Breathless by Kathryn J. Bain Page A

jeans, frayed at the bottom, covered worn tennis shoes.
    â€œLincolnville Church,” Phyllis said as she answered the telephone a few feet away. “Please hold.” She set the receiver on her shoulder, and let out a loud sigh. Her morning must have been as bad as Matthew’s night. “Matthew, this is Tammy Wiley. She seems real interested in your driving Lydia Frederickson home yesterday evening. She’s asking questions about what you two talked about and where her car is. Any suggestions on how you’d like it handled?”
    Matthew let out a moan, smoothing his hair. “I’ll leave that up to you.” Her short tone told him this call had been one of many. That was the problem with a small town. Everyone knew what you did five minutes after you did it.
    â€œTammy. I believe the pastor doesn’t deem his personal life any of my business. Maybe we should plant a bug in his jacket to get exact quotes when he goes out again. After all, there’s little else for us to concern ourselves with, is there…? I see... Well it’s been nice talking to you, too.” A frown crossed over Phyllis as she replaced the receiver on its cradle. “From here on in, I expect an itinerary, and a list of subjects you’ll be discussing when you go out with any other single woman in this community. It would definitely save me some trouble.”
    Matthew let out a loud laugh.
    â€œYou were with Lydia last night?” Jimmy slurred his words as he lifted himself from the chair.
    â€œLet’s go to my office, and make ourselves comfortable.” Matthew pointed the way.
    â€œI’m not about to talk to you.” Jimmy spun sharply toward his father before returning a glare to Matthew. “You leave her alone. She deserves better than you.” He jerked around Matthew and stormed out.
    â€œI’m sorry.” Matthew knew it wasn’t his fault, but felt an apology would soften any hard feelings. Jimmy’d been looking for an excuse to leave, and he’d found it.
    â€œI’ll bet you are.” James’s expression remained cold. “Certain members of our flock won’t appreciate you coming on to the single women in this community so soon after arriving.”
    Matthew disliked the way James always used the word flock, it was old-fashioned and Pharisee-like. The way he pronounced it gave an added haughty air to his already egotistical disposition.
    â€œIf you must know,” Matthew said through gritted teeth. “Ms. Frederickson’s car broke down on the interstate. I’m not about to leave her sitting alone by the side of the road where who knows what could happen.” Matthew worked to contain his anger. “Secondly, I try not to listen to what a bunch of gossips have to say.”
    â€œLet me make myself clear,” James said. “You weren’t my first choice for pastor. I understand Ms. Frederickson is beautiful, but that’s no reason to lose your perspective on things.”
    Matthew fought the urge to sock the man in the jaw. “I have not lost my perspective. I told you merely seconds ago, the woman’s car broke down, and I happened by. We had it towed to my brother-in-law’s shop, and I invited her out for a bite.” He twisted over his shoulder toward Phyllis. “In case you’re asked, she had a ham and cheese sandwich, and I had a burger.”
    Returning to James, Matthew continued. “When we were told it wouldn’t be ready until the next day, I offered her a ride, which she graciously accepted. I’m not sure why I feel the need to explain again , but there it is. I would have done the same if you’d been sitting out on the interstate.” He chose not to say aloud that he found her more captivating.
    â€œHow nice of you.” James’s jowls went red. “I wouldn’t want you accused of doing something you aren’t. You have plenty of time to date whatever