I nod before taking another sip of wine.
“Yeah, on occasion. You know that the church highly values its female parishioners, and sometimes, there’s a young woman who’s considered “sassy.” Elder Stott or one of the other elders believe in nipping things in the bud, and so one of us will take the girl aside in order to administer the challenge.”
Renee’s brown eyes are wide.
“Wow, I had no idea because I’ve been with Sanctuary for a year, but none of the other girls have ever mentioned it.”
I shrug.
“I’m not surprised. We generally keep things on the downlow for the woman’s privacy. Why, have you mentioned the challenge to any of your friends?”
Renee shakes her head silently.
“Exactly,” I say in a satisfied tone. “It’s not something that we put out there for general consumption, but it definitely happens, believe me.”
She nods.
“How many girls in the congregation have taken up the challenge?”
I shoot her a look.
“You mean, with anyone or with me, personally?”
She hesitates for a moment.
“Just you.”
I nod, pleased.
“Now, remember, this is all hush hush information, but actually, you’re the first woman I’ve ever administered the challenge to.”
Renee gasps.
“Really?” she asks. “But you had all the toys ready! And you seemed so familiar with the process.”
I shrug.
“I’ve had those toys for a long time, and yeah, they were set aside for the perfect moment. But that moment didn’t come until you appeared in my life, sweetheart.”
Renee’s cheeks flush and she shifts a bit in her seat, as if reliving the naughty act.
“Goodness,” she murmurs. “Who would have thought?”
I grin.
“Yep. Aren’t you glad that I’m the one who caught you with that video on your screen?”
The pretty brunette nods furiously.
“Yes, because the other Elders are … well, how do I say it? You’re virile and handsome, Bridge, and they just seem old and desiccated.”
I throw my head back and laugh.
“Well, don’t let them hear that because I know for a fact that quite a few of the men work out like fiends, trying to keep themselves fit and trim.”
She merely shrugs.
“You’re the only one who’s good-looking among the lot, in my opinion at least,” she says in a mischievous tone. “But still, I can’t believe all of this is happening at our little church!”