Until The Summer
Elle Jefferson
Other books by Elle Jefferson
Wishful Thinking
At Death It Begins (ADIB 1)
In Death’s Touch (ADIB 2)
After Death (ADIB 3)
What’s Coming To You
Novellas
With This Ring (Fiona KW)
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the Happily Ever Alpha Kindle World. I personally chose each author participating in the Happily Ever Alpha Kindle World because I love their books, and the way they tell a story. That said, this book is entirely the work of the author who wrote it, and I didn’t have any part in the process of writing the story.
Enjoy the BOOM!
Xoxo
Aurora Rose Reynolds
Chapter One
NATALIE
I adjusted my glasses. I brushed out my skirt. It was a black pencil skirt. Smart. Classic. it screamed sophisticated when paired with my no-nonsense white button-down blouse. Across the classroom I could see my reflection in the mirror. Not a hair out-of-place in my bun. Even the wispy curls around my ear were still perfectly coiled. I gave a nod to myself. Yes, I looked like an educated woman and not the socialite who’d been smeared across local tabloids.
No, I shed that skin when I graduated magna cum laude from Stanford before getting a job as a third-grade teacher at Pine Crest Academy. The staff here was amazing. The students even more so. My reflection winked back at me.
Why was I nervous? It was just a parent-teacher conference. I’d done loads of them since I started teaching two years ago and yet…
Thomas Huffman.
The name on the progress report in front of me. He was the cause of my anxiety. This wasn’t a typical conference. In the last few weeks Thomas had exhibited odd behavior. He was a sweet kid. always the first to raise his hand. He excelled in math and reading. However, in the last few weeks he’d been withdrawn, failing math, pulling girls hair, hitting & pushing other kids. In other words, he was acting like a totally different kid. Before I got my teaching degree I’d also gotten a psychology degree. Everything about Thomas screamed he was dealing with some sort of trauma. I was hoping with his parents help we could get to the bottom of it. Because, his behavior brought up another problem, he’d failed TN Merit test. This was a problem because if you failed the test you couldn’t move on to fourth grade.
My stress level went up a notch because I was meeting with Thomas’s mother, Mrs. Huffman. Thomas had been going to Pine Crest since kindergarten and his mother had quite a reputation among the other teachers. None of the teachers would give me the gossip they only said, “You’ll see, you’ll see.”
I had yet to see and was nervous to.
School got out at 3:20, this meeting was scheduled for 3:30. It was now 3:45. Mrs. Huffman was late. I gave her phone a ring, it went straight to voice-mail. I hung up. Maybe she was stuck in traffic. I’d give her another fifteen minutes then I was calling it a day.
4:00
There was still no sign of Mrs. Huffman. “Well, that’s just great,” I said to no one. I slipped on my jacket, packed up my messenger bag. Just great. Now I’d have to talk to Principal Mayson to figure out what to do next. This was, after all, a delicate matter.
I wanted this over so we could work on the next steps moving forward and that wasn’t going to happen now. “Dammit!” I yelled at the ceiling.
“Excuse me,” A male voice replied. The hint of a Scottish accent hiding within the deep baritone.
“Sorry, I was—” words failed me when I looked up into a pair of electric blue eyes. The man before me was a stunning male specimen. Piercing blue eyes? Check.
Five o’clock shadow accentuating a strong chin? Check.
Black hair tousled into that sexy bed-head look? Check.
Adonis-like body? Check.
And all of this was wrapped up in dark gray slacks and pale blue button-down shirt. The first button of his shirt was undone exposing his neck. It upped his bedable factor to unfathomable levels. Staring at him I forgot how to swallow. What was a man like this doing in an elementary school? He belonged at a GQ photo shoot. His exquisite mouth was frowning. “Can I help you?”
“I must be in the wrong room,” he said turning.
He couldn’t go. “What are you looking for?”
“Natalie Quimby.”
He was here for me? “That’s me.” He shook his head frowning further. “May I ask who you are?”
“Warren Huffman.”
“Thomas’s father?” my voice cracked as I said it.
“Yes.”
“I was expecting Mrs. Huffman.”
“You and me both.” No mistaking his irritation.
Right. Teacher. Father. Professional. I straightened up before walking over to him hand extended. “Natalie Quimby, glad you could make it.” His hand was warm, firm and big. I motioned over to my desk, “Please, have a seat.” I moved around to sit behind my desk. “Do you know if your wife will be joining us?”
“I have no idea. Look, can we get this over with, what’s the problem?”
I squeezed my hands into fists to hide the fact they were shaking. I took a deep breath. “Well, your son recently took the TN Merit test and failed.”
Mr. Huffman braced his elbows against my desk invading my space with his delicious smelling cologne. It sent my pulse racing. “So, what? That’s what this meeting was about a failed test?”
“I’m afraid—”
The door to my classroom swung open and brown-haired vixen rushed in. She was dressed as if she’d just come from the gym. By the shape of her physique she worked out a lot. “I’m so sorry I’m late,” she said taking the seat beside Mr. Huffman who was shaking his head and running his hand furiously through his hair.
“You show up now? I said I’d take care of this so you didn’t have to.”
“What is this exactly?” Mrs. Huffman brushed off her husband’s attitude.
I opened my mouth to respond. Mr. Huffman cut me off, “You’d know if you’d bother showing up on time.”
“Please Mr. Huffman, Mrs.—”
“Oh, and showing up to one conference in two years makes you the expert now? Where were you for all the others?”
“Busting my ass to keep you in yoga pants.”
“Sir please watch your—”
“I never asked for that. You’re the one obsessed with money not me.”
I understood now why Thomas was behaving the way he was. His parents were a mess. Two good-looking hot messes. They’re arguing was getting us nowhere fast. I had to stop this wreck from crashing, take back the reigns. I slammed my hands on my desk, standing as I did. “That’s enough.” Mr. And Mrs. Huffman both looked up at me. Mrs. Huffman looked surprised and properly chastised. Mr. Huffman, however, only frowned further. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but it’s clearly affecting your son. He’s been shucking off doing his schoolwork. And the worst of it is he failed the TN Merit test.” I exhaled and sat back down in my chair.
“He failed?” Mrs. Huffman asked.
I nodded.
She deflated sagging over my desk, head in her hands. Mr. Huffman looked from his wife to me. “Can anyone explain to me what the big deal is? One test does not a student make.”
“He’s going to be held back,” Mrs. Huffman said for me.
“No. He’s a bright kid.”
“Yes, he is,” I said, “And there are things we can do. I might be able to get an appeal that would allow Thomas to retest over the summer.”
“Great, we’ll do that,” Mrs. Huffman said.
“He shouldn’t have to retest,” Mr. Huffman said.
I could see another sparring match starting any second. I had to quash it. I said, “It won’t be easy and there’s something else.” This was the delicate part. The part that had my stomach in knots.
“Well, on with it then,” Mr. Huffman said. His voice particularly brogish then. Very sexy. I smacked the thought away. Not only was he a father to one my students and a married man, but he was also an ass.
“There was an incident today at lunch. “Both of them looked at me silent. I continued, “Thomas punched another student,” Mrs. Huffman’s mouth fell open I plowed on through, needing to get this all out, “it looks like he may have broken the student’s nose. Both students admitted blame—”
“I’ll make sure Thomas is punished for the behavior,” Mr. Huffman stated.
“There’s more, please let me finish.” I stared down Mr. Huffman who remained silent. “The parents of the other boy are looking at pressing charges. This isn’t the first time Thomas has fought with this student, but it is the first times fists were involved.”
“Jason again?” Mrs. Huffman asked.
I nodded. She shook her head before dropping her head into her hands.
“Who’s Jason?” Mr. Huffman asked.
“He’s a student in Mrs. Jacob’s class,” Mrs. Huffman answered.
“His parents are Drew and Matilda, you remember them, don’t you?” Mrs. Huffman asked Mr. Huffman. The look he gave clearly said there was more to Jason and Thomas fighting than typical schoolyard antics.
“Shit,” Mr. Huffman said getting up from his chair, “I have to go.” Without another word he took off.
Mrs. Huffman rubbed her forehead, “I’m not sure we’ll be able to fix this.”
“We’ll certainly give it a try,” I said.
Mrs. Huffman stood up, “Thank-you for your help Ms. Quimby, but I better go after him before he makes a bigger mess of this.”
With both parents gone I sagged back into my chair. Between Mr. Huffman’s temper and Mrs. Huffman’s sensitivity, I knew I had my work cut out for me if I was going to go to bat to get Thomas retested.
Chapter Two
NATALIE
Monday came way too quick for my taste. The knot in my stomach was still there from my conference Friday. I’d spent all weekend researching Tennessee’s rules for retesting students on the TN Merit. One I’d need a note from the parents contesting the results. That was the only easy part. The rest not so much. I’d need past report cards, letters of recommendations from other teachers, and I’d have to get the principal and the special education team involved. Which seemed daunting but I was willing to jump through the hoops. The problem was Thomas. I could get all the ducks lined up but if his behavior didn’t change it would all be for naught. Not to mention Jason’s parents were still a factor in all of this too.
