Shades (Reckless Souls MC 3)

Chapter Three

Letty

“Feel free to put the paychecks into the mailboxes right there.” Marjorie points to a wooden structure behind me that reminds me of school teacher’s cubbies.

“The names are on the bottom.”

I stare at the boxes for a moment and wonder if this is the smartest way to handle money. “Is this safe?”

Marjorie laughs. “This is a church, Letty, and we’re all family here. If you put the wrong paycheck into the wrong box, it’ll get to the right person. I guarantee it.”

She gives me a look that’s equal parts amusement and exasperation.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t want to make a mistake.”

“Don’t be sorry. It’s better to ask.”

Her smile is kind and gentle, and I nod at her words. “If you want to drop them off each Friday, be my guest.”

“No,” I sigh. “This is the most efficient use of my time, and I don’t want to make a habit of something I can’t keep up with when my workload increases.”

Pastor Braden says I’ll be an integral part of the fundraising efforts throughout the year, which will take up a lot of my time.

“Thank you, Marjorie, you’re a tremendous help.”

“Not too big, I hope?” She laughs playfully, and I join in. She carries a few extra pounds, but Marjorie is beautiful with almond-shaped blue eyes and boobs for days, even more than me.

“Nah, I think you’re perfect the way God made you.”

Her cheeks blush prettily. “You’re a sweetheart,” she says with a dismissive wave. “Better use your free time wisely because when Pastor Braden returns, he’ll have too many receipts balled up for you to sort through.”

I laugh again because I’ve already had two experiences with the Pastor’s inept bookkeeping. I’m starting to understand why this position was open.

“See you later,” I tell her over my shoulder and leave the reception area of the church to make my way back to my office.

So far, the job is going great! I have a lot of work to do just to get the books caught up for the past six months, not to mention that plenty of our church members are behind on their offerings. It’s up to me to find a way to finesse that money from their pockets to the church as promised.

I’m so lost in my own thoughts and going through my mental to-do list that I don’t notice there’s another person in the hall until I run smack into them. Into him, more specifically.

“Oh my goodness! I am so sorry.” I take a step back and put my hands out to steady the tall man with the broad chest, accidentally brushing a hand across one hard pectoral muscle.

“Oh. Sorry. Again.”

I look up and up, and then way up to see a familiar face, covered once again by sunglasses, orange and gray this time.

“You. You were at the funeral for that girl a few months ago.”

He smiles tightly. “Where’s Braden?”

I frown at his tone and take another step back.

“Pastor Braden isn’t here. I can take a message for him if you’d like.”

Even behind the flashy sunglasses, I can feel the weight of his scowl on me.

“Sorry, sweetheart, that ain’t gonna work for me. I need Braden. Now.”

I sigh and turn away. “I’ve already told you, he isn’t here. He should be back sometime soon, and you can speak to him then.”