by JoAnn Durgin
Heather shared a glance with Chase and he gave her a slight nod.
Trevon ran a hand over his hair and blew out a breath. “I didn’t think comin’ here tonight would turn out to be an intervention or whatever.”
Turning her head, Heather hid her smile at Trevon’s use of the same word she’d mentioned to Chase on their way to the motel.
“It’s not,” Chase said. “What I’m trying to impress on both of you is that God cares and wants to help you. As strong and as capable as you think you are, you can’t do this thing called life all by yourself no matter how hard you try. We all need people around us who love us. When you have Christ in your life, there’s an unbelievable freedom. People will let you down, circumstances will disappoint you, but He’s always there. You’re never alone.”
Trevon appeared somewhat dazed. “This is a lot to think about, man.”
“I know. Come to youth group with your brother some Sunday night. Or give me a call. Come to my office sometime and we’ll talk. No matter what I’m doing, I’ll take the time.”
Trevon snapped his gaze to Chase. “Why do you care so much?”
“Because I don’t want to see you jump into something you’re not ready for yet. You might think you’re ready, but you’re not.”
Compassion radiated in Chase’s words. Heather had never personally witnessed a pastor sharing his faith in such a bold manner. She’d only heard ministers speaking from the pulpit, but this? This was real life. More than spouting words of scripture and encouragement to carry them through the week—important as those things were—what Chase had done was what the word of God commanded everyone with Christ in his or her heart to do. He’d shared the message of how Jesus died for Trevon. He’d made it personal by painting a portrait of himself as a redeemed sinner, just as she was. As they all were.
“Before you enter into a physical relationship, my prayer is that you’ll make sure you’re right with God and then make a commitment to marriage,” Chase said.
“Whoa, dude.” Trevon held up his hand. “Ain’t nobody talkin’ about marriage.”
Rachelle jabbed Trevon in the side with an elbow and looked up at Chase. “What if we mess up?”
Chase’s expression softened. “We all mess up. If you do, confess it to God and ask His forgiveness, Rachelle. Just keep in mind that once you give away that part of yourself, you’re tied to that person emotionally the rest of your life.”
When Trevon started to protest, Chase continued. “Only God knows whether or not you two are destined to be together. But be true to God first and don’t give into what feels good at the risk of losing your self-respect—or each other—in the process.”
Chase walked across the room to the small table by the bed, opened the middle drawer, and pulled out a Gideon Bible. He held out the book to Trevon, offering it to him. “Take this. That’s why it’s here.”
Trevon took it from him. “Ain’t nobody ever gave me anything before without any strings attached.” He sounded genuinely touched.
“Well, somebody has now, and I just told you about the greatest free gift of all. Think about it.”
Chase squeezed Trevon’s shoulder and smiled at Rachelle. “Get your stuff together. We’re taking you home.”
Chapter 9
~~♥~~
The ride in Chase’s Ford Explorer was quiet. Heather sat in the back with Rachelle while Trevon sat up front, hunkered down in the passenger seat, staring out the side window. Rachelle was also quiet and sat with her eyes closed, her arms wrapped across her middle. She looked scared to death and more than a little ashamed.
After telling Trevon to wait, Chase walked Rachelle to the door of her house. She slipped inside without anyone coming to the door. Heather wondered what he would have told a parent or older sibling if they’d made an appearance. In a way, it was better it hadn’t happened. Not tonight. They’d already been through enough.
A few short turns later, Chase pulled up to another house. Heather moved to the front seat and waited in the SUV, engine running, while Chase escorted Trevon up to the small, one-story house. On the exterior, it was neat and well-maintained. She recognized the neighborhood as somewhere near the church where Chase was on staff. Another young guy came to the door—Heather assumed it was Jamal—and Chase talked with him for a couple of minutes.
Climbing back into the vehicle, Chase gave her a weary smile. “Just another day in paradise.” He leaned his forehead on the steering wheel for a moment. Was that a small groan? Poor guy must be absolutely exhausted. Raising her hand to stroke his hair, she decided against it.
“I take it that was Jamal at the door?”
Chase raised his head. “Yep. Their mom works nights and their dad died a few years ago.”
Her heart lurched. “Those poor kids.”
“They seem pretty well-adjusted, considering,” he said. “Are you hungry? We could grab a bite to eat. I promise not to preach.” When she didn’t respond immediately, he continued. “I hope I didn’t scare you off back there, Heather. I know I came on strong.”
“You did, but I can’t think of a better reason.”
“I know enough about Trevon to know he could handle it. Jamal’s laid the groundwork.”
“You want the truth, Chase? I’m in awe.”
He shook his head. “Don’t go thinking I’m awesome. You’ll be sorely disappointed.”
“I know God’s the only truly awesome One, but you have the boldest faith of anyone I’ve ever met. Where does that kind of courage come from?”
Chase checked for traffic and then pulled out onto the street. “It comes from losing people in my life when they’re too young to die. It comes from not knowing what tomorrow brings. And it comes from knowing I might have planted a germ of truth in Trevon’s mind that he might remember.”
“Do you have many people come to Christ after you’ve counseled them like you did with Trevon tonight?”
