by Lori Foster
Mack sat in the truck, relieved that the thermostat was finally warming up, while Jessica climbed out to get her daughter. Trista saw her from the doorway and met her on the sidewalk, looking curiously at the truck. Mack gave her a smile of encouragement as she slid into the seat between him and Jessica.
“Can you get the seat belt okay?”
She nodded, and kept sneaking glances at him. She looked utterly morose, and Mack smiled, remembering how life-altering everything felt when you were a teenager. “You’re wondering why I’m here, right?”
Her answer was a cautious look toward her mother.
“Hey, I like your mom, and she was all in a dither to get to you, and her car was completely frozen over, so I offered to drive. I hope you don’t mind. Just pretend I’m not here.”
Both Jessica and Trista stared at him. He chose to take it as an encouraging sign.
The silence was heavy, so he asked, “It’s got to do with that Brian guy, right?”
Trista tucked in her chin, watching him warily.
“I could be a big help, you know. I mean, who better to understand the warped-guy psyche than a guy? Think of all the insight I can give you.” He leaned closer and whispered, “I was thirteen once myself.”
Jessica cleared her throat. “Uh, Mack…”
He interrupted her with a wave of his hand. “We could discuss it over hot chocolate. What do you think?”
He’d rushed the physical side of things earlier. Now that he wasn’t holding Jessica, now that he was fully dressed and his body was back under control—thanks mostly to the frigid February weather—he could think more clearly. Or at least, he could think without salacious intent clouding his judgment.
He wanted her. He wanted to make love to her, to explore her body, especially those incredible breasts of hers. He wanted to taste every inch of her and listen to her moan his name. More than anything, he wanted to see her beautiful dark eyes as she climaxed with him.
But he also wanted to talk to her, to tease her and listen to her huff and watch her face when she blushed. He wanted her to share her sharp wit, the love she felt for her daughter. He wanted to know more about her work, her divorce, how she felt about things, and what her life had been like.
Despite their moment of intimacy, she was determined to push him away, hesitant to get involved on any level. But it wasn’t because of lack of mutual appeal, that much was certain. He could still feel the burning touch of her stiff little nipples against his chest when she’d rubbed against him, the way her fingers had dug into his shoulders, how hot she’d tasted on his tongue. He shuddered with the memory.
All he needed to do was keep his cool, ignore her occasional insults, and figure out why she had such an aversion to men in general and him in particular. She’d said he reminded her of her ex, but it had to be more than that; he felt sure of it. She was an incredibly sensual woman, yet she’d been years without a man. The very thought boggled his mind.
Patience, that’s what he needed.
Patience, and a lot of determination.
Trista tucked her hands between her knees and said to the windshield, “I don’t care what Brian does. He’s a jerk.”
Pretending offense, Mack said, “Well, give me some credit! I already figured that out.”
“You did?”
“Of course I did. You left with a smile, but came back with a frown. Only a jerk could cause that.”
Trista gave him a half smile before remembering she was piqued. “He called me a dummy.”
“He’s a jerk. I rest my case.”
“I don’t do too good in science, and we’re going to have a big project coming up. I thought he’d be my partner, but he asked Jenna today instead.”
Jessica reached over and squeezed Trista’s hand. “Let me guess. Jenna said yes?”
“She only likes him because I do.”
Mack pulled into the lot behind the house, parking as close to the brick structure as he could in hopes that some of the icy wind would be deflected. “You know, I had a lot of trouble with science, too. My sister-in-law used to help me study. Sometimes all you need is a little help.”
Jessica patted Trista’s leg with a smile. “I can’t claim to be a whiz at seventh-grade science, but I’m sure we can study up together.”
Mack cleared his throat in an imperious way, and though it was sneaky, he spoke directly to Trista. “Well, now, considering I’m a bona fide teacher, and I’ve finally mastered science, I can claim to be a whiz. So whatdya say I tutor you a little? Not so you can prove anything to Brian, because what he thinks doesn’t really matter, right?”
