They spoke for only a few minutes longer, the conversation suddenly stilted and unnatural. Skye replaced the receiver with a heavy heart. Her father had told her several years ago that a liar is a fool who buries himself with deceit. And here she was digging her own grave. Skye had always thought of herself as an honest person, yet somehow she had fallen into the habit of telling white lies. Had she been living a lie for so long that it had become second nature for her to utter half-truths indiscriminately? She had lied to herself and lied to God for eight years. Darn you, Jordan Kiley, she thought, for what you’re doing to me, and bless you, too, for forcing me into the light.
Skye didn’t hear from Jordan for the remainder of the week. She’d scheduled several projects for herself, including painting the kitchen and some spring cleaning, so her days were full and busy. Nonetheless, she couldn’t help feeling disappointed that Jordan hadn’t called. It had become of primary importance that she talk to him and explain her deception. She hadn’t meant to lie; it had begun as a joke but had soon ballooned into a full-scale untruth.
The following Monday morning the children were happy and excited to be back in school. Skye had always loved children and was normally very patient, but by early afternoon she found herself snapping and fidgeting.
“How many times have I told you not to run in the classroom, David? How many?” she lashed out at the youngster from her desk.
Five-year-old David stared at her, his lower lip quivering. “I’m sorry, Miss Garvin, I won’t run again.”
Yelling was no way to deal effectively with children, and Skye immediately felt guilty. “I’m sorry, too, David. I shouldn’t have shouted.”
What had gotten into her to behave this way with the children? The answer was obvious. Misleading Jordan was weighing heavily on her mind, and she desperately needed to clear up things between them.
Tuesday night, after fulfilling her volunteer duties, Skye remained later than usual waiting for Sally. A melody had been running through her mind most of the day, so while Sally finished up a few odds and ends Skye sat at the piano in the reception room. Slowly her fingers moved over the keys, transcribing the melody into notes. The pencil held in her mouth was jerked from its location countless times as she scratched out the notes and marked new ones on the music sheet. Finally satisfied, she set the pencil down, ready to play the piece through.
The familiar sound of Sally’s footsteps echoed from the back of the room.
“Listen to this,” Skye commanded without turning, not wishing to break her concentration. Her fingers played the first chords of the introduction, filling the silent room with vibrating sound. The song had a natural rhythm, and Skye stopped only once to change a single note. The music was bright and breezy, as her songs often were, with the kind of melodies that made people want to sing along and tap their feet. As the final notes faded, Skye smiled in satisfaction. A sense of accomplishment came over her. It was a good beginning, and the words were beginning to form in her mind.
“Sounds good, doesn’t it?” she asked Sally, turning toward her friend.
But it wasn’t Sally who stood behind her.
“Jordan,” she whispered in disbelief.
“Hello, Jane,” he said, and glared at her.
“Jordan …,” Skye began, but stopped abruptly at the mistrust she saw in his eyes.
“You lied.” His voice grated. “After all your pretty church talk, you out and out lied.” With that, he walked out of the room.
Chapter Six
“All right, kid, tell Aunt Sally all about it.” It had taken her perceptive friend only a day to notice something was wrong.
“Tell you what?” Skye sipped lackadaisically on her herbal tea, feigning confusion.
“What’s wrong, and don’t try to tell me something isn’t. I can tell just by looking at you that you’re upset.”
Skye laughed lightly. “Do I actually look that different?”
Sally studied her shrewdly. “Yes, as a matter of fact, you do.”
Crossing her eyes, Skye laughed, but her laugh held little genuine amusement. “I’m exactly the same person I was the other day.”
“No, you’re not,” Sally disputed soberly. “That sparkle is gone from your eyes. No … not sparkle, the expectation is missing. Did you and this John have a spat?”
Skye lowered her head, her hair falling forward to frame her oval face. “Sally, I’m not dating and never plan to date John Dirkson. He is my neighbor, but I misled you by insinuating there was something more between us. I … I also misled Jordan Kiley—but not about John—and when he discovered my game, well … no one likes to be the butt of a joke.”
