10

 

Six o’clock on Halloween evening. Like clockwork, tires crunched the gravel driveway outside.

Rori lifted the curtain and peered out the window, avoiding the truck that had been parked out there since this afternoon. And the good-looking man who’d stepped out of it.

Good. Burk was here, toting a large sack. He came bearing dinner, as usual.

Time to face the music, er…the driver.

Rori pulled on a sweater and opened the front door, the chilly breeze filtering straight through the fleece. She shivered, more from facing the racecar driver than the frosty temperature and the unusually frigid wind.

Her boots pounded the wood slats on the porch. She met her brother at the bottom of the steps. “Hey, Burk.”

“Hey, sweetness.” Burk planted a kiss on her forehead. “How are you today?”

She hadn’t given much thought to the significance of the date until Burk showed up. Why was that? Because Graham had taken over her brain and her heart today, that’s why. “Actually, I’m OK.”

One dark brow hiked high on his forehead. “That’s awesome. So you mean I brought all this grub for nothing?” He brandished the white takeout bag in the air. “Two whole baskets of crispy fried chicken with extra sides of cole slaw and rice. And lots of biscuits.”

She smiled. “Enough for one more?”

Confusion flitted across Burk’s face. He was never confused. “Uh, yeah. Sure. You know I always bring extra for Savvy. Is she here?”

“Not yet.” Her gaze darted to the pickup still parked on the other side of the barn. “Graham’s here.”

His gaze followed hers. This time both brows disappeared into the furrows of his forehead. His head moved, a slow, thoughtful wag. “Ahh.”

She didn’t have time to see what all that meant. She wanted to catch Graham before he disappeared, to apologize for not coming out to say hi earlier. Who was she kidding? She just wanted to see…

Goliath. Yep. She hadn’t seen the cute golden dog all day.

“Go on. I’ll start unloading everything.” Burk said, his brown eyes encouraging, his head bobbing towards the barn.

“Thanks.” She turned and headed to the barn, her legs moving fast, her heart tripping out an anxious rhythm. She made it to the barn door. A deep voice belted out the tunes to a song, what sounded like a praise song. She’d heard Savvy humming the same song before, one she said they sang in church. Rori stopped. Closed her eyes and listened to the words. Worship. Soul. Holy. The message in the song, and the heart of the messenger, floated in the air like a leaf, whispering words of love directly to her heart.

The song ended, and Graham’s voice faded to a hum.

She took a slow step into the barn, her heart hammering against her chest. “Hey.”

Graham glanced up and paused, the brush resting along Pocono’s back.

Goliath, who’d been slumbering against the wall behind Graham, stretched and meandered her way, his tail curling high above him.

She leaned down to scratch behind his ears, avoiding Graham’s eyes as he slid an appreciative gaze over her.

She stood and mashed her hands in her pockets.

“Hey yourself. I was wondering if I would have to go inside and drag you out.”

She felt her lips curve at that prospect. “I’m sorry I didn’t come out earlier.”

“Scared?” His brown eyes dared her to say otherwise.

“Yeah.”

“Scared and honest.” He tilted his head back, his laughter loosening the dread that had been building all afternoon.

How could he have this effect on her? One minute she dreaded seeing him, the next, her entire body tingled with anticipation.

“I wish the other drivers were as scared to see me coming as you are.” His cheeks, still scrunched with humor, relaxed. “But you know there’s no reason to be frightened of me, Rori. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”

He kept saying that, but he didn’t know anything about her or why she was so nervous around him. Was it time to tell him the sordid details of her past? But, if she did, he’d hightail it to that fancy truck of his and race right out of her life. Isn’t that what she wanted? Rori didn’t know anymore. She took a deep breath and mustered her courage. “My brother is here. Burk. You met him at the funeral for your friend.”

Graham nodded, and the brush continued sliding along Pocono’s back. “I saw his car drive in.”

“He brought some fried chicken. Would you like to join us for dinner?”

The brush stopped abruptly. Graham stepped away from the horse and brown eyes bored into her, as if he ripped her chest wall away and could plainly see the fear that kept her captive all these years. Gripping the brush in one hand, a curious expression flitted across his face. “Dinner with you and your brother? Are you sure?”

She cocked her head. It was just dinner. Burk and Savvy would be around, so there wouldn’t be a repeat of yesterday’s kiss. Why did she find that slightly disappointing? She shook it off. “Yeah.”

He stared at her for all of thirty seconds, his eyes warming, his lips curving into a delicious smile.

She struggled to keep her breathing even. “My friend is also coming.”

His smile turned into a laugh. “Reinforcements, huh? That’s probably a good thing.”

Rori turned to leave, but was reluctant to tear her gaze away from the good-looking man in front of her. The way his muscles rippled underneath his long-sleeved Henley shirt. The powerful slant of his jaw. The caring, tender expression on his face whenever he looked at her. Which he was doing now.

She gulped. “OK. Come on in when you’re done. And bring Goliath.”

“Give me a minute to clean up and we’ll be there.”

