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  “Fine by me.” They laughed together, but Lexa understood rain might have the opposite effect of what she wanted. It might escalate the humidity, although that didn’t seem possible. A drip of sweat ran down the length of her back as if for emphasis. Even God had a sense of humor.

  Covering the short distance to the worksite within minutes, the girls marveled at the progress the TeamWork crew had made in such a short time. The house she’d worked on that fateful Sunday afternoon was now finished and ready to be painted. Maybe that was something she could help them do. When they’d painted the dorm walls a pale yellow, Lexa enjoyed it. She had an affinity for painting.

  Sam walked toward them with a smile as they crossed the threshold of one of the houses. Lexa avoided looking directly at him but was never more aware of his masculinity. His red tank was soaked through to the skin so that it clung to him. Those muscular arms glistened, his thick hair plastered to his head in dark waves. But it was those devastating, light blue eyes so prominent against the tan skin—and the ever-present smile reaching his eyes—that tugged away at her heart.

  What is this man doing to me?

  She was falling in love with Sam Lewis. She couldn’t meet his eyes. If she did, he’d see how much she cared. Her mouth was dry, and Lexa prayed she wouldn’t hyperventilate. Any minute he’d be telling her not to stare and offering her water.

  Sam assigned Amy and Natalie to a group in another room of the house. Walking into the kitchen with them, he called back over his shoulder for Lexa to stay put. “I have something special picked out for you.”

  Waiting for him to return from helping her friends, Lexa shifted from one foot to the other, hardly an easy feat in the heavy boots. Just what did Sam have up his sleeve? The thought that he wasn’t wearing any sleeves struck her as amusing, and she smiled.

  “At least I see your smile is still intact.” Coming back into the room to stand beside her, Sam wiped a towel across his forehead.

  “It never really left. More like the sun hiding behind the moon.” Lexa avoided his probing gaze. As perceptive as he was, she didn’t want him reading her mind now.

  “I’d also like to see your eyes sometime, too, if that’s possible.” Sam leaned his head down in an exaggerated manner. “That is, if they’re not hiding behind the moon, too.” He ran the towel over his head, back and forth a few times to absorb some of the moisture.

  Lexa looked up and met his gaze. All that thick hair stuck out at crazy, odd angles yet he never looked more appealing.

  “Oh good,” he said, feigning relief. “I was afraid someone had stolen away those beautiful eyes.”

  “Enough with the compliments,” Lexa groused, but grinned nonetheless.

  “Lexa, you’re a beautiful woman, inside and out.” He leaned close. “Just the way God made you.” Maybe the man was laying it on thick, but he sounded sincere.

  She shrugged. “I’ve always had a hard time accepting compliments. Thank you. So, what’s this big job you have for me?”

  Sam motioned for her to walk with him as he led the way to another home nearer to completion. “At first, I thought I’d put you on armadillo watch, but then decided your talents would be better utilized elsewhere.” He ducked to miss her playful swat.

  “Glad to see your sense of humor is still intact.”

  “Always. Here.” He handed her a paint roller. “Since I witnessed the product of your handiwork in the dorm, I decided you could help me paint. Seems safe enough, anyway.”

  “Funny thing, I was just thinking the exact same thing.” Accepting the paint roller, Lexa moved over to where the other supplies were clustered. When he didn’t leave, she smirked. “I suppose you’re going to stand and supervise.”

  Sam threw his head back and laughed. “Every single stroke.” Those blue eyes positively sparkled.

  “Well, in that case, here.” Lexa flung a roller into his unsuspecting hands.

  He caught it and shook his head, laughing again. “Watch it, Miss Clarke. You’re throwing things at me again. It’s not heavy this time, but it could get a little messy.”

  “You might as well make yourself useful. Leaders are more effective when their subjects see they’re willing to work alongside them, you know.” She gave him an exaggerated wink, and they both laughed as others came over to lend them a hand. Lexa enjoyed meeting some of the women whose houses they were rebuilding, and Sam talked with the men. Every now and then, he caught her eye across the room and winked.

