Forgive My Sins

Rain pattered the asphalt as I returned from giving final prayers at the cemetery just outside town. I felt a knot forming in my throat, as the poor man only had a small number of loved ones in attendance. Those services were always the hardest. With a sigh, I parked in front of the stone church and turned off the car, wishing I'd brought an umbrella from my parsonage only twenty feet away. When the wipers laid to rest, streaks painted the glass in a continuous flow and blurred my view of a desolate street as the transparency of the windshield turned opaque.

There was about three hours until I was needed to moderate a meeting with session members and I wasn't looking forward to any discussion. Though I was the authority, it was usually spearheaded by Mr. Taylor, a crotchety but well meaning old man, who always asked me when I'd find someone nice to settle down with. I'd laugh at his inquiry and remind him that my focus was on the church and serving our community.

I led at Christ Presbyterian Church as the teaching elder, or pastor. My official title was the Reverend Katherine Hudson, but most people called me Pastor Kate. Being the congregation's youngest ordained minister at twenty-nine, there was an expectation to live up to the men who came before me, but I always felt my youth brought about criticism from the more established faithful.

I pulled at the fabric around my neck as though it somehow grew tighter over the last few hours. It sure felt that way. It wasn't every day I wore a collar-only under certain circumstances would I don the clerical garb-funerals being one reason. The tab sometimes garnered comments from curious people passing by who would tell me with the utmost confidence that women couldn't be priests. Then I'd have to politely inform them I wasn't a priest, but a pastor. It usually ended with them asking me what the difference was. Lord help me.

The last month I'd been particularly distracted from my work. It all began at service that first Sunday-I was in the middle of my sermon when I laid eyes on a woman I'd never seen before. I'd grown familiar with the faces that appeared every week and became comfortable with their gazes, but hers was quite new-and striking. That's not to say new members never joined but... this woman was different. She looked to be my age, with fiery red hair that fell in waves over her not-quite-church appropriate cleavage. As I went on about healing and wholeness, my fingers wrapped around the pulpit and gripped the wood until each knuckle turned white. I swallowed and brought my eyes down to clear my throat, but when I looked back up, I could only see her in a sea of blank visages.

Perhaps it was all in my mind, but she seemed to know that she captivated me. Somehow I managed not to lose my train of thought while watching her slowly lick her lips as if it were an invitation to taste them. But I thought perhaps I misjudged the situation. She crossed and uncrossed her legs enough times for me to see under her sundress and that very image had been burned into thoughts as I fell asleep each night. Or at least, as I tried to fall asleep.

The pounding between my legs was unbearable and it'd been years since I last touched myself. I tossed and turned, repeating, "live by the spirit and do not gratify the desires of the flesh." When I finally managed to drift off, I dreamed that the red headed vixen opened her pale legs to me whilst laying on the cloth covered Communion Table. Sweat poured from my temples and a part of me cursed waking up before I dreamed anything further than that.

The following Sundays were similar. I found her sitting in the same spot with the same piercing stare that never appeared to break. She could simply be still, listening like all the others, but my thoughts were only preoccupied with her. Every movement she made, whether it appeared provocative or not, was noticed without fail. I found myself thinking of her often and knew as the head of the church that I should introduce myself, but she always seemed to leave before I had a chance to meet her.

When I first took the position, I designated two hours Monday to Friday for personal prayer or meditation time inside the church. The doors were kept open and the lights dimmed for anyone looking for a reprieve from everyday life. Sometimes I'd sit in the back pew and greet the few that would come and sit for a while. And of course, some days I'd be lost in my own prayers. Today was one of those days.

I ran across the street and up the steps to the gothic arch doors that opened into a reception area. As soon as I shut it behind me, I heard the rumbling of thunder grow closer to town. "Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms."

When I walked into the nave, I admired the quiet that befell a usually boisterous meeting house. Three rows of oak pews stretched all the way towards the front facing the chancel, while beautiful stained glass windows depicting Jesus' miracles lined the walls. I felt very fortunate to lead such a stunning church in a tight-knit small town.

