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  A short while later, Lexa raised her head and started to stand. Stopping halfway up, she startled to see Sam sitting on the other side of the tree. She’d been so intent in her private time of prayer that she blocked out everything else around her. Sam’s head was bowed, his eyes closed.

  Lexa felt guilty, like an interloper invading Sam’s private sanctuary. But the tree was their special meeting place, a place that held fond memories of shared closeness. All over again, her heart hurt. It would always ache whenever she thought of Sam and the TeamWork camp. Rising and quietly brushing the dust from her shorts, Lexa began to tiptoe away.

  “Don’t go.”

  Turning, Lexa looked down at Sam through veiled eyes.

  “Please. I want to talk to you.” Maybe it was his tone of voice, maybe it was the forlorn-looking expression, maybe it was those haunted blue eyes. She froze.

  “Will you come sit down by me? It’s kind of hard to talk to you when you’re standing there glaring at me.” The request was tinged with a hint of Sam’s hidden humor. Lexa dropped down to sit beside him, her heart thundering.

  “I suppose you’re wondering what happened with Josh.”

  Lexa stared at the far distant horizon instead of looking into those incredible eyes. It was dangerous how she could so easily lose herself in them. She inhaled a quick breath. Her feelings for Sam were just the same as before. They hadn’t changed at all. Even if he thought she was a wanton, loose woman, Lexa held special feelings for this man. In his heart, Sam couldn’t believe she’d been having an affair with the same person as Shelby.

  “I’ve heard rumors.”

  “I hope you don’t believe them.” He dislodged a dried clump of mud from the top of his boot and stretched out his long legs.

  “I don’t know what to believe, Sam. All I know is that I hate to see you, Rebekah and everyone else around here so down in the mouth. It’s brought the whole spirit of the camp down. I’m sure that’s not what you intended.” Lexa drew a circle in the dirt by her feet. Both were doing a good job of avoiding eye contact.

  “No, it’s not.”

  When she dared look his way, Sam shook his head and ran a hand through his unruly hair before scratching his rough beard. He looked distracted, and she felt a tug on her heart. “Not to mention you’re looking a bit shaggy there, Mr. Lewis,” Lexa teased with a gentle smile. Sam chuckled. It wasn’t full of the same humor as before, but it held promise and gave Lexa renewed hope.

  “I was wondering if you’d go with me somewhere this Saturday. Just Saturday, and only for a few hours.”

  Lexa tilted her head, pretending to weigh the option. “I don’t know. If I violate the terms of my probation, I could be in big trouble, mister. The director of this particular camp is pretty strict.” When Sam cracked a small grin, her heart soared.

  “Not a problem. The probation period is long gone. I know the director pretty well, and I know he’d give his stamp of approval. If it makes you feel any better, we’ll throw in a little business on the side for good measure.”

  “I don’t know . . .” Lexa repeated, looking up at him and meeting his gaze. Why did he want her to go with him? Did he want to rekindle their relationship? Please, Lord, let it be so.

  “We don’t have much longer at the camp, and I’ve made a decision.”

  “A decision?” Lexa blew out a sigh. Time for yet another surprise. Oh, joy. “You’ve got my attention now, so you might as well spill it.” She had a feeling it was going to be another one of those surprises she’d rather not hear.

  “I’m not going back to my financial planning business in Houston. I’m becoming a full-time director with TeamWork, supervising different projects around the world.” Standing up and dusting off his hands, Sam started pacing beneath the tree. “Look, I didn’t plan on just blurting it out like that, but I suppose there’s no time like the present. This whole episode with Josh made me realize I need to be in a full-time, ministry-related position.”

  Sam gestured toward the campsite with one hand. “When I’m not busy being a jerk, I usually do a pretty decent job running these work camps. Don’t judge me by this one. I’ve made some painfully obvious mistakes.”

  Lexa raised her head and rose to stand in front of him. Sam stopped pacing and they stood facing one another. Her heart was in her throat. She spoke quietly, forcing her voice to stay calm.

  “Am I one of those mistakes, Sam?”

