by JoAnn Durgin
“I do,” she said, smiling as she traced the lines of his beard with one finger. “It helps remind us of why we’re actually very good for each other. Play along, please.”
“That’s what I thought I was doing.”
“Then you have my dad…” How to finish that sentence? In that moment, Heather didn’t care what her dad thought of anything, especially her choice in a man. A man’s worth wasn’t found in his bank account or his corporate connections. The most wonderful man she’d ever known had just moved his strong arms around her and she could barely think.
Chase planted a sweet kiss on her other cheek. “I’m not interested in talking about your dad when I’m holding the best thing he ever created in my arms.”
“That,” she said, poking one finger on his chest, “was good. Corny but good. I’m headstrong, sometimes the tiniest bit vain, and I speak my mind without thinking…” Heather’s words trailed as he kissed her forehead.
“I’m bullish, impatient, and sometimes don’t say the things I should.” Chase dropped a light kiss on the tip of her nose, and she lifted her chin a notch higher.
“I’m a mess,” she murmured. “My house is disorganized. It’s a wonder my clothes match half the time. At least Méowyn is well-fed.”
“I’m a neat freak. I like order to the point where I’m boring. A little messiness can be good sometimes, don’t you think?” Chase dipped his head again but she stopped him by placing her fingers over his lips.
“Then that proves we’re completely out of our minds to still pursue a relationship.”
“Absolutely nuts. Lunatics.” He tightened his hold on her.
“I’ve run out of excuses, except for one.”
“What’s that?” His lips found hers, his kiss filled with sweet urgency and need. When he pulled away, Heather almost groaned. The man had definite hidden talents.
“I don’t play the piano, the organ, or the harp. Not even an accordion.” That statement was difficult to get past her lips since he continued to tease her lips with his. This was getting more dangerous by the second. Her head said one thing while her heart screamed the opposite.
“Surely by now you realize I don’t want you for your instrumental talents.”
“Good thing.” Heather surrendered to the pure joy of Chase’s kiss.
~~♥~~
Heather placed her hand in Chase’s. He’d asked her to trust him, and she did. With her eyes closed, as he’d instructed, she allowed him to lead her into the room with Jamal’s painting at the youth art exhibition.
“You may now open your eyes,” Chase said.
Jamal stood in front of her, smiling, his left arm still in a sling after the accident. At least the boys were healing up well. Tanisha had a long road ahead of her, but her cognitive functions weren’t impaired, and the doctors told them that she’d make a full recovery in time.
“May I present my painting for the exhibition?” Jamal stepped to the side to reveal the painting hanging on the wall behind him.
Heather moved closer. “Natural State. Jamal Andrews, age 17,” she read. The most astounding factor was that the painting was a watercolor of her and Chase. She recalled the moment vividly. She’d been sitting on the edge of the pool, her hair wet, no makeup, smiling. Chase was in the pool, arms crossed on the ledge. They’d been sharing a sweet, quiet conversation about nothing in particular, a rare private moment during the otherwise busy event at the rec center.
At one point, Chase reached to tuck a strand of her hair behind one ear. That was the moment Jamal had captured. A completely unrehearsed, natural moment between them.
She turned to Jamal and caught Chase’s smile from where he stood behind the teenager. Heather shook her head. “I don’t understand. When did you paint this?”
“Gabe took a photo at the rec center the night of the pool thing,” Jamal told her, his face creasing into an infectious wide smile on his handsome face. She’d grown to love that smile. “I used the photo to help me paint.”
“I have to admit, I’m a little relieved.” She cleared her throat. “Someone in this room who shall remain anonymous led me to believe this painting was…well, let’s just leave it that I love it, Jamal. It’s a beautiful painting.”
Trevon curled both his fists and pointed his thumbs at her. “Gotcha!” Then he winced. “Ribs are still hurtin’ a little.”
