Bye, Bye, Skyler

Bye, Bye, Skyler Jet Mykles

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Bye, Bye, Skyler Jet Mykles

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Bye, Bye, Skyler By Jet Mykles

A Silk’s Vault Electronic Publication, in arrangement with author Jet Mykles. ISBN # 1-934055-35-2 Copyright © 2006 by Jet Mykles Cover Design and Art by Jet Mykles, © Copyright 2006 Edited by Peggy Roberts

Silk’ Silk’s Vault Publishing www.silksvault.com

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in part or whole, in any form or by any means, without permission from both the author and publisher. All characters, incidents, situations, institutions, governments and people are fictional and any similarity to characters or persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

Dedication Although you'll probably never read it, this one is for my high school friends who participated in the scenes that gave birth to the story. If you were there, you'll might recognize it.

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Chapter One

Jeri frowned at Ann. “Did you hear me?” “Yes.” “Are you sure?” Ann finished off the seam and neatly snipped the threads. “You said that Skyler was back in town.” Ann held up the skirt and calmly inspected her handiwork. Jeri quirked a brow at Ann’s back. Friends since high school, she knew Ann perhaps better than anyone. She didn’t buy the calm. “And this is your reaction?” Ann sighed, rising from her chair to take the volume of poodle skirt to the ironing board. “Yes.” “But…” Ann glanced up, staring over the rim of her glasses and mocking Jeri’s expression with a raised brow of her own. “What should my reaction be, do you think?” Jeri barked a small laugh, flopping back further into Ann’s “big comfy” chair, legs and arms akimbo. “Oh, I don’t know. Excitement? Terror? Curiosity, at least. This is, after all, the guy you spent all of high school in love with.” “Infatuated with,” Ann corrected absently, sliding the iron over the thick wool. “And I’m quite over him now, thank you very much.” Jeri studied her friend, trying to figure out what she’d missed. True, Ann was a long way from that teenager she used to be, shy and reserved everywhere except on the auditorium stage. Three years away from thirty, she was now at home with herself and her teaching career. She taught, after all, at the very high school they’d attended.

In addition to English and

Composition–which she could do in her sleep–she was also the high school Drama teacher, which was where her heart really lay. Tall for a woman, Ann had grown into her dark beauty. Light caramel skin, hair such a deep auburn it was almost black and deep brown eyes, which she failed to hide behind her thin rimmed glasses. Jeri knew for a fact that there were quite a few of

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her male students with crushes on their Drama teacher. Jeri should know, being a Math teacher herself at the same school. “Okay, fine.” Jeri plucked at the faux velvet of the chair's arm, determined to be as nonchalant as her friend. “I thought I was doing you a favor by giving you the heads up, but I guess I was mistaken.” “Favor? How?” “So you wouldn’t be surprised when you saw him.” Ann looked up, frowing. “What do you mean?” Aha! Jeri met Ann’s gaze silently and saw the panic her friend might have hidden from anyone else. “You don’t think he’ll want to see you?” “Whatever for?” “We were all good friends.” “So? We haven’t spoken since he graduated.” Two years before Jeri and Ann had done so. “He was a little busy.” “Yes. Becoming a baseball star will do that to you.” Jeri pointed at the iron. “You might want to finish ironing that or set it down.” Ann snapped to attention and snatched the heated metal away from the costume. “Anyway,” she said, as though it hadn’t happened, “I doubt he’ll even want to see me. He has plenty of friends to catch up with.” Jeri nodded, watching Ann cross the haphazard mess of her extra-bedroom-utility-computer room to fold one poodle skirt over the back of a cluttered chair and start spreading fabric for another skirt. Jeri, a hopeless failure at any domestic art outside cooking, didn’t bother to offer to help. “I don’t know, Ann. You guys were pretty close there at the end.” The clunk of scissors hitting the hardwood floor went unnoticed by Ann as she whirled on her friend. “What do you mean?” Jeri narrowed her gaze at Ann, leaning forward. “I’m your best friend and I know you’re hiding something about that night.”

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As always, Ann waved the notion away. “I told you. We kissed, he wanted more, I left, and that was it. Finis. I barely spoke to him after that.” “I don’t believe you.” “And why should you have changed your opinion now, after eleven years?” They glared at each other, the argument old, but, as always, fiery when it resurfaced. It was Ann who broke eye contact to bend and retrieve the fallen scissors. “Fine, be that way,” Jeri paused as she watched Ann continue with the skirt. “Don’t you want to know why he’s in town?” “I knew you’d get to that.” “I hate you sometimes.” “Back ‘atcha, babe.” Jeri grinned. “He’s moving his grandparents out of their home.” Ann glanced over her shoulder. “Nothing serious, I hope?” “Not that I’ve heard.” And Jeri would hear a lot. She prided herself on being the reigning queen of the school’s coffee klatch and every piece of gossip about their town went through the high school. “It’s just getting hard for them to maintain that big house. I think they’re moving to one of those senior communities.” Ann nodded. “That makes sense. A shame though. Even after all this time, I miss that house.” Jeri shared Ann’s wistfulness. During their friendship with Jason Skyler in high school, they’d had many occasions to visit the senior Jason and Gertrude Skyler’s sprawling ranch home. The older couple lived in an area where no house plot was smaller than five acres, driveways were actually small streets, and no one could see their neighbor from any window within the house because of the density of trees. “Will they sell it, do you think?” Ann wondered. “Probably. I doubt Skyler’s mom will want to move back and the only other possibility would be Skyler himself.”

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Jeri watched carefully but there was no reaction from Ann on that one. Her friend was just not cooperating on this subject! Instead, she stood there, a far-off look in her eyes. “I always wanted to live in that house.” Ann’s voice was warm, wistful. “Married to Skyler.” Score! Ann grimaced. “Yes, well, that didn’t work out.” Jeri spread her arms expansively. “Here’s your second chance!” “Riii-ght.” “Why not? Might be better the second time around.” Ann muttered a pithy comment that no teacher of underage adults should use. Jeri laughed. **** Jason Skyler. Ann sat in her overstuffed chair, still clutching the petticoat she’d been mending when Jeri left. The sun had set, plunging the room in darkness, but Ann had yet to rise and turn on the light. Jason Skyler. She could picture him all too easily in her mind. Six-foot-two when last she saw him in person. Broad shoulders, slim waist. Slightly wavy hair the honey brown of thick maple syrup, complete with rich golden highlights. Bangs that would inevitably fall over the left of the greenest pair of eyes in creation. A spattering of freckles over his patrician nose and cheeks that embarrassed him if you pointed them out. And his full, soft lips felt better than anything against the skin. Oh yes, Jeri’s announcement affected Ann, but she wasn’t going to give Jeri the satisfaction of confirming it. No one would know that Jason Skyler had any affect on her whatsoever, not even her best friend. She had wasted entirely too much of her young life pining over him. She would not do so any more.

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Except just this moment, when she was alone and no one could see. For just a few minutes, she would remember…and panic. He wouldn’t seek her out, would he? He’d have to mean to see her. He couldn’t just bump into her around town. Glennville was small but not that small. She didn’t live with her parents anymore, although she was only a few miles away.

He could come by the school, of

course…Ann’s eyes went wide in the dark. He could very well come by the school. And he could very well find out what musical she had her drama club rehearsing. The musical for which she was making costumes. Groaning, Ann shoved from the chair and snapped on the lights. What sick twist of fate possessed her to perform “Bye Bye Birdie” this year, of all plays? Why the one play in which she and he had played the romantic leads? The very year, as Jeri mentioned, that they were so close. He wouldn’t read into that, would he? He couldn’t. How could she know he’d be in town? Why would she know he’d be in town? It’s not like he’d discussed it with her. The play was already in rehearsals, proof that she’d picked it long before his arrival. Frustrated, she paced, swinging the now-wrinkled petticoat before her. It was only her second year as Garden High’s drama teacher. The performances the previous year had been incredibly well-accepted and she’d felt safe in introducing the musical that was, in her heart, her favorite. Aside from that, she had the perfect kids for the leads and they were meeting and exceeding her expectations. Her whole cast was fabulous and they were all having a terrific time at rehearsals. She let out a frustrated cry. Why, oh why, did Skyler have to show up now?!

