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 tugs at Jacob’s curls, playful. “Sorry for what?”


Like he doesn’t know. Jacob sighs. “For making Timmy mad,” he says, though that’s not quite it. He’s afraid Avery will start thinking about how much trouble it is for them to be together. He’s afraid the rumors and gossip will begin to get to Avery. He’s afraid Avery will stop loving him because of it. “For… I don’t know. For everything, I guess.”


Avery rests his head beside Jacob’s on the pillow. His hand fists in Jacob’s curls, tugging just a little. He presses his lips against Jacob’s temple and laughs, breathy and deep. “It’s not your fault,” he whispers.


With a shrug, Jacob says, “I know.” He’s unconvinced.


Avery laughs again. Another kiss, tender. Another soft tug on his curls. “Don’t be sorry, then.”


Avery’s other hand toys with the front of Jacob’s shirt. He picks at the hard nipples hidden beneath the material. It’s ticklish but Jacob only squirms closer against him.


Chapter 49