Only one figure sat in the darkness. I could tell from behind that it was Mrs. Franklin-a widow who never missed a single service. Her grey bun was taut and high on her head, and a celtic silk scarf was draped over her shoulders. I made sure the steps of my shiny leather chelsea boots were loud as I walked down the aisle so as to not frighten her when I approached.

"Hello Mrs. Franklin," I said quietly. "How are you doing today?"

The kind older woman smiled and took my hand in both of hers. They were soft and lathered in perfumed lotion.

"Pastor Kate, I left something for you in the office." Her voice was shaky but full of brightness.

We looked to the windows for a moment as a boom came from outside.

"I think I have an idea what that could be," I said with a smile.

Mrs. Franklin patted my hand and grinned. "Don't eat them all at once."

She often made butterscotch cookies for me that were very much appreciated, as my own mother lived a thousand miles away. I tightened my grip and gave a nod.

"I won't, I promise. Are you finished here? Please don't leave on my account."

"No, I've got a hair appointment," she replied. She used my hand to pull herself to her feet. "I offered a prayer for you today. You've been such a blessing to this church and the community, I asked God to watch over you a little extra."

I felt a twinge inside my chest and my smile turned thoughtful. "Thank you, Mrs. Franklin. And I shall pray for you as well. So if you win the mega millions on Saturday promise me you'll split the take."

"Oh!" she laughed. "If I win the mega millions, you'll never hear from me again." She stepped out of the pew and let go of my hand to grab her umbrella. "I'll see you on Sunday, dear."

"Be well," I said with sincerity. "And be safe!" My eyes watched her as she made her way to the front doors, then I turned around and walked to the first central pew. A bright flash came through the windows followed by the deep rolling of thunder.

I never usually sat here to pray, but today I wished to be near the chancel. My mind said it was due to feeling closer to God, but I knew it was bullshit. The night before, the red headed stranger came to me again in a dream that felt more real than the others. I dreamed that I sat her on the Communion Table and slipped her sundress over her head to reveal nothing underneath. My hands touched her pale skin, gliding up the curve of her waist to the fullness of her breasts. She lay back and opened her legs as I fumbled with the button of my pants. Then I woke up with a gasp and a few fingers in the waistband of my shorts.

I needed to repent-the serpent of lust had enveloped me more than ever before. After I sat, I reached into my blazer pocket and retrieved my prayer beads. They were made of stone and wood with a silver cross charm at the end. I closed my eyes and held it in my hands, my fingers following along as I moved through each prayer. When I reached the second Cruciform bead, I asked for forgiveness for my nightly musings of the red headed woman in my congregation. I remembered 2 Timothy 2:22-"Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." By the time I got to the fourth set of week beads, I remembered and thanked God for the blessings in my life, especially Mrs. Franklin and her butterscotch cookies.

Christ is alive in me. Thanks be to God.

Amen.

I opened my eyes and looked towards the chancel once more while I wrapped the beads around my hand. My sigh was heavy-an unfortunate indicator that prayer was no help. It almost felt as if my body was crying out more than any thoughts in my head.

The thunder was much louder now and lightning illuminated the inside with every blinding flash. I put my head in my hands and took a few deep inhales followed by strained exhales. Lust objectifies others for selfish pleasure.

After a few minutes, I heard the echoing of the front door and I sat up knowing I needed to compose myself for any visitors. The footsteps were slow and concentrated, and I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up in suspense. The nave was quite large, meaning there were plenty of spaces to sit, but the steps grew louder as they made their way towards the front. For some reason or another I held my breath.

When the red headed woman sat at the end of my pew, the air in my lungs came out empty. She looked forward and crossed her hands while my eyes darted back and forth in disbelief. I wrapped the beads even tighter around my hand.

"Pastor Kate?"

I glanced over to see her looking rather drenched from the storm, though she was in a long raincoat. Her red hair was pulled up in a knot and strands dripped onto the pew below.

"Are you all right?" I asked calmly. "Do you need a towel?"