“Come here, you big prankster.” Heather reached for Chase, and planted a kiss on his cheek. “You did get me. Good one, guys.” She shook her head and winked at Chase.
Grace walked over to them and Heather introduced her to Chase. “You’re right, Heather,” she said. “Jamal is very talented. I’ve offered him the opportunity to show some of his work here in the gallery. I think I have a client who might be interested in purchasing some of his work.”
When Grace departed to speak to someone else a few minutes later, Heather hugged Chase. “Isn’t that terrific?”
“Sure is,” he said, smiling. “Thank you for arranging this opportunity for Jamal.”
“Welcome, but I think it was a little divine guidance, as well. So, what did you think of Grace?”
His brows lifted at her question. “Depends on why you’re asking.”
“For Eric? She saw him in the photo of us during our pedicab ride last month and thought he looked familiar. She seemed interested.”
Chase chuckled and shook his head. “Let’s leave the matchmaking to Sophia.”
“Spoilsport.”
Chapter 23
~~♥~~
Early June
Heather kept her head high and followed the maître d’ through Antonelli’s, one of Indy’s most upscale restaurants. She smiled and called out a few polite greetings but didn’t stop on her way toward Jeremy Montague’s table.
Her father nodded to her as he talked on his cell phone. Cutting his conversation short, he pocketed the phone. As Heather approached, he rose and gave her a warm hug and a quick peck on the cheek.
“You look beautiful as ever, sweetheart. Glad you could join me.”
“Hi, Dad. Thanks for the dinner invitation.” Heather steeled herself to maintain a calm attitude. Perhaps she should have taken one of her mother’s antidepressants. No, that wouldn’t solve anything. She’d never depended upon artificial substances to help her cope and she wasn’t about to start now. Even when she’d suffered a few dance-related injuries, she’d hated to take medication.
She hadn’t seen or heard from her father since the night of the honorary dinner. In months. Then his assistant had called and more or less demanded Heather meet with him tonight. She hadn’t a clue what it was about but couldn’t tamp down her rising trepidation. Her hands shook so badly she’d almost broken the side zipper on her dress as she’d gotten dressed.
You’ve forgiven him. No matter what he does, remember the seventy times seven rule.
The maître d’ pulled out her chair and Heather took her seat. He opened her cloth napkin, placed it across her lap, and then handed her a menu.
“Thank you, Sergei.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Montague. Enjoy your dinner.” With a polite nod, he departed.
Jeremy gave her a smile. “So, how are things at the ballet?”
“They’re good. We’re almost finished with a very successful run for Giselle. Tonight happens to be my night off, so the timing is good.” Or maybe it’s not.
Jeremy took a long drink of his scotch. “That’s good. You haven’t danced that one before, have you?”
“I was in the company for a production of Giselle when I first started with the ballet.”
“Ah.” Of course he wouldn’t remember since he hadn’t attended any of those performances. Nor had he attended this last run as far as she knew.
“The difference being that you’re the principal this time, aren’t you?”
“That’s right. Nadia and I alternate the lead roles. She’s dancing in Europe for six months and is returning to dance the principal role for
the next production. I plan to be in the company.”
“I see.” Jeremy nodded as he lowered his glass to the table. “You’ve gained maturity and confidence. I’m sure that brings added dimension to your roles. I’m proud of you.”
The unexpected compliment made her inhale a quick breath. “Coming from you, that means a lot. I appreciate it.” A smile would be nice, but she’d accept what praise she could get from him. As it was, she ducked her head and dabbed at her damp eyes with her cloth napkin.
“I’ve always been proud of your accomplishments. From the time you were three, you wanted to dance. How’s school going?”
“I just completed an internship with the ballet in the marketing department this term. I have two more classes, and then I’ll get my degree.”
“Good. And then? What are your plans?”
“At this point, I plan on dancing for a few more years. Then I hope to transition into a marketing role, preferably for the ballet or one of the theaters here in town.” Was this dinner with her father or a job interview?