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Chapter Two

“Jeez! This place really never changes.” Skyler–as even Jason Skyler Jr. always thought of himself–stared through the windshield of his truck at the main entrance of Garden High School. He supposed that everyone got that feeling when confronted with a piece of their past, especially their teen-aged past. The feeling that you had never left and that you better get your books and hightail it to class before the bell rang. Except that he was well out of that now. Eleven full years separated him and high school. Time enough for him to make it to the major leagues and turn around and have to leave because of a bum knee. Time enough for him to learn the value of investments. Time enough for him to travel the world and experience what life had to give. But not time enough to figure out what he wanted from life. Brushing off the thought with the Skyler trademark grin, he exited the truck. His own grandmother had told him on good authority that this was where he’d find a particular part of his past he itched to revisit. Ann. He wondered if she’d talk to him. He’d been in enough contact with a few of his friends from high school to know that Ann had loudly and adamantly cursed his name at every chance she got just after he’d graduated. He’d been wise enough not to return to allow her to vent it at him personally. Why would he? He’d immersed himself in college and lived life to the fullest. After the few years, staying away from his home town had seemed easier and easier. Not even holidays had brought him back around as he’d begun to make a habit of taking his family— grandparents included—to special locales for the big family holidays. It had been easy not to return to hear Ann’s cursing first hand. And, knowing Ann, there would have been a lot of cursing. She seemed almost shy to anyone who’d never seen her on-stage. He crossed the well-trimmed front lawn toward the vivid orange doors of the main office, figuring it was only polite to check in as a strange adult. He walked in and experienced the déjà vu all over again. Same high, polished fake-wood desk. Same gaudy cork board. Same poster

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for “Bye Bye Birdie”. Same… His eyes skidded back to the last. No way! “Oh, my lord in heaven,” a voice interrupted his shock. He felt his grin return even as he turned toward the same woman who was the principal when he attended Garden High. “Is that Jason Skyler?” He waved. “Hey, Ms. Pearl.” The spry elderly lady dashed around the divider and gathered him in a perfumed hug. He returned the embrace, realizing with a start that she only came up to his shoulder. She’d always seemed much bigger, somehow. “I’d heard you were in town, young man,” she said, pulling away. “I’m so glad that you came to visit us.” “I couldn’t very well go without checking out the old haunts, could I? Besides, Gram threatened to beat me if I didn't come.” “She did not, you rascal," Mrs. Pearl swatted his arm. "Gertrude, I know, is beside herself with joy at having you here. We’re all so very proud of you.” “For wrecking my knee?” he joked. She slapped his arm again. Harder. “None of that. You did something with yourself. You got the chance. That’s more than most. And now I hear that you’re seeing the world?” He shrugged. “For the most part.” By this time, a few of the other administrators and teachers had passed by. One in particular was new since he’d attended. Ms. Pearl introduced her as Miss Tess Ruple, History teacher. Big blue eyed, blonde curled Miss Ruple seemed quite excited to meet the big baseball star. Skyler mentally patted his back. Star he might not be anymore, but it was gratifying to see the interest in Tess’ gaze. Mrs. Pearl, however, hoarded his attention. “But you must go see Jeri and Ann while you’re here. They were friends of yours in school, weren’t they? They're both teachers here now.” “Yeah, I heard. It's why I'm here. I was hoping you could point me in the right direction.”

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“Jeri’s room is 202, but she’ll be in the gym now with basketball practice. She’s the Women’s Coach now as well as our Advanced Math teacher. Ann’s in 108, but she’ll be in the auditorium. She’s our new Drama teacher. Oh!” She pointed to the poster on the wall. “How serendipitous! Isn’t that the play that you and Ann starred in your senior year?” “Yeah. I just saw that when you found me. Coincidence, huh?” “Quite! Oh, how fun! Well, you must go see her. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to see you.” We’ll see. “Thanks, Mrs. Pearl.” “You sure you can find it all right?” asked Tess, hope in her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous, Tess. This boy spent more time here than you’ve been a teacher. And he practically lived in that auditorium that last year. He could probably find it blindfolded!” He grinned down at Tess, giving her a wink that Mrs. Pearl couldn’t see. “Thanks anyway.” She smiled. “See you around?” He nodded. “You bet.” The flirting, he decided, was just second nature. He wasn’t really interested in Tess. She looked and acted too much like Robin, the woman he’d almost married who had dumped him when his career took a nose-dive. He was far from interested in revisiting that wound. Garden High was a sprawling, mostly outdoor school. In southern California, there was no need for single-building schools protected against severe weather. Skyler debated going to see Jeri, but immediately recognized it as a delaying tactic. He wanted to see Jeri too, but he’d come to see Ann. Ann was likely the one that would give him a hard time. He needed to get it over with. He refused to believe that the shiver just under his skin was anything but anticipation of her likely blow-up. They’d made a few improvements to the auditorium since his time, but not enough to disguise it. It was still the same place with the tiered seating, black stage, and dusty blue curtains. It still felt like home.

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He paused just inside the main entrance. From where he stood, an aisle led down exactly twenty five rows to the main floor, where exactly ten more rows of foldable chairs could be set up if necessary. The chairs were vacant now, the space filled with kids painting scenery. The too-familiar tune of “Honestly Sincere” emerged from the sound system as more kids and an adult choreographer marked out dance steps onstage. The choreographer was Ann. There was no mistaking her, although she somehow looked vastly different. That gorgeous not-quite-red-not-quite-brown hair was bound in a tail that extended most of the way down her back. Even in sweatpants and a t-shirt, that body showed off the same generous curves he recalled from when he’d had the privilege of holding her. And that skin. Mmmm, he’d never eaten a caramel and not thought of her. He watched her direct her students through the sequence, effortlessly in charge. It was easy to tell that they loved her, that each kid in the place was happy to be there. He was very pleased to see that she had a good helping of boys as well as girls. It had been a constant fight during his time to get the boys to pay any attention to the Drama department at all. As he stepped closer, approaching slowly so as not to distract her, he noted that her casting was visually perfect. The kid playing the Elvis-type rock star, Conrad Birdie, was a goodlooking blond with the quintessential cocky grin. Toward the back of the stage, Skyler could easily tell that the tall, wiry boy with the smooth black hair would be the male lead and the young Hispanic beauty beside him had to be the older female lead. Ann directed her Conrad through the last hip-swinging moves of the song, while all of the female extras fell into a dead faint. This was the scene where the big rock star was introduced to the small town. During the song, he used typical Elvis moves to send all the females in the crowd into a swooning faint. Onstage, most of the kids were giggling. Skyler could well remember that time. Brent, his buddy, had played Conrad and had loved that particular song. Laughing along with her cast members, Ann finally turned around and saw him standing at the bottom of the main aisle.

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A few of the scene painters had already noticed him, but they’d gone back to their tasks. No one seriously paid him any attention until their teacher froze. Once they’d noted her reaction, Skyler was suddenly the center of attention. He stopped where he was, three wide steps up from the floor, hands deep in the pockets of his jeans. He put on his best grin. “Hey, Ann.” It only took her a heartbeat. One second she was blankly staring, the next her beautiful wide smile took over. “Hey, Skyler.” **** Damn it! I can do this, Ann told herself, willing a smile. Well, actually, the smile was easy. She was absurdly glad to see him. She didn’t want to be. She didn’t want her heart to skip. But he looked so incredibly good! His height was the same, but maturity had filled him out marvelously. Lean muscles which had seemed impressive back then were now refined, almost sculpted beneath his snug t-shirt. The signature, errant lock of honey hair still nearly obscured the left of those green-green eyes. “Oh shit, Jason Skyler?!” cried Will. He was her rock star. “Language, Will,” she corrected, lightly cuffing his arm. Then she turned to the rest of the cast. “Take a break, everyone.” That’s likely, she thought as she started down the steps from the stage to the floor. Every young person in the sizable room was now riveted to their places thanks to Will’s announcement. More than one mouth was agape in shock, although she did hear a few whispers asking who “Jason Skyler” was. She laughed loudly at her kids when she was halfway to the object of her dreams. “Yes, everyone. You might as well meet Jason Skyler.” She speared Will–an avid baseball fan–with a playful glare, “the Jason Skyler.” She was right in front of him now. She didn’t have to look to know it. She could feel him. She always could. Damn! Couldn’t some things have faded with time? She turned to face him. Apparently not. His grin melted her heart as he opened those

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wonderful arms and folded her into an embrace. He smelled delicious, outdoors and spice. Without hesitation, he lowered his head and graced her lips with a quick, light peck, just like one of many they’d shared in this very room, countless times. She pulled back, grimacing at the ooh’s and aahh’s from her students. “Please, everyone. Skyler’s an old friend. In fact, eleven years ago, he and I played the leads in this very play. On this very stage.” “You didn’t tell us it was Jason Skyler!” That from Veronica, her female lead. Ann noticed the teenager’s hungry gaze on Skyler. She could sympathize. “Hmm,” Ann mused, an innocent finger to her lips. “Didn’t I?” “Hey, guys,” Skyler greeted, laughing along with her students. He reached out to shake Will’s hand because the boy, of course, had followed Ann to him. “I know it’s just a rehearsal, but you looked great!” “Really?” squeaked Will. “You really think so.” Ann squeezed his shoulder. “Down boy.” Then to everyone else, “Really, everyone, take a break. Give me a few minutes to catch up with a friend.” When they all seemed reluctant, she changed her attitude, “Or you could go through the number again.” “Yeah,” said Will. “Let’s do that.” He looked up at Paul, the boy playing the male lead. As had been the case with Skyler long ago when he had been in the play, Paul was the unofficial leader of the pack. He had an air about him, which, even at seventeen, made you listen when he talked. “Yeah,” said Paul, his slow, beautiful grin lighting his face. “We should probably get it down while it’s still fresh.” And that’s all it took. Will scampered back up onto the stage and everyone took their places for the start of the number. The music started, so Vince in the sound booth must have looked up from his Game Boy. Ann led Skyler up a few rows and sat beside him, picking up her glasses from one of the front row seats on the way. Her skin tingled, aware of him as though he still actually touched

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her. He slouched back in the plastic seat, a booted foot braced on the backrest in front of him. He clasped those big, strong hands on the bent knee, at home in this auditorium, although he seemed bigger to Ann, who felt crowded even with a wealth of empty seats surrounding them. He turned to her. “I’m serious, by the way. They do look great.” She beamed. “Thank you. They’re working hard.” “Looks like you are too.” She laughed. “This? This isn’t work.” He laughed with her. It was an old, common line they’d shared. Acting? That’s not work! She felt the weight of his stare on her profile and turned to face him. “It’s good to see you,” he said, eyes glued to hers. She fought the shiver that his low, rumbling voice set to her spine. “You too,” she laughed, making light by smoothing a hand down his arm lightly. God! Was that all muscle?! Or did he have on a steel suit under there? “What are you doing here?” “Gram and Gramps decided that they’d had enough of the old place. I’m here for awhile to help them pack and move out.” “Actually, I’d heard. Where will they go? Are they okay?” He scoffed at her concern. “Are you kidding? They're moving into this swanky three bedroom condo in a retirement village in Arizona of all places. I’ve seen the place. Swimming pool, spa, sauna, fitness rooms, pool room… Hell, I want to move in!” She laughed, clapping her hands. “That’s fabulous! They deserve it. Congratulate them for me.” “I will.” His gaze narrowed speculatively. “Better yet, you should come and see them. Dinner maybe. Gram would love to see you.” She blinked. “Me? Really?” “Yeah.” “Why would your grandmother want to see me?” “You kidding? Gram adores you. She’s the one who told me that you were teaching now.”

