Chapter 6
Chapter Six
Three days. That’s all it’s been.
Three days since I walked Cassie to her car, put my number into her phone, and told her I wanted a second date. If I had it my way, it would’ve been the very next day. But I’ve forced myself to wait, to give her space and be the kind of man she could trust, not the type who pushed too hard.
There’s only one problem. When it comes to Cassie, patience is a weakness, not a strength. Every hour that passes without her calling is driving me mad.
Grateful for the distraction of Sunday morning, I help my grandmother from the passenger’s seat of my Camry.
When we step inside the church, it’s packed.
Love Canyon’s families are filling the pews, kids are giggling, and the church choir is standing on the altar ready to sing.
I offer my grandmother my arm as we make our way down the aisle when something up ahead catches my attention.
Auburn hair gleaming in the sunlight.
Slim shoulders wrapped in a soft, pale sweater.
And when she shifts just slightly, I see her profile—those green eyes I’ve been haunted by, even in my sleep.
My Cassie.
I swear under my breath and guide my grandmother into the pew, my heart pounding like I just sprinted across town. She’s here. She’s sitting in the pew right in front of me, beside her grandmother.
My pulse is hammering so hard I can feel it in my throat.
She has no idea I’m behind her, which gives me time to take her in—the way she tucks her hair behind her ear, the nervous way she smiles at her grandmother.
My chest tightens. Seeing her doesn’t ease the ache inside me; it only makes it worse.
I miss her.
I need her.
I want her.
The pastor’s voice booms through the sanctuary, welcoming everyone, launching into announcements. I can’t tell you a word of what he’s saying. Not when Cassie is two feet in front of me, close enough that I catch the faint trace of her perfume—something soft and floral.
The pastor smiles out at the congregation. “Now, everyone, turn around and greet your neighbors in the Lord’s house this morning.”
Cassie turns, and the instant her gaze collides with mine, her entire face changes. Her green eyes widen, her lips part in surprise. Color blooms across her cheeks, and the jolt that slams through me is enough to buckle my knees.
“Would you look at that,” I murmur, leaning forward so only she can hear. “Even God’s bringing us together.”
Her lips twitch. She tries to smother a smile, but it breaks free anyway, and for a split second, I let myself imagine leaning across the pew and kissing her right there in front of the whole congregation.
Instead, I offer my hand. “Good morning, neighbor.”
Her fingers slip into mine, warm and delicate, but there’s strength there, too.
She squeezes once, then pulls back quickly, as if touching me burned her.
Her grandmother glances over her shoulder, giving me a polite smile before turning back toward the front.
Cassie swallows hard, turning, too, but I don’t miss the way her shoulders lift and fall with a deep exhale.
My grandmother leans in, whispering in my ear. “Isn’t that Mae Jenkins’ granddaughter?”
I school my expression, but inside, I’m lit up like fireworks. “Yes, ma’am. That’s her.”
“You should date her, Blakey.” My grandmother pats my arm. “She’s very pretty.”
I nearly laugh out loud, because if she only knew—Cassie isn’t just pretty. She’s the axis my world has started spinning on.
The service drones on, but I don’t hear any of it. I’m tuned in to every tiny move Cassie makes—the way her hair brushes the back of her sweater, the way she tilts her head during the prayers. And all the while, one thought pounds through me: She’s mine.
When the final hymn ends and the congregation starts to file out, I catch up quickly. Our grandmothers are chatting away, leaving Cassie standing next to me.
“What’s next, officer? Are you going to start lurking in grocery aisles and coffee shops, too?” she asks, arching a brow.
I chuckle, “No. If that were the case, I’d have tracked you down three days ago. I’ve been climbing the walls waiting for you to call.”
Her blush deepens. “Maybe I was waiting to see if you’d show up.”
I lean closer, dropping my voice. “Then it looks like we were both rewarded for our patience.”
She laughs softly, shaking her head, but the sound warms me all the way through. For the first time in days, I feel something unclench inside my chest.
Fate, God, coincidence—call it what you want. But as she turns to leave, her perfume lingering in the air, I know one thing with absolute certainty.
I’m not waiting another three days.