“That’s a very admirable plan. Have you thought any more about joining me on the board of Montague Enterprises? It’d be nice to have you sit beside me in the meetings. They can get long and tedious.”
Heather took a quick breath. “We’ve discussed this before, Dad. My answer is still the same. I’m not going to be your tic tac toe buddy in corporate meetings.”
That comment amused him momentarily but then his smile sobered. “One day you’ll inherit a sizable controlling interest. Before I kick off, it’d be nice for you to know what’s happening. You have a shrewd business mind, Heather. I wish you’d use it for the benefit of Montague instead of promoting the arts.”
Jeremy’s gaze didn’t waver from hers. If he thought she’d cave anytime soon, he was wrong. She had no intention of sitting on the board of the company.
“I read the fiscal quarterly reports, Dad. Benjamin also keeps me apprised of the finances.”
The server returned to take their orders. She hadn’t bothered looking at the menu knowing her father would order for her. They made more small talk as they waited—more like he’d ask questions and she’d answer instead of being an interactive conversation.
“Dad, why did you really invite me here tonight?” she said after he’d ordered the lobster with steamed baby artichoke halves for each of them.
Jeremy’s dark blue eyes zeroed in on her. “Do I need a reason?” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “You’re right. I’ve been an absent father the past few years, and I should be grateful you give me the time of day.”
“You’ve been busy growing your new family.” She immediately regretted her words. “I’m sorry, Dad. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“It’s fair. I deserve it. But let’s move on. Your mother and I met for dinner a few weeks ago, and she told me you’re dating a young man. Someone special to you.”
Heather’s pulse pounded. “Yes, that’s true. His name is Chase Landers. He grew up in Chicago, and he moved here to Indy after his mother died when Chase was ten. He’s a wonderful man. I think you’d like him.”
“I understand he’s a minister.”
“Chase is a youth pastor in a large church downtown. He’s passionate about the kids, and he’s doing a lot of good from what I can tell.”
Jeremy ordered another drink and nodded. “I can imagine it’s a tough job and doesn’t pay very well.”
“I have no idea what it does or doesn’t pay,” she said, trying not to clench her teeth. “He deserves every penny he receives. Thanks to his mother’s legacy, he was able to get a good education. I admire a man who puts a higher value on saving souls than making a buck.” Sitting back in her chair, she toyed with her salad fork, avoiding his gaze. She refused to apologize this time.
Jeremy appeared to consider her words. “You sure it’s not some cult? Has Chase tried to talk you into giving him money for his ministry?”
Heather seethed but managed not to squirm because of his unfair insinuations. “It’s not a cult. Chase hasn’t asked me for a dime, nor have I given him any money directly for the church. I’ve helped out with a few youth group activities since he can use assistance with the girls. And yes, I’ve donated anonymously to his church. I’ve also discovered the joy in giving to others, both monetarily and with my time and talents.”
“I’m sure he appreciates your help. After all, Chase wouldn’t want to give anyone the image of impropriety, working with underage girls like he does.”
Heather ground her teeth. She could only pray she would still have teeth to chew her dinner if she could stomach it in the first place. “Don’t go there. Please. That’s not worthy of discussing.”
“I’m sure Chase must be aware of your substantial trust fund.”
Drawing in a deep breath, Heather released it slowly. He was hitting all the sore spots tonight, just bouncing from one topic to the next. She was target practice. She closed her eyes and silently counted to three. “I doubt Chase knows. It’s not something I go around freely telling people, Dad. Even if Chase does know, I can assure you it has no bearing whatsoever on his feelings for me. You need to accept the fact that there are still decent, honorable men in the world. Not everyone’s out to cheat others.”
