Trouble in Disguise

by Sonia Stanizzo

  “We met at a concert I went to with Liz.” That was close enough to the truth, only omitting a few major details.

  “And…” Kaitlin prompted.

  “And…he happens to be friends with Toby, and they set it up.”

  Kaitlin narrowed her eyes. “How did you go from meeting at a concert to skinny-dipping?”

  If she’d gotten arrested last night, she was sure she wouldn’t have been interrogated like this.

  “We’ve met a couple more times since the concert. Last night we had dinner to discuss the music program, and things moved on from there.” Heat burned her cheeks as her mother watched her closely. “Can we drop it now please?”

  “For now,” Kaitlin answered. “But I’ll have more questions when Ma’s not around.”

  Jade’s mother dropped her head in her hands. “I thought I raised good Catholic girls.”

  “We are, Ma.” Their mother lifted her head and gave Kaitlin a skeptical look. “There’s just a little devil on our shoulder that lets us have fun now and then.”

  This pulled a laugh from her. “This devil of yours must take after your father. Oh, that reminds me, he sent you a package. Probably for your birthday.” She stood and headed out of the room.

  “My birthday was a month ago,” Jade said to her sister. Whenever her father was mentioned, an ache pressed against her chest.

  “You’re lucky, I waited two months for mine.”

  Their mother walked back into the room and handed Jade the package. Jade put it on the table.

  “Aren’t you going to open it?” her mother asked.

  “I will when I get home.”

  Jade rose from the chair, gave her mother a kiss on the cheek, and tucked the package in her bag. “I’ll see you next week.” Then she gave a little wave to Kaitlin.

  “I’ll call you later. I’m dying to find out more about your new music teacher. I want to know if he’s gorgeous and sexy.” Her sister wiggled her eyebrows and laughed.

  God help her. Nate was both of those things, and after getting a taste of him, how was she ever going to control herself around him now?

  * * * *

  Later that evening, Nate sat on the couch in his rented house with sheet music scattered around him. Trying to find a song basic enough to teach young kids but one not so simple that it would put them to sleep.

  Toby sat on a chair opposite him, eating chips from a bowl and watching the Flaming Stars football team play on TV. “Dammit, Lever dropped the ball!” he yelled. “That’s the third time he’s done that. Take him off!”

  Being away so long, Nate didn’t have much time to follow the local team and had no idea who Lever was. So he made the appropriate noises he thought Toby would want to hear.

  As he narrowed his song choices down to five, his phone rang and he looked at the caller ID. It was his drummer Mike.

  “Hey, man,” he said as he answered the Facetime call and saw Mike’s tired face. “It must be around five or six o’clock in the morning in New York. What are you doing up so early?”

  “It’s five, and I haven’t gone to bed yet. Been at a gig with the boys and just rolled home.”

  “A gig?” They were on a break.

  “Yeah, man, the boys were getting bored and itchin’ to play, so we’ve gone to a couple of bars to jam. We’ve had Jimmy from Sonic Sound sing vocals. He just left his band and has been mucking around with us.”

  “Sounds like fun. He’s got a good following. How’s the response?”

  “It’s been good. Not as good as if you were playin’ with us,” Mike quickly added as if Nate might get offended that Jimmy was doing a better job. “When are you coming back? I know tour doesn’t start for a few weeks, but I’ve got ideas for new songs I’d like to bounce off you.”

  A tightness clenched his stomach, and he ran his fingers through his hair. He wasn’t ready. Not yet.

  Nate had new songs of his own he’d like to work on, but he doubted Mike would want to add them to the band’s playlist. “I have things I need to take care of here. I won’t be back until maybe a week before we get back on the road.” He glanced over at Toby who wasn’t watching the football anymore but staring at him. “We’ll have to work on them then.”

  Mike looked disappointed but said nothing more about it. “No worries. I’ll email you what I’ve got so far. Check them out when you get time.”

  “Will do. Talk to you later.” Nate ended the call.

  Toby put the bowl of chips on the table. “You’ve only been on a break less than a week and they’ve replaced you? If you need to go back, I’m sure Jade will understand you can’t do the music lessons.”