  Sam stepped closer. At first, Lexa thought he would try and touch her, pulling her into the circle of his arms. But instead he stood about a foot away, his hands hanging at his sides. He watched her without speaking for what seemed like an eternity. He looked like he had so much to say, yet he said nothing for a long time.

  “You might find this hard to believe, Lexa . . .” The lump in his throat was visible, the emotion evident in his eyes. “You’re one of the best things to ever happen to me. But I blew it, big time. I’m so sorry I said those hateful, horrible things. So sorry I hurt you. You didn’t do anything, and you didn’t deserve my anger. You have to understand that I was overcome with a sudden, jealous anger. I didn’t want to think lightning struck twice.” Sam cleared his throat. “I pray in time you can forgive me.”

  “And why do you want me to come with you this weekend?”

  The way he looked at her showed Lexa how much he cared. His eyes softened, and drew her in with their compassion. “I want to spend some time with you before you leave. I don’t know when and if we’ll see each other again. I know it’s a lot to ask, but it’s something I want. In here,” he whispered, placing one hand over his heart. “Will you humor an old man, please?” His voice wasn’t desperate, wasn’t pleading, but it was deeply earnest.

  Looking at him now, Lexa realized Sam really did want her company. To think she might not see him again after she left the worksite sent a spike into her heart. Lexa couldn’t breathe. It was as strong—and painful—as a physical blow. She turned away from him and placed her arm across her abdomen.

  “Lexa?” Sam was at her side in an instant, a light hand on her arm.

  “I’m okay.” Straightening up, she tried her best to recover her lost composure. Aware of Sam’s concern, she couldn’t reveal her true feelings. Lexa didn’t want him to see how intensely she felt his words, how much she’d miss him when he wasn’t in her life anymore. Not every day, not every week, month or possibly ever again. Never. Never seemed like such a crass, horrible word. It was so final, so abrupt.

  She started to walk back toward the camp. As expected, he fell into step beside her. “I’ll go with you this weekend, Sam.”

  “Good. And Lexa?”

  “Yes?” She paused, looking up at him.

  “Thanks for fixing my screen door. You did a great job.”

  “How did you know it was me?” She glimpsed those endearing smile lines.

  A broad grin spread across his face, relaxing the worried lines etched on his forehead.

  “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a little armadillo told me.”

  Chapter 29

  Sam proved a very knowledgeable, capable guide as he drove them into San Antonio late on Saturday morning. “San Antonio was founded in 1718 with the construction of the Spanish mission, the Villa de San Fernando, which was later called the Alamo.” He turned left onto the main road that would take them into the city. “You might not know that San Antonio was also heavily influenced by a strong German immigration during the nineteenth century.”

  “Really?” Lexa’s brows rose as she turned her head to gaze out the window. “That’s surprising.” She brushed a long strand of hair away from her face, and felt Sam’s eyes on her. He’d been doing that a lot, but she didn’t dare look at him. They might have an accident.

  “You probably didn’t make it to La Villita with the other ladies on your weekend off, did you?” When she shook her head, he continued. “La Villita is Spanish for little town, and it’s the original settlement of Old San Antonio. It’s on the east bank of the San Ant
onio River, developed in the mid-to-late 1800s, next to the Alamo. You’d really like it, and it’s a shame I don’t have time to show it to you. It’s in the heart of the downtown district and has an active arts and crafts community.”

  He made another turn. “La Villita is similar to the Riverwalk with its restaurants and shops, but instead of a lot of hotels, there’s this beautiful, dramatic backdrop of landscaped grounds and historical buildings that show the influence of the Spanish, Mexican, German, French, American and native Texan people who settled here. They have a big festival every year called The Fiesta to celebrate Texas’s independence from Mexico.”

  “How do you know so much about San Antonio?” Lexa was impressed with his wealth of knowledge about most things in life, and it was clear he was a history enthusiast.

  “My grandfather—my dad’s father—lived here for years after my grandmother died.” Sam’s voice grew much softer at the mention of his grandparents.

