High School Reunion

by Kimberly Dean

  She hurried about the room looking for something they could use. Her head suddenly snapped up. ‘I know. Stay here. I’ll be right back.’

  Jake closed his eyes and banged his head back against the wall. God, whatever tricks she had in mind, they’d better work – or they were going to have to get very creative.

  And very soon.

  He waited. And waited some more. Just when he was about to go after her, she appeared in the bathroom doorway. A devilish look was on her face. Reaching out, she carefully set a pair of scissors on the edge of the sink. His gaze flashed to the scissors and back to her.

  Lifting her hand slowly, she let two pieces of rectangular material flutter to the floor. One was white. The other was mint green.

  ‘Think you can work with this?’ she asked.

  With a growl, he caught her around the waist. She laughed as he hoisted her over his shoulder. Marching to the bed, he dropped her on it. She bounced with a shriek, but then he was on her.

  Straddling her once again, he flipped up her skirt. Tatters of her two pairs of underwear still remained. He flipped them up, too, and bared her curls to his gaze. Her laughter stopped abruptly when he petted her. She was soft and enticing. He pushed his fingers into her. Groaning, she pulled her legs up to her chest.

  It was the only sign he needed. He yanked down his pants and grabbed his aching cock. He was inside her before she could even catch her breath.

  The fuck was fast and furious. He latched onto her nipples again and tugged with his mouth as he banged her down below. She came with a shudder. He pulled out, tore off the rest of his clothes, turned her over and penetrated her from behind.

  The flirty little skirt had given him a hard-on like he’d never had in his life.

  Her fingers were raking against the sheets as he fucked her deeply. ‘Jake,’ she groaned.

  He slid an arm under her hips and lifted her onto her knees. She pressed her face into the pillow as his thrusts became more jagged. With each push into her, he slapped against her white cheeks. The carnal sounds made him grit his teeth.

  He heard her cry out, and then he was coming, too.

  He came so hard, his entire body went rigid. When the end finally came, he crumpled down on the bed beside her. He doubted he’d ever be able to move again.

  ‘Wow,’ she panted. ‘You weren’t kidding when you said you could make that work.’

  ‘You just told me you loved me.’ He sighed tiredly. ‘I had to make it memorable.’

  She smiled. ‘Mission accomplished.’

  ‘Good, because that’s about all I’ve got left in me.’ He kissed her again, but then rolled onto his back. ‘Damn woman. You’re more exhausting than a triathlon.’

  She snuggled closer, and he stroked her back as he waited for his energy to return. It was a lost cause. He was wasted.

  ‘You know there was never anything between Liz and me,’ he said, wanting to make sure they were clear on that issue.

  ‘I know,’ she said, drawing slow circles on his chest. ‘You have much better taste in women than that.’

  Damn straight he did. He hugged her closer.

  ‘I still can’t believe it.’ He stared at the ceiling. ‘Liz is Ellie.’

  ‘The one and only.’

  ‘That bitch. I’d love to tell you she’s changed since high school, but I can’t.’ He rolled his head on the pillow and looked Roma straight in the eye. ‘Just say the word, and she’s gone.’

  ‘I’d rather she found out about us at the reunion.’ She propped her chin on his chest. ‘About that…when I asked you to go with me before, I acted like you were eye candy or something. Will you go with me as my boyfriend?’

  He fisted his hand in her hair. ‘Goldie, you’ve got me any way you want me.’

  Chapter Fourteen

  ‘Stop fidgeting,’ Jake said.

  ‘I’m not fidgeting,’ Roma replied. She was just overflowing with energy. She gripped his arm a bit tighter as they rode the elevator up to the third floor. Her class reunion was being held in the ballroom of the ritzy Stratton Hotel. The moment those doors opened, it would be show time.

  ‘Did you see Mitzy Reeger and Dante Smith gawk at our car in the parking garage?’

  ‘It’s not our car,’ Jake reminded her. ‘It goes back to the rental company tomorrow morning.’

  ‘Nobody needs to know that,’ she hissed. She gave him a sideways glance. ‘Besides, you looked awfully happy driving it.’

  ‘It’s a red Corvette, Goldie. I’m only human.’

