Page 39 of A Taste of Grace

Although I was embarrassed by her gushing, I received Denise’s compliments without flinching.

“Thank you, Ms. Denise.”

“Of course. Everyone raves about you in this family. It’s great to finally meet the woman who has charmed my granddaughters and my son.” She released my hand and embraced me in a tight hug.

I hugged her back and beamed, delighted that the Stallings enjoyed my presence as much as I enjoyed theirs.

“The feeling is mutual. The Stallings are quickly becoming my favorite family.”

Ms. Denise squeezed my shoulders.

“You’ll fit right in. Banana pudding is our favorite dessert.” She eyed the glass container of pudding and smiled.

The woman before me was much friendlier than the regal lady sitting at the front of the church. I see where Caleb got his charm.

“Girls, help me in the kitchen while Daddy takes Ms. Grace out back to show her the patio.” She opened the pantry door and removed two monogrammed aprons for Hannah and Esther, who came running as soon as she called them.

“Can we taste the dressing and red berry sauce?” Esther hopped like a bunny as Hannah shifted from foot to foot.

By now, I recognized their gestures of excitement and grinned at how happy and loved they were.

“Of course. Pass me a couple of spoons from that drawer so you can sample this cornbread dressing and cranberry sauce.”

As the girls followed their grandmother’s instructions, Caleb offered his hand to me, leading me outside and to the back of the house. When I exited onto a large wooden deck, he ushered me to the corner of the deck where I stood and viewed a small pond in the distance.

“This is beautiful.”

Caleb turned his head my way.

“You’re beautiful.”

When I met his gaze, he set his hand on my waist and left it there. I moved closer to him and put my hand on his shoulder, allowing myself to relax in his arms.

“How are you, Pastor Stallings?”

I didn’t want to call him Caleb after I became aroused from a darn prayer.

“I’m better now that you’re here. Did you enjoy today’s service?”

In his eyes, I could see how sincere he was about the question and wanting me to answer him.

“I did. You’re an amazing pastor. The people love you so much. It was an honor to see God’s presence move through you.”

“Thank you.” Caleb stepped so close to me that I smelled the heady scent of his cologne.

I stilled my body and closed my eyes to take in the chirping of the birds around us. This moment centered me. Being with Caleb made me feel as if I was home, or at least in a version of home that represented who I desired to be. This was the healed and open version of me. Without overthinking, I raised my arms and wrapped them around his neck. When he leaned closer, I smiled. He lowered his neck and spoke directly into my ear.

“I want to kiss you again.”

A delicious shiver traveled down my spine as I let my mind soar.

“You know you can.” I sucked in my lips and smiled, feeling shy yet wanting to experience the warmth of his full, naturally pink lips again.

Caleb chuckled then lifted his hand to the back of my neck and pulled me closer to him. I closed my eyes, anxious to feel his lips on mine. When they landed, my heart leaped. I relaxed my jaw, allowing him to press his hard body close. Muscles filled myhands as heat and anticipation overtook me. I parted my lips, hungry to taste more of this anointed, sexy man whose presence enticed and comforted me. He didn’t hesitate to slide his wet tongue between my teeth. I reached behind him and rested my hands on his muscular back to hold him in place as I boldly twirled my tongue with his.

“Damn.” I opened my eyes and caught myself, instantly covering my mouth with my hand.

“It’s okay, Grace. I feel the same way.”

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