  ~~**~~

  “Man, do I need a good, hot shower.” A couple of hours later, Sam took a step back to appraise their workmanship. Grabbing a nearby towel, he wiped more sweat from his face and neck. He’d probably lost five pounds. When he offered the same towel to Lexa, she crossed her eyes. Sam handed her a clean paper towel, and she accepted it, dabbing at her forehead daintily.

  He surveyed their work with a satisfied nod. “Not bad at all. Alamo World Financial should be worried. I’ll make a housepainter out of you yet.” Lexa started to make a comeback, opening her mouth before closing it. Her smile faded so quickly, Sam wondered what he’d said, what she was thinking.

  Reaching for her hat, she tugged it down on her head. “If that’s all for today, I think I’ll go back to the dorm now. I need a shower, too, especially since we’re heading into town for the evening.”

  “I’m driving everyone in, as a matter of fact.”

  “I’m aware of that.”

  Sam couldn’t tell if she was pleased by the prospect or not. Lexa turned back around, slowly pivoting on one foot. He needed to apologize so they could move past this impasse. The mood was set. It was time.

  “Lexa,” Sam began, walking over to stand in front of her, “I owe you an apology. I know I acted like a jerk that night on the Riverwalk. I’ve been beating myself up about it ever since.” He paused as she stepped nearer, and his heart rate increased the closer she came. “You have to understand my relationship with the Lord has always been the most important one in my life. I don’t take a relationship with a woman lightly. If I’m even thinking of starting something, I want to be sure she shares my faith.” Maybe he shouldn’t have used the word relationship, judging by the tentative look in her eyes.

  “I’m not the type of Christian woman you’ve been looking for. That’s what’s bothering you, isn’t it, Sam?”

  The words were quiet, not accusatory or full of hurt as he might have suspected. His eyes widened.

  “You can admit it. You thought you’d find . . .”

  He held up one hand to stop her. “Not that I’ve been actively seeking anyone, but you’re right. I thought I’d eventually find a woman who’s been a Christian as long as me, a woman who’s as strong in her commitment to the Lord as I like to think I am. But you know what I found out?” He needed to keep going before Lexa had a chance to turn away from him in frustration or anger. Given the opportunity, Sam suspected that was exactly what she’d do.

  “What?” Her tone held no challenge. It was sweet, really.

  “How arrogant that kind of thinking is, for one thing, and how dangerous. It doesn’t matter how strong your faith is. If it’s there, and it’s a growing commitment, that’s all I care about. You see, sometimes Christians can get sort of . . . stagnant. We have to work at keeping our faith alive and fresh. When I told you I want to see the Lord through your eyes, I wanted to know how it feels to be young in your faith. I wanted to see Him through the eyes of someone who has a sincere desire to learn, to become a better person through Christ, to help others for His sake.”

  “And you see all that in me?” This time, she sounded uncertain.

  “I do.” Sam prayed she also understood he wasn’t a man of idle words. “The strength of your commitment has nothing to do with how long you’ve known the Lord. And, at the risk of angering you, I didn’t say anything about you not being the kind of Christian woman I need. You assumed that.”

  Lexa nodded. “You’re right. I guess that’s an insecurity on my part.
And that whole Adam and Eve thing . . .” her voice trailed. “I didn’t mean I was sinful or anything,” she sputtered, looking totally embarrassed. “You must think I’m crazy.” When she put one hand on her hip and the other over her face, hiding her eyes, she never looked more adorable, especially with that splotch of blue paint on her cheek.

  “No worries. Trust me, I don’t think you’re going to lead me down the road to ruin.” She was mighty tempting all right, but he didn’t want her to think she was a temptress. Big difference.

  The color of her eyes deepened, her lips parted slightly. “Are you saying you want a relationship . . . with me, Sam?” Disbelief laced her question.

  Those eyes beckoned, and Sam could barely breathe. He nodded and reached somewhere deep inside for his voice. “I’d say it’s definitely something worthy of consideration.” He was rewarded by another shy little smile. Good thing, since he sounded pretty inane. Amazing how such a petite woman held such power over him.