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Ann cocked her head at him. “Really?” He chuckled. “Why do you find that hard to believe? Gram wanted me to marry you, for God's sakes." **** Well shit! Had he actually said that?! The words had tumbled out without conscious thought and he could only listen in horror to the pregnant silence that fell between them. It had gone so well up to that point, much better than expected. She’d greeted him with open arms. She smiled at him, with him. Shared old jokes. What had possessed him to bring up their would-be relationship? The warmth drained from her face, although she maintained the grin and the cocky arch to those dark eyebrows. Deliberately, her head turned and her eyes locked on her students rather than on him, watching the performance. “Yes, well,” she said, twisting those beautiful lips that had never, ever needed lipstick, “thank God that didn’t happen.” He mentally groaned. “Ann, I’m sorry.” She frowned, shook her head. “For what?” Just like Ann, she waved an elegant hand between them to brush it away. “Forget it. Water under the bridge.” But she wouldn’t look at him anymore. Those molasses eyes were on her students, watching their movements. He’d been dismissed. But, damn it, he didn’t want to leave it like that! It felt very good to talk to her again, be near her. He didn’t dwell too much on the whys of that. He tried changing tactics. “How are your folks?” She nodded, willing to follow him back from the brink. She pushed those thin-rimmed glasses farther up her nose, a familiar gesture he immediately recognized. “They’re good.” She proceeded to tell him, briefly, what they were up to but he only listened with half an ear. He was too busy watching her, seeing her for the first time since he’d been eighteen and too full of himself for his own good. Too full of himself to waste time on a girl from home when he could be free to experience girls in college. By the time the play had been in production, the offer of a

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full-ride baseball scholarship was already in his hands. He’d known his baseball career had begun. He watched her smile, warm and full of laughter, at the antics of her kids. She made Skyler think of cinnamon buns, although he doubted she’d appreciate the analogy. All warm and spicy, cinnamon and sugar with ooey-gooey, rich and wonderful cream. At least, he imagined her cream would be that wonderful. Down boy, he thought at himself, turning to the teenage performers when he felt parts of his body responding to his thoughts. “Sounds great,” he responded to her words as the song wound to the finale and female teens began their swooning. “Say hi to them for me.” “I will.” They watched the finale of the song and he applauded, much to the delight of the performers. It got him a smile from Ann, as well as her eye-contact again. But it wasn’t the same. She’d retreated. “I should get back to rehearsal,” she said, standing. “Thanks for coming by. It was nice to see you.” He stood with her and, before she could protest, pulled her into a hug. “I meant it about dinner. How about tonight?” “I doubt your grandmother would appreciate you springing a guest on her last minute,” she chided, pinching his back. “Ouch! Are you kidding? You’ve met Gertrude? Or have you just forgotten what she’s like?” He saw her grin as she tried to gracefully struggle from his arms. He wasn’t allowing escape. She felt too good. Although she’d had a great body then, he was more of a man to appreciate how those curves fit him just right. “She’s a wonderful woman.” “I agree. And she’d be devastated if I told her that I’d invited you and you didn’t come.”

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Ann gaped at him. “You wouldn’t?” “I would.” “Rat.” “Always.” She grimaced and gave a final shove. Realizing finally that he might be embarrassing her in front of her students, he let himself be pushed backward. “Fine. But you have to call and ask her.” His cell phone was in his hand immediately. “Done.” She muttered something on her way past him, then began doling directions to her cast as she walked away from him. Gertrude Skyler, as he predicted, was thrilled. “But of course sweet Ann is welcome. She’s more welcome than your sorry hide.” He grinned. He did not have one of those sweet little old grandmothers. At seventy-five and seventy-two respectively, Gertrude and Jason Sr. had more energy than their only grandson on many occasions. Disconnecting with his grandmother, Skyler waited for a break in the action to talk to Ann again. One of the kids, the one playing the rock star—Will? —caught him while he waited. “I know it’s corny, but could I have your autograph?” Skyler grinned and accepted the play poster the boy handed to him. Long ago, he’d signed similar posters for a different reason. “It’s great to meet you,” said the teen who was nearly as tall as Skyler himself. “I’m a lifelong baseball fan. I’m real sorry about your knee.” Skyler shrugged, happy that the remark didn’t even sting. “Hey, easy come easy go. At least I made it for awhile.” He handed back the pen and poster. “Yeah. Ms. Sommers told me about you playing ball and acting both.” The kid glanced at his Converse shoes. “She kind of had to talk me into doing the play.”

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Skyler laughed. “I know the feeling. She talked me into it back then too.” “No way!” “Way. We had a social studies class together. Real boring, y’know? She filled in the time by telling me that I’d really enjoy it if I just tried it. That I was a natural. I found out later they were desperate for guys to be in the play.” He shrugged. “Turned out she was right, though. I did it for the last two years I was here and had an awesome time.” Will beamed. “Yeah, me too. It’s lots of fun.” Skyler winked. “The attention’s not bad either.” Will’s grin grew impossibly wider. “That too.” “Just wait until performance night. That’s when the real fun happens.” “Can’t wait.” “Hey,” said Ann, appearing behind the boy. “Are you monopolizing one of my stars.” “Only a little bit.” “Will, we’re going to run through the kitchen scene. In need you on-stage.” “Sure thing, Ms. Sommers. Nice to meet you, Mr. Skyler.” “Just Skyler,” he corrected, shaking the kid’s hand. He caught Ann’s arm when she began to turn. “Gertrude says you’re more welcome than I am.” Ann snorted. “That’s not saying much.” He grinned. “Eight?” She sighed. “Okay.” “You know how to find the place or should I pick you up?” She rolled her eyes. “I think I can find it.” “Okay.” He was tempted to stick around but could see in her eyes that he’d overstayed his welcome. “I’ll see you then.” He walked out of the hall, but didn’t miss the very loud chorus of ooo’s that echoed in his wake.

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Chapter Three

“I knew it!” Jeri cried, bouncing up and down Ann’s very short entry hall. The disarray of her long blonde hair and the fact she still wore her sweatpants and tank under her sweatjacket testified to the fact that she’d come straight from practice. “I knew it! I knew he’d come to see you.” Ann grimaced, shutting the door behind her friend. “I take it you heard that Skyler visited me?” Jeri dropped her bag just inside the door. “From the man himself! He came by the gym after he left you.” Ann growled. “Did he browbeat you into dinner too?” Jeri froze, her jacket half off. “Dinner?” Ann’s blood went cold. “He didn’t invite you to dinner at his grandparents?” “No. Did he invite you?” Ann hated to admit it, but knew she was caught. Jeri’s reaction was as expected. “Holy cow! He’s still got a thing for you.” “Good God! He never had a thing for me.” “Oh he did too.” “If he had a thing for me, why haven’t I talked to him in eleven years?” Jeri shoved a hand on a cocked hip. “I said he had a thing. I didn’t say he was especially bright about it.” Ann stormed past her toward her bedroom. She was, at present, still in her robe and fresh from her shower. She had precisely one half hour before she had to be at the Skyler’s. “Oh man! This is great,” crowed Jeri, following. “What’s great?” Ann asked, struggling for nonchalance. That was the only thing that would get her through tonight. “You and Skyler.”

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“Jeri, quit it. There is no me and Skyler.” “C’mon, I know it’s been awhile but…” “But nothing. You should have heard him today. I asked him about his grandparents and was surprised that they remembered me. Then he said, ‘Are you kidding? Gertrude wanted me to marry you’. Just like that. Like it was the most absurd thing in the world.” Deflated, Jeri sank onto Ann’s bed. “Maybe you heard him wrong.” “You can’t really hear something like that wrong, Jeri.” Ann pulled out a thick, cable-knit sweater and a pair of nicer jeans. If she remembered Gertrude well, that woman would have a fit if she “dressed up”. “Why are you going?” Jeri asked after a moment of thoughtful silence. “Why didn’t you just tell him to go to hell, finally?” “I can’t do that.” “Why not?” Ann dropped her robe on the bed. “Then he’ll know I’m affected by it all.” “You are.” She stepped into panties. “He doesn’t have to know that.” “Please. If he talked once or twice to either Russ or Brent in the year after he graduated, then he knew that you were very affected.” Ann slipped her arms into her bra. “That was years ago.” “And now it’s different?” “Yes.” “Why?” “I’m not in high school anymore, for one.” “News flash. Yes you are.” Ann glared as she stepped into her jeans. “You know what I mean. I’m an adult now. I’m not the same obsessed little girl he left behind.” “No, you’re not.”

