Riley's Reverend Read online

  Finally he pulled away, panting as he rested his forehead against hers. “That was a mistake.”

  Riley nodded and got out of the car, hurrying to the front door. She needed to be more circumspect around him. She knew he was a pastor. Getting him all riled up—and herself as well—was not the answer.

  Closing the door behind her, Riley leaned back against it, breathing heavily. She understood what he meant by the kiss being a mistake. She’d taken something that was perfectly decent, and she’d reacted too strongly, making it something they shouldn’t have done.

  She heard Blake drive away, and she knew it was the end of their relationship. How could it be anything else?

  Riley made arrangements to take Friday and Saturday off work, throwing everything she had into getting ready to start classes the following Monday. She had ignored the texts she’d received from Blake, knowing that she wasn’t the right woman to marry a pastor.

  Every time he’d called, she’d simply let the phone go to voicemail, and she’d even paid the spa’s receptionist to go out and get her tacos so she wouldn’t accidentally run into Blake.

  She found a couple of books on muscles in the library, and she devoured them while she ate chocolate marshmallow ice cream. She couldn’t bear to leave her home and accidentally run into Blake.

  Blake felt like a fool. He shouldn’t have kissed Riley like he had. She was obviously afraid of him now, and she wouldn’t even answer his calls.

  When Sunday morning rolled around and she wasn’t at church, he knew that she was finished with him. All he wanted was to be close to her, and all she wanted was to get away from him. He needed to talk to her and apologize for his behavior, but she wouldn’t open the door when he went to it. She was avoiding him just as much as she could.

  On Monday morning, he went to her house before work, and he caught her going to her car with a backpack slung over one shoulder. She was ready to study, and he knew she was off to Lewiston to start her first day of her course.

  When she spotted him, she stopped walking, tears automatically coming to her eyes. “I know it’s over. You don’t have to tell me. Just go away, Blake.”

  He felt actual pain in his chest at her words. “I’m so sorry, Riley.”

  Riley nodded, the tears falling down her cheeks. “Me too.” She got into the car and drove away.

  Blake had confirmed what Riley thought. He was breaking it off with her because of her behavior.

  As she made the long drive to Lewiston, she listened to a book on tape. It kept her mind from thinking of only Blake. She wanted nothing more than to turn around and tell him she was sorry and she’d never act that way again . . . well, not until they married at least. But he’d made it clear that an apology wasn’t what he was looking for. No, he wanted their relationship to be over, and she wasn’t about to beg him to keep seeing her.

  Throughout the day, her mind was on him, even as she went to lunch with her new classmates. She needed to be friendly with them, because they’d be practicing massage techniques on each other.

  By the end of the first week of classes, Riley was exhausted. She felt like she was a zombie after driving back and forth and studying for so long every day. When she got home on Friday, Raina called her and asked her to join her at the pub to listen to Ivy sing. Riley was tired, but she knew she needed to go hear her cousin. A little bit of relaxation and dancing was exactly what she needed.

  She dressed in a nice pair of jeans and a pretty blouse, not really wanting to attract any attention but knowing that she would be expected to look her best.

  Arriving at the pub, she was seated at Raina’s table and was surprised that Derek wasn’t with her. “You lose Derek?”

  Raina laughed. “Nah. Joel asked him to stay late tonight. There was another rescue, and they’re trying to save the lives of a litter of kittens.”

  “Oh, I hope they manage. I’d offer to help, but I don’t think anyone would be pleased with me if I was feeding a kitten during my classes instead of taking notes.”

  “This is probably true. How are you enjoying massage school so far? I’m so excited that you’re doing it so I won’t have to always carry the load.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure. Dad jumped at the idea of me doing it.”

  Raina leaned forward. “The real reason I’m here is everyone noticed you and Pastor Blake are never together anymore. What happened?”

  Riley sighed. “I really would rather not talk about it. Let’s just say I was an idiot, and he broke things off.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Me too, honestly. I truly think he’s the only man in the world for me.” Riley shrugged.

  “Then talk to me,” Blake said from beside the table. “I don’t want this to be over any more than you do! And I didn’t break it off. You did!”

  Riley looked at him with surprise. “I didn’t. You did.”

  Raina slid out of the booth. “I think I’m going to go see what’s going on in the kitchen.” With those words, she disappeared toward the bar, and Riley stared at Blake.

  “You know you were the one to break it off. When I told you I knew that’s what you were doing, you said, ‘I’m sorry.’ That’s breaking it off!”

  Blake sat down opposite her. “I was apologizing for letting things get out of hand the way I did. I never should have let that happen.”

  “You know as well as I do that it was all my fault. I came onto you in a way I never should have.”

  “Wow. So we are both blaming ourselves and thinking the other person never wants to talk to us again. Riley, I can’t let you go. Give me another chance. You choose the activity, and on your next day off school, we’ll do whatever you want.”

  She tilted her head to one side, studying him. “Seriously? You’re not worried that I’m going to jump your bones when no one is looking?”

  “No, I’m really not. And I hope you’re not worried that I’ll jump yours.”

