Page 59 of To Believe In You
As if Matt would’ve told Tim about it. As if the kiss were something to feel guilty about.
Matt hit the key to punch in harder than necessary.
“Introducing Matt to your ex. How’d you really expect that to go?”
Lina already harbored enough reservations about Matt without Tim implying he couldn’t control himself.
Matt jerked to his feet. “She didn’t introduce us, and don’t act like I’m some gorilla who can’t be trusted in polite company.”
“You got in a fight. At Gannon’s wedding. To anyone there who believed you’d changed, you looked like the same old clown up to the same old tricks.”
As if he needed a dressing down in front of Lina. But the rise of his own embarrassment gave him insight into Tim. “I embarrassedyou. Is that it?” And now Tim was out to return the favor.
“You embarrassed yourself. Who wants to work with you now?”
The lesson in Matt’s normal room finished up, and the instructor and child made their way toward the front.
Unable to let his question go unanswered, Tim supplied his own reply. “Not even Awestruck.”
“I didn’t want it anyway.” The lie hit harder than Shane’s fist had, but denying his interest in the band was easier than admitting the truth—he’d wanted the spot and jeopardized it by not finding a peaceful solution.
Like so many other things he’d jeopardized.
The Lord had been gracious to protect and restore so much for him already. Matt might not sense the Lord cautioning him against Awestruck because God had already closed that door. If so, nothing Matt could do would reopen it.
Chris tromped in off the street, and his grin brought a smile even to Matt’s face. Matt played up the handshake, since the ritual might be the day’s highlight for both him and the kid, and they proceeded to the practice room.
* * *
Pressure builtin Lina’s chest and throat. Explanations waiting to be shared.
Why hadn’t Matt stood up for himself? Even if he didn’t want to work with Awestruck again, why let them think badly of him when the fight hadn’t been his fault?
“This smells amazing.” The lid of the slow cooker rattled behind her as Tim perused the mini buffet. “You mind?”
“Have at it. And take some home.” Normally, she’d get up to make sure he filled one of the to-go containers she’d brought, but today, she let him fend for himself.
In the practice room, Chris dropped his book bag and jacket, talking the whole time. Matt shut the door and sat across from him, listening. When Matt did speak, Chris’s grin got even wider. The boy picked up his tale again, his hand motions more exuberant.
Matt really had a way with his students.
He wore jeans and a simple gray shirt that cozied up to the fit shape of his shoulders. Shoulders that seemed broader than before the weekend. His scars, more intriguing.
A figment of her imagination, spurred on by the way he’d used those shoulders and earned an injury to protect her. He’d been attractive before. She’d simply been better at ignoring it.
“He doesn’t know how hard he makes it to do my job.” Tim took up station next to her desk, hunched over his plate, and tried the sandwich before continuing.
Lina crossed her legs, still peering at Matt. Either he really didn’t care about songwriting for Awestruck, or he was protecting her privacy by allowing her to choose how much to share about Shane. His willingness to take the fall—something Shane never would’ve done—again proved his consideration for her.
She had to return the favor—hoping that hewouldconsider it a favor. “Shane—the man he fought with—was hurting me, and Matt didn’t throw the first punch. They didn’t get that in the pictures I saw.”
Tim’s brow drew low. “Are you all right?”
She slipped a finger beneath the cuff of her light sweater and moved the sleeve back from her wrist to check again that no bruise had surfaced. She found only her pale skin, a freckle or two, and the usual map of bluish veins. Unbelievable, considering how Shane’s grip had burned. “Thanks to Matt, I’m fine. But if any rumors are painting Shane as anything other than a gambler with a temper, they’ve got it wrong.”
Tim put his plate down and crossed his arms. “Why didn’t I know you had an ex like that?”
“Because I didn’t know he’d follow me here, and I certainly never expected him to crash the wedding.” She pushed her sleeve back into place. “Besides, I’m only telling you so you don’t blame Matt. Shane’s not your problem.”