  He lightly touched her nose before taking her hand in his, turning it over, studying it like a work of fine art. It was, in many respects. Oh, but he was losing ground fast with this woman. Lexa looked up at him with renewed surprise, and he glanced around the room. Several of the other workers were still there. It was obvious they were trying not to listen to their conversation, but it wasn’t as if the room was large enough to afford privacy.

  “As my mother would say, you have piano fingers. Long and lovely.” It was unusual for her fingers to be so long and thin. “Do you play?”

  Slowly withdrawing her hand from his hold, Lexa smiled. “I’ve been known to tickle the ivories every now and then. I’d better go now. I’ll see you in a little while.”

  “Before you go, Lexa, I have to know something.”

  She paused, turning back. Her brow raised, but she remained silent.

  “Am I forgiven?” Sam’s heart raced, but the look on her face was encouraging.

  “I’ll think about it. A little more groveling might be nice.”

  He laughed as she flipped that impossibly long braid over one shoulder and strolled out the door into the bright sunshine. Moving to stand by the window, he watched Lexa greet the other girls for the walk back to the camp. The happiness on her face flooded his heart. Sam lifted a silent prayer of thanks as the sound of the girls’ laughter floated back to him.

  “She’s a good woman, Sam.”

  He turned away from the window, unable to hide his smile. Kevin Moore stood right behind him. A quiet man, Kevin didn’t offer opinions freely. But he was a godly man, solid and grounded. And one of the best judges of character he’d ever met.

  “Yes, she is.” Good for him.

  Leaving the worksite with Kevin and some of the other men a short time later, Sam knew the sun’s rays reflected the lightness of his own heart. No doubt, the smile plastered on his face was pretty goofy. But, as surprising as anything else, Sam didn’t care.

  ~~**~~

  “I think Josh is disappointed you’re not interested in him,” Rebekah confided a few minutes later as Lexa prepared for her shower. “He’s quite smitten, you know.”

  Lexa smiled as she retrieved her makeup case and bath towel. “I guessed as much. He’s just so young, Rebekah. Besides, I’m sure there’s plenty of girls who are interested in your brother, and would welcome his attentions.”

  Rebekah laughed. “There are, but don’t tell Josh. It’d swell his head, and heaven knows, we don’t need that. There wouldn’t be enough room left in the camp.” They laughed easily together. “I can tell Sam likes you. Do you like him?”

  Time to sidestep that question. “Have you known Sam long?”

  Rebekah laughed and shot her a knowing grin. “About five years. We met at a Christian camp outside Houston. My youth group was one of several from Louisiana, and Sam was one of the leaders. He told everyone about this wonderful summer program he worked with called TeamWork. I was too young for one of the summer missions since you have to be at least eighteen. Still, I remembered what Sam said about the work being done through TeamWork, and knew I wanted to be a part of it. So, as soon as I graduated from high school, I came on my first summer work team.”

  “Have you worked with TeamWork every summer? With Sam?”

  “Every summer but one.” A cloud passed over Rebekah’s face. “He wasn’t leading the group two summers ago. We were in Costa Rica that year.”

  “Why wasn’t Sam there?” The look on the other girl’s face started her heart beating fast. Rebekah looked away for a quick moment, and lowered her head. Maybe her innocent question wasn’t quite so simple, after all. Although she didn’t know why, Lexa suspected the answer might just change her life.

  Chapter 18

  Rebekah stared at the ground for a few seconds before lifting her head and meeting Lexa’s eyes. “Maybe Sam should answer that question for you.”

  Lexa sighed in exasperation. “Why? Is it some big secret or something?”

  “No.” Rebekah shook her head and twirled long strands of hair around one finger. “It’s not a secret, but it’s just . . . well, it’s just something I think he should tell you, that’s all.” That said, Rebekah turned to leave the dorm.

  “Hold up a minute!” Lexa hurried over to the door. Putting one hand on Rebekah’s arm, she turned her around. “Please tell me, Rebekah.” Sensing hesitancy, Lexa tried again. “I’m not asking for selfish reasons. I’m asking because I care about Sam, in answer to your question. You’re scaring me. I have the feeling that something happened. Am I right?”

