Chapter Eight
“I enjoyed myself.” Steve King stood in the hallway outside Skye’s apartment. His gaze freely roamed her face, and Skye could
feel the color surface; she always felt uncomfortable when people stared at her so closely. They had left Sally and her husband,
Andy, following dinner. It was clear Steve expected her to invite him in for coffee, but Skye hesitated pointedly.
“Thank you. I had a nice time, too.” Despite the fact her thoughts had been with Jordan the entire evening, still they had
managed to enjoy each other’s company.
Contrary to what Skye had expected, Steve was tall and good looking in a homey, down-to-earth manner. His mustache was an
umbrella over a droll smile. He displayed an inherent sensitivity Skye found lacking in other men; his smile was warm and
genuine, his laugh easy. She might even have considered seeing him again if it hadn’t been for Jordan.
“There’s someone else, isn’t there?” He returned her keys to her open palm after unlocking her door.
Skye’s blue eyes widened. “Is it so obvious?” she asked, feeling a twinge of guilt. “I’m sorry, it must have been a dull evening for you.”
“Quite the contrary,” he assured her. “I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I guess I should have known a lovely blonde like you would
be spoken for.”
“A lovely blonde like me?” Her smile was negated by a disbelieving slant of her head. “I won’t argue; you’re certainly good
for the ego.”
The masculine line of his mouth curved into a pleasant smile. “I mean it. If things don’t work out for you with this other
fellow, give me a call. Andy has my number.” His eyes grew serious. Very gently he placed a fleeting kiss upon her unsuspecting
lips before adding, “I’m very interested. Whoever he is, he’s a lucky man.” He opened the apartment door for her and retreated.
“Good night . . . Steve.” She faltered slightly over his name. “And thanks again.”
He turned and gave a friendly wave. “Good-bye, Skye.” He spoke conclusively, as if he was aware he wouldn’t be seeing her
again.
The morning sky was a pale blue. The early-morning fog had dissipated, and the sun shone brightly. A thick covering of rich
green leaves was making its appearance on the trees that lined the streets. Skye was up and dressed long before it was time
to leave for church. She chose her outfit with care, having saved the powder-blue suit for a special occasion. And what could
be more special than attending church with Jordan?
Her Bible lay on her nightstand, and she reached for it thoughtfully.
If only she knew more, she chastised herself, maybe she could answer Jordan’s questions intelligently and persuade him of the truth.
A fragile smile formed. Did she consider herself more capable than the Holy Spirit?
It was a ludicrous question. No, she had placed Jordan in God’s hands; now she must wait patiently and trust. It was an encouraging sign that he was willing to attend church with her.
She met Jordan outside at the steps of the church. Again Skye was struck by his basic masculine appeal. The dark suit fit
him superbly, accentuating his wide shoulders and tapering to his slim waist and hips.
His eyes followed her as she approached, his gaze as appreciative as hers was of him. Skye felt elegant today, like a princess
in a fairy tale. Certainly nothing to rival Carin Cain, the model she had attempted to imitate that first night with Jordan,
but lovely in her own way. The thought crossed her mind that if she didn’t strive for inner beauty as diligently as outer
beauty, she would soon be vain.
Jordan’s arm cupped her elbow possessively when they met. “Did you have a good time last night?” he greeted, his gaze probing
hers.
“It was marvelous, just marvelous,” she said, sighing, then giggled at the flint hardness that stole into his eyes. “Steve
turned out to be a very nice gentleman, but I think I must have been rotten company, since my thoughts were with you. In fact—”
She smiled broadly. “—it was so obvious, he told me you’re a lucky man.” Tilting her head and patting her hair, she continued,
“And in this new outfit I tend to agree with him.”
Jordan laughed, but then his expression grew sober. “You won’t see him again.” It wasn’t a suggestion but a statement of fact.
Without argument she nodded and turned her attention to others who were beginning to file into the church. When she happened
to glance up, she found Jordan watching her with a look of unbelievable tenderness.
“I have an irrepressible desire to throw good taste to the wind and startle these churchgoers by kissing the living daylights
out of you.”
A flood of color flushed her face, but her eyes shone with happiness. Jordan’s gaze became obsessively attached to her lips.
The attraction between them was volatile, and, flirting with danger, Skye provocatively outlined the shape of her lips with
the tip of her tongue.