Trista grinned. “Right.”
“But this way, you’ll know he’s wrong if he ever says anything so obnoxious again.”
Trista immediately turned to her mother. “Could I?”
Mack knew he had her. He added, just for good measure, “I need to be here a couple more times anyway to get the magazine photos all taken care of. We could work on that while Trista is in school, then I could stay after and do some studying. What do you say?”
She looked like she wanted to smack him, but since Trista sat between them she held back. “If you’re a teacher, won’t you need to be at school?”
That stumped him. He hated to admit he hadn’t landed a permanent job yet, but he really didn’t see any way around it. He hedged just a bit instead. “I’m still waiting for my final placement. The school board has to go through several interviews, and until that’s done, my days are free. Unless, of course, someone calls for a substitute, but that doesn’t happen that often.”
Trista looked excited. “Are you going to teach at my school?”
“Nope, sorry, kiddo. I’ve sort of specialized in inner city. That’s where good teachers are needed most because the kids have so few advantages. I’m hoping for a permanent placement at Mordmont.” He glanced at Jessica. “And I’m a very good teacher. That’s where I did my student teaching, and I’m kinda close to the kids now, so I’d like to go back there.”
“Bummer. It’d be cool to brag that we had a model for a teacher.”
He could just imagine how that info would go over with the school board. Not that it would really matter to them. They’d tried using his family connection to a bar as a reason to get rid of him, but that didn’t carry any weight, considering the backgrounds of some of the other teachers. Most of them were questionable old relics who wouldn’t know a modern method if it bit them in the butt, and that’s why they hadn’t wanted him. He challenged their outdated methods, refused to conform, and any nonconformity scared them shitless, even when they could see the advantages to the students.
If worse came to worst, he’d have to go out of the area. But that would be a last resort, because in the inner city he’d felt he made a real difference, and that’s what teaching was all about for him.
The truck had gotten toasty warm, but they couldn’t keep sitting in it forever. He looked at Jessica and said, “About that hot chocolate…”
She stared him straight in the eye. “Not tonight, Mack. I’m sorry, but it’s been a long day. I started early this morning and I spent all day in the studio. I still have tons of household chores to get done. And my weekend, as well as a good part of next week, is already booked. I was going to see if Thursday morning would work for you to do our next shoot. That’ll still give us plenty of time to get everything together for the catalogue.”
And it would give her plenty of time to forget about him. He needed to make a diplomatic withdrawal, before she could refuse him everything, but no way would he withdraw enough to let her rebuild all her defenses.
He smiled at her. “No problem. I wouldn’t want to get in your way.” She looked slightly dazed at his easy acceptance, and he added, “But Trista and I don’t need you to help us study, anyway. Saturday I’m busy, but I could come Sunday and the rest of the week until you’re ready for me.”
Her eyes narrowed, and he could just imagine what she thought he’d be
doing on Saturday. He had no doubt her thoughts included sexual indulgence and wouldn’t be overly flattering. If only she knew what a recluse he’d become. Working at the family bar on Saturday had been the highlight of his social life lately.
Trista filled in the gap of silence. “I’ll bring home the instructions for my science project on Monday. Maybe you can give me a few good ideas?”
“I’d be glad to.” He turned off the motor and walked around to open Jessica’s door. “Come on, ladies. I’ll see you inside.”
Trista giggled, but he thought he heard Jessica growl, “We don’t need you to—”
Mack looped an arm through each of theirs and proceeded onward, ignoring Jessica’s protest while practically gliding her across the icy ground. “Hang on tight. The walk is pretty slick.”
She huffed, but had no choice except to hold on or fall. “I gather you think you’re steadier than we are?”
“Sure. I’ve got bigger feet, don’t I?” Jessica wasn’t amused, but Trista chuckled.