She gave a soft laugh and shook her head. "No, thank you. But I could use some guidance."

Shit. My conscience could never deny anyone who came to me for help, but I wasn't sure if I could manage such a thing.

"Of course. What's your name?"

The woman moved closer about halfway down the pew and stopped. Despite the thin sheen of rain across her face, her subtle makeup was unblemished. The darkness of the nave highlighted the natural contour of her cheeks and gave her an enigmatic beauty that was hard to describe.

"Savannah. I just moved here. My first service was earlier this month-I've tried to introduce myself, but you're quite popular, I haven't been able to get a word in." Her eyes were deep and intoxicating, like getting drunk on too much cinnamon whiskey.

"I'm sorry about that," I said. "For future reference, I have open office hours everyday if you'd like to come visit. But I'm happy you've chosen our church to worship at, Savannah. What can I assist you with?"

She moved a bit closer and turned her hips towards me. I had to clear my throat and cross my legs.

"I have some sins to confess."

I gave a light chuckle. "Only God can grant absolution. You don't need to confess to me, we're not Catholics. If you ask him for forgiveness, he shall offer it to you."

My answer did not seem to dissuade her and she drummed a few fingers on the wood underneath her fingertips. "But what if I want to? What if it'll make me feel better?"

I raised an eyebrow and looked back towards the vacant church. It was eerily quiet and devoid of light, casting a strange blueness over the space. "If it'll make you feel better, then I'd be happy to discuss this with you. There's no one here, do you mind doing it where we are?"

"Not at all," she said. She slid her body right next to me and faced the Communion Table. I could see the patent leather heels she wore and tried to guess what was under the raincoat before getting a grip on my runaway mind.

"I've always been fond of intimacy," she sighed. "It's not that I don't like being alone, I just crave the excitement of sharing pleasure. On the west coast where I'm from, I had a lover in my bed nearly every night. I know how that probably makes me sound."

My ears turned red hot and I bit my lip as I decided how to respond. She clearly held nothing back and my chest began to thump wildly as I mustered up pastoral words. "I'm not one to judge. To be in the company of others is a precious gift."

Savannah laughed. The slit in her jacket revealed a bare thigh and I quickly adjusted in my seat.

"Sure, maybe, but... something's different. Ever since I moved here, I realized I don't want that anymore. I found someone I can't stop thinking about. I hardly know her. But the problem is, I don't think she'll have me."

Her voice had an unfeigned air of longing that could be felt in what little space was between us. I gripped my leg and thought for a moment. "Do you think she feels the same?"

"I know she does," she said quickly, her eyes meeting mine for just a moment before looking away. "And that's what kills me-wanting something I can't have."

I sighed and rubbed a hand across my cheek. "It's important to remember that we must be content with what we do have-a home, sustenance, community-"

"I know," she interrupted. "But have you ever wanted something so badly that it comes to you at night? In my dreams, I can feel her strong hands all over my body. I wake up clawing at the bedsheets like a wild animal."

Lord give me strength. The image was draining all the blood from my face and I could hardly think coherently. But everything she spoke of, I felt similarly. The tension was growing thick and I pulled at my collar again.

"Do you always wear that?" Savannah asked, changing the subject.

I removed my hand and swept back my dark hair. "No, only sometimes. I had a funeral this morning."

"I'm sorry." She leaned an elbow on the top of the pew and smiled. Her teeth were white and perfectly imperfect. "But it looks nice on you. Very official."

"Thank you," I said. For a moment, I was half glad I had worn my nicest all black ensemble. My father once told me I looked like Johnny Cash if he joined the clergy.

"But back to what you were saying-I'm not seeing what's so sinful about wanting something you can't have. We're all guilty of coveting."

Savannah tugged at the lapel of her raincoat and it almost looked as if there was nothing underneath. I felt a pulse in between my legs and sat up as straight as I possibly could.

"It's not the wanting," she whispered. "It's how I find relief."

