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

18. Moving to fast

'A person's own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.'

Proverbs 19:3

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Evangeline

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I've since returned home, collapsing into the sofa, a hot mess, before succumbing to a nap. It's short-lived as I'm woken by my phone vibrating, with Gram's name flashing on the screen.

"Hey, Gram, is everything alright?" I ask groggily, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"Oh yes, I'm fine, sweetie. You worry far too much. How do you think I survived those four years you were away at university? Anyway, I'm going to stay at Margaret's tonight. My hip's playing up from driving up to Wendy's. Margaret has also offered to come with me to my appointment tomorrow, so you don't have to worry about that either."

"Are you sure, Gram? I can come and pick you up if you'd like. Have you got your medication for tonight?" I ask, a sense of uneasiness settling in my stomach as I realise I'll be alone with Gabriel tonight.

"No and yes, I'll be fine. I called Gabriel to let him know as well. He said he was working later than hoped tonight. Maybe you could take dinner to him," she replies. I catch on to what she's trying to do, and let out a breath.

"Okay, Gram. I'll call Margaret to check how your appointment went, because knowing you, you'll lie to me."

"Oh hush, I'm a woman of God, I do not lie," she snickers.

"Oh yes, I mustn't forget you don't lie; you simply rephrase the truth," I smile before walking over to open the fridge to check for any leftovers.

"Exactly. Anyhow, I must go. We're playing Scrabble, and you know how competitive Wendy can get."

"Okay, Gram, I'll see you tomorrow. Love you."

"I love you too." I close the fridge and end the call. If I leave now, I could probably drive to Red Lantern, a Chinese takeaway spot about 10 minutes away, and meet Gabriel at the church in time for dinner. I pick up my keys, grab my cardigan, and jump into the car.

I decide against messaging Gabriel given the current time. He's most likely holding the Bible study session, and by the time I order and collect the food, everyone should be packing up to leave. I slide my phone into the holder and search for the number for Red Lantern before driving off towards the restaurant.

"I'm already noticing a change in her attitude, which means a lot. Ever since she lost her brother, she's been struggling emotionally," I overhear as I stand in the doorway, takeout in hand. I had parked the car out back and slipped in through the side entrance, now standing at the back entrance to the main church area.

Standing by the altar are Carol Miller and Gabriel, while further down the church, with headphones on and playing on her phone, is Carol's and Archer's youngest daughter, Amelia.

"She's a lovely girl, shy during the first session, but has opened up a lot more during this one. It's something that will take time, I'm sure you know, but it's the first step that's important," Gabriel responds.

I decide I can't stay to see them talk, so I walk down the hallway to his office. For a split second, I think to drop the food off and drive back home but force myself to sit down and stay. I go over to his desk, sitting in his chair rather than the broken-down sunken couch. I spin the chair back and forth, waiting nervously for Gabriel to make his way back to his office.