“Some kids raise their hands and come forward at the Sunday night youth meetings. Some are only doing it to join the crowd but there are others who seem to make a genuine profession of faith.”
“You think some of them aren’t genuine?”
Chase shrugged. “Not for me to say. That’s God’s job, and He’s more than welcome to it. Not to change the subject, but if you’re game, there’s a great all-night diner near the church, not far from here. The coffee’s the best around, and they make a mean stack of blueberry or peach pancakes. We could go there.”
Heather would like nothing more, but she couldn’t, no matter how much she wanted to accept his invitation. She tried without success to hide her yawn. “Don’t tempt me. I wouldn’t be good company right now, but I hope you’ll give me a rain check.” She didn’t bother to hide a second yawn as it quickly overtook her.
“Sure. It’s late and probably best to wait.” Chase drummed his fingers on the steering wheel as they waited at a stoplight. “I need to spend some time preparing for tomorrow morning, anyway.”
Regret filled her but it was for the best. She’d been up since the crack of dawn and could barely keep her eyes open.
Heather started when Chase gently nudged her shoulder.
Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled at Chase. “I’m sorry. I must have fallen asleep.”
“Better you than me.”
“For what? Sleep?” She shook her head. “Never mind. I’m exhausted and not in my right mind. I don’t know what I’m saying.”
“That’s a good way to scare a guy. Seriously, will you be okay to drive home?”
“I’ll be fine. Really. Unlike a few other wedding guests who snuck down to the hotel bar, I’m in full and complete control of my faculties. Okay, I have a question. Supposing I did have a drink tonight—champagne, wine, or something—would you think I was being sinful?” She was only half teasing.
Chase’s lips twisted. “No more than I sinned by dancing.” He mock gasped, throwing her off-guard and making her laugh.
“You d
idn’t make any inappropriate moves and were the perfect gentleman. You treated me like a lady.” Her voice grew quieter on those last words.
Chase briefly met her gaze before returning his attention to the road. “Heather, you are the very definition of a lady. Now, if you’d fallen down stinking drunk on the dance floor because you’d consumed too much alcohol, then we might have an issue.”
“Because of your dad?” Heather shivered and hugged her arms across her body. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. It was inappropriate and none of my business. I need to learn to control that habit of spouting the first thing that pops into my mind. If you know of a support group for that, please let me know.”
“I don’t mind. It’s a valid question. As far as my dad, his drinking is a symptom of a larger problem called loneliness.”
Chase adjusted the temperature controls and warmer air came from the vents. “So is the gambling.” He turned right at the next corner. “My mom died when I was ten. My dad’s never recovered from her death.”
Heather’s breath caught in her throat. “I’m so sorry. I’m sure that’s one of the toughest things anyone ever has to endure. My dad left us, too, but not by death.” She blew out a breath. “That probably made no sense.”
Chase stopped at the next stoplight. “That’s who you were talking about last night when we talked outside? Your dad?”
Heather nodded. This man understood her. “Yes.” Running a hand through her hair, she leaned one elbow on the door and stared out the front window. “That’s a discussion best saved for another time. It’s late, and we’ve had a full couple of days.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry about your dad.” He pulled the SUV through the light.
“Thanks.” They rode in silence for a few blocks until the church came into view. “Chase, what would you have done if I’d said no? That I’m not okay to drive myself home?”
He rubbed a hand over his beard. “I’d say you like to ask a lot of what if questions. If you thought I’d offer to take you home with me, you’d be mistaken. My protective instincts have limits.” He surprised her by chuckling again. “No matter what you’ve heard, I’m not that kind of guy.”
She groaned. “Not helping, Preacher Man. I didn’t mean that the way you probably thought. What you must think of me. That wasn’t an invitation. I told you I’m not in my right mind, and I guess that proves it.”
“I didn’t think anything, but you’re making assumptions again.”
“Sorry.”
“And stop apologizing.”
Closing her eyes, Heather blew out a sigh. “I wish I’d had a youth pastor who cared as much as you do to set me straight when I was younger. I made so many mistakes.”
“I think we all do. That’s part of growing up.” Chase reached for her hand in what was becoming a very nice habit. She appreciated the caring gesture and the warmth of his hand over hers.
“That’s the great part about belonging to Christ,” he continued. “He freely forgives the ugliness inside us if we ask Him. You’re not alone in your personal regrets, Heather. You’ll get no judgment from me. Like I said earlier, I have enough regrets of my own.”
“Interesting how I call them mistakes and you call them regrets.”
He nodded. “Same thing, I’m sure. That’s why I like working with teenagers. They’re so impressionable. They’re so vulnerable. On the one hand, they want to please and gain admiration and acceptance, but on the other hand, they rebel and balk against authority. If I’d had a youth pastor or stable male role model to give me some guidance, maybe I wouldn’t have made some of the mistakes I did, either.”
“Then again, maybe we wouldn’t have gone to that motel tonight to get those kids and we wouldn’t be sitting here in this car tonight. Only God knows.” A tear rolled down Heather’s cheek. Impatiently, she wiped it away. “You’ve given me a lot to think about tonight, Chase. I feel like I’ve learned more in the last couple of hours than from a year of sitting in church.”
