My hands run up the outside of her thighs and under the shirt to palm her ass. “Six is good, and I have food. Why don’t you grab a few things in case you want to stay the night again?”
She slowly nods as she moves back and forth against my hardening dick. “I could do that.”
I’m two seconds from yanking my joggers down and shifting her panties out of the way when my phone vibrates on the coffee table in front of us. My eyes flick to Quinn’s, and she shrugs, gesturing to it over her shoulder.
“I don’t expect you to stop living your life because I’m with you. You have other obligations, I understand.”
“Sorry, I’m just,”—I help her climb off me so I can snatch up the phone—“enjoying being a single man having fun with a woman. I haven’t done this since I was twenty, or maybe even a little younger.” I release a frustrated breath.
The phone vibrates again right in my hand with another text and then one more. A smile spreads across her face as she flicks her fingers toward it. “I understand. And it’s okay. Go ahead and see who’s trying to reach you.”
I scan the texts that have just come in, my excitement over the coming evening with Quinn fading fast.
Becky: I’m going to need to bring Olivia home today.
Becky: Sorry.
Becky: She’s feeling sick and said she wants to sleep in her own bed.
Becky: Like she doesn’t have a bed here.
Becky: But you know, nothing like a little teenage drama.
Becky: We’ll be there in about twenty minutes.
Fuck. I close my eyes, cursing myself for jinxing our fun. “Well, all good things must come to an end, unfortunately.” I wave the phone in front of me. “They’ll be back soon.”
Quinn’s mouth drops into an O. “Shoot. I’d better get out of here, then.” She bites her lip. “I guess dinner is out.”
I grimace. “Yeah. I don’t even know if Olivia is really sick or if she’s not happy being with her mom this weekend. They’ve been butting heads a lot lately, so it could just be that.”
“Shit. I don’t have my car. How are we going to get me home and you back here for her?”
“Olivia has a house key. I’ll let her know I had to stop in at the cider mill and will be back as soon as possible.” I shrug. “It shouldn’t take me long. I need to talk with Stacy for a few minutes anyway to make sure she doesn’t need help with tomorrow’s event.”
“Okay.” She stands. “I wish I could help you somehow, but I’m guessing Olivia wouldn’t be ready for that yet.”
The need to help is visibly huge in her eyes but she’s right. We’re not quite there yet. I shake my head. “We’ll get there. I can’t even guarantee this is the weekend I’ll be able to talk to her today about us. If she’s not feeling well …”
“No, you’re totally right. Don’t push it. I’ll go throw my clothes on.”
I rake my hands through my hair. What a fucking day. I sure as hell hope I can get home to Olivia soon. I’d called her after she’d texted that she was home to see how she was doing. I could hear in her voice that she’s not well, but she swore she’d be fine and is bundled up on the couch with a cup of cocoa having a movie marathon. That may be, but I’m still not keen on the idea of her being sick and home alone. Had I known what I’d encounter when I got to work … well, shit. I couldn’t have done anything differently, but I sure wish I could have.
When I’d arrived at the cider mill a few hours ago, my manager Stacy had been running around like a chicken with her head cut off, completely discombobulated. I’d only stopped by on the off chance that there was something I could help her with. Usually, she’s so levelheaded she can handle anything thrown at her. That’s why she’s been so amazing as a manager. But apparently, somehow the tablecloths hadn’t come back on time from our laundry service company, so there’s been a massive standstill on the set up for the reception.
“So, we’ll have them first thing in the morning, is that right?” I clamp my teeth together. The woman on the other end of the phone at our laundering service is not at fault here and it’ll do no good to lose my shit with her over this. Who knows where the misunderstanding came in, but apparently the linens that we need for the big wedding tomorrow are not ready and not scheduled to be delivered until tomorrow.
“Yes sir. Again, I’m so sorry for the mix-up.”
“It’s okay as long as we have them first thing. You said you can have them delivered by eight?”