I get they were upset about their son getting hurt, but it was really kids being kids. Nothing more. The bell rang. It was time to collect my class from outside.
At lunchtime I walked my class to the lunchroom. “Remember class, don’t take it if you’re not going to eat it.” Most kids nodded a few rolled their eyes and then there was Thomas who was staring at his shoes as though they held the world’s secrets. I passed out lunch cards once the kids were in line. “I expect only compliments from the lunch staff about Ms. Quimby’s class,” I said.
“How come you’re talking about yourself in third person?” Vienna asked.
“Vienna you earned a Quim buck for knowing what third person is.” Vienna smiled her cheeks turning pink.
“But I’m the third person,” Riley said looking confused.
I ruffled his hair. “Vienna can explain it to you. All right have a great lunch and I will see you soon.” I stopped next to Thomas, “Don’t forget after you get your lunch tray to come back to class.” He nodded and looked away. On my way back to the classroom I stopped by the teacher’s lounge, grabbing my lunch from the fridge. Ten minutes later Thomas came in carrying his tray. He stood in the doorway staring around the class. I motioned to the table beside my desk. “Have a seat.” He plopped his tray on the table before sinking down into a chair. We ate in silence. I graded some tests while Thomas moved his food around on his plate.
“Do you know why your here for lunch?” I asked.
Thomas didn’t look up. “Because I made Jason’s nose bloody.”
“Yes, that’s part of it, but there’s another reason.”
Thomas looked at me and swallowed. “What?”
“Did your parents tell you I met with them on Friday?”
Thomas shook his head.
“Would you like to know what we talked about?”
“Me?”
“Close.” I opened a drawer on my desk and pulled out Thomas’s TN Merit test. I placed it on the table beside his lunch. “You know what that is?”
He nodded.
“Do you know how you did on it?”
He shook his head.
“How do you think you did on it?”
He shrugged his shoulders.
“Use your words, please.”
“I don’t know,” he mumbled.
“Let me tell you this, I was very surprised with how you did on this test and not in a good way. “He licked his lips. “Did you think the test was stupid?” I asked. Again, with the shoulder shrug. One of the hardest things I found as a teacher was getting kids to advocate for themselves. “You know what I think?” He shook his head again. I had to approach this in a way that made him comfortable enough to open up. “I don’t think you tried your hardest, not even a little.” He moved his carrots from one side of his tray to the other. “And it makes me wonder why you didn’t.”
“How come?” Thomas asked meeting my eye.
I leaned forward on my desk taking off my glasses and setting them aside. “Because you always give your best Thomas Try and when you do, you usually do pretty darn well. And this time you did not well.”
“I just didn’t see a point.”
There it was a glimmer. I opened up the top drawer of my desk and pulled out a Swiss Roll. Thomas eyed it as I unwrapped the chocolate treat. “What makes you say that?”
Another shoulder shrug. I took a bite before offering Thomas the other one. Never seen a hand move faster. He took a bite. I finished chewing before asking, “Do you want to talk about it.”
“What’s there to talk about?” Thomas asked not quite meeting my eye.
“Your parents got into a fight while they were here. Have they ever fought at home?”
He took another bite before nodding.
“It’s scary when our parents fight isn’t it?” Thomas nodded. “You know when I was about your age my mom and dad got into a fight. They yelled so loud I thought their voices were going to break all our glass cups,” Thomas’s eyes went wide, “I remember I got so scared I ran into my sister’s room and hid under her bed.”
“Really?” he asked.
“Yes. And you know what was even scarier?”
“No.”
“I thought it was because of me.”
“How come?”
“Because earlier that day, I had eaten my dad’s last ice cream sandwich and I’d left my backpack in the hallway and he’d tripped over it and stubbed his toe. It wasn’t until I got older I realized my parents fighting had little to do with me. You see when we’re little we think our parents know how to do everything, but guess what? Adults make mistakes too.”
He took a deep breath, I was positive he was about to reveal the heart of his behavior, I held my breath and waited. He looked me in the eye. “All my parents ever do is fight. Usually, it’s not a big deal because they live in separate houses, but mom started seeing someone dad doesn’t like and now my mom is talking about moving away.”
“How do you feel about moving?”
Thomas looked down at the table. A tear slipped from the corner of his eye. He wiped it away. “I don’t want to live with my mom.” And there it was. The key to everything. I moved from my desk taking the seat beside Thomas. I gave his hand a squeeze. “Look at me.” Thomas looked up. “That doesn’t mean you love your mom any less than you love your dad.”
“It doesn’t?”
“Of course not. And your mom wanting to move doesn’t mean she loves you any less.”
“It doesn’t?”
This time I shook my head. “Remember, adults don’t always have it all figured out. But the one thing I know for sure is that your parents love you with all their heart. Okay?”
Thomas gave me a hug. I hugged him back. “Do you think you’d be willing to take that test again but give it a Thomas try this time?” Thomas nodded against my chest. “Good.” Thomas pulled away wiping his nose with his shirt.
“That’s gross, use a tissue.”
He walked over to a shelf near the bathroom door at the back of our classroom and grabbed a tissue. “You sound like my mom.”
“She’s a wise wom—”
“Hey dad,” Thomas said. I looked up to see Mr. Huffman standing in the doorway of my classroom staring at me.
This time he was smiling. “Hey kiddo.” He wrapped his knuckles against the door frame. “Ms. Quimby do you have a moment?”
“Thomas would you like to go to recess?”
“Yes.”
“All right then.”
Thomas gave his dad a hug as he was leaving. “I’ll see you after I talk to Ms. Quimby, is that cool?”
“Yep.” After that Thomas hurried from the class, probably afraid I’d change my mind. “Do you have a minute?”
“Of course. Please come in.” I moved through the sea of kids desks over to my own. I noticed a candy wrapper and bent over to pick it up. There was a deep exhale. I righted myself and looked behind me to see Mr. Huffman staring. He looked up. Our eyes met. He cleared his throat and looked away while I quickly hurried to throw the garbage away.
“How can I help you Mr. Huffman?” I asked trying to diffuse the tension.
“Please, call me August. Mr. Huffman makes me feel like my father.” Not touching that. “I wanted to apologize for my behavior the other day. I was having a bad week and took it out in the wrong direction.”
“Apology accepted.”
August looked as though he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks. Snap. Like that visions of August in bed, shirtless, danced in my head. I could not go there. He was a student’s parent. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s nothing I can’t handle.” My mind ran away with all the things I’m certain August could “handle”. Of course, August was shirtless in all those things.
I pressed a hand to my throat. “Thomas lost his lunch recess for the week because of the fight. Principal Mayson says she’s going to talk to Jayson’s parents, try to work this out.”
“Thank-you. I’m glad Thomas has someone like you in his corner.”
“He’s a good kid.” With a hot as sin father. Shut-up brain. There was an awkward silence that followed. I stared at August. he stared at me. He pushed up off the desk taking a step towards me. He held out his hand. His palms were callused but unblemished. “Have a good day Ms. Quimby.” His voice wrapped around my lady parts and squeezed. As he let go of my hand his middle finger stroked the inside of my wrist. I felt that touch all the way to my toes.
His smile lit me up from the inside out. “You as well.” He gave me a wink before turning and leaving.
Chapter Three
NATALIE
When Friday arrived, I was excited. Tonight, The Martier was exhibiting metal work from one of my favorite artist’s, G.H. His work could be found all the way from New York, to Australia and everywhere in between. His or her pieces used rebar, cement, rocks and water in ways that were so unusual, beautiful and sometimes absurd, that you couldn’t look away.
I polished off my glass of wine as I finished curling my hair. Once finished I dressed in a black lace A-line dress by Gucci. Put on my one carat diamond stud earrings. When it came to shoes I stood in the doorway of my shoe closet staring at the shelving case that housed all my black heels. My heeled gladiator sandals would look killer with this dress. I looked down at my feet. Two weeks since I’d had a pedicure. The paint was chipped and my nails were misshapen. My feet were not sandal worthy.
“Alexa what’s the time?”
“9:15.”
Hmm, maybe I could at least paint my toenails. Alexa chimed in, “You have an incoming call from Dominique.”
I ran down the hall to my bedroom.
“Hey girl. I’m running late. Shoe emergency,” I said.
Dominique responded with a loud sneeze, a cough and then a loud nose blow. I pulled the phone from my ear waiting until she was done before putting it back to my ear. “Don’t say it,” I said after her coughing fit.
“I’m sorry but the crud has got me in its diabolical grip.”
“Oh man you sound terrible.”
“I’m pretty sure this flu is going to kill me after having its wicked way with me.”