He squeezed her hand. “In answer to your question about making sure you get home safely, first I’d insist on driving you home. And then tomorrow, I’d make sure you retrieved your Jeep.” The church parking lot was otherwise deserted as Chase pulled his Explorer to a stop beside her Jeep.
“Honest answer.” He turned toward her. “Are you okay to drive home? Yes or no.”
“Honest answer? Yes.”
“I hope you’re not a target for cops with your Jeep.”
“Why? Because it’s red?”
“That, too.” He returned her smile.
She tore her gaze away from his. “That’s not a fallacy, by the way. I’m pretty sure people with red vehicles tend to have a lead foot.”
“I have a lead foot—pastors are notorious for them—and that’s one reason I chose a white SUV.” Chase chuckled. “Why give them the advantage right from the start?”
“Stands to reason you’re a lead foot since you’re impatient and rather hot-tempered. I suppose I should thank you for restraining your tendency to speed tonight.”
He shook his head. “Not helping, Beautiful Dancer.”
“Ah, now you’ve given me a nickname?”
Stop flirting.
He chuckled. “Do you like it?”
“I can learn to live with it. Please don’t spread it around.” Heather darted another amused glance his way and started to open her door.
Chase put one hand on her arm. “Hang on a sec, please. This time I’m coming around to help you out, and you’re going to wait.”
“You’re also bossy.”
“Another fault. I did say please. Wait anyway.”
“Lord, this one’s a keeper. For someone else.”
What a pity.
Chase came around the front of the Explorer, opened her door, and offered his hand. “Careful. Ice is starting to form on the pavement. I can’t have it on my conscience if you fall or twist your ankle on my watch.”
“You’re also very protective, and that’s a very positive quality. I hope you will ask me to coffee and a late night snack again. So you can be protective…as I eat. Whatever.” Her cheeks grew warm. “Like I said, I’m tired.”
“No worries. I’ll ask again.” Giving her a smile, and with his hand anchored beneath her elbow, Chase led her to the Jeep and waited while she opened the door.
Why did this feel like the end of a date? And why was she thinking of pushing him away one second and the very next words that came out of her mouth were to issue him an open invitation to ask her out? Her mind was mush.
Push, pull. Push, pull. Lord, help me.
“It meant a lot that you went with me tonight, Heather. You were able to help Rachelle in a way I wouldn’t have been able to do. Plus it wouldn’t have been good for me to show up without a female presence.” He stroked his beard. “To be honest, I’m not sure what I would have done.”
Her eyes widened. “I hadn’t thought of that angle. You always need to consider how your actions might affect your reputation, don’t you?”
“I do. Especially in that area of town with a couple of minors. The Lord knows.”
“I’m glad I could help, and you handled it well. I only pray those kids took what you said to heart.” With a small parting smile, Heather turned to go.
“Heather?” When she turned, Chase stepped closer so that only a few inches separated them.
She looked into his eyes and splayed the fingers of one hand on his chest. “As much as I enjoy being in your company, Chase, I’m not the right girl for you.”
“Then we’re even because I’m the wrong guy for you.” His eyes drank her in, the same way he’d done earlier on the dance floor.
“We’re from two different worlds.”
“True, but today we’ve experienced both worlds,” he said, his voice low. “And yet here we are. Together at the end of the day. Still standing.”
Heather tried to turn aside but he captured her chin with one hand, his hold gentle
yet firm.
“I don’t know any man who could deal with kids like you do with such passion,” she whispered.
“And I don’t know any woman who would have even offered to go with me tonight.” He stroked his thumb over her cheek. “So, where do we go from here?”
“You really love those kids, don’t you? I’m guessing every single one of them.” The man was making her dizzy again.
“You could say that.” He cupped both sides of her face in his hands. “If it’s all the same to you, I don’t want to talk about them right now.”
She lifted her chin. “So, that kiss earlier tonight was for real? It wasn’t just to get the endorphins and adrenaline going? To satisfy a need?”
Chase smiled. “The kiss was for real. It was more a selfish need, but it also satisfied a want.” Warmth seared through Heather in spite of temperatures in the low 20s. If there was a wind chill, she didn’t feel the bitter cold. She might as well be standing on a Caribbean beach.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Heather.” He stole her breath with the lightest kiss imaginable. Sweet. Tender. A tantalizing brush of his lips on hers she felt in every part of her.
Then it was over.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Chase. It’s been memorable. I’ll never forget this day…this night, and the time spent with you.”
“Heather, I—”
“Hold that thought.” She backed out of his embrace and quickly climbed into the driver’s seat before she lost her mind and threw herself into his arms and kissed him again. And maybe one more time for the road. Never in her life had she wanted to do that more than she did now.
Chase closed her door while she turned the key and switched on the heater.
“How long is your drive home?” he said as she lowered the automatic window.
She blinked, trying to clear her head. “About twenty minutes if there’s no traffic problems. It’s on the outskirts of town and exactly 3.2 miles from Miss Carlisle’s Dance Studio.”