“Yes. I’ll make sure it happens if I have to drive them to you myself.”
I clear my throat. I can’t imagine anything I do or say is going to make this happen faster. “Okay. Thank you.”
She offers her apologies again, and we hang up.
Stacy hurries over. “Did I hear that right? Tomorrow at eight is the earliest?”
I blow out a steady stream of air and a strangled chuckle bursts from my lips. “Yep. I’ll be in as soon as I can manage it. When I left the house earlier, Becky was on her way with Olivia, who is sick.”
“Oh my. I hope it’s nothing serious.” Her brows draw together. Stacy has children of her own, so I know she gets it.
“She sounded congested over the phone. I’m guessing it’s a cold. There may also be a side of teenage angst thrown in there. Not sure yet. She seemed annoyed that I was concerned.”
Stacy winces. “You go on home to her. I’m sure you’ll have your hands full when you get there no matter what the issue is. I can handle the rest of what needs to happen tonight.”
“You’re sure? I hate to leave you with it.” I plant my hands on my hips, searching her face for any sign she’s not actually cool with me dumping this in her lap.
“Don’t be silly. That’s why you pay me to manage things. We’ll just get as much staged as we can, so when the delivery arrives, we can get everything done in a flash.”
I nod, running my hand over my face again. “Thanks, Stacy. I owe you one.”
“You don’t. This is my job.” She clenches her teeth. “I’m sorry I was a crazy person earlier. Tell Olivia I hope she’s feeling better.”
Chapter 20
Quinn
Conversation pings back and forth between Madison and Zoey as I sit picking at my sandwich, no real interest in it. The three of us were available for lunch together today, so Madison ordered some sandwiches for delivery from our favorite little shop. They must make bank off of all the hungry teachers who don’t want to eat the cafeteria food.
While they continue to discuss a fight that had broken out in the hallway earlier, I read back through the recent texts from Liam, wondering how he and Olivia are faring today. She wasn’t in class for a third day in a row, and that has me a little concerned for both of them. The initial texts had come in on Sunday.
Liam: Just a heads up. I hope we didn’t give you anything—O has a bad head cold.
Liam: At least, I think that’s all it is.
Me: Aw, poor girl. I hope she’s feeling better soon.
Liam: I’m keeping her home tomorrow. She sounds awful.
Me: :( I hate to see kids sick, but unfortunately, she dwells in a petri dish here at school.
Liam: :(
I hadn’t heard much of anything else from him until just now. I’d been silently itching to contact him again, as it had been three days, but I had been worried I’d be intruding. I can imagine caring for a sick kid is not much fun.
Liam: Sorry for going quiet. O has been pretty sick.
Me: Oh no!
Me: I’m sorry, I should have checked on you guys.
Liam: We’re okay, but she’s been terribly exhausted on top of feeling just blah.
Me: I wondered when she wasn’t in class again today.
Me: I can e-mail her the makeup work.
Me: That is, if you think she’s well enough to handle it. No pressure.
“Q, what has you frowning over there?” Zoey pokes my shoulder to get my attention before nodding in the direction of my phone.
“So, how are things with him? You’ve been quiet about it since this weekend and the bunny rabbit conversation.” She presses her lips together and wiggles her brows at me.
Madison’s gaze sweeps over my face. “You’re so blushing. I’d say things are just fine.”
I wipe my hands on my napkin, and wrinkle my nose. “I haven’t seen him since that morning. I’ve just been letting him deal with Olivia.” I pause with my water bottle halfway to my mouth, eyeing them over it. “I’m kind of embarrassed that I’ve been so preoccupied with when he’d be in touch again, but that’s about it.” I shrug, then hold my phone up in front of me for them to see. “He’s had to keep Olivia home from school, so I guess he’s had his hands full.”
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I jump, checking the screen.
Liam: What do you want to do about tutoring?
With a rueful smile, I apologize to my friends, and they wave it off, going back to their earlier conversation while I text a quick response.