  “Nah. You’re a good boy. I’m the floozie.”

  He laughed. “Did you really just call yourself a floozie? You know that word is never used anymore, right?”

  “Apparently that’s not true, because I just used it.” She thought for a moment, desperately wanting to see more of him again. “Why don’t we drive out to River’s End Ranch tomorrow? We can eat lunch at Kelsey’s Kafé, and then we can borrow some horses to take up into the mountains. Do you ride?”

  He nodded. “I do . . . but are you sure?”

  “I couldn’t be surer. Pick me up at eleven. I’ll have to study and do laundry on Sunday, so after church, I won’t see you. Just so you know now.”

  “And I can start calling you during your long drives?”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Riley reached over and entwined her fingers with his. She had no idea why he was still interested, but he obviously was.

  Ten

  Blake and Riley sat together, listening to the music for a while, and finally he got to his feet and held his hand out for her. “Dance with me?”

  She nodded. Never before had she danced in his arms, and she was thrilled that she could now show her affection for him openly. Standing in his arms swaying back and forth to the slow song Ivy was crooning into the microphone, she rested her head on his shoulder. Never had she needed to be as close to a man as she needed that night. He hadn’t dumped her. He still wanted her around.

  After the song ended, he asked, “Have you eaten yet? I never thought to ask?”

  “I haven’t. I thought Raina and I were eating together, but she’s apparently done with me.”

  He looked guilty for a moment. “I talked her into setting it up so we would run into each other. I couldn’t keep going with you angry with me.”

  “Well, I guess I should have guessed. She and Derek haven’t spent an evening apart in forever. I bet she’s at the vet clinic now helping him feed the baby kittens.”

  “I’m not sure. I just know she was kind enough to help me—to help us.”

&nbs
p; They chose their meals and gave their order, waiting for their food. Blake watched Ivy on the stage, utterly amazed that she was as good as Riley had said. The woman didn’t belong in a small town like Quinn Valley. She should be on a big stage somewhere, singing her heart out. “She really is wonderful.”

  Riley nodded. “I know. I envy her that talent.”

  He looked at her for a moment, a smile growing on his face, but he didn’t say a word.

  “You look like you’re up to something,” Riley said, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the way he was looking at her.

  “I’m just thinking about how very happy I am to be sitting across from you again. Riley, please don’t ever ignore my calls that way again. If you’re upset with me, let’s talk it out, not avoid each other.”

  “All right. I promise.” She hadn’t been willing to have her heart broken worse by him telling her that he was done with her, but avoiding him really wasn’t the answer. She loved him, and she should have shown him her love instead of running away.

  “Good.”

  Saturday morning, Blake picked Riley up at ten as she’d asked him to do. On their way to River’s End, he asked, “So you want me to take you to the diner for lunch?”

  “Yes. Bob is the cook, and he and Kelsi shout at each other, and it’s such a fun place. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet Jaclyn and Simon. Jaclyn was single for over seventy years, and she just got married less than a year ago. She’s something of a matchmaker, and she sticks her nose into everyone’s business.”

  “She doesn’t sound at all pleasant!”

  “Oh, but she is. She talks to fairies and garden gnomes, and the fairies help her to match people. And if you go to her house, even unexpectedly, she’s always waiting for you with fresh-baked snickerdoodles. I don’t think she’s ever baked anything else, but I could be wrong.”

  “So she’s very grandmotherly?”

  “Very. You’re going to love her. I promise.”

  She directed him to the café. As soon as they were inside, Kelsi came bouncing over to them. “Good morning! I was hoping you two would come see me sometime soon.”

  Riley hugged her friend. “We need food. Preferably cooked by Bob.”

  “Bob’s on a roll today,” Kelsi said, raising her voice. “He’s making the milk curdle he’s being so darn difficult.”

  “Don’t mess with me today, Kelsi!” a man’s voice shouted from the kitchen. “The baby was up all night, and I got no sleep, and I’m just not willing to listen to your nonsense.”

  “See? Curdling the milk!” Kelsi led Riley and Blake to a table. “Even when he’s in a bad mood, the man can cook like nobody’s business. Breakfast special today is corned beef hash with two eggs and two pieces of toast. Juice? Coffee?”

  “I’ll just have a glass of milk,” Riley said. “I’m not a fan of coffee.”

  “I’ll have milk as well.” Blake realized it was the first time they’d eaten breakfast together, and there was yet another thing they had in common. She really did belong with him.

  Kelsi hurried off to get their milks, and Blake looked at the menu. “I think I’m just going to try the special.”

  “I know I am. Anything you eat here is going to be amazing. I promise!”

  When Kelsi came back with their milk, she asked, “So? Are you doing the special?”

  “Absolutely,” Blake told her. Two specials.”

  “Coming right up.”

  As soon as Kelsi walked away, an older woman walked up to them. Riley’s heart jumped when she saw Jaclyn, wanting the older woman’s insight on her relationship with Blake, though she would prefer to talk to her about it privately.