  “How long have they been gone?”

  “My grandmother died about the time I started high school, and my grandfather died about seven years ago. They were both great people, full of life and active right up to the end. My grandfather used to rebuild the engines of old airplanes, and my grandmother made gorgeous quilts, and the best peach pie in the world.”

  “They sound wonderful. You must have loved them very much.”

  “I did. Grandpa Lewis used to love to come downtown with all us kids—all six of us, bless his heart, brave man—and he’d march us around for hours, showing us everything and pounding the history into our brains.”

  Lexa smiled. “Kind of a forced education?”

  “I guess you could call it that,” Sam agreed, laughing. “I’m the first to admit I never thought all that stuff would stay in my brain, but surprisingly, it has. Helps that I’m a history buff.”

  “Maybe it’s also because you loved the teacher. It made the history lesson more personal. It helps you remember all those things.”

  Sam nodded, his appreciation for her comment reflected in his eyes.

  “When did you decide to go to work full-time for TeamWork?” They sat in the car outside the lumber supply company after Sam picked up a few last building materials to complete the houses. After spending nearly an hour inside the store, the back of the station wagon was piled high with lumber, paint and other supplies.

  “How much time do you have?” Sam pulled out of the parking lot. Although his tone was light, Lexa detected an underlying, serious undercurrent. “Want to have lunch before we head back to the campsite?”

  It couldn’t be a random suggestion. “I don’t know. Our track record in public places isn’t exactly the best.”

  His smile was infectious. “Well, then, we need to improve on it before you leave.”

  Sam kept bringing up the fact she was leaving soon. Did it really bother him that much? It was too late to do anything about it now. His decision had been made. Soon Sam would be traveling all over the world. Even if their romance had developed into something solid and strong, it would be nearly impossible to maintain a long-distance relationship under those less-than-desirable circumstances. Maybe it was better how things turned out, after all. But, the question remained—better for her, better for Sam, or better for both of them? It made her sad to think about it.

  Looking down at his watch, Sam frowned, tapping the face a few times. “What time do you have?”

  “Almost one o’clock. Why?”

  He shook his head. “I think my watch has finally ticked its final minutes. I’ll have to take the time,” he said with a grin, “pun intended, to get a new one soon. But now, I don’t want to be late for where I’m taking you.” His sly grin said it all. “We’re going somewhere special.”

  “So, you planned this all along.”

  “Would you expect anything else?”

  “Not where you’re concerned, Mr. Lewis.” They shared a grin. “I certainly hope we’re dressed appropriately.” Lexa shot a disparaging glance at her shorts and casual top. Sam wore denim shorts, a black polo and his work boots. Although she tried to ignore them, it was hard to miss his well-toned, muscular legs. If only Sam wasn’t so appealing in the physical sense, she wouldn’t be so distracted. Not to mention his kisses sent her reeling at the mere thought of them. Which she often did. Which she tried to forget but never would.

  Never—there was that awful word again. I hate that word.

  “Are we going to McDonald’s? Hey, you warned me you’re frugal.” Lexa loved teasing Sam, and adored the look on his face now. Kind of like a scrunched-up smirk. Totally irresistible.

  He chose to ignore her barb. “I think we’ll be all right. Besides, if they insist, they can give me a tie and jacket to throw on. I understand they always have a few hanging around on a coat rack somewhere.”

  “Oh, a fine dining establishment,” Lexa cooed with a mock pout. “But what about me? Do they also keep skirts or dresses around?” A giggle escaped. Now she was getting silly.

  “Well, they can just throw a jacket around your legs, although they’d be missing a spectacular view.” Sam met her eyes for a second before returning his attention to the road.

  Lexa’s mouth flew open in surprise. It was the first flirtatious remark he’d made in weeks, and she was stunned. “Good to see you haven’t lost your flirting instincts, Mr. Lewis.” She slipped further down on the leather seat. Sam had thrown some old towels onto the seats to protect their skin from getting burned by the hot leather. Good thing.

