"A bodyguard, eh?" Did she really need help or was she chasing him? Though any kind of relationship would lead to a dead-end, he couldn't let her down. But he told himself this time had to be the last. "I'd be happy to."
Joella drove out of the parking lot with a wave.
He put his key in the ignition and started the truck. "Dang." He'd have to drive the long way back to his apartment and pray that Dad hadn't decided to leave the house to buy a newspaper or something. A sweat broke out over his forehead. His father would want to know why JD was anywhere near the stadium for this publicized event.
He could never allow him to know he'd attended such a service. To pique Dad's ire would be fatal. He might tell the elders, his duty as a faithful father, or worse yet, declare a negative stroke on the Scale, as a father was entitled to do. It would throw the balance so far off, JD would have to work years to right it. Perspiration trailed down his back and his hands shook.
*****
Joella turned the corner into her neighborhood. JD had looked so serious this morning, maybe even uncomfortable. She scrunched her nose. The guy was probably sleepy—nothing more. He'd said so himself.
The service couldn't have been that much different from his, although church traditions varied, the same as in families. Once she'd gone with a friend to a foot-washing service. The members had performed the ritual every year for generations, but she'd never experienced it. She'd been uncomfortable, just as JD might have felt today.
She pushed aside her apprehensions. The more she got to know him, the deeper her feelings became for him. If she were to guess, he was the man she'd always waited for, dreamed about. A vision of his intriguing blue eyes formed in her mind.
She was certain about something else as well. JD would be able to understand and accept her when she told him about that earlier time in her life, though she wished it had never happened. After the bike accident, he'd been so sweet and forgiving. He'd react the same way and wouldn't condemn her.
Thank the Lord JD had agreed to go with her this week, but a thought nagged her—she'd initiated plans for them to get together twice in a row now. Maybe he thought her forward. Nah. He was perceptive and mature enough to understand her sincerity. He wouldn't think she was pursuing him. An involuntary gulp rolled down her throat. But was she?
A red light blared ahead and she braked. Call her old school, but she'd always believed that a guy should do the chasing. She'd had her share of running after guys in college and didn't want to repeat that mistake. She needed JD to see her as a moral Christian woman.
A car honked behind her and the green light caught her attention. She waved at the impatient driver and pulled through the intersection. After a couple more blocks, she drove into her driveway and stopped. A silver Corvette belonging to Ted, her sister Tammy's boyfriend, occupied her usual spot in front of the apartment. Why would he park there? Everyone knew that was her space. People visiting Mom and Dad parked on the other side of the expansive driveway in front of the main house.
Tammy probably asked Ted to leave his car there just to irritate her. Well, it would only take a minute to touch up her makeup before they all left for church. Then they'd come back home for Easter lunch at her parents'—an annual tradition.
Joella shut the Bronco door and moseyed around the Corvette humming I Serve a Risen Savior. Easter Sunday. For her, this day had become the most important day in the Christian calendar—a joy to arise early and celebrate the resurrection of her Lord.
She stuck the key in the lock. The door swung open into the living room. She flipped the light switch next to the threshold … and gasped.
"Oh, hello, Joella."
She couldn’t hold back a surprised squeak. "Tammy? Ted? What are you doing here?" Sitting on the couch, her younger sister leaned into Ted's embrace. The top two buttons on Tammy's shirt lay open.
Ted ran a hand through his light brown hair and sat up straight.
"You scared me. How did you get in?"
Tammy scooted away from her boyfriend and straightened her blouse. "Easy. With a key."
"We ... uh, were just waiting for you to come home." Ted's voice grated on her nerves like their dog, Champ, when he whined.
Her younger sister, one arm fiddling with her buttons, held up a key with the other. "Dad keeps a spare in his office, just in case. You know that."
Air hissed through Joella's clenched teeth. Her patience snapped. How dare Tammy come in here without asking and bring her boyfriend? Not only that, they were using her space for their secret rendezvous. "Yeah, well, you shouldn't walk in without permission. Especially when I'm not here."