I wasn't even sure if I should ask. She was leading me into dangerous territory and everything in my professional mind leaned towards ending this conversation. But deep down, I wanted to know more. After contemplating the predicament, I spoke in a hoarse voice. "And how do you find relief with wanting something you can't have?"

The bright smile on Savannah's face dropped and she licked her lips as she had done so that Sunday morning. "I think about her when I touch myself."

I stared at her with a serious face as I felt myself grow wet. She was so bold and unfazed by the setting that surrounded us. Credit had to be given for audacity.

"Am I making you uncomfortable, Pastor Kate?"

I blinked rapidly. "No." There was not much else that could be said. Looking forward, I rubbed my lips together as I felt myself wane. Like Savannah, there was one thing I wanted more than anything and I couldn't have it.

"Lust is never satisfied," I began. "It always craves more. But we cannot live our lives in bondage to sexual sin. Confessing is the first step to healing."

"Hmm," she gave a heavy breath. "Then I suppose I'll confess those sins now."

I closed my eyes and braced myself for whatever she was about to disclose.

"After my first service, I went home and couldn't stop thinking about her-the way she spoke, her smile, the way she commanded two hundred people. I was throbbing and wet and held myself off until I couldn't take it anymore."

My teeth were gritted underneath tight lips as I thought of Savannah in her pretty sundress showing me what was underneath.

"I gave in and touched myself while thinking of being called a good girl in that sexy voice that quiets a room. I imagined her whispering it into my ear as she fucked me."

Christ Almighty. My eyes squeezed shut as I envisioned the scene and didn't wish it away. I was weak. The beads wrapped around my hand were straining to stay together.

"Since then, it's been more of the same," she continued. "I can't seem to restrain myself when she comes into my thoughts. But my fingers are not enough. I need her."

I was at a loss for words. My eyes opened and I looked to the Communion Table while the pulse between my legs caused discomfort. There was only one thing I could think of doing to resolve it.

"How about we pray for forgiveness together?"

Savannah's eyes found the chancel and she took my hand as I began to speak quietly.

"Almighty God, we acknowledge and confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed; we have not loved you with-"

I felt my hand being guided underneath her raincoat until it was flat against her bare thigh.

"Loved-loved you with all of our heart, so-soul, mind, and strength-"

She was encouraging me to move further up, which I obliged until I could feel the heat of her cunt. My fingers gripped forcefully and she sighed as her legs spread apart. I should've stopped there, I should've stayed obedient, but the desire in me raged like an inferno and there was no turning back.

When I looked over, a flash of lightning highlighted the hunger in Savannah's eyes as they drew mine in. The following thunder caused the pew to vibrate slightly underneath my trembling body. My breaths were heavy as I made a decision knowing this could risk everything I had worked for.

Savannah unbelted her jacket and draped it off to the sides to show only a black slip dress. My fingers dug into the softness of her skin in response and I almost looked away. But after a moment, I slowly moved my hand over her stomach and between her breasts, until lightly wrapping around her throat.

"For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey," I whispered. "And her mouth is smoother than oil." My fingers continued up her neck until I laid my thumb on her tinted bottom lip.

"Did you come here to tempt me?"

While I waited for an answer, I watched as she slowly took my thumb into her mouth, keeping her gaze fixed on mine, and she stroked it with her tongue before returning it to her lip.

I felt the sensation of falling and clung to my beads to ground myself. This woman was a seductress and I knew I had no willpower to deny her. My body ached for her like the stars long for a night sky free of clouds.

"I came here to be forgiven," said Savannah, her voice sounding deceivingly innocent. "What do I need to do?"

Suddenly my life seemed so devoid of everything this woman offered to me. It was like I had only seen grayscale and she brought my eyes the gift of color. The voice of a higher power lessened until all I could hear was my heart thudding with ecstasy.

My hand left her face and reached for the scarlet knot behind her head. I pulled it down until she was looking at the cathedral ceiling and brought my lips close to her ear.

