Preach 2

On the weekends when she didn’t have to work, he would always walk over and invite her to join him for breakfast. When Clay would show up at her doorstep on Saturday morning, Mysha felt a smile start deep down inside of her. She looked forward to spending a few minutes with him, but was apprehensive about joining him for breakfast so early in his home.

So whenever he invited her to breakfast, she’d always refused. He took her refusals in stride even though they made her more appealing to him.

He invited her to the church. She’d refuse. He’d invite her to social functions and she’d refuse. He talked to her at least once every day the first four months.

Once he realized she worked at the coffee shop, he came by to chat with her every morning. He seemed completely oblivious to the way certain members of his flock looked at her.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mysha would watch him and admire his fantastic body. It was hard to believe he was a minister. He was so fine. He stood a little over six feet tall, with broad shoulders, a firm six-pack abdomen, and thick muscular pythons that she imagined would encase the woman he held in a tight embrace.

He was fair with his blond hair cut short so that it showed off his incredibly amazing face. Personally, she liked his hair long, because it curled around his neck. His clear grey eyes sparkled whenever she saw him. With his perfect face, perfect skin, and perfect body, Mysha was not surprised to see the single females at his church constantly making excuses the stop by his house.

<i>Well, time’s up. Stop ogling preacher man,</i>Mysha thought. <i>Some of us just aren’t chosen. Hmmm.</i>Mysha then got dressed for her first job of the week, barista at the coffee shop.

“Good morning, welcome to Sunshine Coffee. How may I help you?” Mysha greeted her twentieth customer of that morning. That customer ordered a chilled mocha with a ham and cheese roll. Mysha completed their order.

The customer collected their order a headed to their table. The next customer stepped forward and Mysha started with the standard greeting. “Good morning, welcome to Sunshine Coffee. How may I help you?”

“You can join me for dinner, Mysha. Do you work tonight?” Clay asked smiling at her as he stepped up in line.

Mysha’s heart slammed in her chest. “Pastor Richards, you don’t need to be seen out with me. What would your parishioners think?” she said as she smiled coyly.

Clay smiled, <i>Damn, why is he so damn cute? Fuck, and he knows it.</i>

He knew she found him attractive and watched him when he did yard work. Honestly, he hated yard work, but he worked in the yard just to see his gorgeous neighbor.

Clay liked black women. He always dated black women and Mysha was exactly his type.

Whenever he saw her, he smiled. Her presence always made his day just that little bit better. She was his vision of a perfect woman.

Clay looked confused and the he chuckled, “What, are you not human? I just want to have dinner with a lovely young woman.”

“Pastor, if I went out with you, I’d want more than dinner. And you’re a man of God, so I’d corrupt you. Therefore, I must say no. Ask one of the girls in your church out. Now what would you like to order?” Mysha smiled as she asked.

Clay smiled back. He loved her spunkiness. He knew that he wasn’t supposed to date a nonbeliever, but God made everyone right and he was given free will. He wanted to get to know Mysha.

“Ok, well, we will see,” he smiled and winked at her. “A large coffee with three sugars and some French vanilla creamer. Also add a Bear claw. Thanks.”

Mysha fixed his order and collected the payment. She thanked him and moved on to the next customer.

“Good morning, Pastor Richards. How are you this morning Sir?” Mother Williams from the church greeted him.

“Good morning, Mother Williams, fancy meeting you here this early.” Clay returned her greeting.

“Oh, Mother Thomas has a doctor’s appointment and I’m driving her.  She can’t eat before her appointment, so I am just having breakfast before I pick her up.” She explained.

“Is she well? I wasn’t aware that she was having issues.” Clay stated looking concerned.

“No, Pastor, she’s doing well. It’s just routine visit. You’ll see when you’re our age.” Mother Williams chuckled.

Mysha laughed at something a customer said drawing the attention of Clay and Mother Williams.

Mother Williams saw him talking to her earlier and knowing the girl’s history with the church, she didn’t think the pastor being friendly with her was a good idea. Although Mother Williams liked Mysha and wished she felt welcomed at the church. She realized that with the way she’d been treated, Mysha might never want to return to the church.  The new pastor had no idea of what happened with this girl a few years earlier so she would talk to Deacon Brother Jones and have him approach the pastor.

