Lust swelled within Father Jerom Noeb. He thought he was beyond such earthly feelings; prided himself on being chaste with even the most attractive women from the church. He hadn't dwelt on thoughts of sex in several years and certainly hadn't lusted for a woman in even longer.
Now that unfamiliar burn threatened to consume him. He looked at the woman standing in the doorway and melted into her big brown eyes. It was her eyes. Evil incarnate floated just below the surface. Lust, desire, and sex swirled in a maelstrom of sin. He pulled his gaze from those smoldering eyes and let it drift down. If only he could avoid those eyes. No, it was more than just her eyes; it was everything about her. The simple cotton blouse she wore, black with red lace tucked into an equally simple black pair of cotton slacks; her long black hair; the fullness of her lips, everything about her exuded demure sex.
Glasya Suden smiled at him, looking down quickly when she caught his gaze, then rolling her eyes up to look at him again. That simple look, so innocent yet seductive, set his heart quivering. His words, rehearsed so many times, caught in his throat preventing him from speaking.
"Father, is there something I can do for you?" Her voice carried a sultry tone that stole the breath from his lungs.
He stood shaking for a long moment. She waited, her body swaying back and forth like a serpent being charmed. Finally, his training rescued him and he managed to repeat the Lord's Prayer silently several times restoring his composure.
Forcing a weak smile onto his face, he spoke, "I'm here.... I mean.... I came by to see you." The words were wrong and he felt the heat rise in his cheeks. Her eyes held his, keeping him from looking away. He took a deep breath and started again. "You came to our parish this past Sunday. I got your name and address from our visitors role." It came out too fast, and again he blushed.
"Very nice of you to come by." Her smile calmed him, soothing his shaking nerves. "Please come in. Can I get you a coke?" The soft lilt of her smooth south Texas accent drew him through the doorway into her apartment.
"I won't take up much of your time."
"Oh don't be silly. Actually, I'm new in town and feeling a little homesick. Maybe a friendly visit is just what I need." She touched his hand, leading him across dark carpet to the black leather couch.
"If you're sure I'm not intruding."
He looked around at the odd furnishings in the room. It was clear, even to him, that the room was coordinated, but the designer must have been depressed. Or psychotic. All the furniture was black, painted steel and leather. A darkly enticing abstract painting hung on one wall and, unable to resist, he moved over to study it.
"Do you like it?" Her voice was soft and so close that he started. Turning quickly, he found himself too close to her warm curves.
She didn't step back, just stood, with lips slightly parted, waiting for his answer.
"It's... disturbing. Who painted it?"
She smiled at his discomfort and lifted a glass filled with a dark fizzing liquid to him. "I did, years ago."
"Oh." He took the glass as the painting recaptured his attention.
Its lines seemed to draw him in, red and black swirling together, sucking his soul away. Erotic shapes, hinted at in the abstract pattern, floated and weaved their way into his mind. For just a moment the painting seemed to come alive. New shapes formed and moved together in a sensuous dance that was obscenely thrilling.
He closed his eyes, forcing his mind away from the painting. Taking a sip from his drink, he found himself relieved it was only coke, and he let his mind concentrate on the cold sweetness for a moment. Finally, he lowered the glass and felt his arm brush the soft roundness of her breast. Electric fire shot through his mind and he nearly dropped his drink. Looking down at her, he found her face still upturned.
The clinking of ice told him that he was trembling. How could he be feeling like this? He was a man of God. But his body betrayed his pious thoughts. Instinct told him he needed to get out of the house, but he didn't want to leave. He stepped back, increasing the distance between them slightly. If only she weren't so sexual. If only he could concentrate. He forced himself to take a deep breath.
"Are, are you looking to join our church?" He asked, fumbling for some way to salvage his dignity.
"Hmmm," it was an erotic moan. She turned to face him, moving close again. "Do you think I'd fit?"
Her breasts touched his chest and her hand slid down his arm. Fingers, icy tendrils on his hot flesh, touched his skin, burning in his mind like brimstone.
"You, you'll find we are a friendly congregation. We have many single activities." He stepped back feeling the hot steel of the low coffee table press against his calves.
"Seemed a little cool when I was there. Perhaps they don't have my," she paused dragging one finger up his chest, circling the buttons on his shirt, "passion for life." She spun and walked away from him. Her tight leather pants drew his eyes to the exciting curve of her ass.
Jerom shook his head, feeling confused and lightheaded. She hadn't been wearing leather before, had she? Must have been. Her clothes fit the room perfectly, almost as if her clothes and the furniture were an expression of her mood.
"I'm sorry, I've been a terrible hostess. Would you like to sit?" She sat on the couch and patted the seat next to her.
"I, I really should be getting back." He looked around, his head in a confused fog. The door wasn't where he remembered it. He searched. There it was, on the other side of the room. He would have to pass the painting. He hesitated, then started toward it but only took two steps before her voice stopped him.
"Oh, I was hoping you would stay, for a little while." Her voice was soft, warm, and inviting.
He stopped and turned back to her. The leather clothes were gone. Back was the simple cotton. The couch, which had been something from a Marquis de Sade garage sale, was now contemporary, still black, but soft and inviting. He blinked and shook his head, something was wrong here but she seemed so nice and he had a duty to the church, especially in these days of declining attendance.
He managed a smile. "If you're sure I'm not disturbing you?"
"Not at all. Please sit."
He sat beside her, two feet of couch separating them. A small drop of perspiration dripped into his eye making him blink. The room wasn't hot, but his brow was wet with sweat. There was something about this woman, this room. He lifted his drink to his lips and let the cool liquid fill his mouth, savoring its sweet flavor, using it to help him relax.
"So tell me about the singles groups in your church."