Tammy cocked an eyebrow. "Why? Do you think I might steal something?"
Two minutes ago she had praised God for the wonderful Easter morning. Now this. "What's your problem? Look, I don't want to act like a kid and tell Mom and Dad. But I do not appreciate you entering my home uninvited, especially coming in here and using it as your romantic getaway." A college student nearing twenty-one should have more maturity. "Now take the key back to Dad's office."
Tammy's dark brown eyes flared. "I don't see why I can't share your apartment for a little privacy with my boyfriend, but you can rest easy. I won't take anything from your home, which is more than I can say for you."
Irritation challenged Joella's self-control. "What's that supposed to mean?" Nothing had changed since she'd lived in the big house—dealing with her younger sister required all the patience she could muster.
"My diamond tennis bracelet, the one Ted gave me, is missing. I can't find it anywhere." She squeezed her eyes to slits and glanced toward Ted, arms folded over his chest. "You come in the house where I live all the time, and you don't ask permission." Tammy frowned and tossed her head.
"That's different. It's Mom and Dad's home." Joella blew out a puff of air. "What are you saying? You think I would steal your bracelet?"
Ted squinted. "From what Tammy tells me—"
Tammy gave him a tap on his shoulder. "Ted, let me talk. I wouldn't put it past you. You've always had something against me, and you'd do it for spite." Tammy stared, her eyes hurling knives. "You remind me all the time of how much better you are—your cool job, the way Mom trusts you more than me." She glared at Joella. "But one thing you can't brag about. You weren't exactly Bashful Bertha in college."
The memory of Joella's shameful past brought waves of heat radiating over her. Though her sister meant to give Joella a hard time, Tammy was right. But did she have to bring it up today? "It's Easter. What's gotten into you?" Joella pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm too busy to play games."
Tammy twisted her fingers in her lap. "You're too busy for a lot of things." She stormed from the apartment, Ted on her heels.
Chapter Six
Joella wiggled into the rose-colored silk blouse and tugged white jeans over her hips. How could she thank JD for accompanying her to the civic center? She tapped her finger on the oak dresser. Guys always liked to eat. Treat him to dinner later.
Once again, a thought nagged her. Did JD think she was pursuing him? Honestly—if he did, he'd be right.
There. She’d acknowledged it. Hot, good looking, and polite. He didn’t drink, smoke, or cuss—at least not around her. She fluffed a strand of hair when she glanced in the mirror. What was wrong in nudging him a little? Though she really did need him tonight.
The two tickets from Mr. Tillman were tucked away in her back pocket. A tingle of excitement whirled in her stomach. She couldn't wait to see the new booths this year and get more designs for her decorator's notebook. But the ideas were for her personally, too. For her own home—with a husband and children. The quickened patter of her heart sent a reminder. One day, she'd have her own baby to cuddle.
The sound of a diesel engine rumbled in front of her apartment. She grabbed her purse and small notebook and headed out the door.
Always a gentleman, JD scurried around the front of the truck and opened the passenger side. "Hey, Joella." His pla
yful smile sent her pulse racing.
"I really appreciate this." She settled into the comfortable leather seat. Why hadn't some woman snatched him up by now, with his looks and easygoing personality?
The quiet sounds of a praise CD filled the cab, and she released the tension in her shoulders.
JD stuck his key in the ignition. "I'm happy to think about something besides work. The two accounts I tackled today are challenging my patience." He slipped an arm across the back of the seat, craned his neck to peer behind him, and backed out of the driveway. "The firm has taken on some challenging clients lately. A chain of grocery stores in California and a fast food franchise based in El Camino, for starters. Plus I'm handling the tax statements for a couple of private customers." They headed northeast toward town.
"I can't complain. I only had to deal with two uppity women who never like anything I propose." She crossed her legs. "Just to let you know, you're my guest for dinner afterward."
JD shot a glance at the rearview mirror and backed onto the road. "Hey, thanks."
