Page 50 of A Cameo for a Cowgirl

“Okay. But if it was, then I hope you’d know that I’d be happy to do whatever I could to help.”

Her bottom lip trembled. “He only does it when he’s drunk.”

“That’s no excuse.” He softened his tone. “If you need help, I’m here.”

She jerked a nod, then rushed away, the episode leaving him unsettled. He hoped she’d stand up for herself, that she’d find a way to be stronger than his mom had ever been. He couldn’t see Cassie ever letting a man control her like that.

Cassie. His thoughts shifted as he thanked Annie for his food, as he twirled his fork through his spaghetti. He hoped she’d had a good day. Even if she’d made it clear they’d tap out as only friends.

“This seat taken?” Ainsley smiled at him.

“Is now.”

She got her meal then joined him at his table, their late finishing scene meaning most of the others had left, and they could eat alone. His lips twisted. Ainsley had no problem with eating with him. And she was a Christian. So what was Cassie’s problem?

“Hey, are you doing okay?”

He looked up.

Ainsley’s brow had puckered. “You looked happy this morning, then something happened and you’ve been off your game.”

He shrugged. “I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. What’s wrong?”

The concern in her voice made him swallow a lump along with his pasta. “You’re a Christian, right?”

She nodded.

“So why is it okay for you to eat with me, while…others don’t want to?”

Her head angled. “Others? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

He really didn’t want to have to explain things. Already this conversation felt like he was in quicksand. “Would you go out with a non-Christian?”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Are you asking me out?”

“No.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “Good.”

Good?

“Not because I don’t think you’re nice, but because it’s my policy not to date coworkers. And yeah…” She winced. “I’ve dated non-Christians in the past, but I’m starting to believe that God only wants me to date Christian men.”

“But why?”

“Because the Bible says not to be yoked with unbelievers.”

He exhaled. The Bible. His old nemesis. He thought of the big book next to his bed. “You don’t seriously believe everything you read in that do you?”

She nodded.

“What, even the eye for an eye business?”

“You know the Bible?”

“My grandma used to take me to church.”

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