The Selfless Act by Wanda E. Brunstetter Read Free Book Online

the idea of pressing either of my feet on the gas pedal or brake holds no appeal right now.”
    “I don’t mind driving,” she replied, relieved that he hadn’t mentioned going out to dinner again. It could be construed as a date, and she wasn’t ready for that.

    Akron
    When Kristi entered the church sanctuary the following morning, she spotted Darin sitting halfway down at one end of a pew. Several people stood in the aisle talking to him, so Kristi held back until they moved on.
    “How are your knees?” she asked.
    “Still a little tender this morning, and there’s some swelling, but you were right—they are both bruised.” He placed his hand on each knee and grimaced. “Ice helps some, but I wish there was something else I could put on the bruises.”
    “Actually, there is.” Kristi reached into her purse and pulled out a tube of Arnica. “This is a homeopathic remedy available at most health food stores. Why don’t you take it home and try it?” She handed the tube of medicine to him.
    “Thanks, Kristi. I’ll buy you a replacement as soon as I can.”
    “There’s no need for that. I have another one at home.” She removed her coat, draping it over one arm.
    Darin slid over a ways. “Why don’t you sit beside me? The service is about to start.”
    Kristi glanced at her parents, sitting in the row behind them, and couldn’t help but notice Mom’s giddy demeanor.
She was happy when I told her I’d gone skating with Darin and the teens last night, so she’d probably be thrilled if I sit with him now.
    The worship team had already started the first song, but other people were filing in, so Kristi could still take a seat with her parents. But she decided to sit beside Darin, so she slid in next to him.
    Kristi set her purse on the floor by her feet and laid her coat over the back of the pew. She opened the bulletin and quickly scanned it to see what was on this week’s agenda. Then she glanced around, feeling a little nervous.
Sure hope this doesn’t start any rumors going around the church. The last thing I need is for people to think I’m making a play for our new youth pastor.

    Joel hadn’t slept well—mostly because he’d had a dream about Kristi. She was still on his mind after he’d gotten dressed and eaten breakfast, and it bothered him a lot.
Why am I thinking about her all of a sudden? I haven’t talked to Kristi for several months. Could the dream I had be a sign that I should contact her again?
    He squinted at his reflection in the hall mirror and released an impatient huff.
I wonder how she’d respond if I showed up at church today and tried talking to her. Would she listen? Would she consider giving me a second chance?
    Joel stepped into his bedroom, opened the closet door, and pulled out his nicest jacket.
If I hurry, I can probably make it to church before the service ends. Think I’ll throw caution to the wind and give it a try.
    When Joel arrived at the church, his stomach quivered, and he began to have second thoughts. If Kristi was here today, she’d no doubt be sitting with her folks. Since neither of them cared that much for Joel, they might ask him to leave. For that matter, Kristi could just as easily tell him to get lost. But maybe with so many Christians around her, she’d be less apt to make an undesirable scene.
This could give me an edge,
he thought.
    All those weeks after their breakup, Joel had tried to contact Kristi, and she’d never returned any of his calls. How much clearer could she make it?
    He stepped into the entryway and hesitated.
It’d probably be best if I turn around now and head for home, but since I’m here, I may as well go through with it.
    Joel opened the door to the sanctuary and stepped inside, careful to shut it quietly. The worship team was on the platform, and some woman Joel had never met was reading scripture from the front of the room.
    He stood there a few minutes, scanning the pews, hoping Kristi would be somewhere near the