Cuffed & Claimed

by Lori King

  Mercy was seated in the front row. Aidan sat two seats down and turned to face her.

  “Thanks,” Mercy accepted the water and took a sip. “Look, I’m really not trying to be a pain here, but Cole’s academic grades are just as important as his sporting achievements.”

  “Agreed.”

  She tossed a wave of blonde hair over her shoulder, and continued on as if he hadn’t spoken. “I know he’s a great quarterback, the best we’ve had in a long time, but I can’t sign off on him getting a waiver on failing English simply because he’s a star player.”

  “Again, agreed.”

  This time, she heard him. And wasn’t prepared. She blinked. “You do?”

  “Of course.” Aidan shrugged. “We can’t have any player left behind academically. These kids think their future is in football, but not all of them will get a scholarship; even if they do, who’s to say they’ll make it through their first year of college without injury.”

  “Well,” she began, before breaking off. “What do you suggest?”

  “You tutor Cole. I’ll make sure he follows through and improves his grades.”

  She narrowed her gaze. “I tutor him?”

  “You’re the English teacher.”

  “AP English, but essentially, yes.” She sat back in her seat, her gaze thoughtful. “And what do I get out of this?”

  He lifted his brows. “A kid passing your class?”

  “Yes, that too, but essentially, you get your boy sorted. That’s fabulous, but I’m doing a favor for the sports department. I need a good deed in return.”

  A little wheeler-dealer, huh?

  Fair enough. “What do you suggest?”

  “I have a student, Isaac. A senior. He’s a great kid. Made some stupid choices when he was younger.” She twisted her mouth, but then looked up, her gaze hopeful. “But he’s trying hard to do right by himself and his mom. He’s part of an outreach program I volunteer for after school. There’s no male role model in his life. Isaac needs someone who can see the good underneath his tough-guy act and encourage him to reach his goals.” She sent Aidan a level stare. “Someone like you.”

  “What makes you think I’m your guy?”

  Her mouth opened, and her eyes widened just a fraction.

  Well, now. What did she think he meant?

  Mercy looked to the side a second before she returned her gaze to his. “You’re not easily intimidated, and you’re alert; you think things through. The way you handled yourself Thursday night at the club was proof enough. Anyone could see that.”

  A direct, honest answer. All qualities Aidan liked in a person.

  Mercy cared about her students, wanted to make a positive difference in their lives. His professional training and gut instinct told him she was unlikely to have any involvement in a possible drug network at the high school.

  And she was asking his help for a kid at risk. How could he say no?

  “You’ve got a deal, Mercy.”

  Her answering smile reached her eyes, adding a spark to the clear blue. She couldn’t hold back her joy, and damn, that made him feel a foot taller.

  He held out his hand to confirm their deal.

  They shook hands, but when she went to disengage, he held on. Her gaze flicked up to his face.

  He leaned in and said in a deep voice, “With one condition.”

  “What?” Wariness entered her voice.

  “You come to the next home game. This Friday.”

  She blinked. “You want me to come to a football game?”

  “Cole will see you putting yourself out for him, which will help gain his trust.” He swept his thumb over her hand, smiling to himself at the way her fingers curled against his. She liked his touch. But he wanted more, a chance to get to know her better. A risk? Maybe, but if she wasn’t involved? “And I get to take you for coffee and dessert afterward.”

  Mercy bit her lips, as if she were making a deal with the devil. He’d been called worse. And an edge of excitement knifed through him at the idea she saw him as the kind of threat that didn’t provoke fear, but still had her on edge.

  “Okay, we have a deal.”

  Agreement made, he released his grip.

  She whisked her hand back to her lap, as if to safety.

  Aidan’s lips twitched as they rose from their seats. “Let me know when and where for both Cole and Isaac. And I’ll make arrangements for Friday.”

  “Right.” She nodded and walked past him. At the door of the meeting room, she faced him again. “Thanks, Sean, for respecting my concerns about Cole.”

