Читать книгу Sweet Accord - Felicia Mason - Страница 9

Haley’s eyes widened, first in surprise and then in reluctant pleasure. She could think of worse ways to spend a Thursday evening. Settled in front of the television with a bowl of microwave popcorn came to mind.

She told herself curiosity about the song “Acceptable” made her want to take him up on the invitation. Her innate honesty, however, compelled her to acknowledge curiosity about the man himself. She’d never really been this close to anyone like him before. If Matt projected any image at all, it was that of rebel. Maybe it was the bike and the earring. And maybe it was the sense of controlled power she sensed whenever he was near. Whatever it was, she knew for certain that she’d never met anyone quite like him.

He shrugged out of the jacket and placed it over the back of a chair. She’d seen him in nothing but his casual clothes since the day of his final interview with the church council. Wondering if the suit he’d donned for that meeting was the only one he owned, she studied him as his arms flexed when he tucked the paper bag under the sink. Pulling out a colander, he ripped lettuce and let cold water run over it.

When he turned to her again, her breath caught.

“So?”

More than slightly confused, and painfully aware of her awkwardness, Haley just stared back. “So what?”

He held up a plastic-wrapped butcher package that contained two thick center-cut steaks. “Dinner?”

Before she could answer, the telephone rang. “Excuse me,” he said as he walked across the kitchen to an old-fashioned gossip bench. He picked up the phone.

A moment later, a smile curved his mouth. He glanced at her and shifted a bit so his back was to her. He spoke in the quiet hushed tones she’d seen her college roommate use when a boyfriend called and said something naughty.

Haley blushed. She quickly glanced away.

Then she looked over her shoulder at him. His low murmur and chuckle made her wish someone talked like that with her on the telephone. But Timothy, her first and only long-term boyfriend, had never been one for flowery compliments or long conversation. That was one of the reasons Haley eventually realized it would never work between them. They had everything—and nothing—in common. A man of action, Timothy wasted precious little time on social niceties unless it was with a client. To Haley, that seemed so cold. And so unfair. Over time, until he’d finally called things off between them, she’d learned to live without.

Now, half-listening to Matt, she wondered what it might be like to have a man whisper sweet nothings to her.

Despite his dinner invitation, probably issued because he wasn’t used to eating alone, Haley realized she intruded. She picked up the song sheet, smoothed out the wrinkles in the paper and tucked it in her pocket. Without disturbing his conversation, she slipped through the rooms headed toward the front door.

She’d just pushed the screen door open when he called out.

“I thought you were going to have dinner with me. You know, we have to at least put forth some sort of effort at compromise.”

Haley paused.

While her mind had been running along another track entirely, Matt remained focused on their mission.

Inexplicably, Haley felt on the verge of tears, her emotions raw and on the surface. Something about Matt brought out a soul-deep longing in her while at the same time a fear of the very thing she longed for. He wasn’t afraid to embrace life, while Haley preferred the comfort of things she knew best.

“I can’t,” she said. And then she fled.

From his door, Matt watched her leave. Something had frightened her. He glanced back in the house, not sure what it could have been. He finished the conversation with his grandmother, apologizing for keeping her waiting, then, unfortunately, turned his attention to an evening meal for one.

After grilling steak and vegetables for dinner, he spent the rest of the evening in the room he’d been using as a makeshift studio. Upstairs, it had the best light and a decent view of the town square. If he stood just so, he could see the gazebo where, he assumed, bands played during the summer. That’s the sort of small-town activity he’d seen on television. And Wayside, at least its downtown area, looked and felt as if it had been towed straight out of a studio back lot.

Matt had been in Wayside for all of two weeks. He’d been in Oregon, though, for several months. He loved Portland and took every moment he could get to go into the city for books, good coffee and record stores with extensive gospel selections. He liked large cities because a person could be as anonymous as he wanted to be. And for a long time now, Matt had reveled in anonymity.

Lord, why did you lead me here? He’d been praying the same prayer, asking the same question…and inevitably getting the same response. Silence.