"You're going to atone for every time you fucked yourself to me. Then we shall see if all will be forgiven." I kissed the soft skin under her earlobe and felt her whole body shudder. When I let go of her hair, she turned towards me and brought my lips to hers.

Her eager tongue entwined with mine and her mouth tasted sweet like lemonade. I moved forward with purpose, my left hand continuing to grip onto my prayer beads for dear life, while my right slid inside her jacket and held onto her waist. She pulled me into her and I could feel just how much she wanted it.

A distant creak caused me to pull back and glace around the empty space. "Not here," I panted. I looked to the chancel and realized the choir space was the safest option. Behind the Communion Table and beyond the main wall was a series of small steps within a carved out space. Singers gathered there for worship every Sunday and practice was not any time soon. But just before the steps was a waist high partition that stretched across the base of the semi circle arch that surrounded it. If we were low enough, we'd be out of view.

I stood and gave a stern look. "Come."

Savannah smiled at my assertiveness and followed me to the chancel. The partition swung open at the end, and I led her into the dark space-much darker than the rest of the nave. When I turned around, she dropped her jacket behind her as she approached, her hands running up my chest as she kissed me again. After peeling off my blazer, she fingered my collar.

"Will you keep this on for me? Just for a little."

With a chuckle, I took us to the floor, now hidden, and sat against the first step while she straddled me, kicking off her heels and releasing her beautiful hair from its knot.

"Oh," I said quietly as I watched it tumble off her shoulders. It was a cascade of copper hues that brought out the deep blue of her Neptune eyes. I was silent as she reached for her dress hem and pulled it over her head, releasing a small but full pair of breasts. Before I had a chance to put my hands on them, she unraveled the prayer beads from my fingers and brought the cross charm to her mouth, where she hung it from above and licked it slowly while keeping my gaze.

I watched with bated breath as the charm twirled, glistening with her spit. She smiled and wrapped a hand behind my neck, her fingers pawing at my hairline.

Her nipples were soft as I took them in my mouth and licked them to firmness. I brought her into a kiss and playfully pinched one between my fingers until she whimpered. Upon getting the beads back, I grabbed her hands and bound them.

"Are you ready to atone, Savannah?"

Her eyes melted and she bit her lip with a groan. "Oh God... yes."

I moved forward and laid her onto the crimson carpet, keeping both arms above her head. My fingers ran down the length of her abdomen and I whispered in her ear. "'Turn your eyes away from me, they are holding me captive.'" She giggled and closed her eyes, sighing impatiently when I briefly removed my touch. But as much as she couldn't wait, I was thirsting to feel her. I stripped her of her lace thong and kneeled between her slender legs while Proverbs spoke to me.

"Do not let your hearts turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths." The darkness was illuminated for a few seconds once more and a fierce thunderclap sounded in waves.

I shook away any doubts and brought my thumb to her dripping pussy, making circles on her clit and gauging her response. She squirmed and moaned softly while mouthing something I couldn't quite make out. I bent forward and bit at her shoulder.

"What are you trying to tell me?"

Savannah groaned and stretched her body under mine. "Fuck me... please." I could see her pulse dancing through the delicate skin of her neck.

She didn't need to tell me twice. I slipped two fingers inside her and thrusted hard and fast. My other hand pinned her bound arms down and I panted in her ear.

"You came into my church and beguiled me."

With a moan, Savannah nodded in response.

I grunted as the throbbing in my pants grew unbearable. "Are you ready to be good?" I entered a third finger and watched her lose her breath.

"Ye-yes," she stuttered. Beads of sweat began to form at her brow.

"Are you ready to get on your knees?"

She struggled against my restraint and gave a devilish smile. "Yes."

"Good girl," I sighed deeply into her neck.

Savannah shook as a climax surfaced. "Oh fuck yes.... keep going."

As her breaths became sharp, I locked her into a kiss to ensure quiet, and she groaned into my open mouth as her hips slowly stopped bucking. My arm came off hers, and the prayer beads were removed from her hands and tossed to the side.

She played with my collar again as her eyes finally met mine. "Pastor Kate, I don't think I'm absolved of all my sins just yet."