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Ann shook out the sweater. “Well, thank you for that.” “What?” “You haven’t exactly been supportive of me in this.” “Oh, honey, yes I have. I want you to be happy.” Ann ducked into the sweater. “Getting Jason Skyler out of my system for good would make me happy.” She saw the skeptical look on her friend’s face, but refused to dwell on it. **** Skyler Ranch wasn’t really a ranch, but when Ann had been young she hadn’t known the difference. The Skylers owned ten acres of beautiful, rolling land and fully half of that land was taken up with stables and paddocks for horses, both their own and those they boarded. A short trip down the road, there was a wooded park that was perfect for riding as well as a trail that led up into the foothills. She knew. Skyler had taken groups of them on many trips in that park and beyond. They’d visited the park alone together for that night. Ann hurried from her Chrysler Sebring to escape her thoughts. She needlessly pushed her glasses farther up her nose, a nervous gesture she hardly noticed anymore. Ann wasn’t halfway up the pebbled walkway when the front door flew open.

Gertrude Skyler stood there,

dramatically posed. “There you are, young lady.” Ann had to grin. Many years they’d lived in the same general area. Eleven years they hadn’t crossed paths. But now it was as though eleven years hadn’t existed and Gertrude was greeting a beloved friend of her beloved grandson. “Hello, Gert.” The older woman met her at the base of the three threshold steps and hugged her fiercely. “I have to apologize to you,” she said, arm around Ann’s shoulders to forcibly lead her into the house. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been down to the school to see you. I meant to see the plays

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last year but…” “Oh please. Don’t worry about it. They’re high school plays, after all.” “But Bonnie Pearl keeps me informed. She said that the Drama Department hasn’t been this good since you graduated.” Ann was gratified by the praise from her principal, but she had to grin at the term “Drama Department”. At the moment, the Drama Department consisted of her alone. Gertrude released her when they entered the kitchen. Ann loved this kitchen. It was huge, for one, and designed with a cook in mind. The island in the center contained the stove and a cutting board as well as a casual bar where people could sit while someone was cooking. All of the appliances just seemed to be placed ideally, and the view of the trees from the kitchen window was idyllic. Ann perched on one of the barstools and chatted with Gertrude for all of five minutes before the back door slammed. Two very loud male voices were arguing something about how to pack. The two Jasons entered together. Ann hoped that Skyler aged like his grandfather, who was still a strikingly handsome man with pure silver hair and the same blindingly green eyes. Even at his age he was wonderfully fit. “Hey!” said Jason Sr., cutting off his grandson. “Lookee what the cat drug in.” Ann stood to hug the man, overcome by his genuine pleasure at seeing her. But then Gertrude and Jason Skyler had been like that back then. Skyler had spent most of his time at his grandparents and not at his parents’ house during the last few years of high school. Ann hadn’t known it then, but she suspected he’d been avoiding the arguments, which had caused his parents’ divorce just two years after he left high school. “Gert, I’m sorry, I’m gonna have to run off with this young bit,” Jason said, arm still around Ann. Gertrude didn’t look up from cutting vegetables. “Have at. I’ll be glad to be rid of you anyway.” Ann pulled away, laughing at their playfulness.

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“Atch! Old woman, you couldn’t live without me,” stated Jason loudly, rounding the island to pinch her bottom. She swatted his chest. “Yeah, yeah. Hey! Did you hear that Ann’s doing ‘Birdie’ at the school?” Jason stilled, hands at his wife’s waist. His crisp green eyes fixed on Ann, a grin so like Skyler’s on his face. “Really?” “Yes. And we will go this time,” Gertrude announced. “Of course!” He slanted a look at his grandson. "What timing, eh boy?" Ann opened her mouth to tell them they needn’t bother coming to the play when Skyler caught her attention by taking the barstool beside hers. Damn! How did he manage to steal her breath like that, without even doing anything? Perhaps the loose, sleeveless t-shirt that showed off those muscular arms had something to do with it? She turned into his grin. “Thanks for coming,” he said, eyes locking on hers. She forced a flippant grin. “And miss Gert’s cooking?” She turned to see his grandparents watching them with a predatory gleam. This would not do. She barged into questions about the house, about selling the horses, about their Arizona place, anything to keep from having to talk directly to Skyler. **** Skyler was aware of his grandparent’s opinion on the subject of Ann. Gertrude was very fond of her. Always had been. Since he’d returned from the visit to the high school that afternoon, Gertrude had hounded him on how he’d been a fool to let Ann go back then and how he’d be an imbecile not to try and rekindle with her now. He’d tried to point out that there was nothing to rekindle, but she hadn’t bought it. There wasn’t anything. That night back then didn’t count. He’d canceled it out with his admittedly stupid behavior immediately following that night.

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He sat through dinner and tried to help Ann out when either of his grandparents tried to steer the conversation even close to the topic of he and Ann. It was the least he could do. For the pleasure of her company, he’d submitted her to this. Maybe he should have followed his instinct to invite Jeri. Then, at least, she’d have another ally. But, if Jeri were present, there would be no way to garner time alone with Ann, and that he was determined to do. “All right, you two,” said Gertrude as both Ann and Skyler moved to help with the dishes. “Stop that. Off with you. You’ve had to listen to the old people long enough tonight. You two get the hell out of this house and go talk about high school and old times and what not.” “But Gert…” Ann tried. Gertrude snatched the plate from Ann's hands. “No buts. Get!” “C’mon,” Skyler said, taking her hand and pulling her toward the back door. “It’s been ages since you’ve seen the place.” He didn’t miss her reluctance. He ignored her subtle attempt to regain her hand. He pulled her quickly out of the house and headed toward the empty stables and the path beyond. The October weather had forced him to put on a flannel shirt over his t-shirt. It was almost cool enough for the sweater she wore. He wondered if she wore it to frustrate him, because its length and bulk disguised her curves. But if she tried to hide herself from him, it wasn’t working. The sweater made her look all bundled up and cozy, made him want to slide his hands up under it to warm them. Okay, slow down. "It's so sad to see the stables empty," Ann mused, walking with her hand sliding over one of the dusty railings. "Yeah. But Gramps found good homes for all of 'em. Actually, he's been selling them over the years. Only Spot and Agnes were left this year." Ann nodded. Her abundant hair was held back by barrettes, but it hung in thick waves most of the way down her back. A breeze caught a lock of it and he watched, envious, as she gathered

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those sleek curls into her hands. She twisted the length and held onto it with one hand, plucking strands of it out of her glasses with the other. Beautiful. “So what really made you come back and teach?” he asked, trying to calm down his libido with small talk. “What do you mean?” He dug his hands in his pockets. “Why’d you come back here to teach? I saw you today. You could have gone anywhere. Hell, you probably could have gone pro with dancing.” She laughed. “Tried it.” “You did?” Why was he absurdly proud of that little tidbit? “I did. Two years of school and two in New York." She shrugged. "I failed. Miserably. I’m not cut out to be pro. Besides, I’m a bit too built for it.” She gestured at her breasts. He told himself not to notice. Because if he did, he’d have to take her down to the path at their feet that very moment. “Besides,” she continued, “I didn’t like ‘the business.’ Too cutthroat. So I went back and got my teaching credentials. After that, I thought ‘why not’. I love this place. Always liked the school.” He kicked a stone from the path. “Yeah, you were weird.” “Thanks, ever so,” she said wryly. He grinned. “Don’t mention it.” “I’ll point out that Jeri came back as well.” “She’s weird too.” “And Lance Carter. And Owen Martin.” “Owen? Really? Yeah, well, you’re all nuts.” She shook her head but he saw her suppressing a smile. “Glad to know you’re as openminded as ever.” He laughed. “I’m just kidding. Heck, after what I saw today, I admire you. Those kids were

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great. And you’re right back in the place where I, at least, was happiest.” That caught her off guard, evidenced by the hitch in her step. Without thought, he reached out to hold her arm, steadying her. “C’mon. What about the two years you played in the big leagues?” Although she was righted, he kept his hand on her arm. “That was great. Don’t get me wrong. But you know what you said about ‘the business’? Well, I was in it big time. It wasn’t at all like I dreamed about it.” Subtly, she drifted farther from him, losing his hand. “Still…” Although he itched for her touch, he played the good boy and shoved his hands into his jeans' pockets. “Yeah, I know. I was there. I loved it at the time. It was great.” He gave the fatalistic shrug that had become so familiar lately. “It’s over.” He felt her hand on his shoulder and looked over into her beautiful, sympathetic face. “I’m sorry about your knee. You must have been devastated.” He wanted to ask if she’d known before today. If she’d followed his short-lived career. Then decided it was a bad idea, so he nodded instead. “Thanks. I was. But life goes on.” “You’re okay now?” “As much as anyone can be, I guess. I think I’m fine." He shrugged. "Some people, like my mother, think I’m suppressing something.” They’d reached his favorite spot. An old oak spread its branches across a tiny, bubbling creek. One wide arm of the quiet giant bent low enough to be convenient for sitting. The two of them had been here before. Here he’d made his fatal mistake. It was no accident that he’d led them back tonight. “So,” she asked blithely, not remembering or uncaring, it seemed, of their location. She settled against the branch, gazing up at the leafy canopy. She still held her hair with both hands, preventing him from capturing them. “What are you doing now?” He braced beside her on the branch, watching the water. “A lot of nothing, actually. Believe it or not, I was smart enough to invest. So I’m okay for at least a few years while I decide.”