 

****

 

Graham leaned back in the chair and sipped the sweet tea, enjoying every minute of being included in Rori’s tight circle of family and friends. Sharing dinner and fellowship with her brother and best friend gave him a better glimpse into her life.

“Well, sis, I’ve got an early morning meeting tomorrow with the city manager, so I’m going to have to hit the road.” Burk pushed his chair back and extended to his full six-feet plus height.

“Yeah, me, too.” Savvy scooted out of her chair.

“You’ve got a meeting with the city manager?” Shock resounded through Rori’s voice.

Graham narrowed his eyes at the alarm blaring from her face. Or was that dread or fear of being left alone with him?

Grinning, Savvy slipped her arms into a sweater, allowing Burk to help her with the sleeves. “I hope not. But I do have a shift tomorrow, so I need to get going.”

Graham rose, too, although he had no intention of leaving just yet.

Burk stepped away from the girls’ goodbye scene and moved closer to Graham.

“Graham, I’m glad you decided to join us tonight.”

“Yeah. Me, too.” His gaze darted to Rori.

She glanced back at him, smiling, that cute little dimple showing off.

Burk caught the exchange. His dark brows narrowed, and he lowered his voice. “I appreciate your help around the sanctuary.”

“No problem.” Graham couldn’t tear his gaze from Rori.

“I don’t know how you manage your shop and volunteering here.”

Volunteering? He no longer considered his work here as volunteering. Hmmm…why was that? He swung his gaze back to Burk. “I guess a person does what’s important to them, right?”

Burk stared at him. Questioning his motives? Finally, Rori’s brother shrugged. “Well, thank you. And I know my sister appreciates it as well.”

“I’m happy to do what I can, but it’s not nearly enough. Rori needs more volunteers during the week,” Graham said.

“You’ve done a lot, especially rounding up all your friends yesterday, but I’m not sure Rori would feel comfortable with that many volunteers around the place very often.”

“Yeah. I get that,” Graham agreed.

“Take care.” Burk extended his hand, and although his expression was kind, Graham heard the hint of stern warning in his voice.

Message received. Loud and clear. Take care of his sister.

“I intend to.” Graham acknowledged the warning with a nod. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”

Burk’s brows narrowed again, his concern for his sister obvious. “Yeah? You plan to stick—”

“Yeah, what?” Rori slid in next to her brother and snaked an arm around his slender waist, her face tipped adoringly up towards her brother.

Graham tamped down the envy. Come on, man. This is her brother.

Burk slipped his arm around Rori’s shoulders and planted a kiss on the top of her head. “Yeah. I’m just leaving. I’ll walk Savvy to her car, er, horse. Will you be all right tonight?”

Rori’s face shuttered for a second, but she mustered a sweet smile with watery eyes. She nodded.

Burk pulled her into a hug and whispered something in her ear.

Her dark hair bobbed again.

Sudden waterworks and a secret message. What was up with that? Graham wandered into the kitchen and busied himself with making coffee while Rori followed Burk and Savvy to the door.

Rori stood, staring out into the darkness for a few minutes before closing the door and pressing her forehead against the wood. Something was definitely up tonight. What was it?

“Thanks for inviting me to dinner. Hope you don’t mind if I stay for coffee.”

She startled, almost as if she’d forgotten he was there. “No. That’s fine. Coffee sounds great.”

He handed her a cup.

“Thanks, Graham. Come. Sit down.” She sat on the couch.

He debated for about ten seconds on whether he should take the armchair. Maybe she wouldn’t be so nervous if he wasn’t sitting right next to her. And that might be the only way he could keep from pulling her into his arms, attempting a repeat of yesterday’s kiss. Nah. He couldn’t resist the opportunity to be close, so he sank down next to her, allowing a couple feet of clearance between them.

Goliath was sacked out in the corner of the family room.

A fire glowed from the fireplace, casting a soft light across Rori’s smooth face.

The only sound in the big room was the dog’s snore and a clock ticking from the kitchen.

Graham sighed and sipped the warm liquid, contentment rippling through his chest. What a perfect way to end the evening.

Rori hadn’t touched her coffee. Her head dipped.

He put the cup down and angled his body towards her. He reached out and tipped her chin up with his thumb. “Rori? Would you rather I leave?”

A sheen glazed her emerald irises, showing off those amber specks. “No!” She wagged her head emphatically.

“What’s wrong, then?” He slid his fingers through silky strands of hair, hooking it back behind her ear.

A huge sigh erupted from her chest. “You’re so sweet, Graham. Even after I’ve been so unwelcoming.”

“Sweetheart, you don’t need—”

She stilled his hand by bringing it to her cheek and cupping it with her own. “Yes, please. I need to explain.”

He nodded, waiting for her to go on.

She let go of his hand.

He draped his arm along the back of the couch.

“When I was ten, my father—” Her voice broke. She cleared her throat.

His hand stroked her hair, gliding down to the tips.

“My father committed suicide. On Halloween night.”

Ouch. Today. How could he have forgotten the significance of the date from all the articles he’d scoured? No wonder her brother asked if she’d be all right. Graham blinked, but other than that, didn’t show any reaction or offer useless words. He just kept stroking her hair, letting her get out of her system what she might not have done for a couple of decades.