"No?" I asked. I looked to the ceiling for a moment. "I don't think you are either. How many times did you fuck yourself to the thought of me?"

Her fingers glided over my lips and she grinned. "That's between me and God."

My seriousness abated and I formed a smile. "Oh is it?" As we laughed for a moment, my eyes looked past the temptress and saw something else-a young woman who suddenly made my heart skip. But it didn't last long as thunder reverberated outside the windows and restored the gravity of our transgressions.

I stood and began to undo my slim pants. "Get on your knees." My voice was demanding and flat. In a very risky move, I leaned my ass against the top rail of the partition and kept my back towards the nave in full view.

Savannah did as I said and kneeled at my feet with a look of avidity in her eyes. Her fingertips reached for my waistband and pulled everything down to the floor. She rubbed her hands over my hips and stomach before her tongue snaked between my thighs.

"Christ," I whispered. One of my hands held onto the rail while the other grabbed a fistful of Savannah's ginger hair. I peeked over my shoulders and made sure no one was inside the church to witness the lewd display. As she worked, I could feel her tasting me deeper than anyone had done before. Her bubblegum nails dug into the bare skin behind my legs as she licked faster, her face pressing hard into me.

As I looked up to the chancel window at the top of the quire, I could see the stained glass depicting still waters irradiated by lightning. The contrast between peace and chaos caused my insides to feel as if they were being torn apart.

"Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."

Without another thought, my fingers ripped the tab from my collar and unbuttoned my shirt. If I was going to sin, then it would have to be worth it. When my chest was freed, Savannah grabbed at my stiff nipples and licked faster until I could feel the surfacing of my first orgasm in years. My body didn't forget, but somehow my mind hadn't remember how goddamn good it felt.

I opened myself wider while balancing on the rail and guided her head to an apex. "Fuck... oh God... oh God." I bit down on my fist as I came, my knees trembling under Savannah's hands. After my body finished convulsing, I slid down the partition and sat against it, resting my head on the wood.

Everything was still for a few moments as I descended from rapture. It was like catching a glimpse of paradise and coming straight back to the earth.

"How long has it been?"

I opened my eyes and looked at Savannah, who drew close and caressed my cheek. "What?"

"How long has it been since you last came?" she asked. "I've never seen anyone come that hard."

I caught any breath available ro me and shook my head. "Too long. Years."

She seemed pleased with herself and smiled at my answer. "You know, you have a sexy body under that robe you wear on Sundays."

"The robe and stole don't do it for you?" I laughed.

She traced a finger down my neck and across my chest. Her touch was gentle and lacking in direction. "No, it does. But..." She bit her lip. "I meant it when I said it was your smile and the way you lead the congregation. Maybe I have something for authority figures."

There was a sweetness in her voice that wasn't there before. I studied her gaze and saw a deep ocean I suddenly desired to swim in.

"Do you think you've atoned?" I took the hand from my chest and kissed it.

Savannah's eyes softened at the tenderness, but quickly turned aflame. "No, Pastor Kate. Not quite." Her mouth curled into a smile.

I bit at her fingers then returned her hand. "Turn around. On your hands and knees."

She complied as I slipped my boots and pants from my ankles, then I kneeled behind her and rubbed my hands from her ass down her back. From under my palms, I could feel her holding her breath in anticipation. I grabbed her by the hips and pulled her onto my lap, brushing aside her hair to kiss the nape of her neck.

"'I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your soul,'" I whispered. She moaned as my hands reached around and slid up her sides to grab her breasts before one of them fell to her thigh. When I ran a few fingers up her slit, they were drenched with arousal.

"Is this how wet your cunt was when you fucked yourself to my image?"

Savannah sighed and nodded her head.

"I want to see," I said. "Show me what you did when you imagined me fucking you." I put her onto her hands once more and scooted back.