She inhaled a quick breath. “Chase is one of the most intelligent men I know. He’s compassionate and has a true heart for people. When he works with the teenagers in his youth group, and I see how they listen and respond to him, it’s unbelievably gratifying. Because of his personal background growing up in Chicago, and then right here in Indy, he understands their lives on a level not many can. The kids respect him. The most important thing is that Chase is making a difference in their lives. Thank the Lord someone’s doing it because there aren’t many who are either willing or capable to work with inner-city kids. For that reason alone—and for so many other reasons—he’s deserving of our utmost respect.”
“It’s obvious you’re completely taken with the man. Are you sleeping with him?”
Heather stared at her father and swallowed hard. “No, I’m not. Not that it’s anyone’s business but mine.”
“Why not? Is it against his religion?” Jeremy rested his chin on his curled fist on top of the table.
“Smug isn’t an attractive quality,” she said, keeping her voice low. “Chase is foremost a man of faith, and I’m not the same girl I was four years ago.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning I have Christ in my heart now. I have a purpose, a center, for my life. The Lord guides my actions, my words, and my relationships with others. My work and my life have taken on new meaning. I make better decisions and feel a lot better about who I am as a person.”
“I’m happy for you, sweetheart.” He did sound somewhat pleased. “You must realize that I had Chase checked out.”
Heather chewed the inside of her cheek as she composed her thoughts. That news wasn’t exactly surprising. If anything, she probably should have expected as much. She only hoped she could keep her emotions in check. In truth, she wanted to blast her father and throw the basket of fresh bread—or his newest glass of alcohol—in his face. No, that wouldn’t be mature or befitting a woman with the love of God in her heart. The old sin nature reared up inside her with a vengeance. She wanted to growl like a ferocious lioness protecting her young. Why should she be forced to defend Chase?
Lord, keep me calm and guide my words and reactions. She should have known Jeremy Montague had a hidden agenda for inviting her to dinner. He always did. His modus operandi was implementing his dirty work in a restaurant. He’d informed her mother he wanted a divorce in a public place. Right here in Antonelli’s, as a matter of fact.
The server brought their entrées. Heather had always loved lobster but wasn’t sure she’d have much of an appetite tonight. This conversation was sliding further south by the second. Julienned zucchini and carrots sautéed in butter accompanied the main course and fire-roasted red pepper strips sat on the s
ide of the plate.
“Looks great, doesn’t it?” Jeremy rubbed his hands together as the server helped him clip on a lobster bib. If he knew how silly he looked, he wouldn’t wear that bib, but it preserved his mega expensive shirt and silk tie. He’d already removed his suit jacket before their meals were delivered.
Bowing her head, Heather said a prayer. Lord, be with me and give me the right words to deal with Dad. He doesn’t know you, and if there’s anything I can say or do to impress on him the need to have you in his life, please allow me to be your mouthpiece.
Finished with her prayer a few moments later, Heather raised her head. Maybe she should have invited him to join her in prayer.
One step at a time. Baby steps might be best in this case.
Her father was already digging into his lobster and eating with relish. He’d always sported a healthy appetite, but he also paid a personal trainer to push him on a treadmill. He could afford the extra calories.
“So, Heather,” he said around a bite of lobster. “Among his other accomplishments, it seems your friend Chase Landers, the youth pastor, also has a police record.”
Chapter 24
~~♥~~
Heather stopped eating mid-bite. She gulped and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Excuse me?” When Jeremy seemed preoccupied with cracking apart his lobster and didn’t answer, she sighed with exasperation. “Just tell me, Dad. I’m sure that’s why you’re holding audience with me tonight.” That wasn’t called for and she wished she could retract her words.
Jeremy didn’t flinch. “Chase has a record like his old man, David Landers.”
“I’m aware his father has been in and out of jail,” she said. She assumed her father knew David’s weaknesses. Her mind was reeling although experience taught her not to jump to conclusions. “I’m sure whatever Chase has done was in his past when he was a teenager.”
“True enough, but the bad seed was planted early in that young man, Heather.” Jeremy cocked a brow. “He was subject to an unfortunate set of circumstances, but you never know when it might raise its ugly head to haunt both of you.”