  The elevator dinged as they arrived at their destination, and Roma’s pulse took off like a shot. Her fingers bit into Jake’s biceps as the doors slowly pulled open. A sign pointing to the Washington High School Class Reunion greeted them, along with the driving beat of ten-year-old music.

  He patted her hand. ‘Ready?’

  Unbelievably, after all the time she’d spent preparing for this, she found herself frozen. ‘I don’t know,’ she said uncertainly. ‘Am I?’

  With a swift curse, he hit the close button for the elevator doors. Turning, he backed her up against the wall. ‘You’ve got nothing to be nervous about, Roma. You’re exactly what you wanted to be – a drop-dead, stop-’em-in-their-tracks, bombshell blonde. On top of that, you’re an amazing woman. I thought I made that clear earlier.’

  Oooh. She liked it when he got this way. He leant into her suggestively, and she rubbed against him. ‘Yes, and you almost made us late.’

  ‘It’s that dress.’ He made a tight sound and shook his head. ‘I can’t be held accountable for my actions when you look this way.’

  She straightened his collar. ‘Neither can I.’

  He smiled and chucked her under the chin. ‘Then let’s go show ourselves off.’

  Why not? She was having a good hair day. Her shoes were sexy, her dress was slinky and Missy had even found a purse to match. Even without all that, she had the best accessory possible – a gorgeous, supportive hunk on her arm. She nodded, feeling her excitement return. ‘Let’s go knock their socks off.’

  ‘That’s more like it,’ he said. He opened the doors again before she could change her mind.

  Confidently, they strode out of the elevator and down the hallway. A table had been set up outside the ballroom doors. A grin broke out on Roma’s face when she saw Mr Carlton, her old science teacher, handing out nametags. ‘Mr Carlton,’ she said. ‘I didn’t know you were going to be here.’

  His hair was greyer, and his glasses looked a bit thicker. The smile on his face, though, was the same. Time had treated him kindly.

  ‘Roma Hanson,’ he said in delight. Reaching out, he took both of her hands in his. ‘Why, you don’t look a day older than when you graduated.’

  The compliment made Roma so happy, she felt like she could burst. She’d known she looked young. ‘Thank you. You look as if you’re doing well.’

  ‘I’m retiring next year,’ he said with content. ‘My wife thinks it’s time we travelled a bit. See the world – not to mention the grandkids.’

  ‘That sounds wonderful.’ Eagerly, she caught Jake’s hand and pulled him forwards. ‘I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, Jake Logan. Jake, this is Mr Carlton, the best high school science teacher around.’

  Jake gave the older man a firm handshake. ‘I’m honoured to meet you, sir. Roma’s told me a lot about you. I appreciate the things you did for her back when she was a student, especially when the situation got difficult.’

  The two men exchanged a look and Carlton gave a meaningful nod towards the ballroom. ‘Well, I’m glad she’s found an even better protector in you. It’s nice to meet you, son.’

  Roma didn’t miss the look.

  Ellie was already here.

  Her spine straightened as she glanced towards the ballroom. Scores of people were wandering around, and amongst them was a mean one. She wasn’t intimidated. Out of everyone in that room, Ellie was the one for which she was best prepared.

  ‘Are we suppos
ed to wear these?’ she asked, pointing at the nametags on the table.

  ‘Oh, look at me. You’re so beautiful, you’ve got me forgetting to do my job.’ Mr Carlton passed her a marker. ‘Just write down your names. Here’s a little booklet with the information everyone sent in. It will help you get updated on what your classmates are doing these days.’

  ‘That should be interesting,’ Roma said. She took the booklet as Jake filled out his nametag.

  ‘Oh, and don’t forget this,’ Carlton said. He passed her a piece of paper. ‘They’re handing out awards after dinner. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite nominees.’

  ‘OK,’ Roma said, adding the list to her growing collection. She caught Jake’s hand when he held it out to her. ‘It’s been nice talking with you, Mr Carlton. Maybe we’ll get a chance to speak more later. I’d love to hear about those grandkids.’

  Her old teacher smiled and patted her on the head as she walked by. He’d saved another knowing look for Jake. ‘You’ve got a good one here, Mr Logan. Treat her right.’

  ‘I know that,’ Jake said. ‘And I’m trying.’

  Roma smiled when his fingers squeezed hers intimately.

