Page 14

“Oh, Blake and I, we’re just friends, really.” Hensley waved a hand, dismissing that subject. “He can be a little ... how shall I put it? Infuriating.”

Ack! She probably shouldn’t have shared that much. She shouldn’t open the floodgates to how much his words had hurt her and the swirl of confusion in her head and heart.

“Men sometimes have a gift for that. I could tell you stories about Tiff.” She shifted in her seat. “Have the two of you been able to make any progress with the fundraising efforts?” Sam rested her small hands in her lap and clasped them together, making her seem even more petite than she was.

“As a matter of fact, we’re meeting this evening to begin prepping his main lodge for the event.” She brought Sam up to speed on what they’d planned so far.

“Wow, it sounds like the two of you have made great progress. And it’s very kind of you to donate linens and real dishes.

” Sam seemed pleased, judging by the glint in her eyes.

“And yes, Tiff and I would be happy to introduce you to the youth group this coming Wednesday evening so the two of you can tell them what you’ve come up with so far and get them on board. ”

“Great. I guess Blake and I will see you at seven o’clock sharp in the youth room then.” Hensley jotted the date and time into her planner.

Sam leaned forward. “I’ll drop off those clipboards at the lodge soon so you can attach the bidding sign-up sheets to them.

We have a bunch of extra clipboards in storage.

Sounds like they’ll come in handy. I’ll ask pastor to put a note about the event in the bulletin asking folks to make chili and donate items for the auction.

And yes, I’m sure Tiff will be happy to be the auctioneer at the event.

” Then she winked and gave Hensley another peculiar grin before rising from her seat.

Pausing at the door with her hand on the knob, she added, “Have fun tonight.”

Before Hensley could do more than nod and return a wave, Sam slipped out of the office. Why did it seem as if Samantha was up to something regarding her and Blake?

It wouldn’t work. Blake had seemed adamant that she wasn’t his type, even if he was pretending to be her boyfriend. She wasn’t so sure she could get past his objection to her, regardless of whatever he’d meant by it.

“YOU’RE SURE YOU DON’T want to try and find some friends to join us for the show? Four free tickets to a dinner and show are expensive these days.” Tiff held up the four tickets to a dinner theater in nearby Gatlinburg.

Sam parted the front curtains and gazed across the street.

“I’m sure. As I said, I have a better idea.

And besides, I’ve already seen Pride two riding trails; an undeveloped plot for archery; a boating dock with canoes for the creek; and Deerpark Lake with another boating dock and a pavilion nearby for picnics, cookouts, and campfires.

She took note of the barn and fenced corral he showed her, explaining where horses would soon fill the empty stalls.

He’d mentioned something about going to see some horses with Bing that they’d likely purchase.

Since they were limited on time, Blake showed her around the main lodge and its spacious dining room after the tour. There, they enjoyed the Chinese food when it was delivered. Floor-to-ceiling windows gave them a spectacular view of the wooded areas and mountains in the distance.

He’d built a fire in the stone fireplace while they waited on the food to arrive. When it came, he suggested they eat at the table closest to the fireplace. Oddly enough, the evening was turning out to be kind of romantic, but did he have the same perspective?

They talked about his ambitions for the landscaping and marketing of his property. There would be a grand opening when everything was complete. He said they were on target for a July grand opening.

She commented that she would pray everything went well.

Sitting up straighter, recalling something important, she leaned forward.

“Before I forget to mention it, Jake grew up in our church. His family still attends there. He’ll likely be at every Sunday service now that he’s returned to Dogwood Creek. ”

He stabbed a slice of the beef on his plate and managed to spear a piece of broccoli onto his fork also. “Looks like I’ll be sitting with you on Sunday since I’m your new boyfriend.” Stealing a glance at her, he smiled.

“Probably for the best.” What else could she say to that, but his adorable dimples were showing again.

They’d have to arrange a phony break-up at some point, but she wouldn’t mention that now.

She was enjoying their dinner meeting too much.

With the crackling fire and the lodge dining room to themselves, it had been a relaxing meal.

She’d enjoyed the tour too. What a house he had built for himself!

The log cabin probably had as many bedrooms as the old grand Victorian she lived in.

Was he planning on having a large family someday?

“He hasn’t bothered you since Tuesday, has he?” Blake shifted in his seat, pausing before tasting more of his beef and broccoli dish.

She toyed with the sweet and sour chicken on her paper plate, stirring it around with her fried rice.

Would Jake’s call to ask her out aggravate him?

But what if Jake called again? She might as well tell him the truth, especially since she didn’t relish any interactions with her ex.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, he called this morning and asked if I’d consider dining with him at The Creek Grill. ”

“That takes some audacity after I told him I was your boyfriend.” His brows furrowed.

She nodded.

“And since you’re here with me, I assume you told him no.” He wore a smirk.

“Yes, I told him I had other plans and that I made it a rule not to date any of my ex-boyfriends. He had his chance.”

Blake sliced into more of his broccoli. “I would understand if you wanted to go out with him, but I gather that you don’t. I was trying to be helpful. While I’m being honest, maybe I was being a little protective. I guess I’ve grown fond of you since we’ve been working together on this project.”

He’d grown fond of her? He was being protective of her? She could take care of herself, but she didn’t know how to respond. It was rather sweet of him, so she simply smiled and stared at the food on her plate, her cheeks growing warm.

After the meal, Blake pointed out the wall he thought would work best for hanging photos of the youth group. Then he pointed out where they could hang the long banner. The wall for photos was one he’d had built-in with a corkboard for event organizers to use for displays like what they had in mind.