Page 67 of Dark Side of the Cloth

“Have you ever been so conflicted about the right thing to do that it left you…” Unable to find the right word, Yasmine waved her hand around, making Mabel laugh.

“Darlin’, you don’t live as long as I have and not felt like that once or twice.”

“Fair enough.” Yasmine smiled at the older woman.

“This wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with a certain tall, dark and handsome priest, would it?” Mabel’s voice was low, but even so, Yasmine could feel the heat spread throughout her body. “It’s okay. You don’t need to answer that. I can tell by the look on your face that I’ve guessed right. Besides, the air practically sizzles with tension when the two of you are in the same room.” Mabel’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “You must know I’ve been hoping you two would get it on.”

“Mabel!” Yasmine looked around, hoping no one heard that as Mabel laughed.

“What? I’m just speaking the truth.”

Yasmine sighed.

“He’s just not who I thought he was, and I don’t know how to be okay with that,” Yasmine admitted.

“Darlin’, you deserve so much better than what the good Lord dealt you. What you went through, no child should have to endure. If he brings you a slice of happiness, then I say run with it. I, for one, think he is good for you.”

“But he’s a priest,” Yasmine whispered.

“I may be old, but I’m not blind. If that boy is a priest, then I’m the next coming of Christ.” Yasmine stared wide-eyed at the older woman, not sure what to say.

“Don’t worry, his secret is safe with me. I figured it out the moment he stepped foot in this town that he was not who he said he was, but I can tell you this, he has been good for this area.”

Mabel leaned back in the booth, and Yasmine had to wonder how much more Mabel had pieced together.

“The point is, does he make you happy? Does he make you want to get up in the morning with a smile on your face and howl to the moon at night with pleasure?”

Yasmine choked on her spoonful of soup and proceeded to laugh, the first real laugh she’d had since before her stalking trip to the woods.

“You could say that,” Yasmine said as she blushed.

“Then don’t let it get away. That’s my two cents, take it or leave it. I’m sending you home with dinner, no arguments. I owe you for helping take care of these old bones.” Yasmine opened her mouth to argue, but Mabel held up her finger. “I said no arguments, don’t you dare sass an old woman.”

Smiling, Yasmine clamped her mouth shut and watched the wily old woman wander away. Yasmine once more stared at the people outside.

When had she made a decision solely for herself because it was what she wanted?

She couldn’t think of a single time.

When has she been as certain of anything as she was of her feelings for him?

Never.

A resolution solidified in her chest as she made her decision. She knew what she needed to do. She gulped her coffee, and as fast as the crutches would take her, headed for the door.

“Sorry, the soup was great, but I have to go. I’ll pick up the dinner later,” she yelled.

Mabel smiled and gave her a wink. “Go get your man, girl.”

The walk took forever on the slippery ground with crutches. By the time she reached the church door, she was a panting, sweaty mess. She found the front door locked, and dread settled in the pit of her stomach. Maybe he had decided to leave. Finding the intercom panel, she pressed the button like a mad-woman.

“Dean, are you in there? Dean?”

“Yasmine?”

Yasmine spun around, and Dean caught her around the waist as she tripped over the stupid crutches. The heat from his hand singed her body, and her pulse instantly rose.

“I hope you’re not coming to ask me to leave.” Dean’s rough voice sent a shiver racing down her spine.