  They looked at each other. He gave her a wink, and she took a deep breath. Then, together, they made their grand entrance.

  As they crossed the threshold into the ballroom, though, Roma felt as if she were stepping back in time. The decoration committee had outdone themselves – although the end result gave the strong impression a high school prom. Streamers swung to and fro, and balloons bounced against the ceiling. Countless dinner tables had been set up in front of a large stage, and each had a centrepiece that looked like the school mascot. The music, though, was what brought everything together. She watched as a DJ bobbed his head to a song she hadn’t heard for years.

  The effect was a bit overwhelming.

  She looked around in amazement. The only thing that seemed to have changed was the people. Jake had been right. Some had gained weight. Other had lost their hair. Most frightening, though, were the ones who’d obviously had some ‘work’ done. ‘How am I supposed to recognise anyone?’ she whispered.

  ‘That’s what the nametags are for,’ he said, rubbing the small of her back. ‘Although it looks like people are recognising you without it.’

  Roma could feel the attention on them gathering – only it wasn’t all reserved for her. She happened to catch Cindy McLaughlin, Ellie’s best friend, just as she turned her head. The woman’s appreciation of Jake was so obvious, it was a wonder her eyes didn’t pop right out of her head. When she saw who he was with, though, she almost swallowed the olive in her martini whole.

  The response made Roma want to do cartwheels across the dance floor.

  Cindy was envious. Seethingly so. The woman scowled as she tried to find something wrong with the picture the two of them made. Roma could feel the glare intensifying as it scraped over her hair, her shape, her dress and even her shoes. Obligingly, she took on the pose of a fashion model.

  Yes, she was hot.

  Yes, she had a fabulous-looking beau with an even better personality.

  But, no. So sorry. She hadn’t put on fifty pounds.

  Cindy McLaughlin, on the other hand, had gotten fat.

  Roma knew she should be ashamed of herself. Taking pleasure in another person’s plight was terrible. And from the degree of the pleasure she was feeling, she realised she had to be the smallest-minded person on the face of the earth.

  Oh, well, her devilish side chuckled.

  You can work on that after the reunion, her angelic side conceded.

  Turning to Jake, she began to laugh.

  His fingers curled into her hair. ‘Was that the reaction you wanted?’

  ‘Even better,’ she said, trying to catch her breath.

  ‘What did I tell you?’ he whispered into her ear. ‘One look at you, and the women are green with envy.’

  ‘And the men?’ she asked, looking up into his eyes.

  ‘Sweating in their beer. Do you forgive me now for making you do all those lunges?’

  ‘Oh, please,’ she said, giving him a playful push to the chest. ‘Nobody thanks somebody for making them do lunges.’

  ‘Ma’am?’ Somebody tapped her on the shoulder. ‘Would you and your escort like to have your picture taken?’

  Roma absolutely beamed. She couldn’t think of anything better. She wanted this moment caught forever. Practically dancing, she hurried over to where the photographer had set up a green-and-white backdrop in honour of the school colours.

  Jake stood at her side and wrapped a possessive arm about her waist. There was a smile on his face, too. ‘Having fun, Goldie?’

  ‘A blast,’ she said with a grin. She put her hand on his chest and smiled brightly for the camera. The flash popped, and she saw stars in front of her eyes.

  ‘Roma!’ somebody called excitedly.

  She waved a hand in front of her face, trying to make the blots of colour disappear. When she was finally able to focus, she saw a pretty woman standing in front of her. At first, she didn’t recognise her. Slowly, though, her brain changed the deep auburn colour of the woman’s hair back to mousy brown. The contacts were replaced with glasses, and the straight white teeth were bound in braces.

  ‘Myrtha!’ she exclaimed.

  Reaching out, they caught each other in a hug. Unable to contain their excitement, they jumped up and down.

  Finally, Myrtha pulled back. ‘I almost didn’t recognise you. You look beautiful. I absolutely love this dress.’

  Myrtha was wearing a rather sharp suit herself. Roma was impressed. It was tailored, showing off her friend’s sleek figure. ‘You look incredible!’

  Giddy, they hopped up and down again.

  Finally, Roma reached out and grabbed Jake. She pulled him over excitedly, wanting to introduce him to someone who had been a true friend. ‘Jake, this is Myrtha Snodgrass. She held the other end of the Washington High school sign.’