Clay bid Mother Williams a good day, took a moment to look at the object of his desire, and then left the shop. After reporting to his job at a local insurance company, he decided to pursue his lovely neighbor.

Clay didn’t get much work done because his thoughts kept drifting to a certain gorgeous young woman. Dark chocolate brown skin, long black hair, deep dark brown eyes that sat in a face that reminded one of a young hot Gabriella Union, she stood five feet eight inches tall. He was six two himself and he loved a woman that matched his height. Mysha was amazing. She seemed to be a healthy size eight. He longed to fondle her ample breast, kiss her supple lips, and hold her curvaceous frame against his chest.

Many people thought just because he was a minister that he didn’t have amorous thoughts about women. They were wrong. He studied the bible and believed in its teachings but he was also a realist. Men and women were put on this earth to attract each other, and he was not a monk.

He knew Mysha watched him, but what she didn’t realize was that he watched her just as intently, if not more. She was a very attractive woman.

Clay knew that Mysha worked two different jobs and went to school at night. He felt that she took on too much. Clay wanted to find a way to be a part of her life. So he made it his mission to get one Mysha Knicks to give him a chance.

************************************************************”

“Pastor Richards,” head Deacon Jones was speaking, “Mother Williams said she saw you at the coffee shop talking to that girl this morning. Now we know you’re concerned about all of the people in the city, but you can’t mix with people that aren’t of the church.”

Clay looked at the elderly gentleman before him. As his elder, he would show him respect, but he did not have the right to tell him who he could and could not associate with.

“Deacon Jones, I appreciate your advice, but you will not tell me who I can and cannot associate with. If I want to speak with Mysha, I will.” Clay smiled and softened his tone. “Deacon Jones, if we don’t talk to unbelievers, how will we get them to come to the church? We have to communicate with people.”

Deacon Jones looked penitent. The new young pastor had never spoken to him so harshly before, and he did have a point, the members needed to talk to people if they wanted to increase church membership.

“Pastor, you are right and I apologize.” stated Deacon Jones immediately feeling contrite. “We’ve been charged to spread the gospel and you were just doing that. I’ll talk to Mother Williams.”

“Thank you, Deacon.” Clay smiled and placed his hand on the older man’s shoulder to reassure him that all was well.  “You know what, maybe you could get with Mother Williams to organize an event for one weekend where we can invite the people in the neighborhood to visit our church.

They won’t want to come if they don’t feel welcome. And if they don’t come, how can we spread the word?” Clay asked.

He knew organizing events was something his two elder members loved doing. Maybe they would invite Mysha and she would see the church in a different light.

Deacon Jones perked up. He’d wanted to do something like this for the longest, but the other members frowned on mixing with people who were not members of the church. He felt that now that the Pastor suggested it, it might come to fruition.

Deacon Jones smiled and went to his office to call Mother Williams immediately and tell her about Pastor Clay’s idea.

Clay thought about his elusive neighbor, and decided he’d invite her to church again. He had invited her before, but she always refused for one reason or another. He realized that something happened when Pastor Black led the church, but he wasn’t quite sure what. Tonight, he’d invite her out and try to find out what happened.

Clay sat in his living room waiting anxiously for Mysha to arrive home from her second job. She usually made it home around five thirty, but today she was late. It was a little after six when she walked up her driveway from the bus stop.

Moving slowly, shoulders slumped, with her head down, Mysha walked onto her front lawn seemingly dejected.  No signs of the young energetic woman from earlier in the day. Clay watched helplessly recognizing that she was truly exhausted. Knowing she worked two jobs, he wanted more than anything to do something help alleviate her stress.

He got up and rushed outside, calling to her before she reached her front door..

“Mysha, hello.”

She turned around and greeted him with a weary smile.

“Hey Clay,” She waited briefly for his response before turning to head on into the house to put on her sweats and veg out in front of her television.

“Mysha wait, I was about to go out for some supper.”  Clay said stopping her again. “Join me. It will be my treat.” He stated sheepishly.

“That’s so nice, but you’re ready to go. I need to shower, find something to wear, and then dress. It would take too long, maybe next time, alright.” Mysha kindly declined his invitation.

