Page 34 of Resisting Temptation (Men of Honor 3)
“I wasn’t sure I would be welcome, so I thought it was best to stay where I was,” she replies honestly, and even though it’s the answer I expected it still makes my chest constrict with guilt.
“You’re always welcome, Red.” Surprise registers again in her expression. Blowing out a breath I tread on. “Look, us running into each other again has been a lot to take in, for the both of us, but I meant what I said. You don’t have to stay away. I want you to be friends with the girls. They’re nice and they will be good to you. If it means we will run into each other more, then that’s okay. I don’t want things awkward for anyone and I especially don’t want you to feel like you can’t go to certain places because I might be there. Okay?” I feel proud of myself for not having that come out wrong, like it did in the truck the other day.
She watches me uncertain, but my gaze never wavers from hers, hoping she knows I mean every word. “All right, thank you.”
As soon as the soft reply comes from her, I get the overwhelming urge to take her in my arms, so I quickly take a step back and shove my hands in my pockets before they can do something stupid. I clear my throat and nod. “That brings me to the next thing I want to talk to you about. I want you to come to the gym for the next self-defense class that the guys put on, since it didn’t happen the other day.”
She tilts her head inquisitively and stares at me for a moment before asking quietly, “Do you teach it?”
“No. I won’t be teaching any of them, unless something happens and I have to. I’m not a real big people person.”
“No, you – not a people person – really? This is shocking news,” she teases with a faint smile, reminding me of what a smartass she is.
“Yeah, Evans thinks I’ll make too many chicks cry.” She giggles and the sound of it shoots straight to my dick again. Jesus, I fucking hate that… Kind of.
“That’s only because you don’t let anyone see the real you. If you did, then no one would be afraid of you.” I stare at her and watch as she shifts nervously and looks away, clearly not meaning to have said that out loud.
“Well, I guess I should get going since Katelyn is waiting.”
When she flips her braid over her shoulder, my eyes move to her chest and I freeze in shock… What the fuck!
“Bye,” she says softly, clearly not knowing where my attention has drawn.
I grab her arm before she can walk away, then reaching out with my finger I trace the swell of her perfect breast and over the small tattoo of a music note. The name Aadil is written through it in script then underneath it is the word Honorable.
At the sound of her breath hitching, my eyes shoot back up to hers and I see tears forming in their depths. She clears her throat and swallows thickly. “I got it done shortly after I got back home. I wanted something to remember him by, and to keep him close to my heart. I researched his name and found out it meant Honorable. It was perfect for him.”
When her voice cracks, I clench my jaw against the pain in my chest. Old shit starts rising to the surface fast, and before I let it drag me under, I pull her to me and press a hard kiss to the top of her head. “Be safe, Red. I’ll see you around.” Then turning around, I get the fuck out of there before I end up fucking shit up beyond repair.
CHAPTER 9
Faith
A few days later I am at the church, helping some of the youth get organized for their tasks, when Christopher comes rushing in, looking frazzled and stressed. A little girl trails behind him, holding his hand. His eyes scan the room and as soon as they land on me he rushes over.
“Listen, I’m really sorry but I needed to bring my sister with me today. I couldn’t leave her at my house… not today.”
I can tell by the worry etched on his face there is a good reason why he didn’t leave her at home. Instead of prying, I look down at the adorable little girl who is dressed in clothes too small for her and has big thick glasses that shield her pretty, bright blue eyes. They take up most of her face¸ and you can tell they have been broken a time or two by the tape that holds them together. She has the same light brown hair as her brother and warm olive skin tone.
I smile at Christopher reassuringly. “That’s no problem, Christopher. I told you everyone is welcome in this church, and that includes your sister.” The little girl peeks around him and smiles up at me.
“Thanks. I promise she won’t cause any problems. She will sit right over there until I am done.” His sister pushes her big glasses higher on the bridge of her tiny nose and scowls up at him, clearly unimpressed to be cast aside.
“I have a better idea,” I say as an idea forms. “I was actually just leaving to go visit my new friend at her bakery, and get a slice of her pie that I’ve heard is the best in the world. Would it be okay if I brought your sister along with me so I have some company?”
The little girl’s face lights up excitedly. “Oh tan I pwease, Twistiphwor?” Christopher looks around unsure, clearly not liking the idea as much as his sister. It’s obvious he’s very protective of her.
“It’s only down the street and we won’t stay too long,” I add, trying to reassure him.
He glances down at his sister’s hopeful face before finally giving in. “All right. Just… don’t be gone with her too long.”
