A Man to Trust (10 page)

“Well, I’m ready to dance,” Lilly said. “Anyone else want to join me?”

Steve Jackson, owner of Cakewalk bakery and the designer of Cam and Rachel’s wedding cake, grabbed another roll from the basket and stuffed half in his mouth while he silently shook his head.

Ryan Ortman, local EMT and fireman, shifted in his seat and exchanged a nervous glance with Steve. “I’m not much of a dancer.”

Melanie pursed her lips, looking perturbed, and pushed back from the table. “Who needs men to have a good time? Let’s get a line dance started.” Melanie lifted her chin and sauntered off toward the DJ.

Lilly sent them an apologetic smile, then followed Melanie toward the dance floor.

Noelle Jackson, Steve’s sister, grinned at Adrie. “Line dancing sounds fun. You want to give it a try?”

“Sure.” Adrie hopped up and followed the petite blonde to the dance floor where a whole group of young women had gathered, waiting for the next song.

Melanie and Lilly walked toward the group with Chandra Wetzel in tow.

Chandra stepped out front and held up her hands. In choreographer mode, she walked them through the dance twice, counting out the steps and explaining the moves as she went along. Then she signaled the DJ to start the music.

Adrie caught on quickly, and soon she was following the fun steps with ease. Cam, Rachel and the rest of the wedding party joined in. The dance floor filled as young and old alike joined in, laughing and dancing to the lively country tune.

When the song ended, Adrie clapped along with everyone else. The gentle strains of a slow, romantic song came on next. She drifted to the edge of the dance floor to catch her breath.

Just as she was about to head back to her seat, someone tapped her on the shoulder.

“Would you like to dance?”

Her heart leaped as she turned around. She blinked and looked up at Ross.

He smiled, golden lights flickering in his dark brown eyes. “Come on. It will be fun.”

Adrie swallowed. “Okay, but I’m not a very good dancer.” She took a tentative step forward and placed her left hand in his right, suddenly feeling shy.

“That’s not true. I’ve been watching you. You’re a great dancer.” He placed his left hand on her upper back, drawing her closer. The warmth from his hand flooded through her.

Her face flushed. “Well, line dancing is different than…this.” She placed her right hand on his shoulder. Beneath the smooth fabric of his dress shirt, she could feel the solid strength of his upper arm and shoulder. She pressed her lips together and tried to gather her wits, but her heart hammered so hard she could barely think.

“Ready?”

She nodded, and he guided her into the dance, his steps smooth and confident as he led her around the floor in perfect time to the music.

She tried to match his movements, but her efforts felt stiff and hesitant compared to his. That didn’t seem to bother him. He continued to guide her through each turn with ease. Ballroom dancing was obviously another of his hidden talents. He must have taken dance classes or had private lessons. A sudden thought jolted through her. Had Chandra taught him to dance?

She stiffened and lost count of the steps. Biting her lip, she tried to regain her focus, but she misjudged his next move and stepped on his foot. “Oh, no.” She winced and pulled away. “I’m sorry.”

“Relax.” He pulled her closer again. “Don’t worry about it.”

“But your toes…”

“I’m fine.”

She groaned inwardly at her clumsiness. She was not a skilled dancer like Chandra Wetzel. The flirty, outgoing choreographer was probably a lot more fun on the dance floor and everywhere else. “Sorry. I haven’t done much dancing,” Adrie murmured.

He chuckled. “No more apologies. You’re doing fine. Just think of it like playing a piece of music.”

“What do you mean?”

He waited until she lifted her eyes to meet his. “With a little practice, it gets easier and easier, until you don’t even have to think about it anymore. It just flows, and you make beautiful music.” The intimate look in his eyes suggested he was talking about more than just the dance.

She willed herself to relax in his arms and follow his lead. The music built and soared. The next steps came easier, and soon she found herself floating along, smiling up at him.

“There you go.” He nodded, and sent her a warm, encouraging smile.

Being in his arms and looking up into his eyes felt so right. They glided around the floor, her heart growing lighter with each step.

Suddenly, his expression changed slightly. The pressure of his hand on her back increased, and he held her more tightly.