  His eyebrows lifted. ‘Another sign holder?’ he asked with interest. ‘With the sweater and the skirt and the cheaters?’

  Roma felt her face flare.

  He laughed and shook her friend’s hand. ‘It’s nice to meet you. I have the greatest appreciation for sign holders.’

  Myrtha glanced at Roma. ‘OK, I’m missing something – but he’s cute enough for me to ignore it. Where did you find this one, Roma?’

  ‘At the gym,’ she said, hugging him tightly. ‘He’s my trainer.’

  Myrtha snapped her fingers. ‘I knew you got that body somewhere.’

  ‘Believe me,’ Jake said. ‘She had it before she got to me.’

  ‘And he’s charming, too. My, my, what a combination.’ Myrtha pointed across the room. ‘That’s my charmer over there – the one in the cast. My last name’s Kramer now.’

  ‘That doesn’t look good,’ Jake said, expertly eyeing what appeared to be an ankle injury. ‘What happened?’

  ‘A bike.’ Myrtha rolled her eyes. ‘Don’t ask. Artie’s not an athlete, but, boy, you should see him with a microscope. There’s nobody better.’

  ‘He’s waving at you,’ Roma said.

  ‘He needs another drink. I should go and help him.’ Myrtha gave her one last hug. ‘Sit with us for dinner? I’ve got most of the rest of the mathlete team joining us.’

  ‘The mathletes?’ Roma said with surprise. ‘I haven’t seen anyone from that group in years.’

  ‘Mathletes?’ Jake said with more than a bit of scepticism.

  ‘We competed at math bees.’ Roma twirled around so enthusiastically, her asymmetrical skirt slapped against his legs. ‘We were awesome. We were city champs my junior year.’

  He chuckled. ‘You really were a geek, weren’t you?’

  ‘Well, you were a jock,’ she said, spitting out the word as if it left a bad taste in her mouth.

  ‘You’re a sexy geek, though,’ he said, catching her by the waist and pulling her close.

 
‘And you’re a jock with an actual brain in his head,’ she said, returning the backhanded compliment.

  They shared an intimate smile. Then there, right in front of Cindy McLaughlin and the rest of her high school class, he kissed her. By their standards, it was a conservative kiss, but whoops of approval still went up in the air. Jake only took it as encouragement. He kissed her long and hard. By the time he pulled back, Roma was blushing.

  Even conservative kisses could be hot.

  He let out a long breath. ‘Is all this showing off making you as thirsty as it’s making me?’

  Her mouth had just gone bone dry. Carefully, she wiped away any lipstick he might have smudged. ‘White wine, please.’

  ‘Stay here,’ he said. ‘I’ll be right back.’

  He started to weave his way through the crowd, and Roma noticed more than one woman craning her neck to take a peek at him. The reactions were actually kind of fun to watch. Poor Jake. He couldn’t help that he was a good-looking man. And tonight, he was especially handsome.

  He was wearing a dark-grey suit and a crisp white shirt. They’d decided he didn’t have to wear the tie. He hadn’t wanted to spend the night being strangled, and she was all for him showing some skin. There was something to be said for reverse sexual exploitation.

  He was a hottie. Why try to hide it?

  ‘Aroma?’

  The sneering voice cut right through Roma’s happy reverie. Instinctively, the muscles at the back of her neck went rigid. She’d know that voice anywhere. It was as familiar as fingernails on a chalkboard. Turning slowly on her high heels, she faced her old nemesis.

  ‘Smellie?’ she returned, cocking her head.

  A thrill shot through her. Where had that comeback been ten years ago?

  Ellie’s eyes narrowed dangerously, and the tension crept up a notch. Holding her purse under one arm, the woman rubbed lotion onto her hands as she scathingly evaluated Roma’s outfit. Apparently, she’d just come out of the ladies’ room. ‘I’m surprised you decided to show your face.’

  ‘Why wouldn’t I?’ Roma asked. ‘I have a rather nice face.’

  Unlike her old schoolmate. Oh, Ellie was coiffed to high heaven. She looked stunning in a curve-hugging, white sheath dress. The sleeveless style showed off her amazingly sculpted arms and back. The sedate heels lifted her slightly, making her calves look like they’d been carved from rock.