Page 38 of Resisting Temptation (Men of Honor 3)
“Hey, Sis. Did you have fun?”
“Oh yes, it was de best. Gwace is so nice and her pie is dewicious. Den we wan into dese big guys, one wooked stary but Faif says he’s a good guy. He saved her wife from bad guys a wong time ago.” Christopher looks over at me with questions in his eyes, but doesn’t ask any. Which is good because I’m feeling a little too off to talk about it right now.
“Listen,” he says quietly, stepping closer to me, “I don’t have any money on me right now, but I will pay you back for however much the pie was when…”
I wave him away, “No, no. I never expected that, and it doesn’t matter because my friend Grace gave it to us on the house.”
His eyes narrow suspiciously, not believing me, until Ruth Jean nods in confirmation. “All right, well thanks a lot for taking her. Can you say thank you, Ruth Jean?”
He puts her down so he can pick up his bag. She runs up to me and wraps her arms around my waist. “Tanks so much, Faif. I weally am gwad we awe fwiends now.”
I return her smile and squeeze her back. “Me too, Ruth Jean. You’re welcome to come with your brother anytime. I would love your company again.” Leaning down, I give her a kiss on the head before letting her go. Christopher watches me, and, as usual, it’s hard to tell what he’s thinking.
“Can I give you guys a ride home?”
He quickly shakes his head. “No, we’re fine. But thanks anyways.”
I want to push the idea. Especially after what Ruth Jean just said. I want to see where they live and find out more, but I know by his expression there is no use. “All right then, I guess I’ll see you soon.”
Nodding, he takes Ruth Jean’s hand and heads toward the door, but not before glancing at Alissa one more time.
Following him outside, I lean over and whisper, “Her name is Alissa.”
His eyes shoot to me in surprise before they narrow. “So? I don’t care.”
I bite back my smile and shrug, “Just thought you might want to know.”
He grunts moodily. “Yeah, well I don’t.”
“Okay,” I reply easily, but he knows I don’t believe him. Shaking his head, he starts down the stairs then kneels down so Ruth Jean can jump on his back. My heart swells at seeing the rough, tough-looking boy be so gentle with his sister. He reminds me that much more of Cade. Hard on the outside but soft on the inside. “Bye, Christopher,” I say softly before turning to walk into the church.
He nods and Ruth Jean gives me one last beaming smile before they head off.
I can’t help the sudden feeling of panic that plagues me at letting them walk away, because I know something isn’t right with their home life. I decide I’m going to find out what is going on and help any way I can. Because I will not watch another child be destroyed if I can do something about it. Not ever again.
CHAPTER 10
Cade
A few mornings later, I decide to head to the park for my run, wanting the fresh air. I made sure to leave a little earlier than usual, hoping to have most of the trail to myself, but of course, as luck would fucking have it, someone is already here. And who does that someone have to be? The one fucking girl who plagues my every waking thought. I come to a sudden stop and my heart speeds up with anticipation at getting to see her again. I instantly want to punch myself for the fucking reaction.
After she’s done tying her shoes, she stands up and sticks her ear buds in her ears. I take in her small, lithe body that’s hugged in the best fucking way by her workout shorts and tank, then immediately curse my dick for twitching at the sight.
As if sensing the weight of my stare, she turns around and her gaze finds mine. Surprise flashes in her eyes before she gets a sassy smile. “First the bakery, now here? If I didn’t know any better, Walker, I would think you’re following me.”
Her smart mouth turns my semi-erect cock painfully hard. I narrow my gaze at her and grunt, hoping she doesn’t notice. “I moved here first, remember, Red?” Her response is watching me with an amused smile. “I didn’t know you run?”
Her smile slips. “I started doing it after Iraq, it’s been a huge part of my healing process,” she admits softly. My chest pulls tight at thinking what kind of healing process she’s had to go through.
Before I can apologize for being an ass, she stands taller and her sassy smile returns. “I’ve actually become quite fast, if I do say so myself. Let’s see if you can keep up… Unless you’re not up for it?” She doesn’t even give me a chance to respond; as soon as the smartass taunt leaves her mouth, she takes off. Oh, she is challenging the wrong fucking person when it comes to this shit. I give her a few seconds of glory before I catch up to her. Slowing down, I keep myself just in front of her and glance back. She smiles, accepting my challenge and speeds up. I have to admit she’s quick, but not anywhere close to my quick. I keep my pace and always make sure I am just ahead of her, baiting her.
“Don’t get too cocky, Walker. My legs are much shorter than yours, which means I am working harder than you.” Looking back, I quirk an amused brow at her, which makes her speed up again. She’s damn persistent that’s for sure.
Her breathing becomes heavier as she continues to push herself and tries to pass me. I notice the light sheen of sweat dotting her skin, giving it a glowing effect, and it reminds me of another time I made her look like that, except it was much more fun than this. Jesus, I need to get fucking laid. If only my dick would work for anyone else, but the sight of her…
