The Divine Temptation (18+) (Forbidden Priest Romance)

6. Creamy Nose (Edited)

' Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.'

Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)

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Gabriel

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The heat of the room was stifling as I scooped up part of the casserole and placed it into my ever-drying mouth, each swallow paining as much as the last.

"So, how have you been recently, Bethany? I haven't seen you around as much," my father asks as I shift in my seat.

"I'm well, Father Richard. I've recently been given a promotion at work. Gabriel's just been so busy that we haven't had much time to spend together, but it was nice of him to invite me to dinner today. Thank you, Gabriel." I feel her eyes move to me. My father's head turns when I don't respond, and he narrows his eyes at me, nodding in the direction of Bethany, gesturing for me to give thanks. I shuffle the food on my plate before lifting my head, our eyes not quite meeting.

"It's nothing," I say. I reach for my glass of water and gulp a couple of times, moistening my mouth, before returning my attention to my plate.

"Well, congratulations on the promotion. I'm sure you'll do great." My father and Bethany continue their conversation as we finish our meals. The last thing I want to do is spend even a second longer at this table.

"You know, Gabriel, I was thinking that you and Bethany could maybe start progressing further with your relationship." My movements still as I drop my fork on the table beside my plate. The sound of metal and wood echoes in the room, followed by silence.

"And what relationship would that be?" I direct the question to my father.

My father scowls in my direction, his nostrils flaring. He quickly hides his growing anger, shifting his face into a smile.

"I was young once, Gabriel. I know two lovebirds when I see 'em," he says, gesturing to me and Bethany.

Bethany smiles, a blush creeping on her face, as my own jaw tightens.

"There's no relationship, and you know that." I don't waste any more time at the dinner table, and stand up, chucking my napkin over my plate, before heading out the front door.

I walk out the gate, walking in any direction, not worried where my feet take me. The streets are both empty and quiet, assuming everyone is now in their homes. I take a glance at my watch, noting that it's not that long past 5 pm now.

I stroll down the streets, my hands in my pockets, frustration brewing within me at my own father's attempt at creating a relationship between Bethany and me.

I rub one of my hands over my jaw in hopes of releasing the tension from clenching my teeth.

I've been walking for around five minutes, not noting the journey taken, until I hear someone behind me.

"Gabriel?" It's not until I turn around that I recognise the street I had now ended up walking down. Evangeline is standing outside in her front garden, a trash bag in hand, in what I can only assume are her pyjamas.

"Uh, yeah." I flash an awkward smile, not realising that I've just indirectly walked back to Evangeline's home.

"Have you been standing out here for an hour?" Her face transforms from confused to somewhat horrified. My face mirrors hers as I grasp her question.

"No, no." I shake my head. "I may or may not have had a slight disagreement with my father, and I've just decided to go on a walk," I tell her the truth. Her facial expression returns to a normal one as she opens up the lid of the bin and throws her bag inside.