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“Decide…?” He grinned at her. “What I want to be when I grow up.” She laughed and the warmth of the sound, the warmth of the woman, snapped his control. He could no longer stand not to touch her. He leaned in to close the distance between their lips, giving her ample time to pull away. **** No! She had enough time to think it. Enough time to scold herself for not escaping. It didn’t work. She knew the kiss was coming and, unfortunately for her mind, her body decided that it wanted it. Ohgodohgodohgodohgodohgod… A soft breeze blew his hair to briefly brush her cheek before their lips met. His lips were just as perfect as she remembered them, warm, welcome, and sweet as hot chocolate on a cold night. At first they teased, pressing lightly against her mouth, gently exploring. It was a re-acquaintance, a shy hello after so many years. When she didn’t pull back, he coaxed her lips to open by sliding his tongue across the seam. Unable to resist, she opened and sighed as his tongue met hers. His arm slid around her waist, hauling her closer. Her hands released their death grip on her hair and once again encountered the solid muscle of his shoulders. Even though the thickness of her sweater, she felt herself mold to him, her nooks finding his delicious crannies. Sighing, she slid her hands up, up his neck to tangle in his beautiful, silky soft hair. She sank into him, momentarily distracted to feel him gently removing her glasses. A neat trick, as he never really lost contact with her lips. Without the wire and plastic in his way, he tilted his head farther, allowing his mouth to more thoroughly meld to hers. He bent her back over his other arm. Her knee came up and he caught it, sliding his hand from her butt to her knee and back again, the friction sensitizing her skin. The hand slid under her long sweater on the trip back up, slowed at the waistband of her jeans. Then his hot hand touched her belly. She jumped, ripping herself back from the wonderful kiss with a gasp. His hand stilled,

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almost as though he wished she wouldn’t notice its location, and his lips slid down her jaw to a sensitive spot of her neck, just below her ear. Breathing hard, she gathered her senses. “No,” she said firmly, pushing away from his chest and trying to ignore the feel of him under her hands. “What?” he breathed, striving to sound innocent while his hot breath made her shiver. “Let go,” she said calmly. He lightly bit her neck and a traitorous gush of moisture pooled at the crotch of her jeans. “But…” She was, however, now in control of the situation. Although her body burned for him, she steadily pushed from his embrace. “Let go.” “Ann…” “Let go,” she kept her voice reasonable. Reluctantly, he released her. She backed up a step. His sultry green gaze riveted on her but he remained leaning against the branch. “Glasses?” she asked primly, holding out her hand. Frowning, he reached behind him and handed them to her. “Thank you,” she said simply, putting them on. Without another word, she turned and started toward the house. “Ann, wait.” He, of course, caught up with her. With those long legs, how could he not? Luckily, he didn’t press his advantage by pulling her back into his embrace. But, he did take an iron grip on her arm to spin her around to face him. “Wait!” “What?” He scowled, perhaps at her apparent lack of emotion. If only he knew the churning in her insides. “Why did you stop?” She considered only briefly before embarking on the truth. “I had to.” “Why?”

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She shook her head, staring at the path, at the trees, anywhere but at him. If she looked at him, she was a goner. “I won’t get pulled in again,” she admitted softly. Both hands now grasped either of her arms. She could only stare at his chest, forced to recall the feel of it pressed against her. Forced to wonder what it felt like skin-to-skin. “What?” She shook her head in an attempt to clear her errant thoughts. “I can’t do this again.” “Do what again?” Abrupt anger gave her the ability to glare at him. She could almost ignore the incredible things the moonlit shadows did to the planes of his face. Almost. “I spent the better part of high school mooning over you. I won’t do it again.” His grip eased slightly. “Ann, c’mon. That was a long time ago.” “Yes.” “We’re adults now.” “Yes.” He reached up to stroke her chin with one index finger. “We can have a little fun and it doesn’t have to mean anything.” Her eyes went wide and she jerked back from him. Furious, she slapped his hand away from her face and she was pretty sure it was her murderous glare that stopped another reach. “I seem to recall that was your reasoning that night.” He grimaced. “I thought you’d bring that up.” “You expected I forgot?” “You? Hardly. I doubt you forget anything.” His tone was bitter. “Thanks. That sounds very complimentary when said like that.” She spun and stalked away. “Ann…” “Just drop it, Skyler,” she threw over her shoulder. “It didn’t work then and it’s not going to work now. Thank your grandparents for me.” She made it to her car, leaving him behind. Part of her was thankful that he gave up. Perhaps this could really be the end. She could put Jason Skyler behind her for good. Mostly,

Bye, Bye, Skyler Jet Mykles however, she was furious. How dare he think that he could pull that on her again!

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Chapter Four

Eleven years earlier. Closing night … Ann’s eyes were still closed when Skyler drew back, slowly ending a mind-shattering kiss. Her first real kiss, although he didn’t have to know that. The fingers of the hands he used to lightly bracket her head idly brushed at her skin, making her tingle. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open to meet his within the darkness of the car. His beautiful mouth smiled down at her, his eyes nearly glowing in the dim light of her car. “You need to get home now?” he asked, voice low. “Not really,” she answered. It was true. One of the perks of being a notoriously good girl was that her parents trusted her implicitly. She had no curfew and she’d already called them to let them know that she was all right. Tonight was not a school night. She was home free. And he knew it. His smile took on a wicked slant as he slid his hands down her neck to rest on her shoulders. “Meet me down by the creek?” She blinked. They were all alone. She was the last to leave the closing night party his grandparents had hosted for Birdie, at his request. He’d followed her out to her car, getting in the passenger seat before she could put her key in the ignition. He'd very gently removed her glasses, setting them on the dash before turning to cup her face in his hands. The kiss had taken her completely by surprise, even though he’d been surprisingly attentive all night long. “What?” she asked, although she’d heard him clearly. He brushed her cheek with the back of one hand, his heated gaze roaming her face. “Drive around the corner and park in the trees. You won’t be far from the place I showed you by the creek. Meet me there.” She wanted to ask why, but she was afraid. Afraid she knew. Did she dare? She wanted to be alone with him with everything in her, but did she want to be with him? “Please?” he breathed against her lips as he leaned in and kissed her again

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All resolve flew out of her head. “Okay,” she sighed when he released her lips. He watched, hands dug into the pockets of his letterman’s jacket as she turned the car and drove slowly down the driveway. She couldn’t see his face as the light was behind him. She wondered if he still wore that intense, sexy look. Her heart raced and she gripped the steering wheel firmly to still the trembling of her hands. Did she dare do this? She should really just go home. But then she’d miss out on something she’d been dreaming of for close to three years. She did as instructed. It was easy to find her way to the creek, easy to find the old tree, even though the only other times she’d been there had been in the presence of others in broad daylight. He was there, sitting on a blanket he’d spread on the grass. Propped up on his arms, he leaned back with his long legs stretched before him. His eyes were on her during her entire approach. She stopped at the edge of the blanket. “Hi,” she said shyly. “Hi,” he said with a grin. Unsure, she just stood there, staring at him. His grin grew wider. Without releasing her gaze, he moved to his knees before her, edging closer until he loosely wrapped his arms around her thighs. It put his lips on level with her waist, an exceedingly intimate position to her sixteenyear-old mind. He kissed her belly through her sweater and she shuddered. “Give me your glasses,” he said, reaching one hand. She gave them and he very carefully set them out of harm’s way at the edge of the blanket. Then, gently, carefully, he pulled at her hands until she relented and knelt before him. Face to face, chest to chest, groin to groin. She wondered if that was what she thought it was prodding her through his jeans. He took his time running his fingers over her face, her lips, her neck, her shoulders, down her arms then back up. “Skyler…?” “Shhh.” He seemed to find great pleasure in freeing her hair from its ponytail. She shivered as he pulled some of the heavy locks to lie against her breast. “You’re so beautiful.”

