Page 27 of A Taste of Grace

“I adore Nita, the girls, and you, so it’s free.”

It didn’t go over my head that Grace included me in her adoration list. Those subtle, flirty insertions made me want to draw even closer to her.

“I always pay my debts. Tell you what. Join the girls and me after church for Sunday dinner. Come to Sunday service too. You can then drive over here afterward.”

Grace gazed into the dining room as if considering my offer.

“I’d love to see the girls again, so yes. But only if you let me bring something for dinner. I’m a pretty good cook, even if I say so myself.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I released her fingers and thrust my hands in my pockets.

Grace made herself comfortable on the couch as I went to my bedroom and changed. When I returned in a crew neck T-shirt and basketball shorts, she was snuggled on my couch reading some Bible Study notes I left on the coffee table.

“First Corinthians, chapter ten. You’ve highlighted the passage about temptation,” she said.

“Yes, as a pastor, I have to crucify my flesh daily. Look at how you’re tempting me tonight.” I gestured toward Grace’s body and shook my head.

Grace lowered to the table and stared at me.

“The feeling is mutual.”

Grace’s eyes drew me in like magnets as she checked me out and bit her lip before giving me the sweetest of smiles. Although she wore no makeup, her natural beauty shone as bright as the morning sun.

I often counseled couples about the temptations of the flesh, but it always hit differently when I felt tempted. My time with Roxanne came from a place of pain, but being with Grace warmed me from the inside out.

Since I had a strong relationship with God, I trusted the peace that overtook me in Grace’s presence. What I felt was more than lust. I wanted Grace’s body, but I hungered to know the mysteries of her mind and emotions too. It was as if I had broken a fast and was at an endless buffet. I didn’t know whereto start, but I knew that Grace could satisfy my hunger. Her eyes held something mysterious and drew me to her like a drug. We matched wits, and that wasn’t easy when I had to be so serious as the senior pastor of one of the largest churches in the tri-state area.

“Tell me about yourself, Grace.”

She checked her watch and frowned.

“It’s almost midnight. Aren’t you tired?”

I reached for her hand and held it firm.

“No. It’s rare for me to connect so quickly with someone who makes me want to get to know them better. I’m a conversationalist by nature. As a single father and a pastor who most people think is superhuman, it’s nice to just be Caleb.”

“I see.” Grace’s eyes crinkled.

“You’re kind and go above and beyond for my girls. I checked in on them. Their hair and nails are beautiful. Because of your care, I trust you and your heart.” I released her arm and leaned back, placing a throw pillow over my lap.

“Thank you. Speaking of your girls, do you know how badly they want a mother?”

I laughed.

“It’s all they talk about.”

“I know. They’re getting bullied at school because they aren’t like the other girls. They also told me how the women at church want you but not them.” Grace kept her voice low as silence lingered in the air.

I breathed deeply, disappointed that my babies shared such disturbing information with Grace. I had no idea they knew all of this. I felt the need to defend myself.

“It’s not easy being a pastor. People are drawn to the anointing of God on me as much as they are to me as a man. I try to protect my daughters as much as I can, but I guess I’m notdoing enough.” I stared toward the hallway, my mind wandering as I tried to problem solve yet again.

I thought of Hannah and Esther’s pitiful faces as they begged for a mother.

“I know you’re trying, but there is no way that your daughters should carry that burden.”

“They obviously trust you, so thank you for easing some of that tonight.”

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