Great my date was sick. “Can I bring you anything?”
“My mom is sending Lola over with soup. And Dr. Nelson sent in a prescription for codeine which Lola’s picking up on her way.”
“I guess I don’t need to worry about shoes then.”
She blew her nose. “You have to go tonight I plan to have you snap chat me all the highlights.”
“I don’t know. I don’t do well at these things without my wing woman.”
“Please, you’ll be fine besides Arthur’s going to be there and I need deets on his new girlfriend.”
“You know you dumped him, right? Because he’s an asshole who didn’t deserve you, right?”
“Yes. It’s just … I … I don’t know.” I could hear the tears in her voice. “Also, I heard G.H. is going to be there.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Monica told me so.” This was big. G.H. was as elusive as Banksy. No one knew what he looked like or if G.H. was even as he, scandal like that had the art world buzzing. Everyone was dying to see the (elusive) G.H. If it was one thing Monica knew, it was everything celebrity. She knew where stars would be before they did. “How great would it be to meet him?” Dominique had me there. It would be a dream to see, let alone possibly meet G.H. She added, “You could cross something off your bucket list.”
“All right I’m in.”
“You won’t be sorry.” Dominique punctuated her statement with a coughing fit.
“I’m sure I will be, but I better get going.”
“If you’re wearing the black Gucci tonight but can’t show your feet then go with the black ankle boots with the gold heels.”
“Oh my gosh. Yes. Those are perfect.”
“Don’t forget to snap chat me.”
“I won’t. Feel better. Call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks. Love you.”
“Love you too, good night.”
We hung up. I stared at my phone. Really, not feeling going to this exhibit anymore. I didn’t want to go alone. I didn’t fully trust myself in a social situation like this. I’d worked hard to shed my socialite persona, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t there, itching to get out the second I let my guard down.
August Huffman popped into my head unbidden. Our interaction on Monday played in my mind. The look on his face when I bent over. No man had ever looked at me like that. The hunger in his eyes. I shook it off. Thomas’ father was too good-looking. He had a strong body. Mix that with his long dark hair and killer blue eyes. Phew. If Thomas took after his father he would be one looker when he was older.
I needed to stop thinking about him. It was wrong. He was my student’s father. Yes, I needed to get out tonight if for no other reason than to remove that sexy man from my thoughts. I put on the shoes Dominique suggested, grabbed my clutch then headed out.
After studying the third piece of art in the exhibit I was glad I’d come. G.H. outdid himself with this collection. The emotion, the raw energy (emitting) from each piece was overwhelming to the senses. I grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter. This was a small showing only about twenty people were here. All big names. Big contributors to the arts. I recognized one couple. They were friends of my father. Luckily, I didn’t see anyone from my old social circle here. As I moved into another room a bell chimed from a hidden speaker. I followed the guests to the main room where the owner of the gallery stood on a box putting her a foot above the crowd. She struck her wine glass.
“I’m Martina. Thank-you all for coming out and supporting The Martier. The silent auction winner will be announced at midnight. I hope you’re enjoying the show because I have a very special guest with me. If you can believe it, the artist himself is here tonight. G.H. please come up.”
She waved her hand across to a small group to her right. To my shock I saw August Huffman among that group. Martina was waving to him excitedly. “Come on up here,” she said. Voices erupted around me, followed by clapping.
AUGUST
I knew coming tonight was a bad idea. I was outing myself. Something I never planned on doing. Being in the spotlight made me sweat. I preferred to mingle among the crowd as one of the them so I could get a real feel for how my work affected others. I didn’t create art for the buzz or becoming the next best thing. I did it solely for the art and people’s reaction to my work. I told Lauren I didn’t want to work with Martina, she was a gossip who was obsessed with her own celebrity, but Lauren brushed my concerns aside saying I was paranoid.
“G.H. please come up here.”
I took a deep breath, exhaled. Fuck. Martina would be getting an earful. The spotlight fell on me as all eyes in the crowd followed. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. The shadows were no longer a friend. Fuck! I held up a glass but didn’t move.
“Please come up here,” Martina said again. Lauren was in big trouble if she didn’t fix this and fast. Lucky for me there was no media here. I begrudgingly made my way over. I’d learned enough about Martina in the last week to know she didn’t let go until she had what she wanted, and right now that was me.
There was fevered whispering as people parted to let me pass. I wasn’t theatrical. Drama didn’t live in my veins. Once I was on the box beside Martina she handed me the microphone. I looked out into the crowd. There she was. Natalie Quimby. Looking more beautiful than she had a right to. Her hazel eyes widened as she stared at me. Her cheeks turned red.
“Thank-you for coming. Enjoy the show.”
I handed the microphone back to Martina and headed in Natalie’s direction.
“Hey,” I said once I was standing in front of her.
“Hey,” she said back. I could see a group of benefactors walking over. I linked my hand in hers. “Want to get out of here?”
She licked her bottom lip. “Sure.”
Great, we would be out before the wolves could descend. We made a b-line for the exit at the back of the gallery. People tried to stop us but I didn’t give them a chance. Martina ruined the showing for me, but feeling Natalie’s hand inside mine, was turning it all around. “Thanks for saving me. I had to get out of there. Care to get a cup of coffee?”
She didn’t say anything just nodded. We walked down the street at the corner was a coffee shop. We went inside. Natalie found a table as I waited for our drinks. Once I had our coffees I took a seat across from her then handed her a coffee. She’d been silent this whole time but finally spoke, “Are you really G.H?”
“Can I trust you to keep a secret?”
“You can trust me, there’s a teacher’s confidentiality oath or something I’m sure. Like a priest.”
“I mean you won’t say a word to anyone?”
“I swear on my Artist’s Quarterly I won’t say anything to anyone.”
I smiled at that. “Yes, it’s true, but no one was supposed to find out, ever.”
“But August Huffman. A.H.”
“August Garris Huffman actually.”
She stared awestruck. “So legit you’re G.H.? This isn’t like a social media ploy?”
“I am G.H. Though if I have my way no one but you will ever know that it’s true.”
She started to laugh and wiggle in her seat. “Oh. My. God,” she said.
Her breasts bounced up and down with her movements. She definitely wasn’t wearing a bra. And she definitely had my full attention. Those full C’s begged to be released from her lace dress. They needed to be explored by my hands, my mouth. She’s your son’s teacher.
Shit.
I looked down at my coffee taking a sip trying to rid the dirty thoughts from my mind.
“I’m sorry I’m acting like a spaz, but I mean I’m having coffee with G.H. How is this my life?”
I met her eyes. She smiled. She was gorgeous. Fresh-faced, but polished. Sin wrapped inside innocence. Brown doe eyes. Lush full lips that I wanted wrapped around my cock. Dammit now I was pitching a tent. It’d been awhile since I’d had spontaneous wood. I wanted this woman under me. Now. I adjusted myself under the table.
She gushed about my work. My talent, or as she put it, my genius. Great, now both my heads were swelling with desire. This woman made me feel good everywhere. Something I hadn’t felt in a long time. She pushed her coffee aside as she placed her elbows on the table leaning forward. Her new position lowered her neckline exposing more of those luscious C’s. Her soft floral scent filled the air around me.
Fuck.
My dick was so hard it was painful. I sat back hoping space would help. Shit. I was thirty-one not nineteen.
“Can I ask you something?” Right now, I would do anything, answer anything she wanted to keep her close.
I nodded afraid my voice would giveaway my desire for her.
She cleared her throat. “I got the impression your wife wants to move?” Her words were like a bucket of ice water. I cooled. Thank goodness.
“It’s ex-wife. And yes, she wants to move to Georgia to be closer to her new boyfriend. She wants to take Thomas with.”
“He doesn’t want to go,” Natalie said.
“He doesn’t?”
“No, but he’s afraid his mom will think he doesn’t love her. I think it’s the reason for his behavior lately.”
“Shit.” I looked up into those brown eyes. They emanated warmth and understanding. I wanted to tell her everything. Give her all my secrets to do what she wanted with them. I ran a hand across my forehead staring down at the table. “Sarah is a good mother, a bit overbearing at times, but a good mom. I don’t want my son to go with her, but I’m afraid of doing this on my own. What if I screw him up?”
She reached across the table grabbing my hand. She gave it a squeeze getting me to look up. The smile she gave me warmed me up. “The fact that you’re worried about it means you’re a good dad and he’ll be just fine.”
I returned her smile. “Thanks.” We stayed like that, hand in hand, staring at each other. I stroked my thumb over hers. She inhaled a sharp breath. Her shoulders and neck started to redden. It was then I knew with all certainty I wanted this woman. “So—”
“Is that the time? I’m so sorry but I have to go I have an early morning appointment.” Before I could say what I was thinking she was gone.