  Nate gave him a doubtful look.

  Toby laughed. “No, she won’t understand, but she’ll get over it.”

  That he wasn’t so sure of either.

  “Seriously though, will you go back soon? Hearing they’ve gotten Jimmy to fill in for you can’t be easy. He’s a huge rock star.”

  “Are you saying I’m easily replaceable?” This was Nate’s band. His father’s legacy. No one could fill his shoes. So why did the possibility that someone might be able to hit him with a small amount of relief?

  “No, mate, it wouldn’t be easy. But stay away long enough, and with Jimmy filling in… Well, people can adjust to change quickly.”

  Trust Toby to give it to him straight, whether he wanted to hear it or not. “I’m only gone for a few weeks, then I’ll be back on tour.”

  Toby nodded and dropped the subject. He pointed to the sheet music Nate had placed on the table. “All ready for your lessons? The parents are excited about the program. You’ll have a full house.”

  Playing to a stadium of thousands of people was less nerve-wracking than the thought of teaching a room of primary school kids. What the hell had he gotten himself into? His palms began to sweat, and he rubbed them on the thighs of his jeans.

  Toby continued, unaware of Nate’s nerves. “Jade’s gotten the room looking like a concert hall. She’s more excited than the parents.”

  The thought of Jade’s excitement brought him back to the night at the beach. She’d been excited then too, but for a whole different reason. He had to push the memory aside if he was to get any work done.

  “I hope I don’t let her down.” If his voice sounded a little husky, Toby didn’t notice.

  “She wasn’t happy with you the last time I saw you together. Have you kissed and made up since then?” Toby asked.

  Nate made a choking sound. They’d done more than kiss, and it was safe to say after he had her naked in his arms, they’d made up.

  Leaning forward in his chair, Toby placed his elbows on his knees. “Anything you’d like to share with the class?”

  “Dude, you have got to get yourself out of the classroom from time to time,” Nate said, trying to detract Toby from prying.

  “Well, is there?” Toby looked at him like he was talking to a sixth-grade student, knowing he was hiding something in his pockets. Did all teachers have that certain skill?

  “Am I gonna get kicked out of school if I’ve messed around with the teacher?” Nate joked.

  “Dammit, Nate. You can’t fool around with Jade.” Toby didn’t find his joke funny.

  “Why the hell not? Anyway, it’s too late.”

  Toby’s eyes narrowed. “Because she’s too good for you. And why couldn’t you keep your hands to yourself?”

  Nate let out a harsh breath. “Well, thanks a lot,” he said, not bothering to defend his actions with Jade.

  Toby shook his head. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “It sure the fuck sounded that way.” But his friend was right, she was too good for him.

  “If you start things with Jade, you’re only going to leave, and that will cement in her brain even more that she’s—”

  “Cursed and will never find love. I know.”

  “She told you?” Toby asked.

  “Yeah, and it’s fucking ridiculous.” Nate blew out a brea
th.

  “We might think so, but she’s dead set certain it’s true, so don’t get involved.” Toby threw him a stern look.

  “We only made out. I’m not offering her marriage.”

  “Good. It would be best if it didn’t happen again. Just in case.” Toby used his teacher’s voice again.

  There was no chance of Nate getting too involved. He was constantly on the move and relationships never worked. But having fun with Jade, knowing she wouldn’t get attached because of the curse, was a win-win situation.

  “What we do is none of your business.”

  Toby pinned him with a lethal glare. “If you hurt Jade, I will personally hunt you down and kick your arse.”

  Chapter 10

  As Nate walked into the school grounds, excitement rushed over him. Sure, he was eager to give the kids a music lesson, but it was seeing Jade again that put a smile on his face.

  The last time they were together, she’d been dripping wet and seething mad. And he was glad he hadn’t been on the receiving end of that temper. He also couldn’t stop picturing the way her clothes had clung to her body.

  As the kids rushed out of their classrooms after the end-of-the-day bell chimed, Nate knew he needed to get the erotic images of their teacher out of his mind.

