Free Drummer Boy by Toni Sheridan Page A

mind?
    Edward’s seatbelt clicked as he undid it and he turned, put his arm around her, and leaned in more forcefully this time. “Come on. Just one kiss. If you really aren’t into it, I’ll let you out.”
    She shoved him away. “I’m already not into it.” Dear God, please help me get out of this. Please. “It’s totally uncool to try to force someone to kiss you.”
    “Oh, c’mon. Relax. I’m just joking around.” He stroked her cheek but didn’t release her shoulder.
    A vehicle pulled into the driveway behind them, and Jane was even more irritated. It probably looked like she was smooching this jerk. “I don’t share your sense of humor, and no means no . Maybe you’ve never heard that before?” She yanked away, and then someone tapped on the window and a familiar voice made her freeze.
    “Jane? Are you all right?”
    Edward sighed, slid back in his seat, then pressed the unlock button without looking at Jane.
    “Yes,” she said, relief, anger, and sudden, irrational embarrassment, surging through her as she climbed out of the car.
    Tim glanced through the open door at Edward, a scowl marring his usually peaceful face. “What’s going on?”
    “Nothing,” Jane said, cheeks burning.
    Edward smiled and held his hands up in a placating manner. “Sorry. Didn’t realize you were involved with someone else.” He revved his engine and peeled out of the driveway, narrowly missing Tim’s car.
    “Are you OK?” Tim repeated.
    “I’m fine, Tim. Fine.” Jane’s face flamed hotter. “Just a stupid date. I don’t need a white knight. Not every woman’s waiting around to be rescued.”
    “I didn’t think…” Tim’s voice petered out as he stumbled for words. “You’re dating that guy?”
    Jane shrugged, staring into the distance.
    “I’m sorry. I was just dropping by—I…” Tim practically ran to his idling car.
    “Wait, Tim, I’m sorry.”
    But he was already clicking his seatbelt. “I should’ve called. I wasn’t trying to interrupt.” His door slammed shut.
    Jane hated his obvious misunderstanding—confusion triggered by her.
    Not until she’d gotten inside did she realize she’d asked God for help and He’d offered it in Tim.
    And she’d failed to thank either of them.
     
     
     
     

12
     
    Tim tapped softly, happy to play slow songs, to not have to exert much energy because, for once, he didn’t have a lot of it. He didn’t understand what had happened. OK, that was a lie. He understood exactly what had happened.
    Jane was dating another guy. Or maybe more than one other guy.
    But why? Yeah, they weren’t a couple of any kind, but it hadn’t occurred to him to even look at another female in months. Why would he? He had Jane.
    That’s what was so stupid. He didn’t have Jane. They’d flirted, and he’d asked her to consider dating, but she’d shot him down. He wanted to write it off as nerves, but he should’ve taken the big, fat hint.
    Her line about not wanting to see anyone was an attempt to be kind. She meant he gave God everything. He had nothing for anyone else. No woman wants to be second string.
    Tim rebuked that line of thinking, knowing where it came from, but his heart didn’t get any lighter.
    In front of him, the worship team stopped singing, started praying. He bowed his head, too.
    After a few minutes, Conrad, the senior pastor, said, “I know it’s been a tough week for some of you. You’re facing big questions, some hard times, but I want to remind you of God’s promise to Jeremiah, ancient encouragement that is meant for all God’s people, past and present: ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
    Is that true, Lord? Tim asked in his head, but he knew it was. I’m sorry for doubting, and I’m sorry that sometimes I get caught up in what I want, forget to pray that Your will be done, not mine. If I’m not meant to be with Jane, help