Chapter Four
NATALIE
Today I was at Molly’s Dairy Farm with all four third grade classes. We’d broken into class sets. I was partnered with Annabel and her class. Forty-four students. Two teachers. One teacher’s aide and four parent chaperones. One of which was August. Whose eyes I could feel on me as we lead our group of students to the milking station. Ever since the art show he’d been all I thought about.
It was nothing but the stroke of his thumb across the skin. Yet, that simple touch had set my entire body on fire. That’s why I left abruptly. Having a crush on a parent didn’t lead anywhere good. Didn’t matter my body was still on fire. Especially, now.
“Over here …” our guide (droned) on. I’m sure what he was saying was interesting but I couldn’t focus. My mind kept drifting to August and the gray t-shirt he was wearing that hugged his chest. He was wearing black cargo shorts that were quite worn and hinted at what was hiding beneath.
“Right Ms. Quimby?”
“Huh?”
Vienna gave me a dramatic blink as she shook her head. “Never mind. Ugh.” She rolled her eyes then stormed away. What had I missed while dreaming about August? I made to get her attention but the handsome devil stepped in front of me. He was laughing. “Never seen an eight-year-old give an adult the business before.” He winked then followed Vienna and Thomas around to the silver tanks. What did I miss?
Our guide talked about milk production. How they collected it, and the process of pasteurizing it, giving a side bit on Louis Pasteur the creator of pasteurization. Now I was behind August tracking him with my eyes. When our tour was finished we loaded kids onto the bus. I counted heads, made sure all twenty-one of my kids were accounted for. They took their seats with their partners. Two by two. This time Thomas didn’t sit with his dad but instead sat with Vienna my previous bus partner. Annabel’s class was moving in behind me. Before I knew it all the seats were filled. The only open seat was beside August. The bus driver was giving me eyes in the above mirror. I took the seat next to August. His arm brushed mine. I hated how those simple touches affected my body.
“That was fun,” August said. Again, with the arm brush.
“We’ve done it the last four years. The kids seem to really enjoy it. Though this was the first year we didn’t have a horde of parent volunteers.”
“A horde eh?”
“Yeah, I’m not sure who’s more into the field trip the kids or the parents. When we planned the zoo trip last year we had a volunteer for each student. Actually, had to do a lottery.”
“A behind the scenes meeting of the baby gorilla was a big draw for everyone.”
“Of course, I was in the lottery, but I didn’t win.”
“I’m pretty good friends with Norbert’s handler if you ever wanted a behind the scene meeting.” I don’t know why I said it. I just wanted to impress him.
“Seriously?”
I nodded, not wanting my voice to give away my excitement.
“Then it’s a date,” he said. My heart raced at the thought of a date with August and therein lay the problem. August was dangerous for my heart. He checked off every one of my boxes.
Artistic? Check.
Smart? Check.
Kind? Check.
And hot as fuck? Double-check. Not to mention he was single. No possibility of my past behavior screwing this up.
Not to mention he was G.H. My favorite artist. He was wearing glasses as he looked over a brochure from Molly Farm. There was no ignoring how my body reacted to him either. His arm brushed mine sending a wave of goosebumps over my skin. His touch alone made me believe he could make me scream. I scooted over to put a little space between him and my libido.
“I’d say the farm was a success?”
“Definitely.” My voice cracked. Was I sixteen again? Embarrassing.
“I never knew there was so much work to making a gallon of milk. Now, I feel like I should use more on my cereal.”
“For sure.”
He laughed. I loved the sound of it. Once we arrived at school and the students were unloaded, August pulled me aside. “You have a second?”
“Yeah, what’s up?”
“I like you.”
“Thanks, I like you as well.”
August shook his head. “No, I mean I really like you, and well I don’t know if I’m reading this wrong but I feel like you like me too.”
Looking into those blue eyes made it impossible to lie. “I do like you.”
“Then let’s find out where this,” … he motioned between us … “thing can go.”
“I’d like that, but it wouldn’t be appropriate. Not while I’m your son’s teacher.”
“There’s only three more weeks of school, and I’m a very patient man.” With that August took my hand and placed a chaste kiss on my knuckles. I bit my lip. He let go of my hand. “Until the summer,” he said then left.
Chapter Five
NATALIE
Thankfully, it was Friday and I was meeting my brother and my best friend at 89 Degrees. I was wearing a tight-fitting, blue tank dress. White gladiators sandals that had a four-inch heel (made it to the salon). My hair fell down my back in long black curls. In a word I felt sexy as I walked on cloud nine inside the bar.
“I’m a patient man.” August’s words played over like music in my head. He wanted to find out what this thing between us was and so did I. Three weeks. Three weeks and school would be out. Three weeks and I’d no longer be Thomas’s teacher and thus available to date August if I wanted. I winked at my reflection before I opened the door to the bar and walked in.
My brother and Dominique were seated at a booth near the wine bar taking shots. “Hey guys,” I slid into the booth beside Dominique, “really classy taking shots.”
Dominique pushed a shot towards me, “Fuck class, this girl wants to cut loose.”
Walter leaned across the table, “She got four hits on Tinder since the “photo” and Arthur has started scratching at the back door.”
I turned to look at Dominique, “Really?”
She smiled, gave me a shoulder bump and a wink before she slammed back her shot. “Is this a good thing?”
“Yes,” Dominique said as she slammed her shot glass upside down on the table, “He wants me back, but guess what he’s not going to get me.”
“I’ll drink to that,” I said and finished a shot. It burned my throat. I coughed. “What was that?”
“Too-kill-yah of course. We’re celebrating.” Walter held up a Long Island, “This is much smoother.” He put the drink down in front of me. I shuddered off the tequila before taking a sip from the Long Island.
My brother shook his head. “If I recall you said you had something to share? News I believe.”
I had the tables’ attention. “Out with it,” Dominique said.
“It’s amazing with a side of fucked up,” I said.
“Tell us all about it,” my brother, Walter, said.
“Yes, you said there was a guy,” Dominique chimed in. The flu hadn’t killed her after all and she arranged this evening saying it’d been to long since the gang was together. I’d known Dominique since we were in diapers. Her mother and mine were friends after meeting at a gala raising money for Alzheimer.
“Monica was right. G.H. was at the gallery and I met him, even had coffee with him.”
Dominique’s mouth fell open. “Oh. My. God. You really met him, like for real?” I nodded. She fell back against the booth. “Fuck the flu!”
“Tell us everything,” Walter said leaning across the table.
“Well, first you were wrong, G.H. is definitely a man which means you owe me five hundred bucks.”
“Damn,” Walter said slapping the table.
“And …” Dominique said sipping from her Long Island.
“He’s gorgeous. Like Khal Drago kind of gorgeous.”
My brother’s mouth fell open. “Holy shit, I want to meet him.”
“There’s a but. I sense a but in there,” Dominique said.
“Why does she sense a but?” Walter asked.
I was about to say the but, when I saw him. On the other side of the bar over by the wall-sized fireplace sitting on a couch was August. A man was to his left and to his right was a woman who looked to be in her early thirties. Her blond hair was in a perfect French twist. August leaned in to tell her something. Her hand landed on his forearm as she leaned back to laugh.
“I’m a patient man.”
August laughed with her. Who was she? His In-the-mean-time chick? I thought he wanted something … it didn’t matter. “Can we get out of here? I’m hungry?”
“Yes, I’m dying for some sushi,” Walter said.
“Our Uber is waiting out front,” Dominique said. She slid out of the booth and grabbed my hand pulling me along with her. As we walked towards the entrance I couldn’t help myself. I looked over at August. Our eyes met. He smiled. The woman next to him turned to look at me. She wasn’t smiling and her hand was still on his arm. I turned my attention towards the door. So much for waiting until the summer. August was nothing to me as I was nothing to him. We got inside the car and made our way to House of Sushi. We laughed. Had several more drinks and filled our bellies.
With a full belly and a cloudy head, we headed to back to my brother’s house for more drinks. Dominique held onto my arm as we followed my brother through the foyer towards the kitchen. Dominique plopped into a bar stool. My brother started rummaging through his cabinets.
I lay my head against the cool marble counter top. “What are you looking for?” I asked.
“The alcohol,” Walter said. He slammed another cabinet door shut.
“How do you not know where you keep your alcohol?” Dominique said. She was drumming on the counter. My head started to buzz. “Alonso was here last week and said my kitchen wasn’t Feng shui so I let him re-arrange and now I can’t find anything.”
“Are you still trying to get in his pants?” I asked rolling my head so I could see him.
He opened another cabinet. “Shut-up.”
“Let me guess he licked his lips when he asked you?” Dominique asked.
Walter opened another cabinet. “I do not choose to discuss it.”
“He’s got you pecking out of the palm of his hand. That’s what I plan to do to Arthur. Oh yes, I’m going to lead him like a dolphin after mackerel then I will crush him under my Dior heels.”
“The black ones?”
“Of course.”