Sally paused, waiting for Skye to elaborate, but when an explanation didn’t follow, she probed. “Can’t you make it right?”
Miserably Skye shook her head. There was no way of contacting him, and even if there were, Skye had decided not to. God had sent him into her life for a purpose, and that had been accomplished. And she would always be grateful to Jordan for removing the blinders that had hidden the truth.
“Hey,” Sally said, interrupting her thoughts. “Didn’t you tell me you were going out to dinner with Jordan Kiley next Friday night?”
“That’s been canceled.” At least Skye felt sure it must be. If by chance Jordan did happen to show, she wouldn’t be home. It was Janey’s birthday, and she was having dinner with her family.
“That’s too bad, Skye, but I think meeting Jordan has done you a world of good.”
Her lips trembled slightly as she attempted a smile. “I think you’re right.”
Sally patted her hand. “Well, with Jordan out of the picture maybe I could interest you in a blind date.”
How typical of the matchmaking Sally. “All right, you’re on.”
The contented grin of a Cheshire cat couldn’t have shown more satisfaction. “Steve King is a perfect match for you,” Sally elaborated. “He’s an accountant at Andy’s firm; I know you’re going to like him.”
Skye had heard these identical words at least twenty times. But an accountant? She somehow pictured a tiny, bespectacled man with a fastidious nature. Biting her lip, she glanced at Sally hesitatingly.
“You’re not backing out already, are you?”
“No,” Skye said, “I was just wondering if it’d be too forward to ask him to help me balance my bank account on our first date.”
They looked at each other and burst into giggles.
Skye was in much better spirits Thursday evening and played and sang for the children with a free-flowing happiness. Finishing, she turned to smile at her audience, but the smile froze on her face. Standing in the back of the room was Jordan. Had it only been a few days since she’d last seen him? It seemed a lifetime.
His steel-gray eyes pinned her. Sally glanced from one to the other and with a quiet efficiency moved the children and their families from the room.
Jordan waited until the room was nearly empty before advancing toward her. The wild hammering of her heart rushed a fresh supply of blood to her already flushed face. Her fingers were trembling so badly she folded them awkwardly in her lap.
“Is it Jane or Skye?” he asked.
“Skye,” she said in a breathy whisper. Nervously she moistened her lips. “Jordan, may I apologize? It was a stupid, childish prank. I …” She ran a shaky hand over her forehead, not sure if she should continue.
“Forget it,” he said gruffly. “Is there somewhere we could go for coffee?”
Skye glanced pointedly at her watch, but if he’d asked her the time she couldn’t have told him. “It’s getting late.”
“Is the cafeteria open?”
“Yes, but …” She hesitated. If she was honest with herself, she’d admit she wanted to talk to him and clear up this matter.
His hand cupped her elbow possessively while she led the way to the elevator. The cafeteria was deserted, the kitchen area closed. Coffee and a few remaining desserts were sold on the honor system; a bowl sat
atop the counter to collect the change. Jordan paid for the coffee while she carried their cups to a nearby table.
“Have you ever thought of becoming a professional singer?”
His question was so unexpected, she widened her eyes and wondered at his game. “No. I’ve never given the matter much thought.”
“You’re very gifted. You realize that, don’t you?” The compliment was issued almost as a challenge.
Jordan confused her. His question took her by surprise. Skye had hoped they could discuss their misunderstanding, not her singing ability.
“I’m not that talented,” she insisted. His look was hard and unemotional, leaving her feeling as if she barely knew him.
“I want to tape some of your music. I have a friend who owns a recording studio, and I’d like to have him listen to you.” He watched her as though he anticipated a wild burst of enthusiasm at the generosity of his offer.
She gave him none. “I’m not interested. I’m honored that you think so highly of my talent, but no thanks.”