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She sighed. “Skyler.” He pulled her into the kiss, explored her like he had all the time in the world. She opened to the exploration, intrigued by the play of tongues. Eager but unsure, she slid her arms inside his jacket, aware of the warmth of his skin through his shirt. Fascinated by the muscles she could trace, but too distracted by his kiss to explore too much. “Ann,” he groaned softly, moving his lips in sweet little kisses up to her ear and down her neck. She didn’t know how, but she was now lying down, his body a warm, wonderful blanket atop hers. For weeks now during rehearsals, she’d played his girlfriend. For weeks, they’d shared that one, lovely stage kiss during the final scene. For weeks, she’d lived to experience that one moment with him. For the past three days, she’d experienced it all on-stage, together with the thrill of the audience. It had been her and him against the world and they’d triumphed in a job well done. Tonight, closing night, had been the absolute best. And now this. “Oh, Skyler.” She felt his hand begin to inch up inside her sweater and reason prevailed…a little. “Wait.” “What?” He continued to nibble at her neck. “What…? I mean, how far… What are we doing?” He levered up to look at her but most of his body was still pressed to hers. His grin was hotter than she’d ever seen it. “Anything you want to do?” She frowned a bit, watching her hand continue to play with his hair. “I don’t know that I want to do everything.” He laughed, leaning in for a quick meeting of lips. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ve got us covered.” “Huh?” “I’ve got condoms.” “Oh.” She pondered that, uncomfortable, while he leaned back in to kiss her neck. His hand

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reached her breast and she jumped hard enough to buck him off. “Wait.” “What?” Did he sound annoyed? “I don’t think I want to go that far.” He tucked her back underneath him, although he kept his hands above her clothes. “That’s Okay. We don’t have to tonight if you don’t want to.” “Tonight.” “Yeah.” “What makes you think I want to at all?” She couldn’t really believe she heard herself saying it. On one level, she certainly did want to. On the other hand, the thought terrified her. Did she want to take that big of a step at sixteen? And why so sudden? Before tonight they’d just been friends. That stopped him. “What do you mean?” “Just what I said.” Disbelief marred the sexy look. “Come on.” “Excuse me?” “It’s okay, Ann. I know you’ve wanted me for a year now.” She shut her eyes and turned her face away. “Hey, babe, it’s okay. I like you too.” “‘Like’?” “Yeah.” She shoved at him and sat up. “I’d rather not sleep with anyone who just ‘likes’ me.” “What do you want?” Now she knew he was exasperated. “Oh, I don’t know. ‘Love’ maybe.” He snorted. “Please.” His disgusted tone did it. She was on her feet in one move, glasses in hand. “Ann, wait…” he sounded half-hearted. She didn’t. She left and he didn’t stop her.

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There were only a few more weeks until he left. Unexpectedly, he graduated halfway through senior year and left immediately for college on his baseball scholarship. **** Present day… Skyler lay wide awake in the bed he’d spent most of his teenage years in. He stared out the open window at the gorgeous, full moon but barely saw it. This was ridiculous! All he’d done was kiss her this time. He hadn’t tried anything further, hadn’t even gotten around to mentioning sex. But she’d jumped to it and forced him to say something stupid. Just like she’d done all those years ago. Damn it! He was never this bad around other women. Just the one. And just like that night, long ago, here he was naked in his bed, wishing his own pleasuring hands were her sweet little hands. Insanity. Yeah. Insanity. Fine. He’d wanted to chase after her that night, but hadn’t. Youthful pride had gotten the better of him. He’d almost chased her earlier tonight, but hadn’t. Fuck pride! First, though, he should wash up. **** Ann screamed into her pillow. What was wrong with her?! All those years ago, she’d been right. She knew she’d been right. She hadn’t been ready for that step with him. Even when it had been him. It would have been a big mistake. But that was then. She was no longer sixteen. She was no longer innocent. Heck, she was no longer a virgin. This time he’d been right. They could have had a little fun and it didn’t have to mean anything. She flopped onto her back. In fact, there was every reason to sleep with him now. What better way to get him out of her system? Satisfy the burning curiosity, spend some time with that glorious body, and have a pleasant memory to last when he was long gone. The more she thought about it, the better it sounded. But how to do it? Even if she went to

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apologize, how could she broach the subject? She nearly had hysterics visualizing herself propositioning him. “Hey, Skyler, I’ve been thinking and I’ve changed my mind. Could we go at it like rabid bunnies right now? How about on Gert’s living room floor?” Or maybe the auditorium! She’d had great fantasies about doing it on that big black stage… Was that the door? She froze, listening carefully. There was the knock again. Who? She wrapped herself in her robe and went to the door. Peeping out, she saw him. Oh god! “Ann, I know you’re there. I heard you. Open up, please.” She spoke through the door. “How did you find my house?” “I have my ways. Open up, please.” He was being tightly polite. Why did that turn her on? She opened the door and hustled back as he stormed over the threshold. The front door slammed shut behind him as he cornered her against the back of her sofa. He caught her by the arms before she could tumble heels over head across it. “I’m sorry to wake you, but I had to say this. I’m sorry, okay? I was a jerk that night. I was eighteen and you were beautiful and the thought of getting inside you had me half crazy! Wait, that sounded bad, I…” He halted, suddenly realizing that her oversized terry robe had fallen open to reveal the simple t-shirt she slept in. The t-shirt that barely hit her mid-thigh. “Oh God.” She wet her lips, fascinated and thrilled by his reaction to her body. Desire was blatant on his face, and all for her! She shifted, her heavy breasts swaying and his attention snagged on them. Boldly, she shifted again, spreading her legs just enough to plant her feet outside of his. His breath caught, fingers biting into her arms through the robe. “Skyler…?” He swallowed hard, dragging his gaze up to meet hers. “I’ve been thinking.” Oh my, when had her voice lowered five octaves? She licked her lips

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again, prolonging the movement when she saw his eyes tracking it. “You’ve been thinking…?” He prompted when she’d been silent too long. She nodded. “Tonight you were right. We can have a little fun without it meaning anything.” “Really?” She tried for a small bit of levity. “As long as you’ve still got those condoms.” That was all he needed. With a ragged groan, he yanked her against him. He swallowed her gasp and shared her moan when his hands slid to her bottom and squeezed. “Oh God,” he moaned against her lips. “Bedroom?” Enjoying herself, she quickly sucked his bottom lip into her mouth before answering. “End of the hall.” “Right.” She yelped when he scooped her up into his arms. “Oh, Skyler,” she giggled playfully. “None of that, Ann,” he growled, tossing her on the bed. She settled with her thighs together, but with the t-shirt bunched around her belly and the robe spread open about her. It gave him a clear view of the neatly trimmed dark triangle between her legs. “Oh man,” he moaned as he struggled out of his clothes, shoes, and socks first. “Don’t move!” he snapped when she moved to help. “But…” “No. Not on your life. You can’t imagine how incredible you look.” “I do?” “Damn, Ann,” he growled through the t-shirt he was yanking over his head. “You always have been the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” She giggled, appreciating his talk even though it couldn’t be true. She refused to dwell on the thought, though. What was important now was the luscious muscles and skin he was revealing and the fact that, for tonight at least, he was all hers.

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She disobeyed him only a bit, and that to slide the robe from her arms and pull the t-shirt over her head so that she was entirely naked. It was about that time that he fell on her. “Damn, woman,” he muttered before bending his head to her breast. She was going to complain that she didn’t get to see him fully naked yet, but the feel of his wet mouth pulling on her nipple chased any thought from her head. His large hands cupped as much of her as he could, holding first one breast then the other for his attentions. She grabbed fistfuls of his hair, only distantly able enjoy the silky soft texture as he nibbled and sucked. He relinquished one breast to let his hand trail down her belly. Using hand and hips, he nudged her eager thighs apart. He toyed with her curls while his tongue circled her nipple lightly, teasing her, touching her everywhere but where she needed. “Skyler,” she growled. “Ann,” he said, almost sounding calm, but way too amused. She slapped his back, impressed by the solid sound and feel of it. “Stop teasing and touch me.” She barely registered his chuckle before he slid a long finger home inside her wet warmth. “Yes, ma’am,” she almost heard through the sensual haze that obstructed her vision. “Oh. Oh!” Barely coherent, her attention wavered between the finger–then fingers–inside her and the tongue at her breast. Her hips canted to give him better access. “Skyler!” she warned him on a moan, one second before she detonated. He stayed with her, coaxing her higher until she collapsed, nearly sobbing to the mattress. As she lay boneless, he levered back to retrieve a condom from the jeans he'd draped over the edge of the bed and sheathed himself. It was then she saw him fully and could appreciate that he was gorgeous all over. Grinning, he lowered himself atop her. “Ready to come again, Rose?” he asked, teasing her lips with his. She matched his grin, clasping her hands behind his massive back. “Only if you’re with me, Albert.”

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Their chuckling lasted only until he nudged her opening with the blunt head of his cock. He took his time, easing inside, and they were both silent, each savoring the exquisite feel of his flesh sliding inside hers. This was it. This was Skyler. Jason Skyler. And he was on top of her. He was inside of her. God! He was going to spear her heart if he didn’t stop soon! Then he hilted and they lay for a precious moment, locked together. “Ann, you feel so good,” he crooned, beginning a slow withdrawal. She answered him in mewls, unable to form words when every nerve ending in her body was vibrantly alive. He was slow at first, savoring the feel of her. But her body couldn’t take it for long. She needed more. She thrust her hips back at him, gripping him with hands and legs to force his pace. Growling, he gripped the sheets behind her head and increased his pace until he was slamming into her. She cried in grateful relief, cried in frustrated fury, cried for mercy, and cried for more. And then she just cried as her entire body spasmed and kept spasming. She was wrapped so tightly around him in every way that she thought she would shatter. She did shatter. Then she collapsed. And, as she melted back together, pulsing from her climax, she felt him reach his.