  Clearing her throat, Rebekah nodded. “Yes. My first TeamWork mission was here in San Antonio three years ago, in this very camp, rebuilding homes just like we are now. I brought along one of my best friends from church, Shelby Hanson. She was five years older than me, and she set her sights on Sam. He didn’t pay much attention to her at first, thinking she was much too young, a little girl with a crush. But, by the end of the summer, he’d fallen for her, too. It wasn’t hard. She was gorgeous and sweet as anything. Near the end of the camp, Sam asked Shelby to marry him.” A look of great sadness crossed Rebekah’s face.

  Feeling her chest tighten, Lexa swallowed hard, wanting to know but also not wanting to know. “Why do I have the feeling that something terrible happened . . . to Shelby?” Her voice dropped to barely more than a whisper. Rebekah turned away, but Lexa could see tears drop onto her cheeks. She let them fall without bothering to wipe them away.

  “I’m so sorry I upset you, Rebekah.” Running over to Sheila’s bed, Lexa retrieved a few tissues and thrust them into her hand. Helping Rebekah over to her own bed, Lexa sat the shaken girl down and sat beside her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. “You don’t have to tell me. It’s obviously too painful for you, and I’m really sorry I pushed.”

  “No, it’s okay,” Rebekah protested. “I just,” she said between sniffles, “I just haven’t thought about it for a while, and it all came rushing back, you know?” She looked over at Lexa with a feeble smile. She blew her nose and dabbed at her eyes.

  “It was late one August night, about a week before the TeamWork project was over, and Shelby was invited to go for a ride with one of the other guys who happened to have a car for the summer. They were picking up supplies for Sam in town. The rest of us were sitting around the bonfire, like usual. And then . . . then,” she continued, sobbing and taking a deep breath, “there was this horrible crash.”

  Another cry escaped and Rebekah covered her mouth, fighting for control. “We could hear it from the camp because it was so quiet outside. The crash was so unearthly, so loud. After that, there was this deathly silence.” Rebekah’s eyes were far away as she recalled that terrible, fateful night that changed the lives of the TeamWork volunteers.

  “What happened?” Lexa sat stunned, dazed. She’d come upon the scene of an accident once in her life. She knew how it felt to dare to look, but not want to see the reality. But she didn’t know the victims, and couldn’t imagine the h
orror if she had. Lexa’s hold on Rebekah tightened.

  “There was a group of local teenagers. They’d been in town drinking. They were barreling down one of the dirt roads outside the camp, and didn’t see Jake’s little silver sports car until it was too late. Broad-sided them. It was heartbreaking.”

  Rebekah sniffled. “It was like Sam knew as soon as we heard the sounds of the crash. And then quiet. Nothing. It was as if Sam knew in his heart that Shelby was gone. We all did. Jake survived, but Shelby was killed instantly.” She dabbed at her eyes with the tissue and sobbed a little, leaning against her. Lexa murmured soothing words and smoothed Rebekah’s hair away from her face. Her eyes were red-rimmed and full of emotion, and her lower lip trembled.

  “Sam took the next year off from TeamWork and buried himself in his work in Houston. Then the Lord got hold of him again, and he was back in place with TeamWork. That’s another reason why Sam made the rule that he was the only one driving to and from town when we’re here in this particular camp. I know to someone new, it might seem a little dictatorial, but he doesn’t want to take a chance on anything happening to anyone else ever again.” Rebekah darted a glance at Lexa. “Especially someone he cares for very much.”

  “Oh, Rebekah,” Lexa moaned. “I’m so sorry.” She shook her head. Her heart ached, especially for Sam and Rebekah. “You’d never know it to look at Sam today that he’s been through so much.” She understood about the car, and maybe it gave him a small measure of comfort. A TeamWork volunteer—one to whom he’d been engaged—had been killed on his watch, even if it was under circumstances beyond his control. What a horrible thing for Sam to have endured. For all of them.

  “When you’ve been with Sam in the car, I’m sure you’ve noticed how he always makes sure you fasten your seat belt before he starts driving.”

  Lexa nodded and looked over at Rebekah. “Yes. I’ve always admired how safety-conscious he is. It’s a good trait, especially in a leader.”