  “I’m glad you two finally made it here. I’ve been dying to talk with you.”

  Riley leaned forward, a smile on her face. “You have?”

  Jaclyn nodded. “The fairies have a message for you.”

  This was it. Her very own fairy intervention in her relationship. Riley felt as if she had been waiting for this moment her entire life. “What’s the message?”

  “Stop being a fool. And that goes for both of you. Just let things flow as they should and quit worrying about insignificant things. The fairies say you belong together, and that’s that.” With those words, Jaclyn turned and left the café.

  “Well, that was certainly blunt,” Blake said. “Probably a message we both needed to hear, though.”

  “Definitely. And no one can deliver a message like that better than Jaclyn.” Riley looked at him with a smile. “We got a message from the fairies. I’m so happy!”

  He laughed, shaking his head. “It sounds like it’s a real milestone in your life.”

  “Oh, yes. And I wouldn’t change her words for anything. We have been fools!”

  Kelsi brought their breakfast, and they ate quickly.

  “We should head to the bakery in the old west town before we ride into the mountains. You will not believe how delicious the pastries are.”

  “That works. I would absolutely adore that.”

  “And we might want to get ice cream from the saloon.”

  He laughed. “A saloon, huh? Please tell me there’s an old-timey church as well.”

  “There is. And Pastor Kevin runs it. His wife is Nurse Bridget, and she is the woman who runs the apothecary shop, which is code for first aid around here. Maybe we should just walk through the old west town today instead of riding. Since you haven’t seen it yet, you’re going to be absolutely amazed.”

  “I’d like that a lot.” Blake wasn’t pleased that it would ruin his plans for the day, but he would bide his time. Seeing the old west town sounded fun, and she obviously wanted to show it to him.

  After breakfast, she headed straight for the old west town, showing him the general store first. “I love this place, because you could show up totally naked and they could outfit you quickly, but there’s also food for anyone who is staying here.”

  He looked around, enjoying the touristy things. He picked up a magnet that said, “River’s End Ranch” and had a picture of Bigfoot peeking around a tree. He wanted to send it to his mother. She loved the things he sent to Missouri from Idaho. “Do you know what the significance of the Bigfoot is?” he asked Riley.

  “Kelsi is certain that Bigfoot lives up on that mountain,” she said pointing toward one of the mountains that loomed over the ranch. “She’s always going there and searching for him. Well, not as much now that she has three little ones, but she used to.”

  “I see. And everyone ran with the idea?”

  “Not exactly. There are six children in the Weston family, and Kelsi is the youngest. She and Dani are twins, but there are four boys who are older than the two of them, and the boys are always tormenting Kelsi about her beliefs. They have a fake Bigfoot cast that they stomp all over the mountains. Some have done a perfume meant to smell like Bigfoot. They’ve dressed up in Bigfoot costumes. It’s all become a joke that’s shared with all the staff of the ranch, as well as the guests. Kelsi talks people into Bigfoot hunting for her as well. Now you know why we’re friends!”

  “Have you gone with her?” he asked.

  “Several times in high school. And she would always see the fake footprints her brother put out, and she’d take pictures of them and pretend she thought they were real, just to mess with their heads. It was hilarious.” Riley grinned at him, and he could see how much she’d loved her time on the ranch.

  “Isn’t this ranch your competition?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “Not at all. This ranch is more about the western experience, and our hotel is about healing and hot springs. We send people to them, and they send people to us. It’s all in a day’s work.”

  “I see. I’m glad you have such good friends here.” He paid for the magnet and took her hand to stroll along to the next building.

  They had ice cream in the saloon, and then brownies in the bakery. Then they went to the church so he could see the inside, and he and Pastor Kevin had a lively con
versation about what it was like to be a young, single pastor. Of course, Kevin was married, but he had started out before.

  They went to the bookstore and the art gallery. Then they watched the blacksmith work for a while. The entire place was amazing to him. “The only thing that would make it better is if the people who worked here wore period clothing. I think that would be amazing.”

  “It sure would.” They sat for a little while on a park bench, and when they were ready to walk again, she took him toward the lake. As they passed Jaclyn’s house, she commented on the gnomes and fairies in the yard. “That’s where Jaclyn lives. There are pretty amazing stories about her and her relationship with her gnomes.”

  “She has a relationship with her garden gnomes?” he asked.

  “Doesn’t everyone?”

  She moved to a quiet spot on the lake where they could see the beautiful blue water sparkling and could actually see to the bottom of the lake. She turned to him. “I’m glad we came here today. This is truly one of my favorite places in the whole world.”

  “I can see why.” He took both of her hands in his, looking around, and he realized no one was around, which was nice. He’d been sure it would be packed. “The time we weren’t speaking tore me apart. I want you to know that I never want to be away from you that way again. I love you, Riley. I love everything about you.”

  She sniffled. “I love you, too!”

  He pulled her against him and kissed her softly. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you, but I’m sure glad I did it.”

  Resting her face against his shoulder, she sighed contentedly. He wasn’t going to break up. He actually loved her.