Even though she spoke in a calm voice, her heart was pounding.

“I don’t mind waiting. Take your time. I’ll be sitting right here on my porch.” Clay said.

Smiling Mysha hurried into her house to get ready as her sheer tiredness from earlier seemed to evaporate. Stripping as she rushed into her shower, she was elated to be joining him. As the hot water sprayed over her body washing away the tensions of her day, Mysha wondered briefly what, if anything, did this mean. Was he really interested in her or just being neighborly?

Mysha smiled and was excited as she dressed for her date. <i>Date? Was this a date?<i> Wanting to look nice for him, but not showing it Mysha selected a pair of black slacks with a baby doll top with small floral print.  Deciding to accessorize, she added a golden chain she’d gotten from her mother with matching golden stud earrings. Finally she put on a pair of black pumps to complete her outfit.

Instead of applying her makeup heavily like she normally did, Mysha decided to keep it simple and going with a much lighter application and a touch of lipstick. She then dabbed perfume on her wrist. After she finished dressing, she checked herself in the mirror to make sure she looked alright. Grimacing at her appearance she felt like she looked almost like a proper young church woman.

Clay was patiently when her door opened. He stood transfixed as Mysha walked out dressed in such a demure way. Her true beauty radiated from her as he took in her amazing frame. She was simply perfect and he was overjoyed that she was willing to spend time with him. The woman was beautiful and that was a simple fact. As she walked from the door to his house, Clay hurriedly rushed to his the car to open the passenger door for her.

Mysha thanked him shyly, her heart pounded so hard, the sound was deafening as she quickly climbed into the passenger seat. Clay closed her door and moved quickly to the driver side and got it. Once he climbed in, he simply looked at her.

He wondered if she could hear the beat of his heart as it raced in his chest at the sight of her. He took note of the fact she was breathing rapidly as well as briefly wondered if she was as nervous as he.

Clay took a deep breath to try to get control his body and its reactions to his wonderful companion.

“Mysha, thank you for joining me tonight. You have no idea how much this means to me.” He whispered as he cranked the car to head to the restaurant. He always knew what to say to her to help her relax. Just that small statement really calmed her and she looked at him. He had no idea of the effects he had on her.

Mysha smiled. That was one things he liked about Clay. He was always a gentleman.

“So, Clay,” Mysha asked. “Where are we going tonight?”

Clay looked over to his lovely companion and smiled. “Applebee’s or Chilli’s, you choose.”

Smiling Clay drove them one of the local restaurant for dinner. When they arrived he parked the car and asked her to wait. They entered Applebee’s together and were immediately seen by a few members of Clay’s congregation.

Mysha stiffened when she saw them watching her. She was afraid, and felt as if she shouldn’t be out with Clay. Clay felt her freeze up, but didn’t understand why. So he gently placed his arm around her waist and carefully pulled her body into his.

Spying and empty booth near the back of the dining room, Clay led Mysha to the table. She was tense and he was concerned. She seemed fine in the car; what was causing this anxiety? Eventually the waitress came and they ordered their drinks.

Before the drinks arrived, the couple that saw them walked over to speak. “Pastor Richards fancy seeing you here. And who is this lovely young lady?” Elder Samuel Green greeted them.”

Standing and shaking his hand, Clay smiled proudly, “Elder Green, Mother Green, how are the both of you? I know you both know Mysha Knicks. She’s my neighbor.” He proudly introduced his date to the other couple.

“Mysha, it is so nice to meet you.” Elder Green greeted her warmly.

“Hello, Elder and Mother Green,” Mysha spoke so meekly they could hardly hear her.

Mother Green smiled warmly at the young woman, “Mysha, it is so nice to meet you as well. We’re going to get out of your hair. Samuel, let’s go and let these young people enjoy their dinner.” She told her husband catching his arm as she dragged him away from the table.

“You’re right dear. Pastor, don’t forget we have a meeting in two weeks. See you then. Mysha, it was nice meeting you. You two enjoy your evening.” Bishop Green stated finally before the older couple left.

Clay was concerned and wanted to make sure his companion was alright.

“Hey, Mysha! What happened? Are you alright?” he queried, worry creasing his brow.

