The sunlight brings with it memories of yesterday. And it brings images of the girl, the woman I defiled. As much as I wanted it, I should’ve refrained. Sage’s lips begged, and I delivered. Instead of telling her to pray, I slid my hand down the front of her jeans and dipped my fingers into the warmest, wettest pussy I’d ever felt.

For years, I was a normal man. I’d been with countless women. I should now be able to resist the temptation. What we did can’t be undone, but it also can’t happen again. Guilt settles in my gut like a lead weight. As much as I wanted her, as quickly as I sank my fingers into her tight heat, I knew it was wrong. I could lose everything I’ve worked for. And for what? A girl who’ll probably be on to the next guy tomorrow if he showed her any interest.

Even as the thought comes to mind, I know it’s a lie. She’s not that type of girl. Her innocence was evident when I touched her. The way her body shuddered. She molded against me like she was made to be in my arms. If anyone finds out what we’ve done, I’ll be thrown out on my ass. Deservedly so.

With a gruff sigh, I get up and decide to start the day. As I head into the bathroom and turn on the shower, I watch the spray hit the tiles. Even if it was holy water raining down on me, I know it will never absolve me from the sin I’ve committed.

I need to get rid of the images in my head, especially the picture of her face as she exploded for me. The sweet moans that fell from her lips were too much to block out. Even now, they play like a hymn on repeat in my mind. Last night, I came all over my stomach recalling them, after spending the day with her scent on my fingers and remembering how sweet she tasted.

As soon as I step under the cascade of warm water, I find myself rock hard. Once again in need of release. Each time I pray, my mind falters. Every time I recall my duty, I find my body needing something else. Granted, I’m a hot-blooded man, but surely, I have more strength than this? I shouldn’t allow myself to succumb to these urges. Feeling the ache and need for the feel of skin on skin. The heat of a woman’s body around mine.

Shaking my head, I try to recall why I joined the church in the first place. To make a difference. For me to change the mistakes of my past. But not even two years into the seminary, and I’ve already failed.

My father was right—I’m a disgrace in so many ways. Just when I think I’m on the right path, my failures catch up to me, knocking me to the ground. My addiction to drugs was one of those. When I was in college, I fell in with the wrong crowd. One hit and I was an addict. It was a slippery slope. When I finally hit rock-bottom at the age of twenty, my parents paid for rehab, and I found purpose while sitting alone in the room at night. I did something I never thought I’d do. I prayed.

Each night. Each day. It brought me closer to the man I wanted to be. A good man. After eight months of being clean, I finally made the decision to walk this path. To give up everything. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, even women. Until a certain brunette walked into my church.

Part of the flock I’m meant to lead.

And I’ve defiled her.

An innocent.

A lamb I’m supposed to lead into the light. Not into temptation.

The water doesn’t wash away my desire, though. It doesn’t cleanse me of my sins. It only mocks me, and it feels as if I’m being burned by the lust racing through my veins. As the water runs cold, I shudder under the cool spray, hoping it will rid me of this hard-on.

My body trembles in the now-cold shower, and I find myself calming down. Shutting off the taps, I step out and grab the towel, wrapping it around my waist. My messy, brown hair is sticking up in every direction when I glance in the mirror.

“You’re an asshole,” I bite out at my reflection. Cursing. I’m cursing at myself instead of trying to absolve. Heading into my room, I quickly dress in my uniform, the black and white feeling even more restrictive today than it did yesterday.

When I step into the church an hour after my morning prayers, I find it empty except for one parishioner sitting at the front with her head bowed. My heart kicks in my chest, slamming against my rib cage, wanting to be freed.

Shaking my head, I sigh, making my way toward her. “Mrs. Ellison,” I say in a soft tone, hoping not to startle her. When she looks up, she offers me a simple smile. The thirty-year-old woman who’s been back and forth with her husband since they couldn’t have a child has been in here crying more times than I can count. The asshole blames her, but refuses to see a doctor to find out what the problem is.

“Father Reid, I’m sorry if I shouldn’t be here. I just needed time to think.” Her voice cracks, and I can tell she’s been crying. Her eyes are red, bloodshot, and puffy.

“You’re welcome here any time. Is there anything I can help you with?” She shakes her head, the rosary beads in her hand make soft clicking sounds as she moves them through her fingers at an alarming rate.

“I feel terrible burdening you.”

“You’re no burden at all,” I assure her.

“Have you ever . . . I mean, I know you’re a priest, but . . . have you ever wanted someone? Had a desire for someone?” Her big brown eyes meet mine with curiosity. I feel my throat close up at the thought of anyone knowing what I did yesterday. What I allowed to happen.

Glancing away, I look at the window, which shows a scene of the Virgin Mary. Before I answer, I inhale deeply. “I have. It’s not easy living this life,” I tell her honestly. It’s the most honesty I’ve given anyone. Even my parents don’t know about my second thoughts. I can never tell them.

“I can imagine. I mean . . . Sure you miss . . . I’m not sure, if you’ve—”

“I do miss intimacy, yes. Before I walked this path, I was a normal man, but the road I was led down wasn’t a good one, and I needed to make a change. I needed to make sure I cleaned up my act.”

“And this is what you chose?” She seems genuinely curious. I can feel her gaze on me, heating my cheeks. Before I have time to answer, another person walks into the church. I feel her immediately. As if my body recognizes hers, my skin prickles. And even before she says anything, I turn to face her.

“Uhm, hello.” Her gentle and demure smile is enough to have my cock thickening. Why is it that a sweet, innocent lamb is so tempting?

“Sage, what can I do for you?” I ask, my voice husky and rough to the ear. Suddenly, Mrs. Ellison rises and smiles down at me. Her hand on my shoulder, she offers a nod. The ominous gesture makes me stand. “You don’t—”

“I best get back. Thank you for listening, Father.”

With that, I’m left alone with the temptation I’ve been hoping to avoid today. “What did you want, Sage?” I ask, sounding harsher than I intend. When I glance her way, she’s staring at me as if I’m the sun in her darkened sky.

“I . . . I figured I’d bring you something I made,” she says, holding out a small dish, which I didn’t notice earlier. “It’s nothing special. Just some choc chip muffins.”