His gaze narrowed in disbelief. “Don’t lightly toss away this opportunity, Skye.” His gaze seemed to question her reasoning.
She sighed, releasing a jagged breath. How could she explain herself? Singing for the children was a joy; even an occasional solo with the church choir was a pleasurable challenge. But to make singing her life’s work was out of the question. It didn’t even tempt her.
She was given a respite by several nurses who entered the room. Their gaze rushed over her without notice and focused with interest upon Jordan. She couldn’t blame them; even with his broken arm, he managed to suggest a latent animal grace, his appeal totally masculine.
Jordan didn’t even notice the interest he was generating. Instead he continued to study Skye thoughtfully.
“This is a great opportunity. Are you sure you’ve thought this through?”
Nodding decisively, Skye said, “Quite sure.”
Still he studied her as if he wasn’t sure he should believe her.
Skye shifted uncomfortably. What a strange conversation this was. Glancing at her watch, she noted the time and quickly swallowed her coffee. “I need to get home,” she said sadly. She had hoped to make things right between them, but it was clear Jordan wasn’t interested.
His outstretched hand stopped her as she began to rise. The flint gray of his eyes pinned her to the seat. “I want you to reconsider. It wouldn’t hurt anything to make up a demo CD. You have the talent to make it, but the choice is yours.”
Without so much as a second thought she shook her head. “I’m not going to change my mind.” She stood and deposited her Styrofoam cup in the garbage on her way out the door.
The sad puppy cried pitifully when Skye replaced the barrier confining him to the kitchen. He had been frolicking between her feet and chewing on the bright, fuzzy slippers she wore. Large chocolate pools of misery watched as she petted him and whispered soothingly.
She would have to hurry and change clothes or she would be late for Janey’s birthday dinner. But every time she left sight of the pup, he would yelp and howl. Twice John Dirkson had been over to complain about the noise. Skye had difficulty keeping her temper the second time, but smiled sweetly and promised to do her best. Her relationship with John had been strained, and she wasn’t sorry to hear he was moving at the end of the month.
With the puppy moderately quiet, she chose her most becoming new dress. The musky rose color accentuated the light tones of her hair, while the soft gathers at the waist emphasized her willowy suppleness. She’d finished fastening the button-loop closure down the front and knotting the tie when the doorbell rang.
Could it be Jordan? This was the night they had set their dinner date, but he had been distant and uncommunicative the day before. No, it wouldn’t be him, but perhaps someday God would send him back into her life and she could make proper amends. She finished buckling the strap of her shoe and hobbled across her living room, one shoe on, one shoe off. It must be John to complain about the pup again.
It wasn’t. “Jordan,” she breathed, feeling stiff and nervous.
“Hello. May I come in?” he asked. His eyes widened in appreciation as he did an appraising sweep of her appearance.
Still suffering the effects of surprise, she stepped aside. “Of course; I’m sorry.”
He moved past her into the living room, his eyes warm and amused as he watched her hobbling about with only one shoe.
“I didn’t think you were coming,” she began unevenly.
“Did I say I wasn’t?” His eyes left hers momentarily and fell upon the puppy confined in her kitchen. “Your burglar alarm system?” he joked casually. “I see. Once warned, you attack the intruder, using your shoe as a weapon.” A crooked smile turned up the edges of his mouth as he glanced at the high-heeled sandal in her hand.
“Of course not.” Her step faltered slightly as she slipped the shoe on as gracefully as possible.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“What?”
“Your money? I’d hate to see you leave home without it.”
“Why are you here?” she asked him breathlessly, confused.
“I thought we had a date.”
“I … I didn’t think you meant to keep it.” Skye knew she wouldn’t be able to maintain this pretense of self-possession much longer.
“Clearly you’ve made other arrangements.” It was a statement full of irritation.
It would be easy to lie again, let him assume another half-truth. He would go then, and she knew with an unexplainable certainty that she wouldn’t see him again.