But Wayside had called to him. And long ago Matt had learned to listen to the still, small voice inside him. The one time he hadn’t had cost him everything. That had been three years ago, time enough to do penance, time enough to reflect on how he should have handled the situation with Melanie.

Sitting at his favorite keyboard, his fingers moved over the keys and he sang of lost youth and innocence, of finding the way home, of being a prodigal son. As it had so many times before, time passed without his being aware of it. When he looked up, it was because shadows chased across the room as evening fell.

Matt prayed. There were a lot of things he could have asked for, including a return to the public glory and adoration he’d thrived on. Even after three years, a part of him still yearned for all he’d lost. But he had a different life now. He’d been given a clean slate and a new beginning.

Grateful for that gift, one he knew he didn’t deserve, his prayer was one of thanksgiving and praise.

Friday dawned misty and cool in Wayside. The rain, as much a part of the environment as the community’s hospitality to newcomers, always took Matt by surprise. His hometown was renowned the world over for embracing strangers, but it had been a long time since he’d actually lived in New Orleans, the place he called home.

“Have a good morning,” the town baker called as Matt left with a dozen mixed doughnuts. He’d never tell his grandmother, but these doughnuts rivaled her beignets.

“You, too,” he said with a wave.

He’d traded in his red BMW for a four-wheel drive SUV before starting his cross-country trek to Oregon. In the rain today, the truck made much more sense than the motorcycle he usually drove.

As he headed toward Community Christian, he took in the small shops and businesses along Main Street. The town boasted sixteen churches, a synagogue and two temples.

A small, private college lent the town an additional appeal, but with students gone for the summer, Wayside apparently didn’t offer much open beyond nine at night. In the daytime though, people were out and about, another fact that always seemed to take him by surprise.

He sure wouldn’t have picked it himself, but Wayside was as good a place as any he might choose to completely start over. As he pulled into the parking lot at Community Christian, Matt’s thoughts turned to the ever perplexing Haley Cartwright. Without a doubt he knew he was attracted to her. Was that why she was so skittish, sometimes hostile toward him? Did he emit “I’m trouble” vibes?

Since he didn’t see her white Honda, Matt figured it a safe bet that he’d have a quiet morning. Today was the first rehearsal he’d have with the choir. Until that gathering at three, he planned to further familiarize himself with the church’s big pipe organ.

“Good morning, Eunice,” he said. Hoisting the doughnut bag high, he added, “I brought a treat.”

“I just put a pot of coffee on,” she said. “I’ll get us some cups.”

Before long, they sat in Eunice’s office enjoying the late-morning repast. She’d taken a fresh cup of coffee and two jelly doughnuts in to Reverend Baines, who was working on his sermon.

“So, what do you think of Wayside so far?”

Matt smiled. “I was just comparing it to New Orleans on the drive over here.”

“It must be exciting to be from somewhere as famous as New Orleans. Me, I’ve never been beyond Portland.”

“There’s a great big world out there,” Matt said. “Have you ever dreamed of seeing it?”

Eunice waved a hand. “Heavens, no. All that I’ve ever wanted or needed is right here. All my family is here. And I have good friends and a wonderful church family. No, I leave the traveling to you young people.”

He chuckled as he sipped his coffee. He very much wanted to ask Eunice about Haley, but thinking of an opening that wouldn’t seem contrived escaped him. As it turned out, he need not have worried.

“So, have you and Haley come up with a plan yet?” He detected a definite twinkle in her eyes when she asked the question.

“Not exactly. Did you have a suggestion?”

“Haley’s a good girl. And even though she’s a stickler for rules, we love her dearly. She’s been hurt. So kid gloves are a good idea. She needs someone who will cherish her.”

Matt cleared his throat. “I was talking about a suggestion on the music.”

She looked at him and winked. “I know. But I thought you might want to know the other, too.”

Wisely, Matt held his tongue. He finished off a doughnut and excused himself. “I’m going to the sanctuary to practice on the organ.”

“All right,” Eunice said. “And Matt.”

At the door, he turned to face her. “Yes?”