When they reached the door, Jessica fumbled with the key while Mack turned to Trista. “I don’t suppose you have your science book at home, do you? It’d help if I could see where you are in it.”
“I don’t have my book, but I have all my papers from last week.”
“How about I take them home with me and look them over? Then we can get started right away on Sunday afternoon.”
“I’ll go get ’em!” She dashed inside and Jessica, still with her back to him, started to do the same.
Mack caught her arm. “Whoa. Can we talk just a second?”
Reluctantly, she turned to face him. She didn’t look pleased, and the second she spoke, he knew why. “I don’t like being manipulated, Mack.”
Though he knew he’d do it again in a heartbeat, he did feel bad about cornering her. He wasn’t in the habit of forcing his company on women. “I’m sorry.”
She gaped at him. “You’re not even going to deny it?”
“Why should I? I want to see you and this seemed like my only chance. You didn’t really think I’d give up that easily, did you?”
She looked astounded and chagrined and, if he was reading her right, a little complimented.
“This is ridiculous—”
“You keep saying that, but damned if I see what’s so ridiculous about it.”
“I’m too old for you.”
He laughed.
“Will you be serious!”
His smile disappeared, but she could still see the slight amusement in his eyes. “Okay, how’s this for serious? If I kissed you right now, would you think about me tonight?” She drew a deep breath and he added, “Try being honest with me for once, okay?”
Her chin lifted. “All right. Yes.”
“Yes, you’d think about me?” He was so pleased with her he wanted to lift her in his arms, swing her in a circle. He wanted to kiss her silly, to touch her all over. He wanted to devour her, actually, and not even the damn cold could temper his lust.
“Yes, I probably would. But you’re not going to kiss me, Mack, so it’s a moot admission.”
There was no way he could contain his grin. “I bet you’ll think about me even if I don’t kiss you.”
She made a disgusted sound. “Oh, for pity’s sake.”
“Won’t you?” He ducked his head, trying to see her averted face. “Jessica? Tell me you’ll think about me, because I’ll damn sure be thinking about you.”
“No.”
“No, you won’t tell me or no, you won’t think about me?”
She laughed, covering her face with her gloved hands. “You’re impossible!”
He pulled her hands down and kissed the end of her icy-cold nose. “I’m infatuated.” She started to back up and he let her, pretending it didn’t bother him. “I really will enjoy working with Trista. Don’t think I’m not serious about that, because I am. Even though I used it as an excuse to spend more time around you, I do think I can help her out. I’m a good teacher.” Modesty kept him from total honesty. In truth, he was an exceptional teacher.
“It’s hard for me to imagine you at the head of a classroom.”
He looked away. “Yeah, well, the principal has the same problem.”
Tipping her head back to look at him, she asked, “What does that mean?”
He was saved from any morbid confessions by Trista’s return. She looked embarrassed as she handed him a stack of papers. “Some of the grades on those aren’t too good.”
He’d seen the same uncertainty on dozens of different adolescent faces, and it always filled him with compassion. School, in his opinion, shouldn’t be about failures so much as accomplishments. He neatly folded the papers in half and stuck them in his pocket. “Did you do your best?”
“Yeah.”
“Good girl. No one can ask for more than that, regardless of how you scored on the paper. Let’s forget about these grades and concentrate on the next ones, okay?”
“You really think I’ll do better?”
“We’ll both give it our best shot.”
When she smiled, the streetlamp reflected off her braces. He loved making kids smile. Sticking out his hand, he said, “Trista, it was a distinct pleasure.”
She shook his hand, giggling, then said a proper good night. With a quick, calculating look at her mother, she ducked back inside and pulled the door shut. She even turned off the porch light. Jessica groaned.
Without conscious thought, Mack moved closer to her, sharing his warmth. Their breath mingled. “Your daughter likes me.”
“My daughter doesn’t really know you.”