“Ross?” a feminine voice behind Adrie broke through the music.

He slowed and turned slightly, but he didn’t let go. “Yes?”

Chandra Wetzel came into view. Her gaze darted from Adrie to Ross. “Sorry to interrupt, but they’re getting ready to cut the cake. I’m sure Rachel and Cam will want those pictures.”

He nodded slightly to Chandra, then focused on Adrie, regret in his eyes. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, gently releasing her. “Maybe we can finish our dance later.”

“It’s okay.” She forced a smile and stepped back.

Chandra tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and guided him back toward the head table.

Adrie frowned slightly as her gaze followed them. Rachel and Cam were still seated, and there was no activity near the cake table.

“Wow, looks like she just snatched Ross right out of your arms,” Noelle said, appearing at her side. “What’s going on?”

“I guess it’s time to cut the cake.”

Noelle cocked her head as she watched them. “Already?”

“That’s what Chandra said.”

“Couldn’t she have waited until the song ended? What’s the big rush?”

Adrie sighed and shook her head. “I suppose she was just trying to be sure he doesn’t miss those photos.”

“Well, I guess it’s a good thing she gave us a heads-up.” Noelle lifted her small digital camera. “I promised Steve I’d take some photos of them cutting the cake. If they come out okay, he wants to put them on the bakery website.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” Adrie had stopped by the cake table earlier to see the gorgeous, four-tiered, hexagonal cake with pink, orange and green flowers between each tier. “What kind of cake is it?”

“One layer is spicy carrot with lots of raisins and walnuts. The others are bittersweet chocolate, cherry and orange. And each slice will be served with cantaloupe or raspberry sorbet.”

“Wow, that sounds delicious.”

Noelle grinned. “I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.”

Adrie’s smile faded as they walked across the room. She might not be disappointed by the cake, but she couldn’t help feeling let down by missing the last half of the dance with Ross.

Chapter Eleven

A
drie flipped off the kitchen light and walked into her living room. She usually loved these quiet Sunday evenings. She could relax, plan for the next week and practice her flute. But tonight the silence seemed to press in around her, leaving her feeling anxious and restless.

She’d taken her flute out an hour ago but then wandered back into the kitchen, alphabetized her spices, straightened all the items in her pantry and rearranged her utensil drawer.

Why couldn’t she settle down and focus on her music?

She strode over to the end table and picked up her flute. As she raised it to her lips, memories from Cam and Rachel’s wedding came rushing back. She’d loved playing for them. After the ceremony, Rachel had thanked her with tears in her eyes.

Everything about the wedding had been perfect—the flowers, the dresses, the ceremony, the reception. But the highlight for Adrie had been dancing with Ross. Even now, the memory of his warm hand on her back as he guided her through each turn made her stomach flutter. In those few moments he’d made her feel so special.

She squeezed her eyes shut. What was she doing? This was crazy. She wouldn’t deny she was attracted to Ross, but they were friends. Period. And that was as far as she intended to let things go. How many times would she have to tell herself that before her heart got the message?

She adjusted her fingers and focused on the sheet music. She ought to be thinking about launching her music career, not some fantasy romance that was never going to happen.

A knock sounded at her apartment door. She set her flute aside and answered the door.

Ross stood in the hallway, carrying his laptop case and a large paper bag with
A.W. Asian Bistro
printed on the side. A spicy scent rose from the bag and tickled her nose.

“I brought home some Thai food, and I thought you might be hungry.”

She stared at him for a second. This was so strange. She had just been telling herself to stop thinking about him, and here he was, standing in her doorway.

He tipped his head and smiled. “So…can I come in?”

“Oh, sure.” She stood back so he could pass through. It was okay. They were friends, and friends stopped in to see each other unannounced. There was nothing wrong with that.

“I loaded all the wedding photos on my computer this afternoon. I thought you might like to see them.”

“Even before you show Cam and Rachel?”

“I’m sure they won’t care, since they’re off enjoying their honeymoon.” He grinned and winked at her.

“Right.” Her cheeks flushed.

“I want to take out the duds before I show them. But I didn’t think you’d mind seeing the first round.”

