Afterward they sat talking while they drank several cups of coffee.They found their tastes were surprisingly similar in several areas.It was when they were discussing music that he questioned her about the hospital singer for the second time.
“What’s her name again?”he asked with undisguised interest.
“Jane.”A lump knotted her stomach.
“She’s a talented lady.”
“So she’s been told.”This was the very reason Skye didn’t want him to know it was she.It embarrassed her to discuss her gift.And that was exactly what it was—a gift.She had done nothing to earn it and had always been ill at ease accepting compliments.
“Oh, dear, look at the time.”She stood abruptly.“It’s six already.I’ve got to be at church soon.”But she had plenty of time; the evening service didn’t start until six thirty.
“Church again?”He sounded as if he didn’t believe her.
“Yes, would you like to come?I’d be pleased to have you meet our pastor.I know you’ll like him.My brother and his family will be there, too.”
Jordan stood and put his coffee cup in the sink.“Another time perhaps.”
She wasn’t disappointed.Skye was playing the piano for the service tonight, and he was sure to guess she was the hospital singer if he heard her.
Walking with Jordan to the small entryway, Skye could feel the muscles of her stomach begin to twitch.Was he going to try to kiss her again?Should she pretend she didn’t want him to?
“Yes, I’m going to kiss you,” he teased.
Her startled blue eyes flew open, and he gently gripped her arm, bringing her to his side.“You’re very easy to read sometimes.”The pressure of his grip moved from her arm to the back of her neck, slowly raising her head, decreasing the distance between their lips.
Was she that transparent?Skye wondered seconds before his mouth easily fit over hers.The urgency of his kiss parted her lips, and she succumbed to the tide of sweetness that swept through her.
Embracing was awkward: The unyielding cast of his broken arm pressed painfully against her ribs as his free hand moved down the curve of her spine.But the only sensation her mind registered was the rightness of being in his arms.
“While you’re in church, say a prayer for me,” Jordan said thickly, his voice slightly ragged.
Her voice wasn’t any steadier.“I will.”
The hand positioning her against him relaxed, as if he realized it must be uncomfortable for her.Skye shook her head but lowered her gaze, struggling against the magnetic pull of his eyes.
“What time does school let out these days?Maybe we can go sailing tomorrow afternoon.”
“There’s no school...it’s spring break.Oh, Jordan, I can’t.”Regret filled her voice.“I promised Billy I was coming.Sally is making arrangements for me to take him outside the hospital for the day.I couldn’t disappoint him.”
“I wouldn’t want you to.How about Tuesday?”
“I’d like that.”She didn’t even attempt to disguise her enthusiasm.
“I’ll pick you up at ten.”
Halfway out the door, Skye called to him.“Jordan.”
He stopped and turned around.
“Iamgoing to pray for you.”
Something unreadable flickered in his eyes.“Do that,” he said softly, and left.
On Monday Skye impulsively drove by and picked up her niece before stopping at the hospital for Billy.The two had met several times previously and seemed to enjoy each other.
“Hiya, Sprout.”
Billy was in his wheelchair waiting.“Hi, Skye; hi, Janey.”His eyes lit up eagerly.
