Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 67795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
She points to my kutte.
“Treasurer? How did that happen? And this time just try to answer the question. It might help to put down that chip on your shoulder.”
“Smart ass.”
Letty shrugs. “I have my moments.”
“I like the smart ass,” I tell her.
“Thanks, I think I do too.” Her smile and her words are genuine, and she seems more pleased by that compliment than the other.
“And the ass in your jeans. It really is spectacular.”
“Good to know.” She averts her gaze to the computer screen, but there’s nothing she can do to hide the blush.
“Are you offended, Letty?”
“No,” she sighs, and finally, eventually, her gaze meets mine. “I’m not offended, Shades. I appreciate the compliment. I just…don’t know what to make of you.”
“That makes two of us because I don’t know what to make of you either.”
She flashes a sweet but sexy smile. “You don’t have to say that.”
“I’m only saying it because it’s the truth.”
“Okay.”
“All right,” I reply, and her lips twitch with pent-up laughter.
“Shades,” she says with a patient sigh.
“Letty,” I say and smile before standing up and heading for the door.
“I’ll see you around.”
And then I get the hell out of there before I do something truly fucking stupid, like kiss her again.
Or bend that virgin pussy over the desk, and make her scream my name, begging me to give her more.
Chapter Eleven
Letty
I pull into the parking lot of Destiny of Life Church and let out a groan when I spot two motorcycles parked on opposite ends of the lot. He’s still here. I mean, they’re still here.
They, as in the Reckless Souls, have practically taken up residence inside the church for the past week. I’m sure they have a good reason. Pastor Braden assures me they do, but I don’t know what that reason is. Even though the other two, Preacher and Jordi, are nice enough guys, their presence unsettles me.
And Shades? His presence is the most unsettling of all.
I like him, and that’s a problem. He’s all wrong for me. Oh, and other than compliments he’s given, no indication that he actually has any interest in me. Which makes me feel foolish. And arrogant. All I know is that his being in the church for the past week has left me feeling discombobulated, and I don’t like it.
As I make my way to my office, now sporting a few more personal items, I mentally prepare my talk to Pastor Braden about the bikers. I don’t need a prepared speech, just a list of the things on my mind. When I have it all clear in my head, I bypass my office and head straight to his, knocking quickly before I lose my nerve.
“Good morning, Pastor Braden.”
He smiles up at me, patience shining in his eyes.
“Letty, you’re a grown woman now and an employee. Don’t you think it’s time you call me Frank?”
I frown and shake my head. “That doesn’t seem right, but if you prefer, then that’s what I’ll call you.”
Don’t let him distract you, Letty. Stand your ground.
“I don’t mind either way. I just wanted you to know that I’m not one to stand on ceremony.”
“I understand that, but would it be weird if I called you Frank on Sunday? Or Wednesday?”
He stares at me for a long time, and I can feel the weight of his perusal on the side of my face.
“You have a point. Pastor it is.”
“Thank you.” I smile and give a slight nod. “Uhm…I was thinking…” I pause, not knowing how to get this out without offending anyone.
“Something on your mind, Letty?”
“Yes, there is, and I’m glad you asked. Do you find it disconcerting to have the Reckless Souls hanging around all day, every single day?”
“No, I do not. They’re doing what it takes to protect the church, and I find that admirable.”
Admirable? Now, who’s full of it?
“Even if they’re protecting the church for selfish reasons?”
I still don’t have all the details, but I know what bags of cash mean. I’ve seen the movies and read the books.
“Yes, Letty, even then. We all have our own selfish reasons for being here, for worshipping the way we do. For me, spreading the word is a calling. I couldn’t do anything but this. Why are you here?”
I think about his words for a long time, longer than I should have, I’m afraid.
“I’m here because I believe in God, and I want to learn from you how to be a better Christian and a better person.”
“Why?”
I blink. “What do you mean why?”
“Why do you want that?”
His question makes me uncomfortable, but I answer anyway. “Because I want to do better in this world, as much good as I can before my time is over.”
“And that’s admirable, but who are we to judge which motives are right or wrong?” Pastor Braden lets out a patient sigh. “I understand your concerns, Letty, but what those men are doing here is good. I assure you they are doing it for the right reasons, whether you understand those reasons or not.”