  “You were right. The kid needs to do better.”

  With a slight smile, she turned and walked out, the sound of her heels echoing on the vinyl-tiled floor.

  Mercy intrigued him. Warm, open, and caring in her manner. He wanted more confirmation of her innocence. Later, he’d call a colleague and order a check of her bank records for suspicious income.

  And now he was mentor to a troubled teen, possibly one with knowledge of who was getting kids to sell drugs at school.

  Working with at-risk kids was not new to him. He and fellow officers had volunteered with youth initiatives before. Maybe his involvement could make a difference to the kid. Most of that would be up to Isaac himself.

  Aidan smiled as he walked to his office and gathered his gym bag. His worthy deed with Isaac had gained him a bonus—a date with Mercy Jones.

  Who said good guys finished last?

  4

  Mercy dodged the Friday night football crowds as she headed to the bleachers. The sounds of trumpets, trombones, and drums from the school’s marching band added a festive beat to the night. Students and some parents called out greetings. She returned them with a smile. Like at so many high schools, Friday night varsity football was a huge deal.

  There was no sign of the players and coaches yet. And speaking of players… She smiled to herself at the way Cole’s mouth had dropped when she shared her plans to attend tonight’s game. Either through Coach Parker or her chasing him about his grades, the student had gotten the impression she hated football. Their first tutoring session last Wednesday had gone well. In fact, the star quarterback’s attitude about their lesson had bordered on enthusiastic. So much so, Mercy had joked with Cole about the turnaround. With an unabashed smile, he admitted that Sean had threatened him with extra cardio training if he didn’t make the most of the opportunity to lift his grades.

  Hey, whatever motivation worked, right?

  The trauma of extra cardio training notwithstanding, Cole was polite and engaged during their lesson. Mercy wished Sean the same luck for when he had his first meeting with Isaac tomorrow afternoon at the Youth Center.

  So much rode on Isaac’s keeping his nose clean and getting his high school diploma. The chance to attend community college, break away from the cycle of disadvantage he’d grown up with, and make something of himself. His mom loved him, but she was the one voice against a street gang that tempted her son with the promise of “belonging.” Isaac was smart. But after years of seeing friends end up in juvie or worse, he lacked self-confidence.

  She closed her eyes for a moment in silent prayer that Sean could connect with this sometimes angry and lost, but intelligent, young man.

  A student carrying a tray of hot dogs called out her name in greeting, and she waved. In the three years she’d been teaching at Macarthur High, Mercy had been to many games. Supporting school activities, especially football, was expected. But sports weren’t really her thing. She’d rather try a new restaurant with friends or maybe snuggle up in bed with a good book.

  But here she was at the game with her blanket and an extra-large hot chocolate from the concession stand.

  All because Sean Gallagher had asked her on a date.

  Well, a kind of date. The first two to three hours Sean would be involved with the football team and she’d be sitting up in the bleachers. Then they’d go for coffee afterwards.

  And that was the close
st she had come to a ‘date’ since kicking Austin’s ass out of her life two months ago. Go figure.

  Maybe she should simply enjoy herself and see what the night held?

  “Mercy!”

  She glanced up midway into the stands to see her friend Karen waving her arm as she sat beside her husband, Chet. A spare seat was next to Karen.

  With a wave of her own, Mercy headed up to her friend. Holding her hot chocolate out so she didn’t spill it down her black turtleneck sweater and leather jacket, she shuffled past those already seated until she reached her friends.

  “Hey guys, thanks for saving me a seat.”

  “No problem, honey.” Chet’s bearded face broke into a smile. “First time we’ve had you at a game this year.” He nodded to the black and white scarf around her neck as Mercy sat down and dropped her tote at her feet. “I’ve never seen you wearing the team’s colors before.”

  She hadn’t. Not until lunchtime today when Sean had dropped in and gifted her with a scarf.

