Quinn Lancaster stared at the beautiful, pristine water of Barefoot Bay. Since coming to this small town on the coast of Florida to rehab from the surgery on his shoulder, he’d often enjoyed the view of the water. He might not like the reason he was currently working with the minor league baseball team, but he couldn’t fault the surroundings. Still, fourteen months, one week and five days after his surgery, the forced inactivity still felt unnatural. So he ignored the water, sand and clear blue sky and concentrated on resisting the temptation to rotate his shoulder and arm in a pitching motion. He’d hoped by now he’d be back in the pitching rotation. Not to mention he’d been raised to believe that everything in his life – and his stepfather’s – revolved around his performance on the ballfield.

As if dealing with today’s setback wasn’t hard enough, now he was expected to act as tour guide for a bunch of elementary school kids.

Generally he liked kids, they were so optimistic and full of energy. It also didn’t suck, he admitted, that he was often on the receiving end of their admiration. The fact that he’d been asked by Lillian Reynolds, one of the nicest ladies he’d ever met, meant he hadn’t been able to turn down the request.

Quinn absently flexed his left hand as he headed for the front entrance gate where he’d been told to meet the group. His gaze lowered to the silicone band circling his right wrist. Yes, he wasn’t happy with today’s disappointment, but there were plenty of kids who dealt with more every single day. He considered changing into street clothes, but decided the kids on today’s field trip might get a kick out of seeing him in his uniform.

Then, suddenly, he felt as if he’d just thrown a ninety-two mile an hour fastball directly at his own chest.

He tried to blame the setting. After all, he never felt more at home than when on any part of a baseball field, and especially the pitcher’s mound. He tried to believe it had something to do with the group of surprisingly subdued kids surrounding the woman. For damn sure his reaction could be blamed on the woman herself as she was a looker.

He stopped, and shook off the sensation the same way he’d shake off a catcher’s call for a slider. He’d been taken by surprise. He’d expected an older teacher, and not one…well, with so many appealing curves. Of course there was also the not so small fact that it had been those fourteen months plus since he’d enjoyed the pleasure of being with a woman.

“How’s everybody doing today?”

Quinn watched all eyes turn to him as he approached the group. A few of those eyes looked eager, a few looked bored, one he already labeled as being the trouble-maker in the bunch, and more than a few looked afraid. One particular set of adult eyes, the color close to his favorite childhood snack of cinnamon toast, looked at him with warmth and acceptance. Those eyes went really well with the brown hair that also had cinnamon streaking through the length skimming her shoulders, and skin just showing the faint beginnings of a summer tan.

“Mr. Lancaster.” She held out a hand. “I’m Anna Reynolds. Thank you for showing us around the ball park today.”

Her hand was long and narrow within his, and he felt a slight callus along the ridge of her palm. “Quinn.” He glanced over to the pint-sized faces turned up to him, then back to the pretty teacher. “It’s my pleasure to show you around the ball park. Although Lillian didn’t mention that her daughter was so lovely.” He held her hand while around them the girls giggled and the boys made fake gagging noises.

“Since I’ve often been told I take after her, thank you for the compliment.”

Anna gave a little tug, but Quinn’s fingers closed tighter, keeping her secure in his grasp. For the first time since his surgery he wanted something more than just a return to the pitching mound.

“We should get started,” she said. “I’m sure you have other things to do this afternoon.”

“I’m at your disposal for as long as you like.”

Her eyes heated for an instant, melting that cinnamon color. In contrast to this sudden, unexpected attraction, her voice held a little frost. “Since my mother seems to believe you won’t be in town long, we’ll be grateful you found time for us today.”

“I’m sure I can find time another day for you.”

“Sorry, but this is our last field trip of the year.” This time she succeeded in freeing her hand. She turned to the group.

“All right, everyone, get in a straight line.” She glanced back at Quinn. “We’re ready when you are.”

He didn’t bother to stop the grin. “I’m more than ready.”

* * *

Anna had to give Quinn credit, he was good with the kids. He even managed to keep Brian Drewes calm, who heaven knew, tested her patience more often than not. Quinn entertained the kids with stories and facts about baseball, and even managed to work a math lesson into his talk.

“Okay, gang.” He rubbed his hands together, as if warming them. “Who wants to be a pitcher?”

She smiled at the way several of the kids shot their hands into the sky. Then her smile faded when she saw Quinn wince and move a hand to rub at his left shoulder.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Of course.” He stepped closer to her and lowered his voice. “Unless there’s something else you’d like to do.”

She felt her cheeks burn with the sensual thoughts no teacher had any business thinking while supervising children on a field trip. “I’d love to see the pitching area.” He grinned, as if he’d read her provocative thoughts, and then turned to guide the children.

With his brown hair, eyes a shade darker, those muscular shoulders, and the kind of smile that had a woman’s body humming in appreciation and anticipation, Anna reminded herself that she had no intention of getting involved with a man whose career, and where it took him, was more important than the family he left behind.

