and now. All part of growing up and a rite of passage.
“So, tell me about these qualifications no woman can meet,” she said.
“Admit it. You’re thinking I have unrealistic expectations.”
“Not necessarily. Let’s hear them first and then I’ll let you know.”
“Okay, but only since you insisted.”
Heather started when someone flung open the door and light flooded the closet. Squinting, she moved one hand over her brow, shielding her eyes.
Chapter 2
~~♥~~
Sawyer poked his dark curly head inside the closet with Ava standing slightly behind him. “If you two wanted privacy, all you had to do was say so. Hope we’re not interrupting anything important.”
“You’re fine.” Chase rose to his feet first and then offered his hand to assist her. Such a gentleman. This guy impressed her more and more.
Accepting his help, Heather smoothed her hands down the front of her jeans before retrieving the bag of cups. She eyed Sawyer with a raised brow. “I suppose you claim no responsibility for the fact that we were imprisoned against our will in your sister’s supply closet?”
Sawyer raised his hands. “Hey, I’m innocent. Scout’s honor. Ava, tell them.”
“For once I can attest Sawyer’s not the culprit.” Ava laughed when Sawyer feigned offense. “Two pint-sized flower girls named Sophia and Katie are playing matchmaker again. They’re feeling empowered since it worked for us.” With an adoring gaze for her fiancé, Ava linked her arm with his.
Heather winked at Chase. “It’s a good thing we’re getting them married off tomorrow.”
Chase grinned. “Brace yourself. It’s only going to get worse.”
“Hey, speak for yourselves,” Sawyer said. “You two looked mighty cozy sitting there on the floor. In the dark. Maybe our flower girls had the right idea. If you want, we’ll turn off the lights, close the door, and then you can resume your…activities.”
“You’ve got an overactive imagination, buddy.” Shaking his head, Chase slapped a hand on Sawyer’s shoulder. “Let me clean up the mess I made.”
“Leave it,” Ava said. “We’ll send the girls down to clean up. You and Chase go on ahead,” she told Sawyer after he gestured for Ava to join him. “We’ll be right there.”
“Don’t be long.” Sawyer dropped a light kiss on Ava’s lips.
“You’re hopeless, Mancini.” Heather handed over the package of plastic cups. “Here you go. Fruity cups. The lure to get Chase and me down here. Would you please be a love and take these upstairs in case anyone’s actually looking for them?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Laughing, Sawyer took the bag and then followe
d Chase up the staircase.
“Please don’t say a word,” Heather warned when Ava turned to her with one brow quirked.
“I wouldn’t think of it except to say that you and Chase seem to be getting along well.”
“What’s not to like? He’s a great guy.”
“That he is,” Ava said. “It’s been so busy tonight, and we haven’t had any time to ourselves. I wanted to thank you for the lovely things you said in your toast at the rehearsal dinner.”
“I meant every word.” Heather gathered Ava close in a quick hug. “You and Sawyer are both unbelievably great and make such an awesome couple. I don’t mind saying I’m so jealous I can hardly stand it.” She tucked a long, dark strand of Ava’s hair behind one ear. “I want you to go off on your fabulous Hawaiian honeymoon and not worry one second about the dance studio. Just relax, take long romantic walks, and enjoy sumptuous meals with your husband. Everything will be fine back here in freezing cold Indy.”
“I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you,” Ava said. “It’s such a relief to know my livelihood is in the most capable hands possible. If it weren’t for you, I’d have to close the studio while we’re gone.”
Heather smiled. “Consider it part of my wedding gift. Since I don’t start rehearsals for Giselle until late March, the timing is perfect. Now, let’s get you back upstairs. I’m sure Sawyer is chomping at the bit and someone else might want to speak with the woman who’s getting married in”—she checked her watch—“eighteen hours.”
Ava’s brown eyes widened. “When you put it like that, it seems so…real.”
“Believe it, my friend. Are you all packed?”
“In my dreams, I’ve been packed for months. In reality, I’ve been packed for a week.”
“I’m sure. The countdown has officially begun.” She turned off the closet light and followed Ava up the basement stairs to the kitchen.
“Heather, honey, I’m so sorry.” Allie rushed over to her with one hand on Sophia’s shoulder. “Katie had to leave a few minutes ago, but Sophia, I believe you have something to say?”