I slapped Dominique’s hand. “That’s my girl. Any luck yet?”
Walter slammed another door shut. “Ugh, how Alonso organized my shit makes zero sense. I thought this was supposed to relax me or some shit.” My brother slammed the door shut.
“Does anyone hear a buzzing?” I asked.
My brother leaned against the counter facing me. Dominique’s forehead scrunched up as she looked around. “I do.”
“What is it?”
My brother’s brow creased in concentration. “I think it’s coming from your purse.”
I sat up and pulled my purse towards me. My phone. I had a text message:
August: Peekaboo I saw you.
It was August. He had some nerve.
Natalie: I’m busy. Lose this number.
“Who is it?” Dominique asked. Her head was resting on my shoulder.
“Nothing.”
My brother stepped over to me. “The face you’re making says it’s more than that.”
I hated how my brother could read me so well. Did I share this with them? Before I could decide my phone started ringing. It was August. “By the look on your face I think you need to answer that.” My brother grabbed Dominique and lead her out of the kitchen. “We’ll give you some privacy,” he said before they disappeared.
I took a deep breath and answered. “What do you want?”
“What’s going on? I was hoping—”
“Look this isn’t going to work. I’m not into playing games or sharing. I thought we were on the same page but I see we aren’t. I have to go, please don’t call me again.” I turned it off before I tossed it back into my purse. I went to find my brother and my best friend.
***
My head screamed at me when I blinked my eyes open. The sun was shining. The curtains were left open. The sun was trying to burn the inside of my brain. I lifted my head up, the carpet was reluctant to let my cheek go. My tongue was thick as I swallowed down the taste of sand. I blinked taking in the room. I was on the floor of one of my brother’s spare bedrooms. I turned my head left, the room spun. I laid my head back down closing my eyes against my rolling stomach.
When I opened my eyes again I could see the toes of Dominique’s yellow heels. I was slow as I sat up. Dominique was also on the floor on the other side of the bed facing the other direction. I pushed myself up against the bed. Fuck my head was screaming at me. Why did I have those tequila shots?
My brother was lying on the floor by the door. He had one pant leg on, one off. His shirt was the same way. He had one arm in and the other hanging out, both his shoes were on. I looked down at myself. My dress was the same, half on half-off. “What the fuck happened last night?” I shushed myself. My voice was loud to my own ears.
“Shh,” Dominique whined from the other side of the bed. “I should have let the flu kill me first.” She sat up rubbing her head. Her blouse was unbuttoned and hanging from one arm.
“How did we end up like this?”
“Please, for the love of god whisper,” my brother said from his curled-up spot by the door.
“Shh,” I said before grabbing my head and lying back down on the floor.
Dominique grabbed two pillows off the bed before crawling over to me. She handed me a pillow before lying down beside me. “Let’s try this again in another couple of hours.”
“Word.” With that we all passed out again.
Chapter Six
AUGUST
I glanced at my phone sitting in the middle of the coffee table. “Look this isn’t going to work. I’m not into playing games or sharing. I thought we were on the same page but I see we aren’t. I have to go, please don’t call me again.” I tried calling her back. She didn’t answer and my texts went ignored. That was two days ago.
Why did her dismissal of us sting so much? We hadn’t even shared a real kiss, yet I could not get this woman off my mind. I had to know what was going on.
School let out in thirty minutes. If I left now I could get there in enough time to catch her before she left. I’d make Natalie talk to me. There was something about her I couldn’t lose. I felt a connection to her, a connection I wasn’t ready to let go of. Not without a fight. I grabbed my phone, keys and took off.
Today was Sarah’s day to pick up Thomas. In the parking lot I saw her car. As she passed I ducked down in my seat. I saw Thomas get in her car. I waited until they pulled out before getting out of my car. Since it was after school I didn’t have to check in at the office. Outside of Natalie’s classroom I took a breath before entering. Her back was to the door as she was writing on the white board. She was wearing a pair of black jeans that hugged her curves and a pale blue t-shirt. Her hair was up in a ponytail. It swished back and forth as she moved. She had earbuds in, humming along to whatever she was listening to. A smile came to my lips.
Her humming turned to singing. She started swishing her hips as she sung. She stopped writing and pulled out her ponytail shaking out her hair. It spilled down her back. I didn’t know this woman, not really, but that was what I was fighting for. A chance to know her. My knock on the door went ignored. I walked over to her and tapped her on the shoulder. She jumped and spun as she yanked the earbuds from her ears. “You scared the hell out of me.”
She looked so beautiful. I brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek, tracing the side of her face with my thumb. Those brown eyes stared into mine. She didn’t push me away. Without thinking I leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Just the light press of our lips together felt right. Before I could deepen the kiss, she pulled back and slapped me.
I let her go as I rubbed my cheek. “What was that for?”
She didn’t answer. Instead she walked past me over to the door and shut it. Natalie held onto the handle as she turned back towards me. She took a deep breath, sagging against the door, “What are you doing here?”
“What happened the other night?”
She seemed to get her second wind. She stood up and stomped over to me. “Why don’t you tell me? First you tell me you’re a patient man, then I see you with another woman laughing and having a good time.” When Sarah got jealous it pissed me off, but seeing Natalie get jealous gave me a mini-boner. I couldn’t help my smile. “Are you laughing at me?” She asked.
I walked over to her and took her hands in mine. “That’s what this is about? That woman is my agent Lauren. We were discussing my next piece. Lauren is friendly but trust when I say I’m not her type.”
“Why should I believe you?”
Why should she trust me? She didn’t know me. I took a deep breath. “You have no reason to believe me. I haven’t earned your trust, but I want you to believe me.”
“She frowned at me, like a jealous woman.”
That I could explain. “I may have told Lauren all about you. And she knows that you know I’m G.H. She’s worried you’ll ruin our campaign to make G.H. go away.”
“Really?”
I looked down into those brown eyes. “Really.” Her smile was everything.
She pulled me close. Wrapped her arms around my neck. “Let’s try earlier over again.”
“Which part, exactly?”
One of her hands fisted into my collar while the other tangled into my hair. There wasn’t a breath of space between our bodies. Those lips I hadn’t stopped thinking about were close. “Shut-up and kiss me.”
“That I can do.” Our mouths were meant to be together like this. I explored her as she explored me. My hands slid down her back to cup her ass, pressing her against me. She groaned gyrating her hips against my budding erection.
Reluctantly, we pulled apart. I didn’t want to leave, but I had an appointment with Lauren to get to. It was about a commissioned piece. “I have to get going,” Natalie said.
“I probably should as well, but I don’t want to.”
“Me either. This is going to be the longest three weeks of my life.”
“You and me both. I’ll walk you out?”
“Let me just grab my bag.” She packed up her stuff turned off the lights and we headed out. In the parking lot we stood there for an awkward moment. I wanted to kiss her, shit, I wanted to throw her over my shoulder, take her home with me and never let her leave. Though that sounded a bit creepy. No one was in the parking lot but there was no shared kiss. Instead Natalie gave my arm a squeeze. “Have a good weekend.”
I exhaled a breath. “I want to kiss you so bad.”
“Not here. Fifteen days not including weekends until we can have a proper date.”
“Longest fifteen days of my life.”
She waved her cell phone in my face. “There’s always this.”
I took a step closer, I was in her space but not as close as I wanted to be. “I have another exhibit next weekend if you’d like to be a special guest.”
She nodded and swallowed, “That would be amazing.”
“Next weekend then.” She winked then moved off to unlock her car. I watched her get in and back up. She waved over her shoulder. I held up a hand. Fifteen days was a long time but Natalie was worth it. Besides that gave me time to come up with a list of ways to explore that body of hers. I adjusted myself then jumped into my truck and drove off.
Chapter Seven
NATALIE
August: How’s your day going?
Natalie: Birthday today. Twenty-two kids and cupcakes.
August: Yikes
Natalie: Had to do a spur of the moment recess. God I need wine and a nap.
August: I’d love to take a nap with you.
Natalie: Adult nap time should be a thing.
August: Let’s make it a thing.
Natalie: Aw you want to nap with me
August: I want to do a lot more than just nap with you.
I smiled at August’s last text. The last week had been amazing. We talked almost every day. He sent me the sweetest slash naughtiest things. I craved him on multiple levels. I couldn’t wait until tomorrow night and his showing. We weren’t supposed to get serious until the end of school but a few stolen kisses couldn’t hurt. I tucked my phone into my purse before packing up the rest of my stuff to head home.
The kids exhausted me today. I couldn’t wait to get home, put my feet up, have a glass of wine and get into some naughty text battles with August while binge-watching Game of Thrones. He loved the show as much as me so we watched it together and texted each other back and forth. I got out my keys before pushing my desk chair in.
Mrs. Huffman entered my classroom tossed her purse onto a desk and said, “We need to talk.”
“Did you get my message?”
