Page 61 of Sunday Morning
“Don’t pull into the driveway,” I said as we approached my mailbox.
Isaac stopped the truck on the gravel road, just slightly off to the side, and shoved it intoPark. “Are you playing my guitar tonight?”
“Yes.” I unbuckled.
“Good. Lock your bedroom door and play it naked.”
I swallowed hard, but that’s all the reaction—the satisfaction—I gave him. “And why is that?” I laughed it off, reaching for the door handle.
“Because I want to think about something of mine pressed to your naked body, giving you pleasure.”
Jesus … Sorry, God. I mean gee whiz.
“Is that so? Well, you can think ofyourbrother between my legs when he gets home tomorrow.” I hopped out of the truck on said shaky legs, feigning confidence, shocked that those words came outof my mouth.
Isaac barked a laugh. “I said something of mine giving you pleasure. We know Matty’s not doing that.”
All the blood in my body surged up my neck and spread across my face as I slammed the door and marched toward my driveway.
Don’t look back.
Don’t look back.
Don’t look?—
I looked back.
He had his window rolled down, hat tipped low, but not low enough to hide his smile. “Sunday Morning, God will forgive you for what you’re about to do.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
LAURA BRANIGAN, “SHOW ME HEAVEN”
“You’re home early,”Mom said when I walked into the house, hoping to zoom up the stairs without questions.
I stepped into the living room, where Dad was using a TV tray as his desk, with the Bible open. He was furiously scribbling his sermon notes onto a sheet of paper.
“Mini golf took longer than expected, so we had to skip the movie,” I lied.
I hated lying, although I was good at it. Not as good as my sisters, but still a worthy performance.
“You need to get registered for classes, or they’ll all be filled. Why don’t you see if Violet will let you do that first thing Monday morning before you start work,” Dad suggested without looking up from his notes.
“Okay, sure. Isaac loaned me his guitar again, so I’m going to play for a while before everyone goes tobed.” I jabbed my thumb over my shoulder and offered a toothy grin to my mom before jogging up the stairs.
“How was the movie?” Eve asked as I passed her and her friend, Erin.
“Good.”
“See any cowboys?” Eve added, stopping me cold.
I whipped around. “My room. Now.”
She smirked, following me and shutting the door behind them.
“Why did you say that?” I asked, eyes narrowed.
“Because Jody called. She rode with her dad to drop her brother and one of his friends off at the rodeo, and she said she saw you and Heather getting out of her car. Of course, I told her she must be lying because you don’t go to the rodeo.”