“What time did you come in?”
Should have known I wouldn’t get away with it.
“About two.”
Colton lifts a brow. He won’t question where I was before that because he doesn’t pry.
“Okay, maybe closer to three, I wanted to see what I’m going to be working with.”
“At three in the morning?” He pours a modest amount of syrup over his stack.
“The middle of the night is the best part of the day. It’s peaceful. Fewer distractions.”
“It’s a safe neighborhood, but you shouldn’t take chances.”
Safe. Is that what it is? With a motorcycle club across the street. Not to mention the asshole biker from that motorcycle club. Colton never mentioned there was an MC and rowdy bar across the street.
I was blindsided when Colt chose to become a priest. In high school he wasn’t one of the most popular kids, but he had friends, he dated. He listened to all my reasons why he shouldn’t do it with grace and understanding. And didn’t get mad when I reminded him of all the sex he would miss out on.
Colton is no virgin, but he has committed himself to a life of celibacy.
“As you can see,” I shove a bite of pancake into my mouth. “I’m good.”
Right about now his mom would chastise me for talking with my mouth full, and from the way Colton stills, we both feel the space she created when we lost her, far too soon.
“Are you sure the diocese is happy with what I’m doing?”
“Yes, for the millionth time,” he cuts his pancakes. “The diocese, the parishioners, the locals. Everyone is happy.”
“And how many did you have to talk into it?”
“None,” he tilts his head and studies me. “I showed them your work, Kinsley. It took one meeting for everyone to get on board with this.”
“What about your neighbors across the street?” I ask, picking up the coffee mug and taking a few sips, then hiding the lower half of my face behind it.
Colton can read me like a book. The last thing I need is to let him see I’m intrigued by the MC, or the surly jerk who held me at gunpoint.
“Which ones?”
“Are you going to make me say it?”
“I don’t know what you mean, Kinsley,” he grins. “I can tell you all the neighbors, businesses and clubs within the area have been nothing but welcoming and tolerant. Some of them even attend mass.”
He lifts one brow, inviting me to question him further.
“Welcoming and tolerant. O-kay.”
“You’ll see for yourself during your stay. Any more questions?”
He knows I have a million questions, but the answers don’t need to come from him. I shake my head in response.
“Well, I’m here any time if you do. Ask me before making judgment, okay?”
“You’re so bossy,” I grin.
“The bossiest. I have work to do. Marisol will be around if you need anything, I’ve asked her to introduce herself if she runs across you. She gossips, so take it with a pinch of salt. Patrick is away for the day, but he’ll be back later tonight. He’ll be the one to help you with anything you need in relation to the building.”
“Got it,” I set my mug down.
