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

Her hand falls to her lap, limp. “Where is he?”


Avery hates himself when he has to shrug. “I don’t know.”


Before he can say more, the door to the monsignor’s office opens. The Nelsons file out, father, mother, son. None of them look at him as they pass. Not even Mike.


Sister Mary Margaret comes out into the hall. “Mr. Dendritch?”


Avery stands. “My parents aren’t here yet.”


But the nun stands aside, waiting. “Nice meeting you,” Mrs. Smithson says. She touches Avery’s hand, pressing her fingers into his palm. Her touch is warm, comforting. “I’m glad he’s got someone here. It’s hard for him to make friends.”


“I like him a lot,” Avery tells her. It’s the understatement of the year.


“Mr. Dendritch?” the nun prompts again.


This time Avery doesn’t argue. He lets her lead the way into the monsignor’s office. 2


Chapter 57