  He made his way to the hall. A group of kids who looked about six or seven were lined up at the door. Jade, with a clipboard in hand, was talking to them. He paused and watched the way she smiled and laughed at what the kids were saying. And the way they gave her their full attention. She definitely had Nate’s attention too.

  A heavy hand landed on his shoulder, and he turned to find Toby. The corners of his mouth quirked like he knew something Nate didn’t.

  “I wouldn’t blame you for being scared. A room full of six-year-old kids will not be easy.” His friend laughed. “Good luck, buddy.”

  “You sticking around to watch the lesson?”

  “No, I’ve got a meeting to get to. Have fun.” Toby tapped him on the back and turned to walk away. Then he clicked his fingers and stopped. “Crap, I forgot my car has a flat battery. Do you mind if I take yours? If I’m not back after your lesson, Jade can take you home and I’ll drop it off to you later.”

  “Sure.” Nate dug the keys out of his pocket and tossed them to Toby. He caught them and waved goodbye.

  Nate ambled over to Jade and the kids. When she saw him, she smiled but didn’t quite make eye contact. A splash of pink colored her cheeks. Suddenly, the spitfire was a little bashful. She wasn’t so shy when she’d pressed her naked body against him. God, if he continued to think of that night, he’d be dragging her somewhere private and there’d be no music lessons.

  “Are you ready for class, Mr. Miller?” Jade’s tone was formal.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be, Ms. Brennan.” He mimicked her tone.

  She gave him a half-smile, leaned closer, and whispered, “Don’t let their innocent, little faces fool you. They can be devils.”

  The scent of flowers and sunshine drifted to him, and his nose flared at the enticing smell. Damn the music lesson. Class is canceled. But before he could grab hold of her and take her away, Jade was clapping to get the kids’ attention.

  “Children. This is Mr. Miller, and he’ll be teaching you how to play musical instruments. Everyone, say good afternoon.”

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Miller,” the kids said in a sing-song voice.

  “Hey there, kids. I’m excited to get started. We’ve got great stuff for you to play with.”

  A tug at the leg of his jeans brought his attention down to a girl with straight, black hair and missing two front teeth.

  “Do you do good lessons?” she asked with a slight lisp.

  These kids were adorable. This shouldn’t be too hard.

  “Because my daddy said free lessons can’t be good.”

  Well, adorable and honest.

  “Megan, Mr. Miller is a very talented musician. The lessons will be amazing.” Jade smiled apologetically at him. “Okay, quietly, and without running, go inside the hall and sit on the mat. Don’t touch anything. We’ll be there in a moment.”

  Once all the kids were inside, she turned to him, tucking a strand of curls behind her ear, and his gaze drifted to the smooth skin on her neck.

  “Kids rarely have filters,” she said.

  Snapping his gaze back to her face, it took him a moment to understand what she was saying. “Don’t worry, I’ve heard harsher words from adults.”

  She fiddled with more locks that had fallen from her bun and said, “Well, shall we start?”

  Without waiting for an answer, she turned to follow the kids. But he held onto her wrist, stopping her. “Jade, are you okay?”

  The way she fidgeted he’d think she was nervous. Was it because of the lesson, or did he cause it? With the way she avoided his gaze, he’d guess the latter. But why? Because of the night at the beach? Getting caught by her brother was probably embarrassing for her. For him it was damn inconvenient, but once he got his hard-on under control, he could see the funny side…barely.

  “I’m fine,” she said, her voice a little high. “If we don’t go in now, the kids will attack the instruments even though I told them not to touch.”

  He didn’t let her go, but instead pulled her closer to him. He didn’t miss the sharp gasp and the way her gaze dropped to his lips. “That night at the beach—”

  “Not now.” Her head dropped, and she covered her face with her free hand. “I can’t walk into the lesson with that on my mind.”

  Nate nodded, let go of her hand, followed her into the hall, and was smacked with the sound of rowdy kids.

  * * * *

  From the moment Jade spotted Nate amble into the school grounds, memories from the beach flashed before her eyes. She didn’t have to imagine what lay beneath his navy t-shirt and cargo pants he wore because she’d had her hands all over that fine body.