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Chapter Five

Ann knew he was there the moment she emerged from sleep. How could she not? His warmth permeated her back, sensitized by the gentle buffing from his chest hair. She could feel his breath ruffling her hair and his hand was splayed on her thigh. She spent precious moments laying there, convincing herself that what had happened did happen. All in one day, Jason Skyler had barged back into her life and this time he’d actually made it into her bed and inside her body. Ever so carefully, Ann eased to her back and turned to look at him. Aside from a shift that took his hand from her thigh to her belly, he didn’t move. God in heaven, but he was beautiful! In sleep, his chiseled features softened, taking on an innocence she’d never seen before. An innocence totally incongruent to the wicked, sexual abandon she’d learned from him last night. His full lips were parted slightly, revealing a peek of white teeth. The eyes she adored were shuttered, his lashes fanning his cheek. His signature lock of hair fanned over his forehead, just brushing his brows. She could only imagine what beautiful children he'd make. Panic struck her. None of that! What they’d shared last night had been temporary. She’d heard loud and clear that he had no intentions of staying in town and was a bit contemptuous of those who had stayed. She refused to start dreaming of a future that wasn’t there. Carefully, she eased out from under his hand, doing her best not to disturb him. Once she was standing, she wondered if it would have mattered. It looked like Skyler was a heavy sleeper. She tore her gaze from him, retrieved her robe from where it lay discarded on the floor and escaped to the bathroom. Business finished, she watched herself as she laid an unopened toothbrush on the counter for Skyler. It struck her as intimate somehow. Irritated, she chided herself. She did the same thing for Jeri or Claire–her sister–when they stayed over. True, he was unlike any other overnight guest Ann had hosted, but he deserved to brush his teeth! She used the far exit of the bathroom, which emptied into her kitchen. Her neat little house

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was designed in a circular pattern and just about every room had two doors. She stood in the middle of the tidy kitchen, staring blankly at the shiny white tiles. She wasn’t hungry and she didn’t want to cook. The sounds and smell would probably wake him. She couldn’t have him awake right now. She had to get her head on straight first. Vacating the kitchen, she went to her utility room. Purely for something to do, she picked up the last of the skirts she was making and began to pin the seams. It was eerily quiet. She usually had music playing when she worked, but she didn’t dare now. What now? She thought at herself. Surely he didn’t expect much from her. Especially now that she’d finally given him what he wanted. He may want to sleep with her a few more times, sort of “see” her while he was here to help his grandparents. Then, after that, he’d leave. And she’d begin to die a slow death. Once the seam was pinned, she looked worriedly at the sewing machine. Would he hear it? Grimacing, she decided it didn’t matter. Being honest with herself, she knew she’d never gotten over him. In the interim years, there had been precious few men in her life, each one measured against Skyler and each one found lacking. How could a boy who had disappointed her by not respecting her wishes have become a staple of her life?

The measure for any potential boyfriend.

And how, now that she’d

experienced the man that boy had evolved into, would she go on with her life without him? She should get rid of him. She should throw him out. Let him think that she’d used him for a cheap thrill then discarded him. It’d serve him right. But did she have to do it right away? After all, it had been an incredible night. Whatever else he’d learned in the years since high school, he’d honed his lovemaking to an art form. He’d made love to her twice before they’d succumbed to sleep, and each had been explosive. She’d never managed that much passion with the one other man who’d shared her bed. She doubted that she could manage it again with anyone else. So why not make use of him while he was in town? Enjoy him. Experience him, but always keep in the forefront of her thoughts that it was all temporary. If she did that, she wouldn’t be devastated when he left.

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“Yeah, right,” she muttered to herself. “Right,” whispered a deep male voice from the doorway. Luckily, Ann was not a nervous woman. She managed not to jump physically, even though her heart took a leap from her chest. She glanced over and the sight of him froze her in place. Unabashedly naked, he leaned with arms crossed against the side of the door, watching her. That beguiling wave of honey brown hair now fell over his eye. Soft sunlight seeped through her cheery yellow curtains, making him all the more golden. “‘Morning.” “‘Morning,” she answered, fastening her gaze to his to avoid looking lower. The man was half-erect. No, maybe three-quarters. That was a normal morning thing for a man, right? It didn’t mean… A smile spread across his face that made her rethink. Perhaps the erection did mean something. He crossed to her in three steps, bracing a hand on the back of her chair and the other on her sewing desk to lean down and bring his face on level with hers. As though he’d been doing it for years, he claimed her mouth with his in a breathtaking good morning kiss. She allowed the pressure of his kiss to tip her head back, parted her lips to give him further access. Realization that he’d used the toothbrush she’d left for him gave her a sense of reality, letting her pull back. “I thought of making breakfast,” she said, turning from him to carefully set the pinned skirt onto her sewing table. “But I wasn’t sure what you’d want. Are you hungry?” “Very.” The tone made her look at him. His grin left her breathless. He stood back and straightened, which put her face just about on level with his groin. She couldn’t help but see that he was now definitely, fully erect. The thought hadn’t fully formed before she found her hand wrapped around him. She heard his surprised gasp and glanced up. She couldn’t tell if his expression was

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pleasure or pain. She didn’t grab after all, just kind of gently squeezed. She didn’t think cocks were that sensitive. Guiltily, she released him. “Hey, don’t stop on my account,” he said, grabbing her hand and holding it near, but not touching, his erection. The choice to touch had to be hers, she saw. Suddenly shy, she spread her hand instead over the silky skin of his hip, her eyes glued to the pearly drop seeping from the eye of his cock. “I…” she croaked in a dry throat. She cleared it and licked her lips, “I don’t think I should.” **** Disappointment shot through Skyler even as his blood surged at the sight of her tongue moistening her lips. He stared down at her gorgeous face, fascinated by the glisten of her lips. Did she know what she was doing to him? “Why?” He asked, believing that he sounded casual. Well, as casual as a guy could be with sweet, wet lips like those so achingly close to his cock. “I’ve never…done…that,” she said hesitantly, still unable to fully tear her gaze away from his erection. Which was fine with him. It was there because of her, after all. “I don’t want to…do it wrong and…hurt you.” Her halting sentence did unbelievable things to the region somewhere below his belly. He laughed softly, lightly caressing her cheeks with the tips of his fingers. “I don’t think you could do it wrong, sweetheart,” he whispered, willing himself not to urge her on. For all that she was an adult woman who knew her own mind, there was so much of that unsure teenager left in her. It was positively enchanting. “But you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Tentatively, those soft fingertips slid the length of his cock, from balls to head. His entire body shuddered, scaring her again. “Trust me, sweetheart,” he encouraged, “you’re doing just fine.” She gave him a small smile then leaned forward. He watched her pink tongue emerge from between those lips to lap briefly at the tip of his cock. “Oh God,” he groaned. Making a quick decision, he leaned down to pull her up by her

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shoulders. “What…?” “I’m taking you into the other room. I’ve got to sit down for this.” “Oh.” Unsure she may be, but she seemed to enjoy the fact that he was unraveling before her. Some kind of torture on her part? He wouldn’t put it past her, especially where he was concerned. Of course, if this was her kind of torture, he was a willing victim. Unable to help himself, he kissed her luscious mouth once before grabbing her hand and leading her from the room. Once in the bedroom, he crawled onto the mattress, stacked pillows against the headboard, then settled down to find her still standing, unsure. “Ann, I’m happy to take over if you’d rather not do it this way.” Her eyes narrowed. “No. I want to do it.” He held out his hand to stop her when she began to crawl on the bed. Her eyes went wide. “What?” “You’ve got to be naked.” She looked to have forgotten her oversized, sexless terry robe. “Why?” “Because I want to see every inch of you.” He cocked his head to the side, grinning at her unsure look. “I already have, y’know.” She clutched the lapels. “Yes, but that was in the dark.” He frowned, sensing something amiss. “What’s wrong?” “Well, I’m not exactly…toned anymore.” He sighed, exasperated. Why were women like that? In a quick move, he leaned forward and snatched the robe open down her shoulders. She squeaked, her arms trapped. His kissed her open mouth to still her protest. “We’ll get this straight now. I happen to think you’re beautiful, every curve, and I happened to have seen you very well last night. I want to see you again.” “Okay,” she said in a small voice, eyes wide. He nodded, satisfied–well, with that particular situation–and settled back in the pillows as

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she disrobed. He hadn’t lied. She was perfect. She had curves everywhere, tons of places that his hands itched to explore and cup, wonderful warm places with intriguing tastes for his tongue. He gripped the bedspread as she crawled forward between his legs. She hesitated, hands on his thighs and eyes on his cock. It twitched for her, impatient for her touch “I wasn’t a virgin last night,” she blurted, soft but defiant somehow. “I’ve never done…this, but I have had sex.” She glanced at him briefly before sinking down to lie on her belly between his legs. “I just wanted you to know that.” Part of him wanted to stop her. He wanted to digest what she’d just said, but then her hands wrapped around him, both of them, holding him still while the head of his cock disappeared between her lips. Watching her take him in tore a ragged groan from his throat. Who’d she had sex with? It ran through his mind, although weakly. Also weakly, he wondered why that angered him. He certainly hadn’t been a virgin. It should have occurred to him that she might not have been. A cold surge of panic welled in him as he realized that he might have hurt her with his abruptness last night if she’d still been a virgin. “Skyler,” she whispered, her warm breath another type of caress on the wet skin of his cock. It melted his panic and brought him firmly back into the now. “Show me what you like.” “Everything,” he moaned, stroking her hair. She bit him, gently, making him jump. “Stop being an ass and help me,” she snapped. He blinked, amazed by the jolt her catty gesture sent through him. “That was pretty damn good,” he blurted. She purred–yeah, he was pretty sure he actually heard a purr–and did it again, watching him. He’d never seen anything more erotic than her white teeth gently scraping the head of his erection. Gathering himself, he reached down to show her the sensitive underside of the head, guided her hand in the right pressure on the shaft, showed her how to cup his balls. She was an avid