“It’s my niece’s birthday. I was going to have dinner with my family. Janey’s nine today.”
“Ahh … Jane, that’s where you got the name.”
“My given name is Jane, too.” She sat directly opposite him, pausing to buckle her shoe. “Jordan, listen. I don’t remember how the whole thing started, letting you believe the singer was someone else. I’ve felt terrible all week.”
“Let’s forget it,” he said tightly.
“I don’t want to forget it, and I doubt that I’ll be able to until I explain myself. I didn’t mean to mislead you. I’m not even sure why I did. Maybe it was because I didn’t want to talk about myself that first night. Or perhaps I wanted you to like me for myself, not for any talent I may possess. Can you understand that?”
His probing eyes swept over her. “Yes, I can.”
“I don’t want you to accept my apology. I want you to forgive me. There’s a difference. I need your forgiveness, Jordan.”
He stood and came to her side. Gently he brought her upright, easing her against his body. Kissing her hair, his hand gently stroked her arm. “I forgive you,” he whispered huskily.
Skye’s arms slid effortlessly around him, her mouth turning instinctively toward his. As his lips fit over hers a searing contentment stole over her. It felt so right to be in his arms. He shuddered against her, and Skye nestled her head upon his broad shoulder.
“Have dinner with me?” he mumbled into her hair.
“I want to,” she admitted huskily, “but I can’t. My family is waiting for me.”
Raising her face, he kissed her again with an infinite tenderness, arching her toward him.
“You could come with me,” she whispered. “Brad and Peggy won’t mind.” Her lovely mouth curved into an appealing smile. “Besides, I’m going to need help with the pup.”
Jordan chuckled softly. “Scheming woman, aren’t you?”
Her car had no sooner pulled up alongside the curb than Janey came rushing from the house and down the front steps. The screen door slammed behind her, only to be opened again a few seconds later.
“It’s about time you got here,” Brad scolded affectionately. Then he noticed Jordan, who came around the other side of the car. “So this is the reason you’re late,” he teased her in a brotherly manner.
“Don’t embarrass me,” she joked, but her eyes we
re serious.
“Would I do a thing like that?” he asked laughingly.
The two men shook hands after an informal introduction and walked toward the house talking companionably. Skye and Peggy rescued the pup from the backseat of her car while Janey squealed with delight over her birthday gift.
While the men sat in the living room talking, Skye helped Peggy finish the salad and add an extra place at the table.
“I hope you don’t mind my showing up with Jordan unexpectedly like this,” Skye said as she glanced into the living room and saw how well Jordan got along with her brother.
Peggy’s smile was full of warmth. “Of course not,” she denied instantly. “I was dying to meet him anyway.”
“Is Jordan your boyfriend, Aunt Skye?” Janey quizzed as she lopped a fingerful of frosting from the cake.
“Hey, you!” Peggy cried. “Keep your greedy finger off the cake.”
“Is he?” She repeated her question.
Skye wasn’t sure how to answer. A contentment flowed through her, and unconsciously she found herself studying Jordan from the kitchen. Lean and powerful, he sat with his long legs stretched before him, exuding an aura of strength.
“Auntie Skye?” Janey grabbed Skye’s hand as if to pull her attention back to herself.
“I’m sorry, cupcake.” Skye broke her concentration. “Yes, I guess you could say he’s my boyfriend.” But she didn’t want her niece to pursue the subject further. “How do you like the puppy?”
“He’s wonderful … I think I’ll name him Sampson. What do you think?”
“It’s a great idea,” Skye said, hugging her.
The meal was an enjoyable sharing time. Everyone participated in the laughter and teasing.
“I’m stuffed.” Brad leaned back in his chair and patted his stomach.
“You better have room for dessert,” Janey warned, not wanting to delay opening her gifts.
“I think I’ve managed to save a little room for cake. How about you, Jordan?”
“I’ve always got room for birthday cake.” He purposely winked at Janey, who dissolved into delighted giggles.