He didn’t like the look of apprehension that crossed her face when the older couple approached them.

She forced a smile, “I’m fine. Can we just eat and not talk about what just happened?”

 After ordering their drinks, Clay smiled at her causing her heart to skip a beat. He decided to break the ice, “See, I knew I’d get you to go out on a date with me.”

Mysha laughed. She sighed as she felt the tension leave her body, “Yea, you did. This is nice Pastor, thanks.”

“Don’t,  Mysha.  I don’t want a title tonight. Please call me by name, Clay. Tonight, can we just pretend to be two regular people.” Clay implored.

“OK. You got it, Clay.” Mysha said, tongue in cheek. “I always respect my elders. You are almost twenty years older than me, right. Besides, your hair is turning gray at the temples.”

Clay laughed out loud at her words. He liked this playful, teasing side of her. She always made him smile. He knew he was older than her and hoped his age wouldn’t be a problem. “Really, how old do you think I am?” he asked chuckling at her response.

Mysha started to answer, but the waitress brought their drinks and took their orders. After she made a quick exit, Mysha answered his query.

“Well” Mysha answered smiling. “You’ve got to be at least forty. I mean, you are a preacher and you’ve been one for a long time.

“Really! That old. Close, but not quite that old.” Clay replied smiling at her. “I’m thirty-five.”

“Only thirty-five, nice!” Mysha declared. “How old were you when you became a minister?”

“I was twenty-four, when I became ordained. However, when I turned twenty-five, that was when I made a vow and truly committed my life to the church.” Clay explained.

“Oh!” Mysha looked pensive for a moment. “Why did you decide to go into ministry?”

“You can say it just happened.” Clay explained. “I was taking classes and decided to audit a class called Theology in 12BC. One day in class and I was hooked. I registered and decided to go into ministry.”

Mysha was awed. She was twenty-four and admired his drive and determination. Working two jobs, Mysha wished she knew what she wanted to do. “Wow, you knew what you wanted to do at my age. Hmm! I’m just trying to make it. I do want to go back to school though, maybe become a teacher.”

Clay realizing that this was one thing he could do for her, cheered silently, his heart racing at the idea of providing her with some type of support. “Really, Mysha, that’s great. I would love to help you with that. You know the church offers scholarships. I’ll get some information to you about them.” The waitress brought their appetizers and refilled there drinks.

Mysha smiled a beautific smile, “Wow, Clay. You would do that? Thank you.” She whispered. Watching as many subtle emotions play across his face, honestly, she just loved watching him.

“ You’re welcomed.” Clay realizing she was watching him closely blushed. “OK, I’ve talked too much; I’ll stop tell me about you.”

“Well, I grew up in Blaine and lived there until my Mom died six years ago.” Tears gathered in her eyes at the memory. She continued, feeling the pain the same as it was over six years ago. “After she died, I got a job at the hospital and moved to Gospel. My mom’s friend knew a guy that had houses for rent and he let me rent the small house I’m living in now.” Mysha explained.

“How old were you when you lost your Mom?” Clay asked curiously.

“Eighteen, it was hard, but I survived. The people at your church helped until…” then she dropped the subject.

“Until what?” Clay queried.

“Nothing Clay, remembering my Mom is always hard for me. Can we talk about something else?” Mysha asked.

“So you used to go to church. I know something happened. Will you please talk to me about it? Maybe I can convince you to come back.” Clay stated.

At this point their meal had arrived and they ate dinner.

After eating dinner, they were stuffed and decided to skip dessert. Clay collected and paid the ticket, and they left the restaurant. They walked to his car joking about the intense run Clay would have to do to burn tonight’s calories.

Being ever the gentleman, Clay opened her car door for her and helped her inside.

Clay looked over at his lovely young companion, “You are so young and beautiful. Thinking<i>I am too old for her. She’ll never see me as more than a preacher.</i>

“Clay, I’m glad I joined you tonight. This was fun. I like you… I mean really like you, but I know I’m not the kind of girl you would date, so…” Mysha looked out of the window cursing herself for talking to much. Clay was a nice man and he offered her dinner simply because of the fact he was nice. She needed to get over this crush she had on him.

