Page 34 of Evan
“But?”
He shot her a wry look before making another turn. He realized that the address she had given him was taking them further away from the suburbs and into the rural area.
“Can’t you just leave it at being pleased that I was there?”
“I am afraid not.”
Stopping at the light, he turned his head to look at her and felt his heart slamming inside his chest. She had changed into jeans and a thin baby blue sweater that molded her slender curves. Her hair was still loose, and her earrings were big hoops. She looked like an innocent teenager without a care in the world.
The light changed just then, and he concentrated on navigating through the traffic. “It’s nothing spiritual.”
“I suspected as much. You just wanted to come for the free meal.”
Sliding her a startled look, he burst out laughing, utterly captivated by her.
“How would I know there would be food?”
“Because the two times you came, we served food. So, I figured you expect that we are always serving refreshments.”
“That is, it. You caught me.” He turned off into a badly rutted road that seemed to go on for several miles. “What is this place? You should have told me we would be headed to never land. I would have taken the jeep instead.”
“The Tesla cannot handle a little challenge?”
He sent her a wry look as he eased his foot off the accelerator and allowed the car to cruise.
“Where are we?”
“Look.”
He did and what he saw was an old, abandoned cottage with a sagging roof.
“Am I being kidnapped?”
“Oh absolutely. Pull up here.” She pointed to a giant cypress tree with overhanging branches with clinging vines.
“Seriously, what are we doing here? And who owns the place?”
“Russell Baptist Church.” She touched the knob and alighted, leaving him to do the same. “It is going to be a nursing home. The money you contributed will start the project and we already have others pooling their resources to make it happen. Forget about the dilapidated state of the cottage and look around.”
He had taken the basket and blankets out and dumped them beneath the tree where the grass was thick and carpet like. He felt a jolt throughout his body when she took his hand and led him towards where a stream was gurgling over stones.
“What do you think?”
He liked the way her small hand felt in his and he was hoping she would not let go.
“I think it’s a valuable piece of property and would make an excellent location for a vacation getaway.”
He grinned when she pushed against him with her shoulder. “Will you stop thinking about the bottom line?”
“I cannot help it. I am after all a businessman. Okay,” he looked around, admiring the cleanness of the air and the scent of unspoiled nature.
“Why a nursing home?”
“It is more of a convalescent home. There are too many of our members who are not getting the best care. We want to provide them with a place where they will feel at home and tended to by loving people who will provide the care they need. Several of our members are alone without the support of family members. We want to change that.”
“How often do you come here?”
“Twice already. When I thought about the picnic, it came to mind. It is private and out of the way and there is no fear that a reporter will pop out of the brushes and snap our pictures,” She nudged him and turned towards where the car and picnic stuff were.