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

“I’m kidding,” Jacob tells him. Avery wishes he could show Jacob there’s no reason to dwell on the guys he knew. They’re out of the picture now. Jacob’s the only one painted in.


Avery leans back to kiss Jacob when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Mike, propping his books against the door to unlock it. The door knob twists as if Mike expects it to be open. He should know better—it’s always locked when it’s just Avery and Jacob alone. “Jacob?” Mike calls out, his voice muffled through the wood. “I can’t reach my key…”


“Fuck.” Jacob lets Avery sit up, then climbs off the bed.


Avery scoots back against the wall. The bed sheets are rumpled beneath him. He hopes Mike doesn’t notice.


Jacob unlocks the door but doesn’t open it. “Get your ass in here,” he growls. He’s picking up his clothes from the floor when Mike enters the room.


Chapter 24