She laid her head on her forearm while she began rubbing her clit, spreading her legs further to give me a view. I felt my own pussy twitch as I watched as if I hadn't just had a mind-bending orgasm. She moaned and slipped two fingers in, fucking herself wildly. To think that I caused this woman to perform such an act on herself was overwhelmingly hot. Her nails matched the color of my cheeks as I lusted over her from behind. When she went back to her clit, I returned to her ass and gave her a hard slap, causing her to stiffen and sigh with approval.

But this wasn't what I wanted.

"Wait," I said, my brows creased in frustration.

She stopped and stayed still.

"Sit there and face me."

Savannah moved to the first choir step and sat, giving a puzzled look as my stoic facade came closer. I kneeled between her legs and wrapped my hands around her waist before offering a soft kiss that slowly grew passionate. She draped her arms over my shoulders and pulled me close to her, swirling her tongue around mine.

My fingers slid inside her and thrusted slowly, growing more confident with each moan that entered my mouth. Our kisses became harder as breaths turned to pants and her own fingers gripped the waves of my hair with abandon. She pressed her forehead against mine and gasped.

"Oh Pastor Kate... God, you were worth waiting for."

My fingers moved faster and she sighed as I kissed her neck lightly and dragged my lips across her skin. She voiced words of encouragement that grew increasingly breathless before crying out with a shudder. My hand returned to her waist and I rested against her bosom while waiting for her to return from rapture. After a minute or two, I heard a faint whisper.

"Am I forgiven?"

I pulled my head back and met her eyes, which were dark and placid. "Yes Savannah, all is forgiven now."

After we quickly dressed and made sure the nave was clear, we crossed the partition and returned to our seats in the front pew. Our eyes remained forward and neither of us spoke for a few minutes.

"I think the storm passed," Savannah finally said, watching the windows.

I glanced over. "I think so too."

The air was still, yet heavy with our offense. I sighed and deemed it all worth it. "So now that you've had me, what next?"

She looked over and frowned. "What do you mean? Did you think I'd discard you once we fucked?"

"No," I said, my voice sounding defensive. "I just didn't want to read into anything."

For a moment, she looked hurt, but after tying her hair back up into a knot, she shook her head. "From the moment I saw you, I knew I wanted you. And I knew I'd seduce you one way or another. But you and only you have been on my mind. I'm just a little... untraditional in my approach." She gave a sincere smile.

I felt fireworks in my chest and returned a closed smile. "It's... a little unorthodox. But I liked it. Maybe next time we can do it somewhere..." I motioned with a hand and groaned.

"Where God isn't watching us?" she asked.

"Well, he's watching us everywhere. I was going to say maybe somewhere a little more private. Not on the floor."

"Okay." She giggled and gave my shoulder a light shove. "Only if you can wear that collar sometimes. It does something for me."

I looked down and pulled at my shirt. "I guess I chose the right profession to pick up women."

We shared a laugh that ended in the breaking of our gaze, as I felt the skip in my heart return. When I met her eyes again I felt at a loss for words.

"I like you," she said, her hand resting on my knee. "I think that goes without saying. Hopefully you'll give me a chance to show you I'm much more than a temptress."

After a brief moment of hesitation, I placed my thumb on her lower lip and stroked it softly. "And perhaps you'll see past my distinguished authority."

She raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "I can already tell you're a big softy."

With a chuckle, I removed my thumb and held her hand. "I have to lock up and return to my office soon. Why don't you come with me and we can have a drink-get to know each other a little better?"

She fluttered her eyelids and looked to the floor with a smile. "All right, that sounds nice."

"Oh, and... you can just call me Kate." I watched her grow bashful and wondered what my loving and merciful God would think of me at this moment.

"Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has long ago approved of what you do."

My eyes met the ceiling and I gave a nod prior to finding her beauty again. "Before we head over, would you maybe like to say a prayer with me?

She bit her lip in that way I'd quickly grown to admire. "I'd love to."

We faced the communion table with our hands clasped together and closed our eyes. Her fingers gripped mine affectionately and I gave a light squeeze in return. Then I cleared my throat to welcome emerging feelings of bliss and began to pray.