He sat taller, puffed out his chest. “No kidding? What happened?”
“No idea.” She brushed her shoulder against his. “Can you keep a secret?”
Leaning close, he murmured, “Absolutely.”
“I could lighten my load if I confessedallmy sins to you. I mean, youarea man of God.”
A shadow darkened his eyes. “I’d love to hear them.”
“I hope you aren’t going to start preaching that you can save my soul, because the devil already owns it.”
“I would never preach to you, Evangeline,” Monty continued.
“Why is that?”
“Because I think you’re perfect the way you are.” His gaze floated over her face. “Canyoukeep a secret?”
Confess your sins, asshole. “You betcha.”
“I’ve been fantasizing about you from the moment I met you.”
“You’re naughty.”
His toothy grin made her stomach roil. “I could be, if you want me to.”
“Are you telling me the good pastor is a bad boy?”
His breath hitched while his gaze flitted between her eyes and her mouth. “Maybe we should move our party somewhere more intimate.”
She wanted to throw up. “I can be talked into getting out of here. Let me settle up.”
“I’ve got this.”
While Monty paid the bartender, Evangeline texted Jacoby. “Go time.”
“All set.” Monty pushed off the seat.
“Thanks for the beer. Where are we headed?”
“How ‘bout your place?”
“I’ll drive.”
“I’m at your mercy,” he said.
“The devil awaits you,” she said.I’m about to take you on a one-way trip to hell.
“Oh, God, yes,” he ground out.
They exited the bar. “I’m parked out back.”
When he draped his arm over her shoulder, she wanted to fling it off. Her heartbeat kicked up as they walked around the side of the building. She was coloring so far outside the lines, she had no roadmap, no rules to follow. Her commitment to finding Hannah and Robert had her snaking her arm around his back. He kissed her temple and she resisted the urge to deck him. Her love and devotion for Sinclair filled her with confidence.
“I’ve wanted to hook up with you since the day I met you at Charlene’s party.”
“Dreams really do come true, don’t they?” she crooned through clenched teeth.
Step by step, they continued onward until they reached the back of the building. Dakota’s SUV waited at the curb, engine running.