Even if the possibility of an affair with Quinn appealed to her more than anything she’d experienced in quite some time.

That enticing thought, while following behind the group, had her lowering her gaze to take in his backside and muscular thighs. A deep feminine knowledge told her that he would move very well in ways totally unrelated to baseball.

“Is that true?”

Anna came to an abrupt stop, suddenly fearful she’d spoken her thoughts aloud. She looked from Quinn to twelve pairs of eyes waiting with anticipation. Brian Drewes’ gaze, on the other hand, looked full of mischief.

“I’m sorry. Is what true?”

“The kids said you were going to be sitting in the dunking booth at the carnival on the last day of the school year.”

She didn’t bother to sigh. “Yes, that’s the plan.”

“Can anyone come to this carnival?” he asked.

“Yes, of course. It’s actually a fund raiser for school supplies for next year.”

Quinn’s lips twitched a second before he let his gaze lower to her mouth as he leaned closer so he could whisper. “You’d make more at a kissing booth.”

Anna’s cheeks went hot and she found it difficult to breathe easily. She did, however, manage to keep her answer soft enough that the children couldn’t hear. “Not only do I highly doubt the school board would agree, but I believe your prediction is exaggerated.”

“I don’t.” He paused and then added, again in a whispered voice that resulted in chills that somehow flashed like fire through her. “I’d have purchased every single ticket before anyone else had a chance.”

“I’m going to spend my whole allowance so I can dunk Ms. Reynolds,” Brian said.

Anna watched a shadow cross over Quinn’s face. “You’ll have to do the throwing for both of us, buddy,” he said to Brian, reminding Anna once again that he was recovering from shoulder surgery.

“Until you’re back in pitching form, feel free to write a check,” Anna suggested, hoping to lighten the mood. “I’m sure that wouldn’t tax your shoulder too much.”

“Done,” Quinn agreed. “Why don’t you go to dinner with me tonight and we’ll discuss it?”

She heard some of the children giggle. Anna found it easier to ignore them than the hard drum of her heart. “Thank you, Mr. Lancaster.”

“Quinn. What time shall I pick you up?”

“Quinn.” She managed a small smile. “But I was referring to the offer to make a donation. Besides, I already have plans for this evening. Now.” Dismissing his frown, she faced the children. “Can everyone tell Mr. Lancaster thank you for spending time with us today?”

The children all called out words of appreciation. Soon she had them lined up and walking toward the front gate of the ball park. When she realized Quinn walked with them, she first thought he’d press for the dinner date. Instead he talked with the children, taking time to speak to each one as they climbed the steps onto the bus. When she did so, she hesitated on the bottom step. Giving in, she shifted so she could look at him.

“Thank you again, Quinn, for spending time with the class today.”

He flicked a glance at the bus, and then back at her. His mouth didn’t curve in a grin, his eyes didn’t lighten with teasing. Instead he looked focused and determined.

“I’ll see you soon, Anna.”

* * *

Anna stood at the gate of the garden fence that fronted the small bungalow and observed her mother. Lillian Reynolds might be weeding her flowers, but she still looked lovely. Her ash blonde hair showed no grey, courtesy of her favorite stylist at Beachside Beauty. It was currently shielded under a floppy hat, as much for style as for keeping it out of her way. Anna noted with amusement that her mother’s gardening gloves were the same bright yellow as her capris.

“Are you going to just stand there?” Lillian asked, without looking up. “Or are you going to come in?”

“Hi, Mom.” Anna unlatched the gate and made her way to where her mother rocked back on her heels. “The garden’s looking great.”

Lillian beamed with pride. This was the first home she’d owned, the first time she’d been able to paint rooms whatever color she wanted rather than something nondescript that would either fit the limitations of military housing or an off-base rental.

“It’s coming along.” Her mother continued pulling weeds or dead-heading blooms. Anna knew better than to try and help. She had definitely not inherited her mother’s green thumb. “I heard from your brother this morning.”

“How is he?”

“Anna,” her mother softly chastised, when Anna had been so sure she’d kept the censure out of her voice. “Andrew loves the Air Force. Why can’t you accept that it was his choice?”

“I accept it. I just don’t understand it.” And she believed her twin had chosen it as his career path only as the means by which to receive their father’s approval.

“It’s the only life he’s known. Just because you’re twins, and you’re tired of the moving, doesn’t mean he would be also.”

Anna gave in, squatted down beside her mother and tilted her head toward Lillian’s shoulder. Her heart squeezed a little. “I miss him.”

“Oh, honey. Of course you do. There were times when you were all each other had.”

It was the closest she’d ever heard her mother come to complaining about the way they’d all been forced to live. Anna knew there were plenty of people who envied the life she’d grown up in, and the places she’d lived. A part of her was grateful for everything she’d seen and experienced. What she resented was never having a say in the matter. And, truthfully, the pressure of always trying to fit into a new place had always bothered her more than it had her twin, Andrew.

