Sixteen year old Jacob Smithson has quite a temper. He’s picked on by other kids because he likes boys, and recent fighting has kicked him out of public school. As a last resort, his parents have placed him in the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Boarding School for Boys.<br><br>It’s at his first mass at St. Thomas where he sees Avery Dendritch, a senior who serves as altar boy during the service. When they meet, the attraction between them is hard to deny. The two become fast friends, and as the school year progresses, their friendship deepens into something more. For the first time, Jacob has found a place where he belongs ... and someone with whom he’s falling in love.<br><br>But the other students gossip about their growing relationship, and while Avery can ignore them, Jacob cannot. As the rumors and slurs start up again, can he curb his temper, or will his penchant for fighting get him expelled from St. Thomas, as well?

Without Sin

Avery plops down on the bench beside Jacob, ignoring the whispers and open stares from the other students. He’s not supposed to be here, talking to someone waiting to see the monsignor. He can get in trouble, too.


Jacob’s almost embarrassed by the fight and doesn’t want to look at Avery so he turns away.


“You didn’t have to prove it to me,” Avery says with a grin. “I would’ve believed you were a bad boy, if you wanted me to.”


“You shouldn’t be here,” Jacob mutters, but he’s happy Avery is.


“You’re a celebrity.” Avery picks at the crease ironed into his pants and laughs. “There aren’t many fights here. Rich kids don’t know how to fight.”


Jacob watches the students hurry by him. “I feel like public enemy number one.” He always feels bad after he gets into trouble. So why can’t he stay outof trouble?


Jacob shrugs. Defending your honor. But he just met the boy and he’s not going to say that.


Chapter 7