Her heart warmed at his words. “I’d love to see them.” She scooted aside the candle and magazines on the coffee table and sat down next to him on the couch. He opened the computer and clicked through to the photo program.

“You can probably see them better if you hold the computer on your lap.” He handed it to her and scooted closer until his arm and shoulder touched hers.

A delightful shiver traveled up her arm, and she silently scolded herself. Focusing on the screen, she looked through the first few photos. The composition and angle made each shot unique, and the background and lighting added texture and contrast. “Wow, they’re beautiful, Ross.”

“I hope they like them.”

“I’m sure they will.” She took a closer look at the series he’d taken in the foyer before the ceremony when Cam saw Rachel for the first time. “Oh, I love this one.” Ross had captured that priceless look of wonder and intimacy in Cam’s eyes as well as the love in Rachel’s expression.

“Yeah, that’s one of my favorites.”

“These are amazing.” She turned to him. “You’re not just a photographer, you’re an artist.”

“Thanks.” He grinned, a teasing light in his eyes. “Hope you’ll recommend me to all your friends.”

“If I do, you might not want to work at the bookstore anymore.” She’d worried about that since the day they’d hired him, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them.

All the humor drained from his expression. “I won’t walk out on you, Adrie. I promise.”

“But this is what you really want.” She gestured toward the computer. “Right?”

He frowned slightly. “Yes, eventually. But I’m content doing it part-time for now.”

She slowly shook her head. “I don’t want to keep you from doing what you love.”

“You’re not.” He reached for her hand.

She leaned forward, sliding her hand away from his, and placed the open laptop on the coffee table. Her throat tightened and burned.

He watched her closely. “Adrie, what’s wrong?”

She shrugged, her thoughts a jumbled mess. “We’re both waiting for something important to change in our lives.”

He nodded. “Waiting can be tough. But if we trust God, when the time is right, He’ll do what’s best for us.”

His faith-filled words cut her to the heart. When was the last time she’d prayed about her future and the decisions she needed to make?

It had been weeks since she’d taken time in the morning to read her Bible and talk to the Lord. She had been so sure she was headed in the right direction that she hadn’t even bothered to ask Him to confirm her plans. She’d just assumed all her training and preparation made a professional music career the right path. But what if she was wrong? What if that was not what God wanted for her? She shook her head, blinking back her tears.

“Hey, don’t worry. Everything is going to work out. When I heard you play at the wedding, I was blown away. You’re the one who has a gift. And one of these days, God’s going to open the door, and you’ll hear about a position that’s just right for you.”

She swallowed hard. “I heard about one today.”

He blinked. “You did?”

She nodded. “My teacher from Morrowstone called this afternoon. She has connections at the Minnesota Philharmonic in Minneapolis. Their second flutist is having a baby and giving up her spot. They’ll probably post the position online some time this week. She wants me to apply.”

“Wow. Minneapolis.”

Her shoulders sagged. “Yeah, that’s what I said.”

“But it’s what you want, right?”

Adrie pressed her lips together and nodded. If that was true, then why did she feel so torn? Her gaze blurred and she blinked back hot tears. “I guess I’m just feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of moving so far away.”

“That makes sense. I mean, you’re not just talking about going to Seattle or Vancouver… This is halfway across the country.”

She pushed up from the couch. “Well, I shouldn’t worry. A lot of people will want that spot. I might not even get to audition.”

“How do they decide?”

“Each orchestra is a little different, but usually you send in a résumé and sometimes a CD. If they like those, they ask you to come to a preliminary audition. If you make that cut, then there’s a final audition.”

He blew out a deep breath. “Does the Minneapolis group want you to send a CD?”

“I’m not sure. Lucia said she’d try to find out more details, but she wants me to update my résumé and get a CD ready.”

He nodded. “I’m sure if they hear you play, you’ll get the job. When I heard you yesterday…wow, I couldn’t take a single photo during that song.”

Her throat tightened again, and a tear slipped down her cheek. How could he be so sweet to her, when she’d continually pushed him away?

“Hey, I’m not trying to make you cry. Come here.” He opened his arms, and she fell into his hug.