To relax and enjoy a meal with him would be a welcome change after Easter lunch. "Did you get together with your family Sunday?"
His jaws clenched then relaxed. "Oh, yeah. Church, a meal, the whole thing." Did she only imagine he wanted to avoid the subject of Easter Sunday?
He cleared his throat as his fingers tightened on the steering wheel. "How was your day?"
"Don't ask. I had a few problems with my sister, Tammy. Somehow her tennis bracelet got misplaced, and she accused me of taking it." Joella rolled her eyes. "If Tammy told my parents, they'd never believe it. They know me better than that." She rubbed her forehead. "I pray our relationship gets better. Tammy and I can't go on like this forever."
"I have a teenage sister who can be obstinate at times."
"Do they ever grow up?"
"Well, we did, didn't we?" He tossed her a look that made her dizzy.
She chuckled. "I suppose that's debatable."
After a twenty minute drive, the civic center complex loomed ahead with a long line of cars waiting to turn into the parking area.
She tapped her fingers on her purse. "It looks like the whole town turned out for this."
The Dodge Ram inched through the main entrance past a sea of cars, vans, and busses. "No spaces in front. Let's try the back." The road curved around the side of the stucco building with its dome-shaped roof and rectangular windows and led to the other lot. "Do you attend this shindig every year?"
She laughed at his description of the event. "You bet. I'm doing everything I can to improve my skills. I hope to visit Europe in another year to see as many castles as possible in two weeks." She rubbed her hands together. "I've been saving for a long time."
"One thing I admire, Joella. You know what you want and where you're going."
"If it's God's will, of course." She relaxed back on the seat. "I'm surprised the event has attracted so much interest."
"Everyone wants to do spring cleaning and remodel their homes." A slot toward the end farthest away from the building appeared. "I think this is the last space."
Joella caught her breath. Having JD with her relieved her anxious feelings, especially since they had to park so far from the entrance. Had she come alone, she might've driven away without going in.
JD didn't seem to mind taking the time to come along. Was he doing her a favor because of his good nature or for another reason? "Since this isn't the best part of town, I should've brought my bike. I'm pretty good at whacking guys with it."
JD killed the engine. "I guess I better protect you since you don't have your weapon."
His offered hand for a step-down from the truck felt warm next to her palm. "I'm glad the city put up these security lights."
JD glanced over his shoulder to the exterior of the parking lot. "Yeah. Did you notice The Wall over there?" He smirked. "Really, it's an old rickety fence. This location has a bad reputation for drug deals." He released Joella's hand and draped an arm over her shoulders as the trekked toward the Civic Center entrance. "The cops usually have this area under surveillance." His arm tightened around her.
"Hmm. 'The Wall.' I’ve heard some stories." JD's touch radiated through her silk top, caressing her skin.
By the time they arrived at the main entrance, she wished for tennis shoes instead of sandals. Sliding two fingers in the back pocket of her jeans, she slipped the rectangular pieces of paper out and handed them to the attendant. "Here you go."
The employee reached for the passes and pressed the civic center's round inked symbol on the back of their hands.
"Hope this washes off. The color doesn't go with the suit I'm wearing to work tomorrow. Ha, ha." JD raised his brows and smiled.
"Quit complaining. You'll look handsome whether it matches or not." A rush of heat spread over her neck. Why did I let that slip? Hopefully he didn't notice the blush.
Past the ticket booths, the main doors led inside. Dozens of displays lined each row—electronic security systems, window coverings, garden equipment, lighting fixtures, building materials, and tools. They'd never get through all of them. But they could try. For what seemed like hours, they strolled up and down the exhibits.
A stall toward the middle row caught her eye. "See the cookware that guy's demonstrating?" A set of chrome-plated pans sat on a display table. "It's overpriced. I got one of those skillets for Christmas, and it fell apart. It should've lasted more than a year."
"Well, a skillet wouldn't do me any good since I don't spend much time in the kitchen." He winked at her.
