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“Great.”
He didn’t look it. His sour expression suggested he’d rather she be anywhere else. But Dan had invited her to his city church, and she was glad to have a peek into another part of his world. Even if the large congregation meant neither she or Ange had seen him yet, although she had seen Ella from afar, and been introduced to Boyd’s not-quite-girlfriend Joanna.
“Sarah?”
She turned. Georgia stared at her, open-mouthed, standing next to Travis. “Georgia! Hi, sweetheart!” She hugged them both. “How are you, Travis?”
“Um, good,” he muttered, red-faced.
“I didn’t realize you went to church now.”
“We go to the youth church here,” Georgia said.
The youth service that ran simultaneously with the regular morning service. She’d enjoyed the music and the preaching today, and could well understand why Dan worshipped here.
“And how are you, Georgia? Really?”
“Better.” Georgia’s eyes, her smile, proclaimed it true.
“I’m so glad. I’ve been praying for you.” Sarah hugged her again. Who cared what Boyd thought about her hugginess? This was so necessary.
“It’s a family thing,” a voice said behind her.
She spun, saw Dan’s amused face as he gestured to where Ange was hugging a friend. Boyd rolled his eyes, but his small smile indicated amusement. Or at least resignation. Maybe one day he’d accept her.
But she didn’t have time to wonder further as Dan scooped her up in a big hug that said exactly how he felt about her. She closed her eyes, holding him tighter as she savored his scent, his strength, his nearness.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” Her nerves fluttered away as she pulled back to sink into the depths of his smile. “You played well.”
“You enjoyed the game?”
“I’ve never been to any great big sporting events like that before. People got so loud. How do you manage to concentrate?”
“It’s actually kind of good. We feed off the energy of the crowds, which is why home games are so important.”
One they’d lost, followed by another loss in Ottawa. “I’m sorry you didn’t win.”
He shrugged. “It’s a game. Win some, lose some.”
She nodded, her mind turning over his philosophy. It seemed a little strange to devote so much time and energy to a game that could simply be shrugged off. But his ability to let it go, to release disappointment easily, was something she could learn from.
Later, after lunch with Ange, John, and the others, she visited Dan’s apartment. Sixteen floors above downtown traffic, it was quiet and afforded some nice city views from the living room and balcony. She pressed her forehead against the glass, gazing out at the red and gold trees dotting the cityscape.
“It’s really starting to look like autumn now.”
He moved behind her, pointing out various landmarks and the blue-gray sliver of Lake Ontario. His hand trailing down her arm and his body heat behind her drew a tingling awareness that they were alone and the fresh realization to take care and not invite temptation. She forced herself to move, ducking under his arm and going to the kitchen. “What’s that awesome smell?”
“I made lamb shank stew for an early dinner before you leave. Hope that’s okay.”
“Of course it is! It smells amazing. I love lamb, and you know I’ve always liked your cooking.”
“You mean my cooking or me cooking?”
“Either. Both.”
He laughed, drawing her to sit in the living room with its ubiquitous leather lounges and expensive entertainment system. “It’s good to have you to myself for a while.”