“She’s allergic to roses, but she loves lilies.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Haley overslept. She’d planned to clean her closet and do some baking Friday morning. While she couldn’t claim to be a gourmet chef like Amber, she was hardly a slouch in the kitchen. But a restless night filled with shadow dreams left her tired and a bit cranky. Bagging her plans for the early part of the day, she decided on a little gardening. A peek outside, though, squelched that plan. Right now, the rain, which would undoubtedly clear up later, fell as gray and blah as she felt.

The telephone rang before she made a decision to just fling the sheet over her head and go back to sleep.

“Good morning, dear,” Eunice’s cheery voice rang through the line.

Running a hand through her hair, Haley sat up in bed. “Hello.”

“Oh, my. I hope I didn’t wake you. It is after ten.”

“That’s all right.” She’d truly planned to be up at eight-thirty. “What can I do for you?”

“The vacation Bible school supplies arrived. The UPS driver just delivered them. I thought you’d want to know.”

That news cheered her up. “Thanks so much. I’ll come down this afternoon.”

“I’ll be here. Ta-ta.”

Chuckling at the breezy way Eunice always signed off, Haley got up. She made quick work of showering and making her bed.

As Sunday school director, she was also in charge of the church’s education and outreach program. Anxious to go through the materials she’d ordered, Haley dressed in chinos and a cotton top. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and donned a pair of sandals. An omelette, toast and tea would provide sustenance until dinner.

A few hours later after running a few errands in town, she pulled into the parking lot at Community Christian Church where she saw several cars, but no sign of Matt’s motorcycle. Not willing to peer too closely to see if she cared one way or the other, Haley locked her car and went into the church.

Figuring that Eunice probably had the supply boxes put in her classroom, Haley headed there. And sure enough there they were.

The summer program would be a lot of fun for the children and the teenagers. With ready-made handouts and activities for the youth from the religious-supply company, Haley would spend more time developing the program for adults. But right now, she’d enjoy going through all of the colorful fliers and banners and books for the kids.

She was so caught up in her work, she didn’t notice Matt at the door looking in. He took the opportunity to study her. In the casual clothes, she looked a lot like the teens she worked with. Matt had often wondered how she’d appear in a different environment. And now, while still at the church, she’d clearly abandoned her prim-and-proper pumps and pearls for more comfortable clothes.

She hummed as she worked, and Matt smiled at the off-key melody.

Had they met under different circumstances they might have been friends, maybe even something more. But that didn’t seem possible, let alone likely. She’d made it pretty clear what she thought about him and his work. Yet, much like a moth flirting with a flame that would eventually consume it, Matt found himself compelled to get to know her better, to break down the defenses she’d built around herself.

Since he didn’t want to again be accused of sneaking up on her, he cleared his throat and rapped his knuckles on the open door.

“Excuse me. Haley?”

She glanced up, a smile on her face. When she saw it was him, though, the smile faded. “Hello, Mr. Brandon.”

“Call me Matt. Please.”

She took a breath and put down a packet of promotional fliers. “What can I do for you?”

“I told Eunice you were okay with the plan for Sunday,” Matt said.

“But I’m not okay with it,” she said, putting air quotes around okay.

“Haley, this is the day she does the bulletin for Sunday. I gave you my changes yesterday. When you didn’t voice any objections, which, I might add, I appreciated, I told Eunice everything was fine for Sunday.”

“But everything isn’t fine. We haven’t discussed anything.”

Matt folded his arms. “She’s at the printer’s right now getting copies made.”

Haley wanted to cry out in frustration. But Matt couldn’t be faulted here. She’d gotten so caught up in feeling sorry for herself last night that she’d run off without resolving the issue between them. “Well, we still have to come up with long-term recommendations for next week’s council meeting. I’m free now. I was just finishing up with some vacation Bible school inventory.”

“Sorry. I have plans.” He smiled and Haley remembered the quiet conversation he’d had the previous evening. A date? The man had just moved to town and he had a date already.

She really couldn’t blame the women of Wayside. Men who looked like Matt didn’t come along very often. Forbidden fruit, that’s what he was.

“Hi, Matt. Hi, Haley.”