Jordan paled, his gaze pinning hers. “Stop it, Skye,” he murmured under his breath fiercely. Their eyes remained locked until
Skye lowered her gaze.
It was unlike her to flirt quite so openly, but before she could consider her actions, Jordan’s hand slipped around her waist,
and they entered the church together.
The interior of the building was decorated with lilies, which surrounded the altar. A large flowing banner was suspended from
the rafters behind the altar. Its announcement—he lives—was a reminder of the Easter season just passed.
Skye sat with the members of the choir in the front of the congregation and to the left of the altar.
The choir number was scheduled midway through the service, before the pastor’s message. Skye was in the front row and stepped
forward before the choir for her solo. Slightly nervous, she felt her stomach twitch with the first few notes, but as the
song progressed she gained confidence, and her strong, clear voice rang through the church with a richness and clarity that
was breathtaking. Her versatile voice had a three-octave range, and the difficulty of the musical score called upon the full
range of her ability.
When the vocal presentation was finished, a hushed awe filled the church. As was the custom there was no applause, which suited
Skye. If there were any appreciation for her talent, the praise should be directed to her Creator; He was the One who deserved
the glory, not she.
Brad and his family found Skye and Jordan on the steps of the church after the service. The two men shook hands and chatted easily. Peggy winked at Skye knowingly while Janey skipped blithely up and down the stairs with her friends.
“It’s good to see you, Jordan.” Brad’s arm was draped around Peggy’s shoulders, holding her protectively close to his side.
His smile fell on Skye. “Mom would have been very proud to have heard you today. You were great. I can’t recall a time you
sounded better.”
Skye blushed becomingly. “God and I thank you.” In her heart, she recognized she’d been singing to Jordan. The song was one
of joy at the freedom and new life offered through Christ.
“I’ve been trying to persuade this stubborn sister of yours to let a friend of mine in the music world listen to her, but
Skye won’t hear of it.”
Skye cast a pleading glance to Brad, but he quickly ignored the silent appeal. “You should, sis.”
Peggy’s apologetic gaze met Skye’s. “You two leave Skye alone. Let her make her own decisions.”
Skye sighed, grateful for Peggy’s intervention. “Yeah, you two, leave me alone,” she remarked with a half smile.
The men spoke for several more minutes while Brad described his new job eagerly.
“Are you ready to go?” Jordan smiled at her.
“He’s flying home this afternoon,” Skye explained to her family.
“Did you get my letter?” Janey wanted to know, leaping three steps at once to land directly in front of Jordan.
“Sure did, cupcake.” He used Skye’s pet name for her niece. “I’m glad you and Sampson like his house so well.”
They bid their farewells, and Skye promised to stop by Brad and Peggy’s later for dinner.
The ride to the airport was quiet and serene. Jordan’s arm rested possessively around her shoulder, and when he tenderly kissed
her temple, Skye turned and smiled at him peacefully.
“Tired?” Her small yawn prompted the question.
“No, content.” It was so right to feel his arms holding her securely. Though another separation was inevitable, none of the
agonies she’d experienced with their first parting remained.
She felt Jordan’s eyes rest on her thoughtfully, but didn’t turn to intercept his gaze. Gently the pressure of his lips moved
across her hair.
When the car and driver he’d hired pulled along the curb at the airport, the driver stepped out to attend to the luggage.
Jordan turned Skye to face him, and stared deep into her cobalt-blue eyes, the tenderness unmasked and bare. “We never did
have our talk,” he whispered. “There never seems to be enough time to say all the things we need to say.” He paused. “I know
it bothers you that I don’t believe in God the same way you do. All I ask is that you be patient with me.” With that he slowly
drew her into his arms.
He’d asked her to be patient, and Skye realized that she’d wait until doomsday for this man. She trembled, anticipating his
kiss, then savored the moment with all the longings of her soul. Jordan shuddered, his breathing ragged and barely controlled.
He rested his forehead against hers, as if fighting for command of his senses.
“You go to my head,” he murmured heavily, the warmth of his breath fanning her flushed face.
“Good thing,” she whispered. “I’d hate to think I was feeling this way alone.”
Again, he folded her tightly into his arms. “I’ll phone Wednesday evening.” His own voice was as shaky as hers.
“I’ll be waiting.” Suddenly she was free. She felt cold and dazed without his arms around her . . .
“How you doing, Sprout?” Playfully Skye ruffled the crop of short blond hair.
“All right, I guess,” he said without enthusiasm.