  Now with him standing so close, she acted like a nervous schoolgirl. And when he put his hand on her arm, it sent a tingling sensation through her body. The move was far from seductive, but boy did it get her heart racing.

  There was no way she could discuss what happened the other night right before a lesson. She couldn’t look at all those sweet, little faces while her mind relived the most erotic moment of her life. Until Connor came along and ruined it. God, she’d never been so embarrassed. What must Nate think of her having a big brother scold her like a kid? Pathetic, that’s what.

  As they entered the hall, the noisy sound of children echoed through the room. It was too much to ask for them to sit quietly for a few minutes while the excitement and temptation of the instruments were displayed all around them.

  She clapped her hands, and they stopped what they were doing and clapped the same rhythm back. Once they had quietened down, she asked them to sit on the mat.

  “I’ll let Mr. Miller take over the lesson now, but I’ll still be in the room watching. So please listen to what he says.” And she took a seat behind the class.

  She watched Nate stand in front of the kids. He rubbed the palms of his hands on the front of his jeans. Wow, could a bunch of kids be making him nervous?

  “As Ms. Brennan said, I’m Mr. Miller, but you can call me Nate. And I play guitar for…” Clearing his voice, he quickly amended, “I play guitar and a bunch of other instruments which I’ll be showing you today. Hands up if you’ve heard of Jimi Hendrix.” He glanced around the room, and when no one responded he asked, “What about Eric Clapton?” Again, nothing. “Eddie Van Halen, B.B. King?”

  A few kids fidgeted and some yawned. Poor Nate, he looked disgusted that none of the kids knew these guitar greats.

  Then Lachlan put up his hand, and Nate’s face lit up, probably hoping there was one child who knew who he was talking about.

  “When do we play the stuff?” Lachlan asked.

  Nate’s shoulders sagged for a beat. “Soon, buddy. Can anyone play a musical instrument?”


  The whole class eagerly raised their hands. Jade hid a smile behind her hand. There was no way all these kids played. It was the reason she was having these lessons.

  “Awesome. What can you play?” He pointed to Leon.

  “All of them,” Leon answered as he wiggled on the floor.

  “Wow, that’s impressive. Why don’t you pick something and show me what you can do?” The skeptical expression on Nate’s face showed he was on to him.

  Leon bounded off the mat and picked the loudest instrument in the room, the drums. The shining kit a beacon to any little boy. He sat on the stool, picked up the sticks, and made a loud, horrible noise of banging and clanging.

  Nate bit his quivering lip, trying not to laugh. He was being polite, because Jade covered her ears. It was a good thing she sat behind the class so they didn’t see her reaction and Leon was too involved in his drumming to notice.

  Then all the kids stood up and shouted that they wanted to show him what they could play and ran to their chosen instruments. Within seconds, a chaotic amount of noise filled the room. Nate turned to Jade with a pleading expression. He had no idea how to control the little terrors. Laughter burst from her lips. Maybe starting with the youngest grade wasn’t the greatest of ideas.

  * * * *

  What the hell had he signed up for? No one warned him the kids would be out of control monsters. Sure, they looked so cute with their big, innocent eyes and missing teeth, but that was just a disguise. How did teachers deal with this every single day?

  Nate watched Jade speak to the last parent to pick up their child. He overheard her saying, “It was a great lesson. They had so much fun. We can’t wait to do it again next week.”

  None of what she said was true. It had been a train wreck. A disaster. Why bother telling them to come again next week?

  Nate dropped onto the nearest chair, pushed his hands through his hair, and blew out a long, tired breath. All the muscles in his body ached like he’d done hours of weights, and a headache pounded in the back of his eyes. He didn’t have to keep doing this. If he hired someone to take over for him, everyone would be happy.

  And then Jade turned around and smiled. His heart skidded to a stop. There was no way he could quit and let her down. How he’d make the lessons any better he didn’t know, but he’d die trying, and dammit, those kids would learn to play. It would be worth the body aches and pains to see Jade smile at him like that again.