  He’d joked she might not own one, and he didn’t want her to feel like a traitor in the stands. What a fun and thoughtful gesture. Now, as she caressed the soft wool under her fingers, her mind filled with the image of his easy smile when she had thanked him.

  “It was a gift from Sean.”

  Karen nodded, but her eyes shone with mirth. She was aware of the deal Sean had made to get Mercy here tonight. “A nice touch,” she offered in a quiet voice.

  Mercy nodded, and looked around the crowds as she settled in her seat.

  Teenagers mingled in groups around the field and lined up at the concession stand, the younger ones under the watchful gaze of their parents sitting up in the bleachers.

  Off to her right, she spotted the tall, muscular frame of a familiar student. Isaac. With his nearly shaved head, the already six-foot-tall teenager stood out in the crowd. He was with a girl, a slim redhead with long curls down her back. It looked like…Mercy stared harder. The girl jabbed a stiff finger at Isaac’s chest repeatedly.

  Why was the young woman so angry?

  Isaac leaned in and said something before he made a sideways slicing motion with his hand in a negative gesture.

  The girl’s lips drew back in a sneer. She jerked her chin at Isaac, and at her reply, the boy froze, his mouth slightly open and his eyes wide.

  A stab of unease shifted through Mercy.

  What the hell?

  She rose.

  “Babe, what’s wrong?”

  Mercy glanced down at Karen. “Nothing, I just...” She turned her gaze back to the spot where the kids had been a second ago, but they had vanished. She scanned the area, but could not see either teenager. “Forget it.” She sat back in her seat. There was nothing she could do for now. Come Monday she’d seek out Isaac and get some answers. She twisted her mouth. That’s if he would talk. The teenager had let Mercy in past his tough exterior, but there were limits to how much he’d confide to her.

  If he refused to share, maybe Sean could dig for hints?

  “I don’t remember ever being able to kick and jump that high,” Karen murmured as she sipped her hot chocolate.

  Mercy followed her friend’s gaze as a line of cheerleaders performed their routine.

  “Face it, Kaz, we’re nerds. It’s not in our DNA to accomplish such feats of physical grace and agility.” Mercy’s lopsided grin had Karen snickering.

  “Honey, I’m willing for you to practice that routine in the privacy of our home any time you want,” Chet said to his wife. “I’ll even get you a set of pom-poms for added inspiration.”

  Both women chuckled as Karen punched her hubby in the arm softly.

  The crowd cheered as the two teams came out. Mercy clapped, but her attention was captured by Sean’s tall figure. In jeans and a long-sleeve team shirt, his muscled frame and confident stance stood out among the boys as they listened to Coach Parker’s directions.

  She couldn’t tear her gaze away, even more so when Sean looked up toward the stand. After a quick scan of the crowd, his gaze locked on her and didn’t move away. She couldn’t fight the smile that stretched over her face. She picked up the end of her scarf and waved at him. His answering grin warmed her like a double-serving of her hot chocolate had been pumped straight into her veins.

  Then one of the players demanded his attention. A pang of regret lodged heavy in her belly at the loss of contact. Silly, of course, since Sean was there for the players, but the moment had seemed so…wonderful.

  Over the next two and half hours, she contented herself with watching the Cougars claim a victory. During that time, she made the occasional—okay, make that frequent—study of the assistant coach in action. Sean’s rapport with some the players was undeniable, judging by their earnest attention to his advice and easy chatter. Impressive, considering he had only been at the school a week and a half.

  Could he work the same magic with Isaac?

  Now, with the game over, Mercy waited near the locker rooms. The players started to filter out, met by their girlfriends and buddies. It might be closer to ten o’clock, but it was a Friday night and these kids would be out likely until midnight, later for some.

  Sean walked out with two players, one whose frown seemed out of place for a winning player. Sean said something to him. The boy lifted his head and nodded, the beginnings of a smile on his face as his buddy clapped him on the shoulder.

  Mercy waited as they drew near.