Me: Do you want me to come there if she’s well enough this afternoon?
Me: Would she think that was weird?
Liam: I don’t know. But I’d love to see you.
Liam: And I think she’s frustrated that she was just feeling caught up and now she’s behind again.
Me: That’s certainly a concern of mine.
I glance up from my phone, chewing on the inside of my mouth. I’m not sure if this is a good idea or not, and would love some opinions from my girls. “I guess I’m going to their place after school for tutoring.” I let it hang there like an explosive, ready to go off under the right conditions.
Zoey grits her teeth. “What does she have?”
“They think it’s just a particularly nasty cold.” I shrug my indifference. I’m around germy kids all day long.
“You sure you want to go and expose yourself?”
I shrug, taking a nibble of my sandwich, but quickly setting it right back down. “I half wonder if I don’t already have a touch of it. This sandwich tastes weird to me.”
Madison frowns and holds her hand out. “May I?”
I hand my ham and cheese over without question. She takes a bite from the uneaten side and squints one eye playfully as she chews.
Her brows pinch together, and she slides a quick glance at Zoey. “It tastes fine to me.” She sets it on the wrapper in front of me.
Zoey giggles and scoots her chair a tiny bit away from me. “Maybe you are sick.”
I grin. “More likely I’m just a garden-variety hypochondriac. Do you ever do that? You hear someone else is sick, and all of a sudden you imagine that you’re getting it?”
Madison laughs. “I do the same. It’s why I’m constantly spraying down the library tables with disinfectant. I hate being sick.”
“So, is tutoring this afternoon at their place an awful idea?” I give them a nervous face. “I mean, things have tasted and smelled a little weird to me the last few days. And now just thinking about it has my stomach upset.” I shake my head. “Crap, I’ve probably already gone and gotten myself sick. May as well go.”
Madison laughs a second time. “Um, maybe you should head on out. The three of you could quarantine at his place.”
I snort, completely unladylike. “I don’t know how well that would go. I don’t think Olivia has been told yet that we’re seeing each other. Liam was planning to sit down with her on Sunday, but then he had work issues come up and she was sick, so …”
Zoey bites her lip. I suddenly get the sense there’s something she wants to say, but isn’t sure if she should. “What? Spill.”
“Oh. Um. Well …”
Madison sits up straighter, setting her sandwich down. “This feels like gossip.” She picks up her bag of chips and pops them open, then shoves one in her mouth, munching away with eyes wide open.
“Go ahead, Zoey.” I inwardly groan. What could this possibly be about?
“It’s just … well, you know I hear stuff, right?” She drops her gaze to her sandwich.
I nudge her foot under the table. “What?”
“I did hear some talk about you and ‘Olivia’s dad’ being out at the coffee shop Friday night.”
“We were just drinking coffee at that point. No big deal.”
“Hm. Well, it’s probably for the best Olivia hasn’t been in school for a few days. You know how the rumor mill works.”
“I sure do. Thanks for the heads-up.”
Chapter 21
Quinn
“Hey,”—I poke my head into Sophia’s room for a quick goodbye—“I’m going to Olivia’s for a tutoring house call.” At Sophia’s arched brow, I continue, “She’s been sick three days.”
“Poor thing. There’s definitely something going around.”
“You can say that again. Lunch didn’t sit well with me—I didn’t finish my sandwich from Whitman’s, if that tells you anything.” I step closer to see what Sophia is doing, approaching the demonstration table at the front of the chemistry classroom. “What the hell kind of experiment were you doing in here?” I wave my hand in front of my face, trying to disperse the nasty scent creeping its way up my nose. “That smell is noxious.”
Sophia glances over her shoulder from where she’s cleaning up with a frown. “Well, there was sulfur involved, but I didn’t think it was that bad.” She inhales deeply, holding up her hands in an I don’t know gesture. “It doesn’t seem so bad to me.”
