Page 23 of Resisting Temptation (Men of Honor 3)
“I’m so excited to meet them. From everything you have told me about them, they sound wonderful. So it’s their husbands who own the gym we’re going to, right?”
“Yes. Well one is a husband and one is a fiancé. The other guy is their friend, and, let me tell you, the man is dead sexy. He might be the best looking one of them all, but he is also one scary dude.” I quirk a brow at her.
“Seriously. I normally try not to make eye contact for fear he might murder me on the spot.” I burst out laughing and shake my head. “Whatever, you will see what I mean. Anyways, how is the church coming along for you and your dad? I feel terrible I haven’t been there as much as I’d like to help.”
I wave away her guilt. “Don’t. You’re a businesswoman now and have your own things to worry about. The church is coming along nicely; it will hopefully be finished in a couple of weeks. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of the youth in this town, thanks to their parents who have been sending them to come give a hand.”
“What about that other kid? Is he still showing up to do his community service?”
I think about the angry fifteen-year-old boy who reminds me so much of someone else I met a couple of years ago. Someone who I try not to think about on a daily basis. “The boy’s name is Christopher, and yes, he still comes, not that he has any choice in the matter.” I pause for a moment. “I feel bad for him. You can tell he’s a good kid; he’s just in a bad place. I’ve tried to reach out to him but he acts like he would rather eat nails than associate with me.”
Katelyn glances over at me. “You can’t help everyone, Faith, but I know if anyone can reach out to him, it will be you.”
I smile over at her. “Thanks.”
“Did Cooper ever tell you what he did to get community service?” she asks, talking about the very attractive sheriff I’ve gotten to meet twice so far.
“Not really. Cooper did check in the other day, and asked me how he was doing. He agreed that Christopher seemed like a good kid, but that he’s also an angry one. I told him I would keep him up to date. Cooper seems like a great guy and like he really cares.”
Katelyn smiles genuinely, “He is seriously the best. He watches over everyone in this town, but especially Kayla’s friends. He has done a lot for me. You will love Kayla too.”
Hearing about all the amazing people Katelyn has met here, and how well she is doing, makes me so happy. She did not have it easy growing up. Her parents—my aunt and uncle—are not good people.
“Okay, we’re here,” Katelyn announces, pulling me from my thoughts. We park in front of the tall, brick building that’s just off the main drag in town. It’s one of the few areas I haven’t been yet. I’ve been so busy with getting settled in at my new place and helping at the church that I haven’t got to venture out much.
“I am so excited for this. I can’t wait to kick some ass,” she squeals excitedly as we get out of the car. “Kolan has shown me some moves, but you know him, he would rather beat people up for me than have me do it myself.”
Oh yes, her brother is as protective as they come, and he’s a natural born fighter. Which is probably more because of my asshole uncle, who gave him no other choice if he wanted to survive. My stomach churns and I try to push the nasty thought away. I’m just about to ask how Kolan is doing, but as soon as we walk in the gym doors we come face to face with some of the prettiest girls I have ever seen. They all rush up to Katelyn to give her a hug. I shift uncomfortably and wait patiently, with probably what is the most awkward smile on my face.
A brunette girl with bright aquamarine eyes walks up to me, while everyone else takes turns hugging my cousin. Her warm smile instantly settles my nerves. “Hi. You must be Faith. It’s great to finally meet you. Katelyn has told us so much about you.”
I’m just about to respond when Katelyn walks over and slings her arm around me. “Yup, this is my cousin and best girl,” she responds cheerfully, giving me a big dramatic smooch on the cheek. Her introduction warms my heart.
“Faith, that’s Julia,” she says, pointing to the girl who just approached me. “Kayla,” she points to a blond girl with dark blue eyes, who I know is Cooper’s fiancée. “And that sweetness right there is Grace.” The other blond girl with warm amber eyes waves shyly. Her cheeks now tinged pink with a blush at being called sweetness. If I recall correctly, she’s the one with the pie bakery I haven’t had the chance to visit yet.
I give a little wave back. “Hi girls, it’s nice to meet you. Katelyn has told me great things about you all. Thank you for inviting me to join you today.”
“No problem,” Julia replies kindly. “We are glad you could come.”
“Yup. Any friend of Katelyn’s is a friend of ours,” Kayla adds, as we all walk over and sit on the mat in front of the big sparring ring.
“Okay, so you guys have to come on Saturday morning to Centennial Park,” Katelyn says while pointing behind her to where I am assuming this park is located. “I will be teaching my first outdoor yoga class.” She claps her hands excitedly, bringing a smile to my face.
“Oh that’s great. I need the workout,” Julia responds, not looking like she needs a workout at all.
With a scoff, Kayla speaks my thoughts. “Julia, whatever. Seriously, how the hell do you go from having a baby in your belly only a month ago to having some supermodel fucking body again?”
