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The loan.
How’s it possible he’s here? I’ve got to be dreaming. There’s no way the loan shark I used to pay off Mom’s medical bills is standing in my church like he’s just come for the sermon.
My mouth hangs open slightly, and I can’t look away. Wearing one of the nicest suits I’ve ever seen, and one far too good for a tiny chapel in the middle of nowhere, the man stands at least six feet tall. The green of his eyes is piercing against his olive skin, and perfectly coiffed curls tumble across his forehead.
I don’t remember him being this handsome. I was highly distressed at the time, though. He notices me staring and cocks his head.
Oh, God. He can’t do this now. Not while they’re both here. My parents can’t know. Dammit. What am I going to do?
The universe seems all about shocking me today, though, and I audibly gasp as he smiles at me and licks his lips. Fire burns in my cheeks as he holds my gaze, my pulse thundering as butterflies swarm my stomach.
I’m sure my face is bright red as the heat coils through my body like a snake and buries deep in my core. The man steps forward, and all I can hear is the blood in my ears.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming. If you’ll all take your seats, we’ll begin with our opening hymn.”
* * *
The loan shark moved away the moment the Pastor spoke, but the heat of his eyes on me warmed my skin through the entire sermon. It was unsettling and scary.
Yet my body hummed with an electricity that sent my mind reeling.
Then, as everyone stood to leave, he disappeared. I was relieved, even as my pulse mourned the way he brought it to life.
My hands shake as I pour myself a cup of coffee. Everyone’s gathered around the table of pastries and caffeine now that the sermon is over, and I can barely lift my eyes from the floor. What on earth is wrong with me? The day I’ve been dreading for nearly two years has arrived, and I’m sitting here drooling over the guy who’s come to collect. I’m so pathetic.
Sipping the bland light roast, I look around the space. Is Mr. Loan Shark still here? I can’t tell if I want to see him or if I dread it. Taking in the familiar faces milling about and socializing in their Sunday best, I meet his eyes again, that vivid green hypnotizing me.
Heat flares in my cheeks as the thundering of my pulse picks up again. I’m staring. I know I am, but I can’t look away. I’m trapped there in his gaze like a moth to a flame.
Except I can’t do this here.
I gulp the last of my tiny cup and start for my parent’s car waiting outside. Fresh air sounds all too amazing. A hand lands on my shoulder as I reach for the car door. Jumping slightly, I spin around to see the loan shark towering over me.
“Hello there, Ms. Ross.” His voice is velvet and shadow. “I believe we have some business to discuss.”
The words ripple over my skin, and I drop my gaze. “I…Yeah. My parents are here. I can’t—”
“This is a private matter, Ms. Ross,” he says, that tone still low. Still stroking every nerve alive. “I’d like you to accompany me to my personal office.”
“Right now?” I gasp. Fear has me straightening. “I can’t just leave with a stranger.”
My gaze shoots up to meet his, and I freeze. Stormy green eyes trap me, capture me. My heart thuds an uneven beat in my chest, my breath is nonexistent. The way he’s looking at me… Like I’m…edible.
He moves in closer, and my body temperature inexplicably spikes. “Inform your parents that I’m an old friend from work and only in town for a short while.” He leans down, his breath coasting over my cheek as he presses closer than necessary. “You’d feel terrible if you couldn’t spend some time with me before I head back home.”
Spend time with him… The idea is terrifying and thrilling, which doesn’t make sense. And yet, it’s not like I have a choice. I owe him, and he knows it.
“Okay,” I whisper, dragging out the word as I struggle to collect my thoughts. “I’ll just be a second.”
My parents open the door just as I step up to the church. They’re all smiles and laughter, and my gut lurches.
“Hey, guys!” I walk up, plastering on my own smile. “So, a funny thing just happened. An old friend from work is in town. He knew I went here on Sundays and came to find me. He’s only in town for a few days. Would you mind terribly if I left to go spend some time with him before he leaves?”
Leaning past my shoulder for a glimpse of the man behind me, my folks eye the loan shark and smirk.
“Of course not, honey. Have some fun.” My dad leans in. “He’s pretty cute. You could do worse.”
“Dad!” I blush and cover my eyes. “It’s not like that.”
