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

17. Naked

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.'

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

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Evangeline

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"Oh my god, do you remember when we snuck out and headed to that house party three towns over? You ended up practically naked in some random person's bush," I say, trying to stem my loud laugh so as not to disturb the other diners.

"Yeah, well at least I wasn't banned from Target for three years."

"Hey. Hey hey, wait, that's not fair, and you know it," I smile hard, reflecting on the time when Jonathan and I tried to purchase alcohol underage, and I stole a Target worker vest to get behind a counter and sell it to him.

"You were lucky not to walk out with a record." Our laughter fades and a comfortable silence falls between us.

"It's nice seeing you again. I'm sorry I never really got to say goodbye before I left."

"No, I'm not having it. I know why you left, and the reason I left myself. After everything that happened, it didn't feel right to stay." I nod my head, focusing on my hands that wrap around a soda bottle.

"So, what are you doing now?"

"Well, I got married in March just gone, and Michael and I are expecting our first in a couple of months." I smile, glancing at the gold wedding band on his finger.

"I'm really happy for you, truly."

"Thank you. Now, is there a Mr. Walters around?"

"Oh god, no." My cheeks redden as I think about last night and my horrific romantic journey up here. I clear my throat before taking a sip.

"Your cheeks are telling me another story. Is he hot? Rich even? Oh, I hope he's well endowed?" He raises an eyebrow.

"No, no, and no."

"Oh, if that's the case, you need to find yourself another man." I shake my head quickly.

"No, I don't mean that. It's just complicated." I push a strand of my hair behind my ear.

"Well, we have this lunch hour, so I say that's plenty of time."

"You haven't changed a bit." I smile before indulging in the details of Gabriel and me, including our arrangement minus any mention of Angeline.

"And so last night, he cupped my cheek, and I could have sworn if Gran hadn't walked out of her bedroom, it would have turned into a kiss. But even saying that, a part of me thinks that's wishful thinking. It's just—" I run my fingers over my lips, picking at them slightly, as Jonathan listens on.

"Ok, well, I mean, that's a lot. But answer me this: have you met this woman he wants to date?"

I shake my head. "No, why?"

"Wait, so he sits and talks with you about how he likes how intuitive this character from a book is and then caresses your cheek. I mean, Evangeline, you've had your ditzy moments, but I have never pegged you to be someone that doesn't see the obvious flags." He lifts his own glass to his lips, shaking his head.

"What are you talking about?" He lets out an exasperated sigh.

"It's obviously you. You're the mystery woman. You're the one he likes." He stuffs a fry in his mouth, his head resting on his other hand.