They both looked up to see who stood at the open door.

“Hi there, Cindy.” He sent a smile the young woman’s way and the girl’s face lit up. “I’ll be right there.”

The teen’s shy smile had Haley glancing between the girl and the musician.

“Haley, we’re looking forward to seeing you tomorrow,” Cindy said. “You will be there, won’t you?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Haley said. She’d actually been looking forward to the surprise farewell party for Eric Nguyen, an exchange student who was headed home after spending the fall term in the United States. He’d been sponsored by Community Christian Church.

Haley’s gift to him was a photo album half-filled with images of Eric and his American friends during church activities. All she had to do was wrap it.

But the party was the least of her worries right now. Matt Brandon was the problem.

He’d been here barely two weeks and if the adoring look in her eyes was any indication, Cindy Worthington was putty in his hands.

Haley’s eyes narrowed. Cindy was Deacon Worthington’s only grandchild. She was young, sheltered, very pretty in a china doll way and just barely eighteen.

Matt cutting a swathe through the single women in Wayside was one thing; hitting on girls at the church was another entirely. Extremely protective of her young people, Haley’s hackles rose.

Could Cindy with the sweet soprano voice have been the woman he’d privately whispered to yesterday?

“I have to get going,” he told Haley. “I’ll see you Sunday.”

Troubled, Haley watched them go. He didn’t put his arm around Cindy, but he leaned down to see whatever the girl had in her hands.

Matt Brandon thought he was slick. But Haley, already on to his tricks, wouldn’t let him take advantage of anyone, especially her young people who could so easily be influenced by flash, dash and a sexy smile. Haley knew from painful experience that that potentially lethal combination led to nothing but heartache.

She’d have a talk with Cindy after Sunday school and then, depending on the outcome of that conversation, she’d voice her concerns to Reverend Baines. And in the meantime, she’d ignore the stab of jealousy that arced through her and focus on what was really important.

The party was in full swing when Matt arrived at the home of Cliff and Nancy Baines. He’d been invited earlier in the week by Cindy and some of the choir members and hadn’t planned to attend…until he’d heard Haley say she’d be there.

“Matt, I’m so glad you could come,” Nancy Baines said as she ushered him into the house. “Everyone’s down in the family room.”

Matt could hear the laughter and conversation floating up from a nearby room.

“Food’s over there. Help yourself.”

He held up a small, but gaily wrapped gift. “I wasn’t sure if I should bring something.”

“Oh, how sweet. You didn’t have to, though. You’ve never even met Eric. Sign the guest book, would you? We want Eric to return home with good memories of his time in Wayside. And you can put that on the table over there.”

Matt found a place for the CD on a table already overflowing with presents, then wandered down into the family room, where a rousing game of charades was being played.

He grinned. Haley was right in front kneeling on the floor and yelling out answers.

“Baby. Infant.”

“Rockabye baby!” somebody hollered.

The player’s shoulders slumped and he started pantomiming again.

Reverend Baines joined Matt at the arched entry to the sunken room. “Hi, there. Nancy told me you’d come in.” The minister pressed a glass of red punch into Matt’s hand.

“Thanks. Looks like a great party.”

“One for my baby!” Haley said.

The player nodded. Applause and high fives went up all around. Haley scrambled up and gave the previous player, a boy of about sixteen, a hug. As he took a seat among the twenty-five or so people gathered, Haley plucked a card from the box and read it on her way to the open area in front of the fireplace. “Oh, goodness.”

“No talking, Haley.”

“I know. I know. But this is hard.” She furrowed her brow and then her face lit up.

Smiling, Matt relaxed against the archway and watched as Haley held up three fingers to indicate the number of words. Tonight she wore a pair of capri pants, with a long floral see-through jacket over a scooped neck top. Everyone settled down as she started the first word. She held her arms out at her sides and shook her hips from left to right. Matt’s eyebrows rose.

“Aerobics,” someone guessed.

“Hula hoop.”

Haley gave a quick shake of her head indicating those weren’t correct. She shook her hips faster.

“Hawaiian hula. A luau.”

