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

When the tears are gone, Avery breathes, “I love you, Jacob.”


“Avery,” Jacob sighs. “I love you, too. I love you so much…” His voice trails off, as if the words can’t possibly hold in all the emotion, all the love, everything he feels. “I’m so sorry.”


“It’s not your fault,” Avery reminds him. “You have to tell the monsignor that. It’s going to be hard.”


“But remember I’m waiting for you,” Avery continues. “Remember I love you. Okay? I’m here for you and I love you and no matter what happens, I’m not going to give you up.”


Jacob sighs. “If I get expelled—”


“We’ll find a way to be together,” Avery promises. “I swear, Jacob. No matter what happens, they can’t take this from us. They can’t.They aren’t strong enough. Do you hear me?” Jacob nods. “They can’t tear us apart. We won’t let them.”


Jacob hugs him, hard. It’s all Avery needs to assure himself they can get through this thing. Together. 5


Chapter 64