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“You told me I'd know where to find you, and you were right.” Holding out his arms, his smile broadened.

“You know what I mean, Jayden. Why would you come here where someone might recognize you? You know how my father feels about you, I don't need someone running to him to tell him about you. He has enough going on right now.”

Arching a brow, he crooked his chin. “Still? After all this time, he still hates me?”

“Yes.”

“But he's a pastor, isn't he supposed to forgive all sins or something? Why would he still hate me?”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I rubbed my forehead.“Wasa pastor.”

“Was?” Scrunching his brows, he tilted his head. “I didn't think you're father would ever give up this place.”

“I don't want to get into it right now, but you can't be here. Alright?”

“Alright, that's fine. I won't come back to the church.” Pausing, Jayden took a small step in, a playful smirk teasing the corner of his lips. “So long as you have dinner with me tonight.”

“Dinner?”

“That's what I said.”

“Tonight?” Jayden nodded, giving me a wink. Shaking my head no, I took a long step back. “I can't tonight, I have Bliss, and errands to run—it's just not a good night tonight.”

“Okay, I get it.” Jayden tucked his hands in his pockets and started walking towards the front door of the church.

“What are you doing?”

“I think I saw some faces I recognize, I think I'll go see if they remember me.”

“Wait, no no no, you're not doing that.”

“Yes I am. No dinner, no deal. See? I'm walking this way.”

Running up in front of him, I held up my hands and stopped him. “Alright, alright, I'll have dinner with you tonight.”

“Great, I'll pick you up at seven.”

“Give me your phone.” Holding out my hand, he gave me a funny look but handed it over. Typing my number and address in, I handed it back. “There, now you know where to really find me.”

Jay gave me a big smile as he looked at the screen. “I'll be there at seven.”

“Alright, dinner at seven.” Pointing in the direction of my car, I started to walk. “I'm going to go make sure Bliss isn't cooking in the backseat.”

“Yeah, that's probably a good idea.” Watching me walk away, he called out, “Seven, don't forget!”

My belly tumbled as his smile thickened and his eyes ran up my body. Giving him a small wave and a smile back, I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Dinner with Jayden Henry.

What am I getting myself into?