Haley slapped a hand over her head, then indicated she was starting over. She held her hands stretched out in front of her, closed her fists and turned them in opposite directions.

“Twist,” Matt said softly.

“Yell it out,” Reverend Baines told him.

“Not yet,” Matt said as he studied her.

Haley held up three fingers telling the group she would work on the third word. She cupped her hands over her mouth and opened her mouth wide.

“Twist and shout,” Matt said, this time loud enough for his voice to carry across the room.

Cliff chuckled as all eyes turned to where they stood. “Well done, Matt.”

Matt accepted the applause and greetings as he made his way to the front of the room. Haley’s eyes never left his.

“So, was that right?”

She licked her lips and glanced away. “Yes.”

“Way to go,” someone said slapping his back.

“Everybody,” Reverend Baines said, “this is Matt Brandon, the new choir director at the church. I know some of you haven’t met him yet.”

Calls of “Hi, Matt” and “Welcome, Brother Matt” went around.

“No hug for me for guessing the right answer?” he murmured as she went by.

Her eyes widened and she gave him wide berth. She didn’t take a seat back in front, but made her way to the edge of the group. Matt watched her fold her arms and watch him. His game card read “blue moon.” It took a while, but he was finally able to pantomime enough for someone to guess.

The rest of the evening went by with a couple of other games and then a video that someone put together of Eric Nguyen’s adventures while in Wayside. Matt watched Haley interact with the teenagers and was impressed at her ease and their camaraderie. She’d obviously been a good choice to lead the church’s youth department. Throughout the night he’d seen her making the rounds, talking with everyone, drawing the shy ones into conversation. She’d made no such friendly overtures with him.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he told her.

He’d stalked her to the buffet table. She paused in midreach for celery sticks.

“I’ve done no such thing.”

“You did a great job with your turn at charades.”

Haley glanced at him, but didn’t address the compliment. “I didn’t know you knew Eric.”

“I don’t.”

“So you crashed a party at the pastor’s house?” The censure came through loud and clear.

“I was invited.”

She looked skeptical.

Matt turned his attention to the hearty spread Nancy had set out. He helped himself to some salmon then offered some to Haley.

“Thank you.”

“I’m not going to bite,” he said.

“Excuse me?”

He put his plate down and faced her. “Haley, you look and act as if I’m a wolf preying on your flock of lambs.”

She lifted an eyebrow.

He sighed. “I’m here to do a job, Haley. We have to work together, so we may as well get along while we do it.”

Before she could answer, Reverend Baines called for everyone to gather for a special tribute to the guest of honor.

Later when Matt looked for Haley he couldn’t find her.

“Have you seen Haley?” he asked Mrs. Baines.

“She left about twenty minutes ago, Matt. She said something about a headache.”

Matt had no doubt that he’d caused it. And he was sorry he’d chased her from the party where she’d clearly been having such a good time.

Haley didn’t sleep well at all that night.

“And it’s all his fault,” she said, petulance lacing her voice. Since she was home alone, she could get away with the whining, something she rarely indulged in and never let her students do.

She’d truly had a headache when she’d left the party. After a long soothing bubble bath, she washed down three aspirin and climbed into bed. But sleep proved to be an elusive partner. For a long time she stared at the ceiling in the darkness of her bedroom.

Even though her clock flashed that it was after eleven, her thoughts tumbled over each other in disarray that left her too keyed up to settle down. Why had Matt come to the party? She’d been having a great time until she’d heard his voice call out the answer to her pantomime. Her heart beat double time from the moment she spotted him.

She punched her pillow and turned to her side, clutching the pillow to her body in a comforting embrace. It was bad enough that Eric Nguyen reminded her of her long-forgotten dreams. Once upon a time, she’d wanted to be a foreign missionary, working in Central America or Asia. But those dreams hadn’t come true, so she’d created another life for herself and pursued other dreams right here in Wayside. Now Matt threatened the peace of mind she’d so carefully cultivated.

When she finally drifted to sleep it was on the thought that Community Christian’s new choir director had been taking up an awful lot of space in her thoughts lately.