Page 13 of Evan

Moving over to one of the chests, she picked up a stuffed pink elephant and tossed it into the container.

“Too many things to count. I like to be involved.” She turned to look at him and the softened dark brown eyes had him thinking that she could see clear into his soul. It made him feel uncomfortable and highly aware of her as a woman. Why shouldn’t he?

He was a man, and she was beautiful, just off limits as far as he was concerned. “I hope this works for your company.”

His inscrutable silver gaze touched her face and lingered on her mouth for a few ticking seconds. The air inside the room had stifling, even though the AC was blasting at its highest temperature. He was the first to break the silence, by lifting a hand and rubbing the back of his neck. “There’s always hope.”

“Do you believe in God?” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, and she went still as she stared at him. She had promised herself that the last thing she would do was witness to this man, but it was innate. She was certainly not going to apologize for being who she was.

“I believe there is a God. Or better yet, I believe there is a higher being. I don’t attend services and haven’t done so in a very long time. Why?”

Now that she had posed the question, she was not certain if she should continue with the conversation. She felt conspicuous and ill equipped to carry on. “I have found that taking everything to the Lord in prayer, makes my burdens lighter.”

His amused silver eyes wandered over her face. “Is that right?”

“Yes.” She nodded. Suddenly the shyness descended over her, and she realized she was acutely aware of him. He was tall. She was wearing heels today instead of her sensible leather flats. But even wearing heels, she barely came up to his broad shoulders. He had an interesting face; not what one would call handsome.

There was too much character stamped in his features and the cynicism made it even more disturbing and attractive at the same time. He was also very masculine, his physique impressive.

“I…,” she had to clear her throat and take a step back. “He is a very loving and compassionate God…”

“One who allows innocent children to be raped and abused and crime rampart in every area of society.” His mouth twisted bitterly. “That’s him showing compassion?”

She stared at him for a moment and considered her response carefully. “We were given free will.”

A harsh laughter erupted from him as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his dress pants and rocked back on his heels. “So, in essence, what you are saying is that we are the ones at fault.”

“Don’t you think so? He is God and of course he could have changed things around. He could have forced his divine will on us, but instead he gave us choices. Because he loves us and wants us to freely give our hearts to him.

He wants us to come to him of our own volition. We have freedom of choice and instead of turning to a loving God, we have gone our own way.”

He continued to study her, his face expressionless. She was a tiny thing and yet had such a big personality. Her voice had not gone up a notch, but she was sincere in her conviction and was not backing down. If he was any other person, he would have been persuaded.

“You make a sound argument.” Removing his left hand from his pocket, he glanced at his expensive watch. “I am afraid I have taken up enough of your time and I am running late for a meeting. Thanks for the Bible lesson.”

“Mr. Davenport?” Her soft melodious voice gave him pause as he turned to leave.

“Yes?”

“I am inviting you to services on Sunday.”

A frown met her invitation. “I think I have already paid my dues. I was supposed to spend half an hour, and the time is bordering on an hour. I really don’t think…”

“We are holding a special service to honor the veterans, and I read that your father and grandfather were in the navy. It would be to your company’s benefit to be at the service.”

“And invite a few reporters while we are at it.” His mouth twisted slightly.

“It’s entirely up to you.”

“You are trying to say that Russell Baptist will not stand to benefit from the added publicity?” His thick dark brows lifted skeptically.

Tilting her head to the side, she gave him a measured look, years of wisdom on her exquisite face and a knowing look in her eyes. He had a feeling she was laughing at him.

“Not really. We are an institution that is geared to helping the public, not only spiritually, but financially as well. It is something to think about. In the meantime, I will be praying for your company.”

“And me?” His lips quirked slightly.

“Oh, absolutely.” He felt the familiar tug again as her smile came, dimples peeping out. “Would you like me to show you out?”

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