Page 16 of Sin With Me

“Died of a broken heart?”

“She misses my father. He died out in the field while serving the country.” That was partially true, and it would have to be enough for now. I wasn’t ready to talk about how my dad had just disappeared from our lives and left us with so many unanswered questions.

“And how did you end up in Pace?” he asked.

“I needed a change,” I shrugged. “I needed to find myself.” Somehow telling Father Cameron that my mother kept repeating the words “Jack Pace” sounded crazy. Yet something about living here felt right. It was funny how this same little town I hadn’t wanted to come to was quickly beginning to feel likehome.

“Well, you’re in the perfect place to do so.” His genuine smile warmed me, and for the first time since meeting Father Cameron and lusting after him, I felt like he could be an actual friend. If he kept his shirt on, thatis.

“Thank you. I think so too. Father Cameron?”

He cocked his head to the side, waiting for me to continue.

“You have scars on your back. Can I ask what happened?”

“Kidney surgery when I was young.”

What about the round red mark? Where did that come from? Though I wanted to ask him, I was afraid that further questions about any parts of his body would heat my cheeks evenmore.

“Thank you for talking to me about your family. It was… nice.”

“It was my pleasure, Kate. And thank you for listening. Usually I’m the one on the receiving end of a conversation.”

“Well, if you ever want to talk, I’m here. I’m pretty good at keeping secrets.”

He leaned in closer and I felt his breath on myface.

“Not as good as I am.” He winked, then grinned, and I laughed at his witticism. “If you excuse me, I must go take a shower, otherwise in a few minutes I won’t be as pleasant to sit nextto.”

I doubted that, and wanted to take a whiff to test it out. Instead, I smiled as he tucked the black shirt and clerical collar under his arm and left. I wish I could say that lack of his presence removed at least a portion of the heat I felt when I thought about him, but that would be alie.

---