“Did you ever get tired of it, Mom? All those years of the constant moves and meeting new people. Or when it was necessary for Dad to go on another tour of duty that meant we were left behind? Did you ever regret giving up a career of your own because you had to take on so much?”

“It’s the only life I’ve known. First with my father, and then with yours.” Her mother paused in her weeding and gazed into the distance. Above them an identical flag to the one that had covered her father’s casket waved in the gentle breeze. “I won’t say there weren’t times when I was tired or resentful.” She nudged Anna’s head with her shoulder. “Especially on days when you and Andrew were tiny and demanding.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Anna teased. “Andrew and I were angels.”

Lillian chuckled. “I also believe I’m a stronger person for having to take care of so much by myself. I might not have had a career outside of the house, but if I had to, I could find any number of jobs where I’d put all that life experience to use.”

“I’ve always been amazed by what you could accomplish. Especially since so much of the time you dealt with everything on your own.”

“Your father almost got out of the service once, not long after you and Andrew were born.” Anna lifted her head to stare at her mother, who shrugged. “It was after one of those long deployments that proved hard on both of us.”

“What made him stay?”

“I told him that he had to stay in the Army.”

“But.”

Lillian placed her glove-covered hand over her daughter’s and squeezed. “It’s what he was, Anna. I couldn’t ask him to change what made him the man I loved.”

For reasons she couldn’t explain, and certainly wanted to avoid exploring, Anna found herself thinking of Quinn Lancaster. Unfortunately, this was just the latest in a long line of thoughts that had circled around the sexy ballplayer since the class returned from the ball park. From what she’d read and observed today, he was as defined by his sports career as her father had been by his military career. She might not be interested in getting involved with Quinn, but at least she knew that while a baseball injury might temporarily sideline him, he was in no danger of being killed by a sniper’s bullet as her father had.

“Are you happy here, Anna?”

“What?” Brought out of her musings by the unexpected question, Anna looked at her mother. “Yes, of course. Why would you ask such a thing?”

“I worry about you being alone.”

“Mom, I have a good job. Even if,” she added, trying to lighten the mood. “I am looking forward to the school year ending. I have friends, and the book club.” She felt her heart quiver at the thought of her mother maybe leaving. “Are you happy here?”

“I am.” Lillian started putting her tools into a bucket. “I wish your father was here with me, of course, but I think I’m settling into a new life.” She smiled at Anna. “Why don’t we go inside and while I clean up you can pour us a glass of wine?”

“That sounds nice.”

“I have a new cheese spread with some crackers and fruit we can nibble on before dinner.”

Another change, Anna thought as she followed her mother up the stone path toward the front door. When she and Andrew had been in the house, Lillian had run their house and schedules with military precision. Now her mother had become much more relaxed. Anna couldn’t complain. On the nights she stopped by to visit, she enjoyed sitting on her mother’s back veranda where the sound of the water sweeping into the bay was an excellent backdrop to their conversation.

Tonight, however, Anna felt herself a little on edge about the upcoming discussion. She was in fact surprised that her mother hadn’t already asked about today’s tour. And Quinn Lancaster.

Rehearsing in her mind exactly the tone and words she’d use, and hopefully navigate around her mother’s usually spot-on perception, Anna uncorked a bottle of white wine. Taking a sample sip, she nodded in approval before filling two glasses. She’d just stuck her head in the refrigerator to find the cheese, and lifted a brow at the size of the salmon her mother intended to grill tonight, when the doorbell rang.

“Can you get that, Anna?” her mother called out. “I need another minute or two.”

“Were you expecting someone?” she called back. No reply came so Anna paused at the door and looked through the peephole. Her hand shot out and jerked open the door.

Quinn didn’t jolt at the abrupt opening, and he didn’t seem surprised to see her. On the other hand she was stunned to see him, not to mention dismayed at feeling that fluid warmth of attraction slide through her.

He had changed out of his baseball uniform and was casually dressed in shorts, a polo shirt and boat shoes. She suddenly felt rumpled and wilted since she hadn’t changed after the end of the school day.

He held a small bouquet of flowers in his right hand. As she stood dumbfounded, his mouth slowly curved into a smile that had her closing her fingers around the doorknob in a death grip.

“What the hell are you doing at my mother’s?” she asked.

“Really, Anna,” Lillian said from where she’d come up behind her daughter. “Is that any way to speak to our guest?”

“Our guest?”

“Yes, I invited Quinn to have dinner with us. It appears I’ll start that evening with an apology for my daughter’s rude behavior. Come inside, now. Oh, isn’t that thoughtful of you,” she said when he offered Lillian the flowers. “Anna, why don’t you pour that wine while I put these in a vase?”

“None for me, thanks.” He winked at Anna as Lillian walked to the kitchen and he stepped into the house. “Looks like we’ll have that dinner after all.”