The booth across the aisle presented kitchen appliances. JD opened the door on a stainless steel refrigerator and poked his head in. "Hey, look at these new models." He scratched his chin. "What's for dinner, honey?"
This playful side of JD—so different from any other guy she'd known. "How about liver and onions?"
His smile melted her toes. "Remind me to eat out tonight." The next stand showed floor coverings. "Do you prefer tile or linoleum?"
Hundreds of samples filled the area. "In colder climates, linoleum works well." She lifted her nose in mock arrogance. "But in warmer places like southern California, I'd go for tile."
The mini-theater caught her attention. "Wanna watch this video on painting a home's interior?"
"Why not? Maybe I'll redo my condo sometime."
Joella eased down beside JD in a folding chair. "I hope it showcases some of the new color trends."
His shoulder touched hers, and a whiff of his woodsy scent tickled her nose. JD by her side seemed so right. A contented sigh escaped. If she cooked for him, it wouldn't be liver and onions.
*****
A loud voice over the intercom made Joella jump. "The Home and Garden expo will close in fifteen minutes."
"Oh, the time flew."
"It does that when you're having fun looking at tile and paint samples." JD hurled a teasing taunt.
"Wait a minute. Are you being facetious?" Her flirtatious tap bumped his arm.
"Of course not. The time always goes by fast when I'm with someone whose company I enjoy." He stuffed a couple of brochures in his pocket. "But I'm getting mighty hungry."
She patted his arm. "You poor guy. You deserve a good meal after enduring the home show for the last two hours. What kind of food are you in the mood for?"
"Oh, steak and lobster." He elbowed her. "Since you're buying."
"You're worth it." Joella slipped her hand into JD's as they stepped out into the balmy night.
"Or hamburgers." He guffawed, then lifted a hand around her shoulders again as they rounded the massive building to the back lot.
The circle of JD's arm dispelled any apprehension she may've had about returning to the truck in the seedy neighborhood. "This place is creepy at night."
"That tenement housing project next to The Wall doesn't look too inviting either." JD pointed straight ahead with one hand and held her tight until they reached the truck. The locks clicked ope
n, and she scooted in on the passenger side. He hurried around the front, jumped into the driver's seat, and started the ignition. "Whew. At least we didn't get mugged."
Joella chuckled. "Thanks again for bringing me."
A cell phone chirped. JD reached in his pocket, pulled out his phone, and glanced at the screen. "Hmm, Glorilyn—she's my sister." He gave Joella a quick look. "I wonder what she wants."
*****
Glorilyn hardly ever phoned him—or texted. He held the cell with one hand and drove onto the main street. "Yeah, sis."
"JD. I … can you come get me? I had a little car trouble."
Did he hear a sniffle? He braked at the stop sign. "Why don't you call Dad?"
"No." Terror struck her voice. "I can't."
"Why not?" What was up with that? Something wasn't right.
"JD, pl..ea..se. My car won't start."
She sounded desperate, and he couldn't leave her stranded. He'd better help her. "Okay, where are you?" He glanced at the passing street sign.
"A mile from the Civic Center parking lot." She gasped. "I mean … yeah, I saw your truck when I just happened to drive by."
Now he knew there was more to this than she wanted to tell him. "In the parking lot? What were you doing in this part of town?"
"Oh, … I, uh … " She cleared her throat. "I pulled over in front of Food Basket. Just come get me."
His sister avoided his question. But why? "I'll be there in a minute." JD breathed out a frustrated sigh. Perspiration beaded on his forehead.
In his concern, he hadn't thought that Joella heard the conversation. But she had a sister, too. She'd understand. "I need to pick up Glorilyn. I'm not sure what's going on, but her car broke down. I'll take her home then Dad can rescue her clunker tomorrow."
Joella's face held a look of compassion. "Oh, poor girl. I bet she's scared."
After another traffic light, the shopping strip appeared ahead. Luckily the store stayed open late and plenty of lights burned.