Forbidden Falls (Virgin River #9)(37)

But he was very attractive, the preacher man. Six feet, ink-black hair with a lock that fell over his brow sometimes. Expressive dark brows over the most beautiful blue eyes she’d ever seen. And lips that just screamed Come to Papa. Then there was that smile. Or, all those smiles—the one that indulged, the one that mocked, the one that burst out of him before he could stop it. He couldn’t hide the fact that for a devout sort of guy there was some bad boy in him that he was barely keeping under control. His smile came with dimples that almost brought her to her knees. Six feet of delicious man with strong shoulders, long legs and big, hard hands.

Yeah, he could get her in trouble.

But then, if she was realistic, he was a minister. No matter how he set her on fire, he was puritanical and pure, right? Life was just too short to forgo that playful, naughty edge. She didn’t want to be in the missionary position for the rest of her life, anyway. He’d probably make love with his black socks on. And his T-shirt. Lights out, covers up, in and out real quick, no screaming. Dull and boring.

Oh, that’s right, she forgot, she thought with a laugh. She was giving up all positions. No men, no sex, no more heartaches or headaches. But it would be easier on her nerves if he were just a little homelier.

She wondered if she should be grateful he even inspired thoughts of sex; it had been so long since she’d even been tempted. She had all but forgotten what tempted felt like. Long before Trevor was born, and it was a miracle Arnie hadn’t killed it altogether.

Ellie stopped her daydreaming and realized she was almost home. When she got to her new address, she found Mrs. Fitch raking leaves and pine needles out of the flower bed in front of her porch. “Hey there, Mrs. Fitch. How’s it going?”

Jo Ellen looked at her. “Fine, Ellie. Are you off early today?”

“Kind of. The reverend has an appointment and I’ve been starting at the crack of dawn all week. I was painting by five this morning.”

“He’s got you painting?” Jo Ellen asked.

“Mrs. Fitch, there’s not a dirty chore in that old trash heap of a church that I’m not doing. While we get it pulled together, anyway.”

“You must be exhausted.”

“I feel good,” Ellie said with a smile, rolling the ache out of her stiff shoulders. “Nothing like some good old hard work. You should see the bathrooms—they look great. I can tell Reverend Kincaid can’t figure out how he got stuck with me, I am so not a churchy person, but I’ll tell you what, it was his lucky day. The stuff that has to be done around there? Painting, cleaning, organizing? Heck, I’ve had to make do so much of my life, that’s what I know best—making something decent out of a mess. Lots easier than computer programs.”

Jo Ellen leaned on her rake and laughed. “Would you like some iced tea?”

Ellie ran the palms of her hands down her pant legs. “Oh, gee, I’m a mess. I probably smell like paint and sweat, besides.”

“Better than me—I smell like compost. Why don’t I bring us some tea out here to the front porch. Just for a little break.”

“That’s awful nice of you. Thanks.” Gosh, Ellie secretly mused, I thought she didn’t like me. I thought I had tricked her into renting me that room.

Jo Ellen was a plain woman in her fifties, but she had a softness that made her pretty. Her hair was light brown and strung with gray, which gave it a dull appearance, and she pulled it back in a simple catch at the base of her neck. She didn’t wear makeup, which made perfect sense while gardening, but then, she hadn’t worn it when she first met Ellie, either. Her eyebrows had a nice arch, which made her expression pleasant. But what Ellie noticed about her for the first time, was that her complexion was clear and her skin tight and smooth. There was a little bit of sun on her cheeks and nose from her afternoon of outdoor work. And her smile, which Ellie hadn’t seen much of the first day they met, was lovely.

When Jo Ellen returned with two glasses of tea on a tray with a few cookies, Ellie said, “My gosh, Mrs. Fitch, this is just so nice of you.”

“It’s nothing, sweetheart. And call me Jo Ellen. Or Jo—that’s what my friends call me. It occurred to me that I hadn’t visited with you at all since you moved into your little apartment. You’ve been there a couple of weeks already! I didn’t want to bother you while you had your children with you, but now that you’re on your own again, I want to at least make an effort to get to know you a little bit.”

“I hope that’s okay. About the kids,” Ellie said. “Honestly, I didn’t think I’d ever get to have them overnight. It’s a mess, this custody business.” She sipped her tea. “Do you and Mr. Fitch have children?”

“I’m afraid not,” Jo said. “I’ll be honest with you—it’s one of the greatest disappointments in my life. I don’t have too much else to complain about, but I really wanted children.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I wish you had. My kids are the center of my world.”

“It must be hard for you to be away from them.”

“It’s all a terrible misunderstanding, and I’m going to get it straightened out as quick as I can. When they’re back with me where they belong, I’ll move—I won’t try to keep them here with me. I know you didn’t intend that room for more than one person anyway. But don’t worry, Mrs…. I mean, Jo—I won’t leave you owing rent. I promise.”