He bridged both hands against the brick wall on either side of her head. He felt her nervousness, her excitement. “This may surprise you, but you don’t really know me either.”
She lifted her chin. “I know what I saw in college. There’s not only a big age difference between us—”
“A few piddling years.”
“—but we also have very different outlooks.”
“Because I want to have fun and you don’t?” He’d leaned down so close, his nose brushed her soft, cold cheek. She smelled sweet and fresh and like the brisk outdoors. He nuzzled against her, drinking in the wonderful scent.
“Mack.”
It was a weak protest, and they both knew it. But he was a gentleman and he didn’t want to push her. He wanted her to want him, to admit she felt the same incredible things he felt. He rested his forehead against her crown for just a moment, relishing the simple enjoyment of holding her. “If you change your mind over the weekend, call me.”
“I won’t change my mind.”
She sounded less than certain about that, and he smiled. “Sophie has my number.”
“I won’t change my mind.”
He leaned back to look at her. “Tonight, when you’re in bed alone, think about me.” Her brown eyes were huge in the darkness, and she stared at him without answering. He opened the door and gave her a small nudge in the right direction. “Sleep well, honey.”
Just before she pulled the door shut, she whispered, “Mack? Be careful driving home.” Stunned, Mack stood there a moment until he heard her turn the lock. Then, slowly, he started to smile. He even laughed out loud, but the sound seemed more ominous than not in the cold, quiet night.
Damn, he felt good.
And then he remembered the Winston curse.
Sophie was ringing up a customer when Mack walked in. The little bell over the door jingled, and she looked up with a smile of welcome. Three other women looked up as well, then proceeded to stare rudely, as if he’d invaded their private territory. Mack merely grinned, sauntered over to some lacy bras, and began browsing.
Allison came out of the back room and spotted him. “Hey, Mack. How did the photo shoot go?”
Why did Allison look so suspicious when she asked that? He narrowed his gaze at her, then shrugged. Maybe she was waiting for the curse to hit him. She couldn’t know that he’d already resigned himself to
his fate. Hell, he was half anticipating it.
“It went okay. Though some of that stuff isn’t coming anywhere near my body.”
“Spoilsport.”
Sophie joined them, looking indignant. “Which stuff?”
“G-strings? Those filmy briefs with the see-through front? And what about those clear vinyl thingies—”
Laughing, Sophie put a finger to his lips. “Hush. Every lady in here is eavesdropping.”
Allison looked at him over the rim of her round glasses. “See-through vinyl?”
“Yeah. You should get Chase a pair.” He tried to hide his amusement, but it was impossible when Allison seemed to be seriously considering the idea.
Sophie took his arm and dragged him to the other side of the room, where there were fewer ears to listen in. “Some of those things are just for fun. They’re not meant to be taken seriously.”
“Well, I’m seriously not modeling them.”
“Is that why you’re here? You’re not going to back out on me just because a few of the items are a bit…risqué, are you?”
“No, I’m not backing out.”
She suddenly stiffened, then grabbed both his hands. “Oh, wait! Did you hear from the school board? Did you get the position?”
“No, I didn’t hear anything yet.” He almost wished she hadn’t reminded him. His preoccupation with Jessica had driven away much of his frustration. Which was just as well, because he absolutely hated to sit around fretting like an old schoolmarm.
Sophie looked ready to embrace him, and he quickly sidestepped her. She had this mothering tendency that sometimes made him uncomfortable. It had been especially noticeable since she’d gotten pregnant. “I’m fine, Sophie, really. It’s not a big deal.”
“Baloney. I know how hard you’ve worked to be a great teacher.”
“Yeah, well. A lot of good it’s done me.”
“Oh, my God. I just thought of something. What if the school board sees you in the catalogue?”
“That’s not an issue. Nothing I wore is that revealing, and I seriously doubt they’d ever see it, anyway, since they’re two districts away. No offense, hon, but it’s not like your boutique is well known across the state.”
