Breathless by Kathryn J. Bain Page A

everything that’s happening,” Warren said. “If you want, I’ll stay.”
    Expectation shone over Warren’s face. His expression said he hoped she would ask him to stay. No one else appeared to realize it but Matthew.
    â€œNo you will not.” Lydia placed her hands on her hips. “You will go, enjoy your new job, and meet yourself that special someone to spend the rest of your life with.”
    â€œSeattle’s a nice city,” Matthew said. “I have a friend out there who runs a local church. I’ll get you his number so you can contact him. He’ll make you feel welcome.”
    â€œThat’s settled,” Lydia said with a smile. “You have a new job and possibly already a new place to worship. When do you need to leave?”
    â€œIn four weeks. They want the position filled as soon as possible.” While Warren tried to stay light, Matthew caught the pain behind his smile.
    As much as he hated to, Matthew knew he had to leave. Again, he felt that pang of wanting to spend more time with Lydia. But he tucked away those feelings. “Speaking of jobs, if I don’t get back to work, I’ll be joining Warren in Seattle. I hope to see you all Sunday. And best of luck to you Warren. I wish we could have had more time to get better acquainted.” Matthew extended his hand. Warren returned a limp handshake catching Matthew off guard considering Warren’s stature.
    â€œLet me walk you out.” Lydia followed Mathew to the front door. “Thank you for coming by.”
    â€œI wanted to make sure you were all right.” He placed his finger on the side of her chin. She looked exquisite. At first Lydia appeared receptive to his touch, but a steely look jumped into her eyes.
    Why did he get his signals so mixed up when it came to her? He could usually read other people well, particularly the opposite sex. Before his Christian days, he’d had lots of practice. But his appraisal of Lydia proved difficult. She acted receptive to his touch, but then flinched as if burned by it.
    â€œI’m happy for Warren.” Lydia glanced over her shoulder. “We’ve been friends since grade school. It’s going to be hard once he goes.”
    â€œI’m sorry, but it does sound like an excellent opportunity for him.”
    â€œYes it is. I’ll miss him, that’s all.”
    Matthew rode to work with a feeling of distress for Warren. Only one word described his expression, misery. Warren had probably imagined Lydia would fling her arms over his neck, proclaiming how much she loved him and beg him to stay. It was hard to find out the woman you adored didn’t feel the same. Matthew’s gut lurched as he recalled how she recoiled from his touch.
    â€œGod,” he prayed. “Please help me fight these feelings I seem to have for this woman, because it’s only a matter of time until I discover what Warren’s going through.”
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    ****
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    Lydia stood in the living-room, trying to get her senses back once Matthew left. His touch had been warm against her face. It felt pleasant having the touch of masculine skin against her own. But when Lydia caught sight of Justin’s photograph, she jerked away. Matthew had to notice it. She gulped in a deep breath and returned to her two friends’ stares.
    â€œWell,” Sheryl said.
    â€œWell what?” Lydia struggled to hide the tremor moving through her body.
    â€œHe happened to stop by after hearing about the picture.” Sheryl tilted her head a bit to the side. Lydia remained silent, so she continued. “He made a point of coming by to check on you.”
    â€œIt’s no big deal. He did what most pastors would do. He visited a member of his congregation who’s having a problem,” Lydia explained. “Riley told him what happened at Justin’s grave.”
    â€œIt seems she’s the only parishioner he’s visited since he took