Page 66 of Resisting Temptation (Men of Honor 3)
Uh oh…“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Dad.”
“Oh and why is that?”
I shift nervously, not sure how to tell him about Cade’s feelings on God and religion. “Well, he is different than us. He…um well…” Oh heck, I shake my head and decide to just spill it. “He doesn’t believe in God. Actually, he despises the very idea of Him.”
My father’s expression stays the same but I see something flash in his eyes, something that looks like judgment, but I can tell he’s trying not to. I explain further. “His seven-year-old sister was raped and murdered by a man who claimed he was a minister and said it was God’s will.”
Shock flashes in his eyes yet I also see understanding. Which I knew he would, my father is a very understanding man. “Well if anything was to make someone question their belief in God that would do it, wouldn’t it?”
I nod and swallow thickly. “He hasn’t had a very easy life and I barely know the half of it.”
He watches me thoughtfully for a moment. “You know, Faith, the more I think about it the more I realize us coming here was a very good thing. Not only for our family but for others too. I have a very strong feeling everything is going to fall into place and turn out exactly how it was always meant to.” With that, he leans over and presses a kiss to the top of my head before getting up and walking out.
I think about his parting comment and know what he’s getting at. I can’t say I disagree with him completely, just look at Ruth Jean and Christopher. I hope he’s right and that everything does fall into place, not only for us but also for Cade. Even if that place isn’t with me, I still want him to be happy and not hurt, which I know he does. I pack up my stuff then grab Christopher so we can go pick up Ruth Jean from Mom and Papa.
As we walk out to my SUV, Christopher grabs my arm gently to stop me. I look back to see his expression twisted with guilt. “I’m really sorry about your face, Faith.”
I smile softly and try not to wince at the pain it brings. “It’s okay, it wasn’t your fault and it really was an accident.”
He nods then clears his throat. “And I want to say thanks for having my back in there.”
I give him a quick hug, which causes him to tense, then step back while keeping hold of his shoulders. “I will always have your back, Christopher, no matter what, but… you need to cool it with the fighting.” I put my hand up to silence his argument. “I know Ryan started it and I know he may have even deserved it, but you have to learn to control your actions. He said those things to you because he knew it would set you off and he was right.”
He blows out a frustrated breath. “I know, I’m sorry. Sometimes there is only so much I can take.”
I nod. “And I understand that too, but I need you to really try. Besides, I’m sure things are going to start to get easier now.”
He grunts, not believing me, then heads over to the SUV and gets in. I get in on my side then look over at him. “Is there anything you’re interested in? Any sports, or something that you want to play? It would be a good way for you to hang out with other kids.”
He barrels out a bitter laugh. “No. I’m not much of a sports guy and the last people I want to be around are those arrogant jerks.”
“Okay. Well, there must be something that interests you. Something that you always wanted to try or do?”
Something passes over his face, but it’s so quick I start to wonder if I imagined it.
“Nope.”
Hmmm. I don’t believe that… I suddenly think about the way he was looking at Alissa, and not being able to help myself I give him a knowing smile.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” he asks nervously.
“I knew I was right about Alissa.”
“You know nothing. We were just talking.”
We both know he’s lying. “Mhmm. Okay.”
“It’s true!”
“All right.” He grunts then looks out his window. “I just want to let you know I have her number if…”
“Faith! I’m serious. I’m not talking to you about chicks, so let it go.”
“Why not?” I ask, offended. “I am perfect to talk to about chicks. I am one.”
He shakes his head. “Forget it, there’s nothing to talk about. She just came over and said hi. We barely spoke before Ryan came over and started crap.”
“Well maybe next time you should approach her. Why don’t you ask her out for some ice cream or something?” He looks back at me like I’m a complete loser. “What? What’s wrong with ice cream?”
“Faith, I’m fifteen, not twelve.”
“What does age have to do with it? I’m twenty-four and I love going for ice cream.” When he quirks a brow at me, I roll my eyes. “Okay, fine then. What about asking her to a movie?”
“Right, and how the hell am I supposed to do that when I have no money? And what am I going to take her on? My skateboard?”
I chuckle at the image of him taking her on his skateboard. “No, you guys can walk, it’s a small town. Or I have no problem driving you.” Again he looks at me like I’m crazy but I continue. “As for money, I will give you some. If you ever need money, Christopher, for anything, you can always ask me.”
“No. You’re already doing lots for Ruth Jean and me.” I’m about to argue but he doesn’t let me. “Besides, all that doesn’t matter anyway, she is better off without me.”
“Says who?” I ask angrily.
“Says me and everyone else in this town.”
“Well you and everyone else are wrong. Alissa would be lucky to have a chance with someone like you.”
