Amazing Love by Mae Nunn Page B

the truck visor back into place. He hoped his visit to the barber wasn’t an obvious sign of his last shred of vanity. It had been so long since he’d worried about his appearance and this silly concern was unsettling. After third degree burns had literally melted away his fame, he’d spent years avoiding mirrors. But there was no hiding from the look on the faces he’d encountered each day. His decision to undergo the painful and expensive reconstruction had been as much for the sake of others as for himself. He’d had a mission to fulfill and his appearance had become a distraction from the work he needed to accomplish. So he’d invested most of his savings in the surgeries and trusted God for the outcome.
    Now he’d found a woman and a community that didn’t seem to notice the last reminder of his foolish behavior. His heart told him to forget his past, but his instinct said otherwise. He had to remain vigilant. If the past caught up with him, the light of his mission would be snuffed out by the glare from his mistakes.
    A huge billboard towering seventy-five feet above the interstate beckoned drivers toward the exit that would lead them to Savage Cycles of Houston. Luke parked his truck close to the building and wandered through the wide glass doors. He crossed the brick-colored floor and stood in the center of the showroom. Turning in a slow circle, he whistled appreciation for the “high priced toys” that Claire had mentioned.
    He crossed to the display and openly admired the lead bike.
    â€œTry it on,” Claire called from across the room.
    He turned to see her striding toward him, lovely as always. “You sure?” he asked.
    â€œOf course. It’s like buying a hat. You’ve got to find the one that fits you perfectly.” She swept her hand in an arc, offering him a dozen to choose from.
    â€œYou don’t have to tell me twice.” He straddled the nearest one-of-a-kind Softail, settled against the plush leather and sighed his approval. “I bet the floors need mopping after men have been drooling over these bikes all day.”
    â€œWe don’t mind. It’s a hazard of the business.” She returned his quip. “Would you like that peek at my secret weapon now?”
    â€œAbsolutely,” he agreed, glad she’d brought it up so he wouldn’t have to ask again. Keeping the bike under wraps until the unveiling at the rally was probably an important part of her marketing strategy.
    She led the way through the showroom to the private design shop in the back. On the wall was a full-scale black-ink rendering of the Savage. Theincredible detail begged to be brought to life. As Luke stepped closer to admire the artist’s work, Claire dimmed the overhead lights giving the illusion that the drawing was glowing from behind. The soft light source increased until there was no doubt that this canvas was actually a backlit screen.
    At the touch of a button, the screen rose slowly on a hidden track revealing the Southern Savage showcased in a mirrored cave set back in the wall. Spotlights struck the super-stretch Softail from every angle. The beams served to deepen the hand-painted red-and-blue feathers floating on a field of white. The gas tank was detailed to resemble a headdress fit for a Texas Comanche Chief.
    â€œWhoa,” Luke breathed, as he stepped into the private showcase and circled the bike.
    â€œIsn’t she incredible?”
    He glanced up at Claire, who smiled her joy just as any proud parent might. He made several long strides to stand directly in front of the woman who had captured his attention.
    â€œShe’s incredible all right,” was his simple statement before his lips met hers.
    Though still brief, the kiss was deeper than the one they’d shared the night before. Claire thanked God for Luke’s tender and respectful approach. It was exactly what she needed but all she could