“Yes. Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you did to get Thomas retested.”
“We just have to make sure he takes this one seriously.”
Mrs. Huffman took a step towards me entering my three feet. “Yes, we do, that’s why I’m here.” Her arms were crossed over her chest. An aggressive stance if I ever saw one.
“Why are you here?”
“I saw you the other day,” I crinkled my forehead, not sure where she was going with this, “I saw you with my husband.”
She couldn’t know. “I don’t follow.”
She uncrossed her arms and took another step towards me. I took a step back. “In the parking lot the other day, I saw you two. Together.”
“Sure, he was picking up Thomas.”
“Don’t lie to me I’d already picked Thomas up.”
I swallowed. Deny. Deny. Deny. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You will stay away from my husband—”
“He’s your ex-husband.”
“Don’t get technical with me. You will stay away from him or I will tell everyone about your past. Believe me, I know all about you, Natalie Quimby. Daughter of Monty and Anise Quimby. How did they take what you did to the Hurley’s? They were, after all, their best friends.”
“How do you know about the Hurleys?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m sure they’d be devastated to know you’d done it again.”
“You two aren’t even married.”
“It doesn’t matter, you’ll do as I say if you know what’s good for you and your job.”
“But I-I-”
“I-I,” she whined, “don’t matter. Stay away from my family.” She was completely in my space, her finger pressing hard into the middle of my chest, “My son doesn’t need your drama. And trust me,” she pulled back, “if August knew what you did, who you really are, he’d want nothing to do with you ever again.”
I stood there as she picked up her purse gave me a wave and walked out. I collapsed into my desk chair. Tears rolled down my cheeks. How in the world had she found out about my affair with my dad’s best friend? I’d broken up a family.
A friendship.
My phone beeped with a message. The tears came faster. I didn’t bother wiping them away I just let them fall. I had to give him up. I didn’t want to, but I knew it was for the best. I dropped my head into my hands, closing my eyes against the pain. Mrs. Huffman was right, if August knew what I’d done he’d be disgusted with me. My behavior even disgusted me. Back in the day I’d been so obsessed with my Twitter and Instagram followers. Good or bad, didn’t matter, attention was attention and I craved it.
Looking back on it I see how empty my life was. I really believed thousands of likes on one of my pictures meant I was important. I was trying to fill the emptiness in me.
I pulled out my phone. The text was from August.
August: What’s your stance on barbecue? I’m thinking our first date requires ribs since it would involve you eating with your hands and me watching you lick your fingers.
August: I can’t wait for tomorrow night.
I swiped a hand across my cheek. Tomorrow night was August’s show. One I was desperate to see. Not only would I get to see him, but I’d get to see his art. Two of my favorite things.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
I stared at his last text. I wiped both of my cheeks with a tissue, took a deep breath then replied to his text.
Natalie: Bad news, I can’t make it tomorrow. Family emergency.
August: Everything okay?
Natalie: We’ll talk later.
August: Can I call you?
Natalie: Not now. I just … I
August: It’s okay. No pressure. But if you need anything call me.
I hated myself for lying to him. I turned my phone off. I sat back in my chair. There was no reason to rush home now. I had over a hundred hours of vacation time and I was going to cash some in for the next few days while I figured out what to do. I called my brother as I made my way to my car. He picked up on the second ring. “Can I stay with you for a few days?”
“Is everything okay?” my brother asked.
I sniffled. “No.”
“I’m home,” he said.
“I’m on my way,” I rushed out before another sob threatened to rob me of my voice.
“I love you NeeNee, whatever is wrong I’ll help you make it right.” My brother hadn’t used my nickname in years.
“I love you to.” I hung up. I climbed in behind the wheel and sat there
I threw my head back against the headrest repeatedly as I pounded my hands against the steering wheel.
Walter was my rock. He would help me through this. I started the car and headed to my brother’s house. My brother was standing in his driveway arms wide waiting for me. I ran into his open arms and started crying. He squeezed me tight. “What’s going on?”
I pulled away so I could look my brother in the eye but he didn’t let me go. “I screwed up.”
My brother kept his arms around me as he guided me inside. “Good thing I have ice-cream,” he said.
Chapter Eight
NATALIE
It was Thursday. I’d managed to avoid August over the weekend. I’d taken the whole week off, so there was no chance of bumping into him at school either. I sent his calls to voice-mail and blocked his texts. It was hard, but it was for the best. Tonight, I was going to dinner with my brother at a steakhouse. I had three more days before I returned to work and had to face the August situation.
The situation I had yet to come up with a plan for. I dressed in a pair of shorts, a t-shirt and sandals. As I was driving to pick up my brother for dinner my phone chirped. My mom was calling. I hit the talk button on my steering wheel.
“Hey mom.”
“Hey sweetie, how’s my baby girl doing?”
“Not bad.”
“Still liking Pine Crest?”
“Yes. Between the principal, the staff and students I couldn’t be happier there.”
“Are you sure?” Had my brother talked to her? He swore he wouldn’t
“Mom.”
“Don’t mom me, you know I worry and with your dad in Hong Kong I have even more time to focus on my worry.”
“Seriously, everything is good.”
My mom let a dramatic sigh go. “Natalie. I’m your mother you can’t lie to me.”
“I’m not lying.” My mom did that clucking things mom do when they don’t believe you on the other end. “Seriously, my life may not be perfect right now, but it’s good.” There was no way I was telling her about August. Not after all the drama she went through because of Neil and me. “I’m meeting Walter for dinner and I just pulled up to his house.”
“Nice. My babies are going to dinner together and don’t even bother inviting their lonely mother who’s only getting older.”
My mom was fifty. She looked thirty and acted twenty but to hear her tell it, she was eighty going on death. But I did miss her. “Mom, would you like to come to dinner with us? I can swing by and get you.”
Mom started laughing. “A pity date? My own daughter is asking me on a pity date.”
“You in or what?”
“Susan’s on her way to take me to a movie.”
“You already had plans?”
“Yes. But maybe you’ll think twice the next time you get together with your brother and maybe invite your aging mother.”
“Is that the only reason you called? To make me feel guilty?”
“I wanted to let you know August is going to be staying with us over the summer.”
“Is Uncle Victor up his ass again?” My mom and her brother couldn’t be more different. Where my mom was smart and kind my uncle was shrewd and mean.
“Natalie Rose, language.”
“Please you know it’s true.”
My mom laughed. “Well, this may be the first time your cousin has it coming to him.”
“So, Uncle’s answer is to (send/ostracize) him to Tennessee. Make him your problem?”
“First of all, I love my nephew so him coming to stay with us is never a problem. But I think there’s something going on. Something Victor didn’t want to share over the phone.”
I got where my mom was going with this. “I’ll talk to him, he can even stay with me for a week or two.”
“That’s my girl. I wanted to let you know, so you’d be prepared. Your dad and I have to go back to New York in the fall. And we’ll be there through the winter.”
“Thanks for the heads up.”
“Love you sweetie.”
“Love you to.”
I didn’t go up to my brother’s door just sat in his driveway honking my horn over and over. My phone started ringing. It was Walter. “I’m outside bitch.”
“No shit. Can you stop? The guards at the security gate called.”
I honked again. “Then I guess you better get out here before they send the cavalry.” My brother hung up on me as I continued to lay on the horn. Finally, he emerged and walked down the driveway and got in.
“Can you stop that shit now?”
“You know what I think I’ll honk all the way to the restaurant.”
My brother shook his head as he put on his seatbelt. “Then if your hands are busy …” with quick fingers he started flipping through radio stations. And changing my preprogrammed ones.
I held up my hands, “All right, you win.”
Walter changed one more channel. “There, now I’m done.”
We talked all the way to the restaurant. After my meltdown at school dealing with Mrs. Huffman I told my brother everything about August. My brother believed I shouldn’t let Mrs. Huffman run my life. That I should come clean to August about my past that way it could no longer control me. Maybe he was right. But what if he was wrong? I couldn’t take that risk with August. He was to important.
We walked arm in arm up to the hostess stand. She lead us back to a table. Once seated our waiter came by to take our drink order than gave a us a few minutes to look over the menu.
“Mom says August is coming to visit this summer.”
“Sweet, maybe he can help me with the Alonso situation.”
“Ugh, that guy.”
My brother put down his menu to look at me. “I hate how much I like him when it’s obvious he doesn’t feel the same.”
“I’m sorry.” I hated Alonso. How he could pass on my brother was beyond me. Walter had it in spades. “It’s his loss—”
“Natalie?”
Shit. I knew that voice. I looked up into the blue eyes that made my stomach flip-flop. There standing in all his sexy glory was August. V-neck and slacks never looked so hot. “Hey, August.”
“I’ve tried calling you.”
“I know. Sorry it’s been hectic.”
August turned to my brother. “Who are you?” There was (menace) in his tone. When August was mad his Irish brogue came out more. And damn me if it wasn’t sexy as hell.