“I don’t know why I’m being such a baby.” She sniffed and rested her head against his shoulder.

“This could be a huge change in your life. It’s worthy of a few tears.”

“Thanks, Ross.”

“For?”

“Being such a great friend.”

She felt him tense for a moment. Then he relaxed as he gently rubbed her back. “No problem. That’s what I’m here for.”

Ross turned the key and cranked his car engine for the third time.
Please, God, let it start.
The futile whirring sound filled the air, mocking him. He lifted his eyes. “What am I supposed to do now?”

With a weary shake of his head, he climbed out and popped the hood. Was it the battery? He squinted and leaned in closer, but he had no idea what he was looking for. His automotive skills ranked right up there with his cooking abilities.

Adrie drove into the bookstore’s parking lot and waved to him.

He lifted his hand and forced a half smile. Adrie had asked for the morning off so she could record the CD she planned to send to the Minnesota Philharmonic. A painful, hollow feeling hit his stomach, and it had nothing to do with skipping lunch.

Adrie parked next to Ross and climbed out. “Having car trouble?”

He glared at the lifeless engine. “Yeah. It won’t start.”

Adrie stepped up next to him. “Wish I could help, but my skills are limited to adding fluids and checking tire pressure. And that’s a stretch for me.”

The same was true for him, but he hated to admit it. Instead, he reached in and wiggled a couple hoses and tapped on the battery cables. A lot of good that did. “Guess I’ll have to call a tow truck and have them take it to a garage.”

Clamping his jaw, he slammed the hood closed. Where would he come up with the money to pay for towing and car repairs? His budget was still strained from being out of work for two months.

His budget woes and the bookstore’s were frighteningly similar. This morning Marian had called him in the office and showed him the final September sales figures, and warned him if their holiday sales weren’t spectacular, the store might have to close in January. Then Adrie had left to record her CD, reminding him if he didn’t win her heart soon, she would be playing her flute in Minneapolis while he ran the bookstore in Fairhaven—if there still was a bookstore to run. And now his car was on the blink!

Adrie laid her hand on his arm. “Sorry about your car. Were you on your way somewhere?”

The warmth of her hand spread through him, calming his churning thoughts. “I was going to the bank to make the deposit.” He patted the envelope in his jacket pocket. “Then I was going to stop by Cam’s to take in the mail and check on the house.” His friends weren’t due home from their Hawaiian honeymoon for another ten days.

She looked up at him with a sympathetic gaze. “I could give you a ride. Nana’s not expecting me until one.” She tipped her head and smiled. “And there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

His ears perked up. If she wanted to talk, he was eager to listen. “Thanks. That would be great.”

“What about calling the tow truck?”

“I can take care of that when we get back.” Ross walked around to the passenger side and climbed in. This was the first time he’d been in Adrie’s car. Her dashboard was dust-free and the front window clean and clear. All her CDs were neatly lined up across the inside of her sun visor. He smiled. No surprises there. Her car matched her personality—neat and orderly, with everything in its place.

She slid behind the wheel and reached into her purse. “When I was at the university, I saw this brochure and thought of you.” She handed it to him with a shy smile. “The Washington Trails Association is sponsoring a photo contest.” She hesitated a second then added, “Maybe you could enter.”

He scanned the headlines and read a few details. “Wow, this looks great.” But knowing Adrie had been thinking about him meant even more. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Maybe this wouldn’t turn out to be such a terrible day after all.

Adrie pulled out of the parking lot. “The winning photos will be published in the
Washington Trails
magazine next year, and they’re offering prizes to all the finalists.”

Ross nodded, thinking through some of the photos he’d taken on a recent hike to Picture Lake near Mount Shuksan. The bright blue sky and snowcapped mountain were a great contrast to the fall colors in the bushes and trees surrounding the lake.

“You can only enter five photos, so maybe you should check out last year’s winners online. That might give you an idea of what they’re looking for.”

“Good idea.” He glanced at her again, his spirits rising. She’d not only thought of him when she saw the brochure, she’d read the details and come up with suggestions on how to choose the best entries.

That was a good sign, a very good sign.