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Craving touch wasn’t a fking sin I had gone without it growing up and I liked affection I liked how good a wo because she was sure our childhood had screwed ood and I didn’t need a psycho shrink telling me why I liked to fk women

Chapter Four

BLYTHE

The rest of the ent by without one sighting of Krit He didn’t even have any parties Although, the day after I had gone upstairs to quiet the last party, I had come home from the library to find an iPod and a set of earbuds by hbor’s noise--K

I had looked for him over the next couple of days to tell him thank you The iPod had been stocked with s It seeood to listen to After I didn’t see or hear hi me

It hat I’d expected, but it still hurt htwith me, and I could finally have a friend That, however, wasn’t the case

Today I started college I had World Literature and Physics 101, and then I had awith my new boss Pastor Williams had set me up to ith a pastor at a local church I wasn’t sure what Pastor Williams had told this pastor about me, but he seemed sure that I would fit in there just fine The fear that this new pastor would take one look atontattooed rocker could see the faults inabout that wasn’t going to fix anything for me It would only make matters worse I brushed my hair one more time and stared at myself in the mirror I had decided to wear a pair of jeans today with the nicer blouse I had purchased, the one that matched my pink heels I wasn’t sure what the church expectedwith the pastor today, I figured this outfit would do I lasses in the backpack I had my laptop tucked safely inside of Once I was sure I hadn’t forgotten anything, I headed for h both of ood notes had been easier than I’d anticipated I felt good about my professors I hadn’t spoken to anyone, but that was okay I didn’t have to make friends I wasn’t there for that

The church I would be working at was a Baptist church rown up in Froer ones in the town The coastal appearance was so about that made the church feel less like home I didn’t need any re into a church was literally terrifying for me I had made many of my worst memories in a church

But this was the job Pastor Willia to work around et by and live co to have to find another job on my own, and I wasn’t sure what I was even qualified to do

I pulled the backpack strap up higher on one shoulder and walked inside the front doors The smell of coconut met my nose, which was odd Our church never smelled like suntan lotion It smelled like flowers Lots of flowers This place even smelled like the beach I relaxed as I looked around at the casual atmosphere The church wasn’t decorated like any one I had been to

"Can I help you?" a hts, and I spun around to see a guy not much older than I was I was sure he wasn’t the pastor No pastor I kneas this young and this handsoreen eyes sparkled Wide shoulders and really nice arot inaze His s like an idiot "Uh, yes I’m here to meet with Pastor Keenan I have an appoint over uys spoke to me

"You’re Blythe Denton?" he asked as his eyes ide in surprise

I only nodded How did he knowWow Um, yeah, okay Uh, I’ either Just, yeah, okay" He stopped and chuckled, then shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck

I wasn’t sure rong, but this could not be Pastor Keenan Soh "Dad?" I asked hie fro atas he looked down the hallway "Yeah,is with him"

Okay"Is he here?" I asked

He nodded and took a step toward me and held out his hand "I’m Linc Keenan It’s nice to meet you, Blythe"

I slipped my hand into his for a polite handshake "Thanks," I replied

When he let o, he nodded toward the hallway "This way"

Good That had been aard, but I liked Linc’s smile He seemed sincere and kind I had never actually liked pastors’ kids before I had met many of them when they’d come to visit the church with their parents They’d always either treated ivenfun ofatmy mouth so that I hadn’t been able to scream He had said he kneas a dirty slut because he’d heard the gossip He just hadn’t been told how hot I was, and he’d said he wanted a taste ofas he shoved his hand down my pants Luckily, Pastor Williams had shown up and ordered him to leave Then he sent me to my room for the rest of the weekend

It was never discussed No one ever asked me about it or checked on me I was just told to stay in my room I had been terrified and humiliated

Needless to say, my experiences with pastors’ kids hadn’t been pleasant I just really wanted this job to work out

Linc led o in and speak to my dad and tell him you’re here Have a seat and make yourself comfortable I won’t be but a minute"

I nodded and sank down to wait on the soft tan leather sofa The decor in the rooht and laid-back A palm tree was in the corner, and bamboo plants adorned the end tables and front desk The sered in there as well I noticed several candles that were in rustic-lookingaround They obviously used them often