“August this is—”
My brother stood up and held out his hand, “I’m Walter lovely to meet you.”
“Walter?” August shook my brother’s hand aggressively.
“Well if you—” I started but my brother cut me off.
“Care to join us August? We haven’t ordered yet.”
“I’m sure August is busy.”
August pulled up a chair and sat down. “I’d love to.”
I gave my brother the death stare as August waved down the waiter. Walter shrugged giving me a devious smile. “Walter tell me how you know Natalie?” August asked my brother giving him the look of death.
“Well,” my brother started and took a drink, he put his glass down, wiped his mouth, then took another drink. He was going to drag this out and drive me crazy in the process. “Walter is my brother,” I said.
“Right, then,” August said looking relieved.
After that the mood around the table lightened at least on August’s part, I was still freaking out, we ordered. My brother started with an interrogation of August. What he did for a living. How we knew each other, et cetera. Conversation eventually shifted to Alonso. Then to my chagrin the conversation turned to me. August laughed as Walter shared embarrassing story after embarrassing story about me. I repeatedly kicked my brother under the table to no avail. Instead my kicks egged my brother on.
“The best was when she pooped in one of our mother’s crystal cups you see—”
“Let’s leave that story be, shall we,” I said interrupting my brother, I turned to August, “What are you doing here?”
August was about to answer when his phone beeped. “I hate to eat and run but I have an appointment to get to.”
“Of course,” I said.
August stood. “We’ll talk later?”
I lied. “Absolutely.” He took my hand in his and held it to his lips giving my knuckles a kiss that I felt all the way to my toes. He let go of my hand then held his hand out to my brother. As they shook hands August said, “Alonso doesn’t deserve you of that I am sure. You have looks and personality something I am not so sure Alonso possesses. It was great meeting you.”
“You too,” Walter said looking smitten.
August turned back to me, “I’m glad you’re back, I missed you.” His eyes said so much about what he was thinking that I blushed. “Have a good night.”
With that he was gone. I exhaled and sat back in my seat. My brother stared open-mouthed at me.
“What?” I asked.
“Marry that man, he’s amazing.”
I picked up my iced tea and took a drink. “I know, that’s the problem. He doesn’t deserve my baggage.”
Chapter Nine
NATALIE
7:15 am.
I took off the black slacks and stood in the doorway of my closet in my underwear and bra. School started in forty-five minutes. If I didn’t leave in fifteen minutes I’d be late. Today was a big day. Today was the last day of school. Summer vacation started at 3:30. It meant August and I could finally be together.
After the dinner with my brother (that August joined us at) I decided to take my brother’s advice. Come clean to August about my past. And pray like hell that he accepted it. Ten minutes more passed. I was out of time. I ended up wearing a navy-blue dress with a white sweater before I rushed out of the house.
10:45 am.
The day dragged on. The last day of school always did. Every time I had a minute I checked my hair and make-up. August planned to be here at 3:45 sharp. Summer would officially begin. Fingers crossed August still wanted me after
12:00 pm.
I exposed my skeletons to him. I hadn’t eaten a thing all day because my stomach was in knots. Nerves enveloped me. I sipped my tea as I stared out the window watching the kids run around on the playground playing.
3:30 pm.
The final bell rung. The loudspeaker crackled, “This is Principal Mayson. That was the final bell. This is the last time you’ll hear me say … walkers, bike riders and parent pick-up you are dismissed. From the staff at Pine Crest Academy we hope you have an amazing summer.” The chorus of ‘School’s out For Summer’ played through the speakers.
It was a mad house in the classroom. Kids grabbing bags, dumping trash, tons of hooting and hollering from every direction. Thomas was the only student who didn’t jump from his seat and run when the bell rang. He remained seated. Face forward eyes on the smart board.
3:35 pm.
Ten minutes until August arrived. I walked over to Thomas. “Why aren’t you sprinting down the hallway screaming like everyone else?”
He shrugged his shoulder. “Is everything okay?” I tried not to sound anxious.
Thomas finally looked at me, “I guess I’m sad.”
I squatted beside his desk, “How come?”
Without warning he leaned over and hugged me. When he let go he said, “You’re a good teacher. Mrs. Field and Mr. Meyer are mean.” I laughed in spite of the serious look on Thomas’s face. Mrs. Field and Mr. Meyer were both fourth grade teachers. They had a reputation among the students. Think Viola Swam and you’d be close.
Thomas let go. I looked him in the eye, “Trust me you will not be going into Mrs. Field or Mr. Meyer’s class because Mrs. Field is retiring and Mr. Meyer is moving to Idaho. And the two teachers replacing them are awesome.”
“Wow. No lying?”
“Scouts honor.”
Thomas’s eyes went big, “You were a scout?”
“No, but my brother was.”
“You have a brother?”
“Yes, and a sister.”
“That’s so cool.”
“If you say so. Some days it feels like a curse.”
“I always wanted an older brother because my dad stinks at throwing a football and big brother would be really good at it. My mom—”
“Thomas!”
Thomas and I both looked up to see his mom standing in the doorway frowning, “I’ve been waiting for you.”
Thomas looked guilty, “I’m sorry mom, Ms. Quimby was telling me about her brother and then she was telling me about how much she’s going to miss me.” Thomas looked at me with a smile.
That devious little man. Mrs. Huffman held up a hand. “Reggie is waiting in the car. Go. Now.”
“Yes, mom.” He grabbed his bag and slid out of his desk. “Have a good summer Ms. Q. Hope to see you.” He winked. He actually winked. Was it my nerves overreacting or did Thomas know something? Before I could think further on it Mrs. Huffman descended on me.
“I thought I told you to stay away!”
“I did but—”
“There are not buts. This ends now.”
As if he knew this would be the worst time to show up, August walked into the classroom. Mrs. Huffman turned on him, “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I should ask you the same thing. Our son is outside.”
“I didn’t come here to for our son, I came here for her.”
Mrs. Huffman’s angry eyes were on me, “I told you to stay away from my family.” She was yelling surely garnering another teacher’s attention.
“Please, Mrs. Huffman can we keep our voices down as we discuss this?’
“No! No harlot will tell me what to do.”
“Sarah,” August warned.
“Shut-up! You’re not fucking our son’s teacher. Especially, a home-wrecking one at that.”
“Sarah Elaine Huffman that’s enough. How dare you speak to Natalie like that. I won’t allow it. She didn’t wreck anything that wasn’t already broken.”
“Allow it? Natalie? I’m not talking about us you dunder head.”
I scrubbed a hand over my face. Though I appreciated August sticking up for me he was as loud as Mrs. Huffman was. This was spiraling fast. The only thing that could make it worse was—
“Mr. and Mrs. Huffman, I’m so glad you’re here.” Principal Mayson entered the room. “Did Ms. Quimby share the amazing news with you? July fifteenth your son can retake the TN Merit test at the district office.”
“I don’t want Ms. Quimby anywhere near my son.”
“Excuse me,” Principal Mayson and I said in unison.
Mrs. Huffman put a hand on her hip. “Are you aware of Ms. Quimby’s past?”
“I don’t think—” I started but was cut off by Mrs. Huffman laid out my dirty laundry like breadcrumbs leading to today. How I seduced a married man, broke up a happy family and splashed this disgrace all over my social media sites as something to be proud of and aspire to. The whole time she was airing my dirt I watched August. His face was a mask of indifference that quickly turned to anger then disgust. When Mrs. Huffman finished she looked at Principal Mayson as if to say well? Principal Mayson tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear. She looked from Mrs. Huffman to me and smiled. She took a breath and calmly, as if speaking to a child said, “Yes. I was well aware of Ms. Quimby’s past when I hired her. She was very forthcoming about it. The choices she made, good or bad, when she was younger have no bearing on whether or not she’s an excellent teacher, which she is. She fought for your son, you should be thanking her. Not bad mouthing her.”
“She’s trying to sleep with my husband.”
“As I understand it, you two are divorced. Mr. Huffman and Ms. Quimby are adults and can do as they see fit. School’s out. I’m going to clean up my desk, grab my potted plant and then I’m out of here. Mrs. Huffman, Mr. Huffman have a lovely summer. Ms. Quimby, I hope to see you this weekend at Marion’s baby shower.” With that Principal Mayson left.
“Nonsense,” was all Mrs. Huffman said before she stormed off.
I sat down on a kid’s desk afraid to look at August who hadn’t bailed yet but was probably only waiting around so he could tell me off before he left. He took a step towards me. “Be honest, was Sarah the reason you had a ‘family’ emergency?”
I closed my eyes and nodded. His hand was on my face, on my chin forcing me to look at him. Those blue eyes stared all the way into my soul. He knew everything now. Would he stay? Or go? He cleared his throat. “We all have a past,” he started, taking my hand in his, pulling me to him, “and we all make mistakes,” I was pressed against him, “but I don’t care about your past mistakes. All I care about is that it’s summer,” he cupped my face in his hands, lightly pressing his lips to mine, “and my patience has run out.” With that he devoured me with his mouth.