  “What about the supplies? I don’t think you want the paint to explode.” Lexa glanced over her shoulder at the various cans and boxes in the back of the car.

  “I hadn’t thought of that.” Sam’s brow furrowed as he chewed on his lip. “We actually only have a few items that might be in any real danger. Think they’ll let me leave them in the coat check?”

  “Maybe for an extra buck or two. If they even have a coat check at this time of the year. It’s early August, you realize. I’m sure it’s not in high demand.”

  “Then I’ll just park them in a cool corner beneath a coat rack or under the table or something. But you’re right. We don’t want any paint explosions in the car.” He looked over at her with a big grin.

  “Oh, I don’t know. It might actually liven up this old bomb.”

  Sam snorted. “Don’t knock it, Miss Clarke. This old bomb, as you so fondly call it, has managed quite nicely, thank you.” He reached out and patted the dashboard like he’d done when she first met him. Sam’s car was like an old dog. Loyal and fairly reliable.

  “It’s gotten us where we needed to go during the last few weeks. I have some very fond memories of this car. Especially at this work camp.” Sam’s words dripped with meaning.

  “Don’t start getting all weird again about your precious old bomb.” Lexa laughed. As much as she wanted to resist Sam, she was drawn to him more than ever. He was like a magnet. A big, strong magnet that attracted anything female within range. She scowled. This man would always continue to attract other women wherever he went. It was as inevitable as a bird finding its wings and learning to fly.

  The saddest thing of all was that Lexa could have had Sam if she wanted him. And she did. But now it was too late.

  Chapter 30

  After driving along Scenic Loop Road for a short time, Sam exited onto a side road. “Close your eyes, please.” He reached toward her with his right hand.

  “I can do it myself,” Lexa protested, covering both eyes. It brought back memories of playing hide-’n-seek with a playmate. Catch me if you can, she remembered taunting the other little girl. Is that what I’m doing with Sam?

  She felt dizzy as the car turned a corner before Sam pulled to a smooth stop. “Okay. You can open your eyes now.”

  Lexa’s eyes widened as she stared at the scene before her. She almost clapped in childlike delight, but clasped her hands together on her lap instead. “It’s a castle!” She couldn’t help it. She clapped anyway. />
  “It is something, isn’t it?” Sam hopped out of the car and opened her door. As she put her hand in his, Lexa’s hand trembled with the strong current of attraction as their fingers touched. She’d only read about such a thing happening in her romance novels. Until now. Electrifying.

  Sam retrieved the cans of paint. “Don’t want to forget these. And you’re exactly right. This really is a castle.” They approached the front entrance. “It’s called The Green Manor Inn, and it was moved to Texas from England in the 1920s.”

  “Oh, Sam, now I really do feel underdressed.” Lexa waited while he opened the heavy, wooden front door. “I should be Cinderella at the ball, but I’m dressed like a peasant woman.”

  “Ah, but that’s the part about Cinderella I don’t like.” Coming through the door behind her, Sam’s breath was warm on her neck. “You see, Cinderella didn’t need the ball gown to make her the most beautiful woman at the ball.”

  Lexa rewarded his comment with a blinding smile. He deserved a kiss for that sentiment, but she wasn’t sure how he’d react if she followed through on her impulse. Waiting as he took care of storing the paint in the coat check, she glanced about the charming restaurant, drinking in the ambiance. It was elegant and lovely. Her heart started its telltale thumping.

  Lexa’s fears of being underdressed were soon alleviated as they were ushered into the large, main dining area. Fresh flower arrangements adorned each pale pink, linen-covered table. Candles in the middle of the tables shimmered. Even with the light of day streaming in through the large vertical windows, it was still quite dim inside. Quite romantic, in fact. Stop it, Lexa.

  “It’s beautiful,” she breathed. Sam walked beside her, one hand on her elbow. Following the hostess, Lexa smiled in appreciation as he pulled out her chair.

  “Sure is,” Sam said, taking his seat opposite her. He couldn’t peel his eyes away from her. Lexa lowered her eyes first, fully aware Sam’s comment did not refer to the restaurant.