“You might have heard of him?” Her gaze darted to his, tiny brown specks of worry shining from her eyes now. “Chris Harmon? He was a pro golfer.”

How should he respond? He hadn’t heard of him until Charlie mentioned—

She didn’t wait for his response. “My mom had just filed for divorce. He was the golden boy of golf at the time, and it was unexpected. The newspaper reporters, the TV sportscasters, they all blasted my mother, citing the surprise divorce papers for his suicide. Well, the divorce might have been a surprise to them, but it wasn’t to our family.”

It was his turn to sigh. “I’m so sorry, Rori.”

She nodded. “Yeah. Me, too. Because I really like you.”

Hope blossomed, expanding to overflowing in his chest. He scooted closer to her.

“But it can’t go anywhere.”

Then withered just as quickly. “Rori—”

“Don’t you see, Graham?” She lifted her face, pleading with him to understand.

Wasn’t happening.

“You live, no, you thrive, in the media spotlight every day. As much as I might like the chance to get to know you better−” her eyes, although glittering with uncertainty, narrowed with determination. “−to pursue what might be happening between us, there’s no way I could subject myself to that horrible ordeal all over again.” Her head wobbled back and forth, her face growing more agitated with every warble.

“Oh, Rori.” He draped his arm over her shoulders and tugged her to his chest. He held her, his chin resting on her head, until the tremors stopped racking her body and her breathing became even again. His lips whispered a kiss against her silky crown. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry you were subjected to such pain on top of your father’s death.”

Her body trembled.

He tugged her back so he could look her in the eyes. So she could see the intent in his. The promise. “I would never allow the media to hurt you like they did your mother.”

“But that’s just it, Graham.” Pain seeped from every pore on her face. “It might have started with the media, but it didn’t stop there. We’d go into town and find people huddled together, whispering and pointing their fingers at my mom and us kids. Some of the kids at school picked fights with my brothers...” Her head drooped, and her lips clamped together. “Things got so bad that my mom finally moved us to the country.”

Anger swelled inside at the pain inflicted on her family. He couldn’t do anything about the past, but he could certainly do damage control from here on out.

“If something happened to you…” Her voice tapered off, and her lips quivered. All that she’d been through, and she was worried about him?

He cupped her cheeks with his palms and leaned towards her until only an inch separated their lips, the soft glow of the fire and the warm spicy tones of her perfume a tantalizing combination. “Rori…”

This time her face stretched to meet his, her lips red and full, begging to be kissed.

He took his time obliging, lingering, teasing, tasting the sweetness. He pulled back and pressed his forehead against hers. “Rori, God decides when I go home. Whether that’s in a racecar or just sitting in my chair in the office.” He heard her soft intake of breath, but he had to go on. “You don’t need to face this alone. God will walk this path with you, just like He does with me. He can take that fear and replace it with peace.”

 

****

 

“I have prayed for peace, for a relief from this dreadful fear. Not just of the media, but going out in public. But God doesn’t seem to hear my prayers.” Her voice came out louder than she’d intended, but his words made her downright mad. Yeah, she’d prayed for peace, to overcome her social anxiety. Many times. But it hadn’t gotten her anywhere. No.

God had chosen to respond to her cries by sending Graham Decker into her life. A racecar driver. Not exactly the perfect recipe for peace. How could being under the media microscope be the answer to her prayer?

Graham must have noticed her throbbing vein. He slipped his hand around her neck and caressed the stiffness. “He heard your prayers, sweetheart. I’m here.”

“So you’re saying you’re God’s answer to my prayers? How can a racecar driver possibly be the answer to heal a social phobic?”

“That’s not what I meant. I’m here with you. When was the last time you made a new friend?”

Ouch.

“Or allowed somebody besides Savvy and your family to help you out here at the sanctuary?”

Double ouch. His words pinned her against the couch with laser precision.

“And you survived an invasion of about fifty people yesterday.”

She had, hadn’t she? A tiny seed of triumph sprouted in her belly. “Well, I hid most of the day.”

“But you didn’t bolt.”

“I thought about it, but there wasn’t a clear getaway. God would have had to part the Red Sea for me. Apparently, He didn’t see fit to make that happen.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “You are so refreshingly honest.”

She liked the hearty sound of his laughter, the little crinkle lines that shot out from his eyes, his relaxed posture. Graham Decker was totally OK with his own skin, whether he was here at the sanctuary or standing in the winner’s circle with a microphone sticking in front of his face. Maybe God had put him in her life so she could learn from him.

He stretched onto those incredibly long legs of his and held out a hand.

She took it, and he tugged her off the couch.

And right into his chest. “Come to the race, Rori.” Simple words that meant so much more coming from his husky voice.

“Graham, didn’t I just—”

His arms wrapped around her back, tugging her so close that her words were muffled against his shirt.

She breathed deep of citrus and spice, of fresh outdoors and fried chicken. He made saying no so hard. “Graham, I can’t.”

“Maybe not yet. But I know you will.” His words rumbled against her head where his cheek rested.

Did he? Because she sure couldn’t see it happening. Not in her lifetime.