Chapter Ten
NATALIE
The butterflies fluttering in my gut needed to calm so I didn’t do something stupid. Like hanging out in a bathroom smelling cologne wasn’t stupid. I couldn’t help it. We’d life the school in a hurry because I was afraid we’d do something indecent in my classroom. Man could August kiss. Every time his lips touched my skin electricity flowed through my body. I’d fantasized for weeks about what it would be like for August and me when summer came. Now that it was here I was nervous. What if I didn’t live up to the hype. Or worse, he didn’t? I really liked him.
I turned from the counter and walked over to medicine cabinet grabbing the Listerine and swishing. I was in August’s house. Outside this bathroom door August was sitting and waiting. The butterflies turned into a storm and I struggled to breathe. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, washed my hands and forced myself to open the door.
August was standing by the bed, his back to me. As he turned around to face me he unbuckled his belt. When he saw me, he stopped.
“Hey.” He unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. I can see the start of his collar-bone. Seriously, was there anything ugly on this man?
I let go of the door jamb and stepped into the bedroom. “Hey,” I said back. His voice was thick when he said, “Natalie …”
“Yeah”
He ran his hands through his hair. His dark locks sticking up. “Are you nervous?”
“Could you be more specific?”
“Do,” he paused, dropped his hands to his side, “do you …” he made a fist, flexed it, his words came out in a rushed whisper, “… still want to do this with me? If you want to back out I won’t …”
“Yes,” I whispered in answer, “I want you so much it hurts.”
He came up behind me, his chest pressed into my back, as his breath tickled the back of my neck. “I want you so bad.”
With his arms on each side of me his scent filled the air around me. All I could think about was him. His lips. His lips placing soft kisses all over my body.
His hands slipped to my waist turning me around to face him. He delicately pulled my chin up so I was looking at him. He didn’t wait for an invite before kissing me. As his lips caressed mine I could feel my body melting into him. My hands entangled in his hair pulling him closer to me. Our kiss, deepening, almost panicked like there wasn’t enough time.
His body pressing into me, his hands squeezing my sides, his mouth exploring mine set me adrift. I was lost in him. He lifted me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He carried me over to the bed where we fell together in a heap, him on top. He trailed kisses down my neck. Along my shoulder. “We don’t need this.” He pulled off my sweater and through it on the floor.
We rolled this time I was on top of August. I finished unbuttoning his shirt and took it off. My hands ran across his chest exploring the peaks and valleys. His skin was warm like satin beneath my fingertips. My lips trailed down his cheek. I relished the feel of his stubble. Down his neck. I licked his Adam’s apple. His accompanying moan had me squeezing my thighs together.
He flipped us so I was again beneath him. He trailed kisses along my neck. One of his hands slid up under my dress gripping my thigh tight while his mouth explored my neck. His kisses were gentle. The hairs on my neck tickled each time he exhaled warm minty air across my skin. It tingled.
“You make me crazy,” he said. His voice was gravelly, turning me on. He sat up and stood before me, “Come here,” he said and grabbed the back of my legs pulling me towards him. When I reached the edge of the bed he wrapped an arm around my waist pulling me off the bed to him. He turned me so my back was to him then very slowly he started to unzip my dress. He slid each strap over my shoulder and down my arms, his fingers gently caressing my skin. Next came my panties.
Kisses rained down along my neck, my shoulders, my back. His hands splayed across my front pulling me to him. Fingertips danced along my skin. Warm breath along my neck. Wet tongue behind my ear. He cupped my breasts, tugged at my nipples and gave them a little twist. I could feel his erection growing harder. Feel myself getting wetter.
He turned me around, picked me up and carried me over to the bed, “Let’s find out if you’re a screamer.”
I couldn’t find my voice simply nodded. He put me down on the bed as he stood over me looking at every inch of me. My skin heated beneath his gaze. I took the moment to admire his muscular physique. “See something you like?” I purred ready to see those muscles in action.
His voice was hoarse when he said, “Yes. Very much,” then climbed onto the bed. “Fuck.”
“What,” I said. Please don’t tell me he changed his mind. “I can’t get over how beautiful you are. I’ve thought about you like this for weeks. Do you know how uncomfortable being hard all the time is?” He bit his lip and shook his head, “Fuck.” He started at my knee trailing kisses up my thigh while his hand took my other leg and wrapped it around his waist. He sucked on the top of my thigh. I moaned. His tongue trailed down the inside of my thigh and then …
“Oh god!” I cried. One hand fisting the comforter the other entangled in his hair.
His mouth continued its assault, my back arched off the bed, my breathing growing ragged, my vision blurring. My body was humming. Every inch of me a live wire ready to … “August. I’m … Oh! God!” My body exploded.
Before I could gather my thoughts, his kisses moved up over my stomach. When I came back down and opened my eyes his blue eyes were watching me. “I thought you’d be a screamer.”
My face caught fire. Didn’t get a chance to retort because he resumed his kissing assault. His fingertips caressed my thighs, my stomach, his lips caressed my breast sucking on my nipple giving it a playful bite. I moaned. Getting wet again. He repeated the same thing on my other breast. He broke contact for one-second removing the final barrier between him and I, his briefs.
He was magnificent. I bit my lip. His lips trailed across my chest up my neck and paused. Hovering above me, his pupils wide, the blue barely a line. He said so much without saying anything.
I wanted him. All of him. I wrapped my arms around his neck pulling him down to me. We kissed and he rocked his hips pressing his erection against me. Fuck …
His voice was husky, low, “God, I want to be inside you, Natalie.” The way my name rolled off his tongue with that Irish lilt, fuck, I was a goner. He was big, hard. I wanted him inside me. In that moment he slipped on a condom. Once he was done I pulled him to me and kissed him fiercely. When I pulled away we were both breathless. He was hard and I was ready. And then my whole body shuddered as he pushed inside me. From this moment on August owned me.
Snoring forced my eyes open. It took a minute to adjust to the darkness. Then I remembered I was laying in August’s bed and instantly warmed. I sat up on my elbows and looked over to my left—August. He faced towards me, eyes closed (men shouldn’t have such long lashes), a half-smile on his lips. As sexy as he was awake, he was even sexier asleep. I took a moment and admired.
Moment over I needed to touch that perfectly sculpted body. I was ready for round … shit, I lost count.
Last night was perfect. I couldn't remember ever orgasming that much.
I started smiling.
It wasn’t a decision, there was no choice about it I wanted this man forever. Obviously, I couldn’t tell him that now, or I’d scare the hell out of him, but when the time was right. I would, because I knew. He was it. I watched him sleep a little longer. So peaceful. Then I remembered not only was I sleeping with August but I was also sleeping with G.H.
BOOM.
Like that I was wet again. I admired his sleeping face a minute longer before placing a chaste kiss on his cheek. It was time for him to wake up and I knew how to do it. With as much stealth as I could manage, I slid under the covers and over to where August’s body was sound asleep. I placed another kiss on his neck, and another a little lower and lower until I was placing two small delicate kisses right at that sexy as hell V of his. When I took a little bite of that V, I heard a groan and then he was at full attention.
It took a second of my mouth on him before there was another groan. I looked up and saw those blue eyes peering back at me. “Oh, damn Natalie,” he said, starting to sit up. I splayed my hand across his chest pressing him back to the mattress. He laid back, his eyes stayed on me, his fingers twined into my hair. His moans fed me on, I loved the sounds of his pleasure.
“Natalie I’m about to—” his words broke and he tried to pull away but I kept going until his hips bucked. ” Oh Shit! Natalie,” he growled. I kept going until he was spent. He shuddered and ran his hands through his hair. I sat up unable to hide my smile. Flustered August was even sexier than sleeping August.
“Guess you’re a screamer too.”
I placed my head on the pillows still smiling. His blue eyes trained on me. He snaked an arm around my waist pulling me to him. He brushed the hair from my face before kissing me hard and deep to the point my toes curled. When he pulled back he was breathless and smiling. “It’s sure to be one hell of a summer.”
I nodded and ran my hand along his cheek. “I see,” he said, and closed his eyes rubbing his cheek against my palm. When he opened his eyes again his stare was intense making me squirm. He moved so he was on top of me looking down into my eyes, “I think we should celebrate summer by staying in all weekend. Thomas will be with his mom.”
I couldn’t manage much more than, “Okay,” with his body pressed against mine. With that he kissed a trail down my neck and across my chest where he paused, “Yes. Let’s stay in all weekend.”
“Sounds perfect,” I said running my fingers into his hair and leaning up to kiss him. “We’ll have to see who’s the louder screamer.”
He smiled. “Challenge accepted.”