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

“No,” Jacob corrects, “I mean why—”


Avery sighs. “He thinks his girlfriend’s pregnant.” He keeps his voice low, but it still sounds worse once the words are spoken.


Jacob’s eyes go wide. “Marie?” As if there might be another one he knows about.


Avery nods. “He wants to buy a pregnancy test but doesn’t want to go alone, you know?” Even though Parker didn’t ask, he can’t help but add, “Do you want to come?”


He thinks Jacob’s going to say yes. Parker might not like that but Avery will make up something if he has to. He really wants Jacob to go.


But Jacob studies Avery’s face, his eyes flickering uncertainly. Finally he shakes his head. “No.” He kisses Avery once more. “You go. You’ll be back in time to walk with me to French class?”


“Mais oui,” Avery says. He winks at Jacob. “Je t’aime.”


Jacob grins crookedly. “What’s that mean?”


Jacob’s eyes light up, and Avery is sure that’s the only French he’ll ever remember. He thinks it’s probably all Jacob needs to know. 8


Chapter 36