  “I will, thanks for asking.” The boy…What was his name? Evan? That’s right. He was in Karen’s English class. Wasn’t he now living with Tyrone’s family?

  Was Sean checking to make sure he was okay?

  Mercy remembered the way Sean had taken care of her at the club. He was a protector by nature. Checking on Evan as the player rode out a personal rough patch would be instinctive for a man like Sean. All of which was more evidence he was a good guy. One who was now taking her out for coffee and cake.

  Easy. No drama. A fun date.

  About as close to comfy as she guessed a man like Sean could get.

  Mercy watched the two boys join a group of friends, happy Evan was now smiling. She had to hide her own smile as the teenage girls eyed Sean. He was a new teacher, a handsome male teacher. There was no chance those details would escape their attention.

  “That scarf looks good on you.”

  She looked up at the sound of Sean’s deep voice. His big, muscular body filled her view. But it was his penetrating stare, and the way he held her immobile with those intense moss-green eyes alone that had all thoughts of ‘comfy’ evaporating in a second.

  He traced a finger lightly over the scarf, and then with the back of that finger, brushed over her cheek. “Better than good.”

  Mercy locked her knees against the urge to sway.

  The sounds of distant laughter broke her trance. “I, uh...”—she glanced to the side, catching the kids getting in their cars—“I thought it best to show my team spirit.”

  And there were others ways of displaying her loyalty. Her gaze fell on his hard, sensual lips. He’d be a great kisser. How could he not be, when he oozed alpha confidence?

  “Appreciated.” His eyes shone with amusement. “I was thinking we could go to Mama Rosa’s.” He named a local Italian restaurant five minutes away. “They have great desserts.”

  Oh, she loved their food. “Their cannoli is amazing.”

  “Then cannoli it is.” He grabbed her hand and gently steered her toward the last few remaining cars in the lot. “Did you catch a taxi like I suggested?”

  “Yes.” She could have insisted on driving herself, but Sean had been here all afternoon, so he already had his car. And, well, she wanted him to drive her home at the end of the evening.

  He helped her into his SUV, and soon, they were waiting outside for a free table. Mama Rosa’s had a strict first-come first-served policy. The hostess warned them it would be at least a forty-minute wait.

  “I didn’t know when the game wou
ld end, so making a reservation somewhere else wasn’t an option,” Sean explained, his mouth pressed in a hard line of frustration.

  Mercy glanced over at the pastry counter. “How about we get the cannoli to go? If you’re okay with a bottle of red wine I have at home, then I’m happy.”

  Sean grasped her elbow and eased her forward. “Lead the way, gorgeous.”

  Her pulse fluttered at the endearment spoken in his rumbling, low voice.

  How would that same voice sound when used in bed, his breath against her neck as he held her from behind?

  She tripped on the tiled step-up from the pavement. Only Sean’s quick reflexes saved her from falling.

  “You okay?”

  “Sure,” she attempted to laugh off her clumsiness. Fixing her gaze on the pastries in the glass case, she ignored the telltale warmth heating her cheeks. “Let’s order.”

  Thankfully, Sean ordered half-dozen cannolis, and fifteen minutes later, he parked in a visitor’s spot outside her Queen Anne complex. After a quick ride in the elevator to the fourth floor, she unlocked the door of her apartment, which opened to her living room. She hung her tote and leather jacket on the coat rack near the door.

  “Nice place you have here.” Sean followed her through the living room with its fawn-painted walls and sky blue sofa and armchair to her kitchen.

  “Thanks,” Mercy grinned over her shoulder as she uncorked the bottle of wine. “Plates are in the cupboard on your right.” She nodded toward one of the soft gray cabinets.

  Sean set the white pastry box on the darker gray laminate counter and piled the pastries onto one plate. “It’s more fun to share.”

  Why did his reply sound so intimate? She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

  After he asked to use her bathroom, she busied herself pouring their wine. She was already on the sofa by the time he returned, the wine glasses, cannoli, and napkins on the silver and glass coffee table before her.