An overpowering wave of nausea slams into me, but I can’t seem to move or think. All I can do is concentrate on not throwing up.
“Q. You look green.” Sophia hurries to my side as I start to sweat and shake and pulls me gently to the industrial trash can she keeps at the side of the room.
I cover my mouth for a second, closing my eyes. Right next to me, Sophia cranks a window open, and I’m able to breathe in some fresh air. After a few deep inhalations, I open my eyes. “Better.”
Sophia’s face still holds a degree of concern. “Maybe it’s the fumes from the experiment. I must really be completely nose blind to this stuff because I hardly smell it. You look pale.”
“A step better than green, I guess,” I chuckle. “I think I need to head out.”
The minute I’m out the front door of the school, I feel substantially better. I shoot Liam a quick text to let him know I’m on the way.
Me: Ugh. I’m feeling a little off, too. Has O had any stomach upset?
Liam: Sort of, but I was attributing it to her cold. I don’t know. This is probably the first time I’ve dealt with a sick kid on my own.
Me: I probably picked up some of what she has.
Me: I’ll still come to help her if you are okay with it. I’m feeling better just being in the fresh air. I’m sure I’m fine.
Upon arrival, I give myself a swift reminder that I’m not supposed to have been in this house before. Raising an unsteady hand, I give a few quick raps to the door.
It’s flung open a moment later by Olivia, who looks to be feeling much better. “Hi, Ms. Lockmore. Thanks for coming to catch me up again. I know this must suck for you.”
“It doesn’t suck, but you’re right, I’m not used to paying house calls for tutoring.” I bite down on my lip, hoping to say the right thing. “Your dad seemed concerned about you missing school, though, so I offered.”
She turns with a smile and waves me into the house. She leads me directly into the kitchen, where a few books and notebooks are spread across the kitchen island counter.
Oh God, just like I was spread across it buck naked Friday night. My cheeks heat to scorching at the thought, and I have to specifically focus on what Olivia is saying to me or I’ll totally zone out recalling everything else that happened that night.
Olivia frowns, tilting her head to the side. “You don’t look so hot, Ms. Lockmore.”
I wince. “Um. I think I
may have inhaled some gross stuff from Ms. Caringello’s lab when I stopped in there after school.”
“Yuck. My stomach’s been a little funny the last couple of days, too. We have some crackers. Want some?”
Just then, Liam walks in, studying my face. He obviously overheard at least a portion of our conversation. “Thanks for coming, Ms. Lockmore. Did I hear you aren’t feeling well?”
“No problem—and I’m sure it’s nothing.” I shoot him a reassuring smile, shrugging. “Just feeling a little funky. There’s really no hiding from the germs at school, is there, Olivia?”
She grins big, scrunching her nose. “Nope. Besides, we’ve already got the germs here anyway, so you can stay.” She crosses the room to rummage in the pantry. Sticking her head back out, she says, “We have Wheat Thins. Want some of those?”
I give Liam a weak smile before I shift my gaze to her to answer. “Sure. Those are actually my favorite.”
Olivia goes to grab them and while her back is turned, I shake my head at Liam and mouth to him, “I’m fine.”
She brings them over to the island, grabs a paper towel and shakes out a bunch of crackers onto it.
I sit down next to her. “I guess we should get to work, huh?” I snag a cracker and nibble on it while she opens up her notes and we find the appropriate chapter. “You know, when I was little, I used to call these Wheat Things.”
She cracks up at that, so I laugh along with her. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the smile break out on Liam’s face right before he leaves us to her studies.
Is it weird that I wish this were a normal occurrence? Olivia and I here at the kitchen island working on homework and grading papers side by side, Liam watching over us? A little tug on my heart tells me it would mean everything to me if that’s how this were to end up, but the truth is there’s a rough path between reality and that pretty little fantasy I’m building up in my head.
Fall for You (Flirting with Forever Book 4) Page 11
