Back to Me by Wanda B. Campbell Page B

life.”
    Sergio-Xavier looked down at the wagging gloved finger and shook his head. Paige McDaniels was way too spiritual for him.
    â€œJust because you’re a doctor doesn’t place you on my level. I came out here to thank you for allowing God to use you, but your ego is too big. You’re already claiming God’s glory.”
    Sergio-Xavier was no longer cold. The ebony beauty standing before him had managed to bring his anger to a level that frightened him. This woman had no idea to whom she was talking. The insult she’d just unleashed was far worse than all the others combined.
    â€œReverend Mother McDaniels,” he sneered, “if I didn’t already have a personal relationship with God, I wouldn’t be inclined to get one after meeting you. Now I understand why people don’t like Christians.”
    â€œWhat do you know about Christians?”
    He thought the neck rolling and eye rolling juvenile but didn’t address them. “I know enough to know that I’m not one—”
    â€œThat’s what I thought,” she interrupted, “so don’t be judging me.”
    â€œJudging is not something I do, because scripture clearly tells us not to. Besides, you pass enough judgment for ten people.” He stepped around her and reached for the doorknob. “For your information, I’m not a Christian, because the majority of Christians are like you—self-absorbed and self-righteous, and they are masters at judging everyone but themselves. What I am is a Christ follower, because I follow the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ.” He opened the door, but just before stepping over the threshold, he added, “If you have another medical crisis, don’t have it around me. I’m not so sure I would do what Jesus would do the next time.” He remembered he was a guest in Kevin’s home and avoided slamming the door just in the nick of time.
    Attitude seeped from Paige, only to be replaced by shame. She hadn’t meant to lash out at him. She’d actually come outside to thank him and to apologize for her previous behavior, but his insults had hurt her. How dare he imply she was stuck-up? She never looked down on people and didn’t consider herself on a higher level than anyone else. The comment about her Christianity didn’t help, either, although her behavior proved his point, though it was off base.
    The cold wind further cooled her attitude. She needed to get back inside before her toes froze. “A little frostbite might be a small price to pay to avoid that man,” she grumbled before turning the doorknob. With any luck, the good doctor would stay out of her space.
    The second she stepped back inside, her wish was granted. Across the room, Sergio-Xavier had his suit jacket on and his coat hanging over his arm. After a brief conversation with Tyson and Reyna, he handed them a small gift box, then headed for the foyer, Kevin following behind.
    â€œWhat am I doing?” she asked with each step she took toward them. Her feelings were hurt, and she still had her pride, but for some reason, Paige couldn’t let him leave without thanking him. That was the Christian thing to do.
    â€œDr. Simone, may I speak to you for a minute?” she said in a timid voice that sounded foreign to her. From behind, she observed that his left arm was still midway through the left coat sleeve. His head shook before he resumed the motion of putting on his coat. “Please.”
    Both Kevin and Sergio-Xavier turned around just then.
    â€œIf you need some privacy, you can use my study,” Kevin offered.
    â€œThat won’t be necessary,” Sergio-Xavier answered while continuing to button his coat. “Whatever Miss McDaniels has to say to me, she can say right here.”

    â€œAll right.” Kevin eyed Paige with uncertainty before walking away.
    Paige almost lost her courage when Sergio-Xavier finally focused on