Page 28 of Rescued Faith

Nope! Better to keep her eyes wide open.

It had been years.

So why was it all coming back now?

Sure, she avoided basements at all costs, but she’d never had an episode like whatever had just happened on the Van Kerkback lawn. She forced steadiness into her fingers as she pulled out her phone and swiped across the screen. Anything to look busy and focused so Bryce wouldn’t ask her more questions. Or stare at her with those all-too-knowing eyes. And since when did he have that kind of power over her? He was Fun Bryce. A good time. Nothing more.

But it’d been his steady gaze, helping her slow down her breathing, that’d brought her out of that darkness that’d almost swallowed her.

And sure, on the lonely nights, he was her favorite thing to reminisce about. The nights they’d gone out dancing. Of course, it’d been country music, but the man had looked good in those tight Levis and cowboy boots. And he sure could two-step. They’d always agreed to keep it light. Casual.

And that was over. Now it was time to stay professional. No more personal moments or emotional breakdowns.

Pull it together, Pen.

Shaking off the chill, she breathed in deep and concentrated on reading her email. Nothing super important.

“Here we are,” he said.

Looking up, she caught sight of the Crawford home.

“What are we doing here?”

“Mom heard you were here. She invited us over for coffee. And dinner. And I don’t know if you noticed, but our lunch was cut short.”

“Really, Bryce, you don’t need to bug your family. I’m sure they’re all busy. I have plenty?—”

He didn’t let her finish. Instead he got out of the car and walked around to open her door.Infuriating man!

“You gotta try my mom’s coffee cake. She’s been taking more time to be at home with Dad and took some baking classes.”

“I have so much to do right now. I can’t be taking hour-long coffee breaks.”

He held out his hand to her. “Andi wants to see you. And I happen to know she’s here.” He gave her that “come on” gesture and didn’t move.

She shook her head. “I have work. You stay. I’ll go.”

He leaned in closer—close enough she could smell his aftershave. The one that reminded her of rugged coastlines of a wild sea. “You missed her wedding. You can come have dinner with my sister and the family.” He wiggled the penny keychain with her fob on it. “Besides, I have your keys.”

His pointed look, that hint of a smirk. He was relentless.

“Fine. But I’m warning you now. I can’t stay long.”

She ignored his hand as she hopped out of the passenger side of her SUV, but the warmth on the small of her back as he guided her inside was equally as powerful. Why couldn’t she pull away?

“Mom, we’re here,” Bryce called out from the entryway.

“Penny!” Before she could come up with another excuse to leave, she was engulfed in a hug by Elizabeth Crawford.

As soon as she was released, Andi claimed her own embrace. “It’s about time!”

Jude lifted his can in greeting as he walked into the entry. The smell of savory meat wafted in from deeper in the house.

“I thought you were leaving town,” Penny said.

“I was. Just got back and leaving again tonight.”

Andi claimed Penny’s arm and dragged her through, into the kitchen.

---