Clay reached across the seat and grasped her hand, lifting it to his lips, he gently kissed her knuckles. Her breath caught, as her heart slammed in her chest. The touch of his skin against hers made her body warm and she wondered if he could sense her arousal.

When Clay grasped her hand and kissed her knuckles, his cock hardened. The slightest movement, touch, or even sigh from this girl set him off. He knew who he was and realized that his vocation aside, he’d never stand a chance at such a beautiful and vibrant young lady.

Her heard her sigh when he kissed her hand, noticed that she unconsciously rubbed her thighs together signaling her arousal, and for an instant he wanted to explore.

He took control of his errant thoughts as he saw their houses come into view. Stopping in front to Mysha’s house, he got out to open her door.

“Clay, don’t be silly.” Mysha told him as he held the door for her. “I can walk from across the street,” Mysha concluded.

“Mysha, I want to do this right. Call it the old man in me. Let me walk you to your door.” Clay said.

After he walked her to the door, he kissed her on the forehead. “Thank you Mysha for keeping this “old man” company.  Sleep well.” He then stood until she went inside and secured he door.  After that he drove across the street and into his garage.

The next morning, Clay saw Mysha leaving to walk to the bus stop. He was just getting back from his morning run.

“Hey, Mysha. How are you this morning?” He asked.

She loved looking at him. Standing there wearing a sweat soaked athletic t-shirt and running pants, that accentuated the sinewy muscle of his body, she could not help but admire the view. His golden hair was drenched and hanging just above his shoulders. She longed to simply walk over to him run her fingers through his hair, pull his mouth to hers, and kiss him until she forgot her own name.

But she didn’t move, just answered his query politely. “Good morning, Clay. I’m fine. Did you have a nice run?”

“It was nice, refreshing even.” Clay replied.

 “Well, I’ve got to go. My bus will be here in a few. Bye Clay. I’ll see you later.” Then, she left for work. He wished her a great day and then proceeded to go in is house to get ready for his day.

As usual, he stopped by the coffee shop and teased her. He even invited her to come to bible class that evening, but Mysha had to work so she declined his invitation. That evening he had to teach bible class and missed seeing her come home.

Time passed and each morning the two neighbors greeted each other before Mysha went to work. Clay was busy working on some claims at his firm, so he didn’t stop by the coffee shop as often as he had previously done.

Although she’d never tell anyone, Mysha missed sparring with him in the morning. Deciding to do something to take her mind off of the delectable minister, she made plans to go out clubbing with some girlfriends.

Clay missed chatting with Mysha just as much, but he was concerned about his age, and whether she’d really want to spend time with him, and other silly things. However after not seeing her for over a week, Clay decided to speak with her Friday night and see if they could spend Saturday together.

He had an important meeting Saturday morning, but the rest of his day was free. He retired to his study to wait for his young sexy neighbor.

Friday evening arrived, and Clay was waiting for Mysha to come home again. However, she was late and he missed her because he had to take an important phone call. Before long, he heard a car horn and realized that Mysha was going out with her friends, so he would talk to her the next morning before he went to his meeting. He looked out of his window to see who was picking her up.

Mysha came out of her house wearing the tiniest outfit imaginable. Clay throat froze as he watched her leaving feeling annoyance and anger at her choice of dress. He hated when she dressed like that because she was beautiful and shouldn’t expose herself in that way. She hopped in the car with her friends, laughing loudly, as they drove off.

Clay didn’t want her to go out clubbing and socializing with the girls she befriended, however he had no rights where she was concerned. She was a free woman and could make her own choices, besides even if he tried to talk to her about it, it would probably make him seem older than he really was. He went into his study to prepare the sermon he would deliver on Sunday.

Hours passed, and Mysha still had not returned home. Clay began to worry. <i>Where is she? It’s after two in the morning and she should have been back by now.</i>

Suddenly, Clay heard a commotion outside. Looking out of the window, he saw a much disoriented Mysha staggering to her house being helped by a man he had never seen before.

He saw the guy try to kiss her and she pushed him away. His heart jumped into his throat as he watched the man attempted to force himself on her. Clay grabbed his robe in haste, threw it on, and headed towards the unsuspecting couple.