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I reached up and wiped the tears before they fell down my cheeks. To be compared to his late wife, Shannon, was the highest compliment I could be paid. By all accounts she was a saintly woman, revered by all.
“Now you’ve made me cry and late for church,” I teased. “Goodbye, Mr. Carrington.” I had to get out of there before any unwelcome guests showed up. I prayed they were all attending a different church from the one I was currently calling home—the sweet little church made of stone near my future residence on Downing Street.
I opened the door to find I was, indeed, too late. Two men dressed in their Sunday finest, meaning jeans and a button-up shirt, were coming up the steps of the wraparound porch. I kept ahold of the door. Ryder in jeans, oh heavens. It was like they were made for each other. And I couldn’t get over his new haircut. Had I known he could look so good with short hair, I would have suggested a haircut a long time ago.
He’s a liar and cheat, I had to remind myself. My eyes drifted from the beautiful, deceitful man to the mischievous one looking awfully pleased with himself this morning.
“Miss Shelby, look at you, so beautiful on the Lord’s day.” He nudged his cousin, who was staring at me with eyes that waffled between admiration and anger. Mostly anger, judging by his taut jawline that was pulsating. “I told Ryder you can take the girl out of Georgia, but you can’t take Georgia out of the girl. I knew you’d be headed to church and could tell us where we could find a place to worship.”
“There are a few options,” I stuttered. “I believe the Carringtons prefer the nondenominational church on Pine Street. Enjoy.” My plan was to scoot right on past them, making as little eye contact as possible. However my eyes were begging me to inhale Ryder, if for nothing else than for old times’ sake. Thankfully, my brain was still functioning and reminded my eyes what he had done to my heart.
Bobby Jay laughed at me while taking me gently by the arm. “Girl, which church do you go to?”
I looked up into his dancing wicked eyes. “Well, it’s a small church; you probably wouldn’t like it.”
Bobby Jay smirked. “You’ve been to Eatonton; that’s all we have, so fess up, girl.”
Marlowe came strolling through the front door looking like a Victoria’s Secret Angel dressed in a sheer cream dress that only covered her lady parts. She certainly knew how to draw attention. For that I was thankful. Bobby Jay let go of me with his tongue a wagging. Unfortunately, I naturally glanced at Ryder. His eyes were wide with wonder too. He did love dark-haired beauties after all. I was sounding so bitter in my head. That was my cue to escape. I would warn Marlowe later about Ryder. By the way she laser beamed in on him, there was no doubt it was him she had her sights set on.
I was barely down the steps when I heard Marlowe say, “You never told me last night how you know Shelby.”
“We are old acquaintances,” Ryder quickly growled as if he didn’t even want to admit to it.
Acquaintances? Acquaintances? I seethed. We were about as acquainted as two people could get. Now more than ever I was grateful I had never mentioned Ryder to Marlowe or Macey. Though we were friends, they were also my employees, and perhaps a tad on the self-centered side. It didn’t make for the kind of relationship where you should or could confide your secrets.
“That’s nice,” Marlowe replied before moving right along. “I’m not really a church girl. We could go to breakfast instead. I just have to be to work by ten.”
It had surprised me when Mr. Carrington said that Marlowe was going to church. I didn’t think any of the Carringtons went that often unless it was on Christmas or Easter.
“Sorry, darlin’,” I heard Bobby Jay reply, “our mommas would tan our hides if we didn’t go to church.”
That was true, especially Momma Jo, Ryder’s momma.
Focus, Shelby, your heels were made for walking so make some double time. I followed the concrete path that led to the garage next to the house where Mr. Carrington had been so kind to make a space for my Audi. It was my graduation present from seven years ago when I received my undergrad. It was the first gift I believe Daddy ever picked out for me. Graduating from his alma mater, Emory University, was the one day I’d felt truly loved by him. I treasured the picture of me in my cap and gown hugging him in front of the expensive gift. It was probably the first and last time I had done something that my father was proud of.