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student although she often interrupted the lesson plan by sucking him into her mouth. She seemed to like that it scrambled his brain, making speech totally impossible. Finally, she had him incoherent. She slid into a sucking rhythm, catching onto the idea of making a vagina of her mouth. She quickly found her gagging point and avoided it. “Ann,” he growled finally, catching hold of her hair. “You have to stop.” She purred again, the vibrations of her mouth making him shudder. “Sweetheart, if you don’t stop you’re going to have a different kind of mouthful.” She paused, lips just encasing the head of his cock, her hidden tongue probing the tip. She considered his words. “That’s okay.” “Really, honey, you don’t have to. Contrary to what you might have heard, most women don’t like it.” Those endless, chocolate brown eyes met his. “Would you like it?” “Well, yeah, but…God!” She refused further discussion, resuming avid ministrations to his cock. He groaned, unsure this is what should happen, but unable to stop it any longer. He let go, grabbing her head to stop movement as he exploded in her mouth. **** Ann let him gather her halfway atop him, let him cradle her face against his hard belly as he struggled to catch his breath. She felt immense satisfaction at having pleased him. There was no doubt that she had. She couldn’t quite believe she’d been bold enough to ask him what he’d liked, but she was glad she had. She didn’t even mind the last part, although it had been a little scary to feel him come apart like that. She'd even managed to swallow most of it. She stroked his side as his breathing calmed, determined to enjoy the moment. Yes, she’d wanted to experience that. Who knows if she’d ever get another chance? “God, Ann, that was incredible,” he said finally, stroking her back. “Thank you,” she murmured, tasting his navel. “Mmm. And you want to know the best part about it?”

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She heard the mischief in his voice and glanced up to see his grin. “What?” She squealed–she did make the most embarrassing sounds with him!–as he flipped her over. He braced himself over her. “It takes all the urgency out of this.” “What…?” Her question broke off in a gasp as he pushed back and dropped down to wedge her thighs apart with his shoulders. “Bend your knees, sweetheart.” “Skyler, you don’t have to…” “Oh, I most definitely have to,” he disagreed, lowering his head. She shivered before he even got close. The move caused him to look up at her. “No one’s ever done this for you before, have they?" She shook her head. He grunted. “I don’t think much of your previous lovers.” She was going to correct his “lovers” with “lover” then lost the train of thought as he stuck his tongue out to touch, just barely, the center of her desire. The touch was all he took for the moment, however. Turning his head, he lapped at the crease between her thigh and her groin, nipping lightly. When she started to squirm, he grabbed her hips to hold her still. He started down at the entrance to her pussy, tonguing her nether lips apart then kissing her languidly as if it were her mouth. She fell back, eyes screwed shut, unable to watch his enjoyment of his task. He took his time, tasting, nibbling, suckling. She was frantic with need before his lips finally pursed and he sucked her clit into his mouth. She cried out, nearly bucking him off, but he held on, tormenting her with his tongue. “Skyler!” she gasped, clutching her pillow to pull it over her face. She was just in time to muffle the scream of her climax. He murmured encouragement, staying with her, keeping her in the orgasm far longer than she’d thought possible. She rocked her hips shamelessly into his mouth and he pushed back,

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grinding his chin at her entrance as his tongue continued to attack her clit. She whimpered, coming down only slightly before he sank two fingers into her dripping channel. That caused her back to arch so severely that she was held up by only the top of her head and her hips. Desperately, she clutched his hair and pulled him away. It was the only way to resume breathing. He chuckled at blew at her clit, causing her to shudder again. “Stop!” she spat, too weak to pull away from him. “You sure?” “Yes.” “Hmmm.” She flopped back when she felt him crawl backward, trailing kisses down her thigh and calf. Sweat dripped in her eyes and rimmed her hairline. Every bone in her body had turned to pudding. Warm, rich, electric pudding. She struggled to open her eyes when she heard him ruffling around for something. She managed to get them open in time to see him finish rolling on a condom and re-join her on the bed. “I don’t think I can,” she protested, pressing a palm to his chest. He smiled gently. “You can. Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you.” He settled between her legs, guiding his cock to her entrance. “If you really want easy,” he qualified as he slowly slid into her. Gentle sounded good at first. Gentle easing of her pulsating muscles to accommodate his hard girth. However, he felt better than gentle would allow. Despite what he’d just done to her, the feel of him impaling her made her want–need–more. She endured a few languid thrusts, reveling in the feel of him covering her, nibbling softly at her lips. Then she couldn’t stand it. She miraculously found the muscles of her thighs and used them to clamp her legs around his waist. “Fuck easy,” she muttered, throwing her hips at him. Later, she’d be amazed at her

Bye, Bye, Skyler Jet Mykles language. Laughing, he obeyed her whim.

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Chapter Six

He stayed with her most of that day. She managed to escape his embrace long enough to make lunch. The only reason they made love only once more that day was because it was the last condom he had on him. Then, when afternoon was rolling to a close, he reluctantly told her that he had to go. He had to help his granddad. She refused to feel foreboding as he dressed, doing the dishes so she didn’t have to watch. He came into the kitchen and spun her around, pinning her against the sink to kiss her thoroughly. She wondered distantly if anyone else would be able to smell the sex underneath the soap as she could. And why did that make her want him all over again? “Can I come back tonight?” He asked, tenderly caressing her cheek with his fingertips. “I–if you want to.” He sucked her bottom lip briefly. “Oh, I want to.” “Okay.” “It’ll have to be late. Maybe midnight.” “That’s okay. I really have to get those costumes done this weekend.” He snared her gaze with his, his fingers now speared through her tousled hair. “Are you okay?” She blinked. No! Of course she wasn’t okay. “Yes.” He searched her gaze. She forced it blank. “Are we okay?” he asked carefully. “What do you mean?” He grimaced. “I don’t exactly have a stellar reputation with you. I want to make sure I haven’t overstepped.” She laughed. She couldn’t help it. “I think you crossed that line last night when you came here and–and took me.” He didn’t join her laughter, watching her all too closely. “Yeah. That’s one of the reasons

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I’m asking.” The smile she gave him was warm and entirely genuine. For all his faults, for the all the years she’d spent mad at him, this Skyler was the one that she couldn’t resist. The one who paid attention. The one that cared how she felt. The one that took the time to help her to be comfortable. When he was like this, he was the most wonderful man in creation. Why couldn't he be like this all the time? She pressed her lips briefly against his. “We’re fine,” she told him emphatically, meaning it. His smile was beautiful. “Good.” After he left, she was torn between euphoria and devastation. Damn! That easily she was back in love with him. **** “I don’t believe you waited until tonight to tell me.” Ann sighed, stared at the slippered feet she had propped on her coffee table. It was Sunday night and Skyler had left only one hour ago, but she found she missed him terribly. Restless, she’d finished all the sewing she’d had to do and could find nothing else to occupy her mind. It was as good a time as any to fill Jeri in. “Did you want me to call you mid-coitus?” Ann snapped. “Hey, hey, don’t get touchy. What’s wrong?” Ann glared at the television screen. The sound was muted and the pictures didn’t tell her anything about what she was watching. Not that she cared. “Jeri…he was fabulous.” Jeri snorted. “I wouldn’t expect otherwise.” “No, I mean he was amazing. He was sweet. And he paid attention to me like he’s never done before.” “So what’s the… Uh oh.” “Yeah.” “All the old feelings are back?”

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“In force.” “Uh oh.” “Yeah.” Jeri had known her long enough and well enough to know what this meant. It was Jeri who’d heard all of Ann’s teenage angst over Skyler. It was Jeri who’d always been on her side, even when she’d been irrational and bitchy toward him. It was Jeri who kept her secrets and helped to soothe her heart. So it was Jeri who would know better than anyone how much this was going to hurt. There was silence for awhile as Jeri digested the situation. Finally, “What are you going to do?” “I don’t know.” “You going to keep seeing him?” “I want to.” “But that might make it hurt worse in the long run.” “Yeah.” “But you’ll get in a lot of good sex until then,” Jeri put in, an obvious attempt to lighten the mood. “There is that.” Jeri sighed. “I know this is scary, Ann, but you’re a grown woman now. You’ve been through this before. Maybe all you’re feeling is a reflection of unresolved feelings from before. I mean, that was a pretty abrupt ending back then. Maybe if you spend some time with him now, it’ll actually help to heal.” “Do you believe that?” “I want to believe it.” Ann bit her lip. “So do I.”

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Chapter Seven

Skyler pulled into the visitor's parking lot at the school. Finding a spot was a piece of cake since school had just let out and almost everyone was trying to get out of school rather than back in. He dutifully checked in at the office, only to have Mrs. Pearl assure him that he could come and go on campus as he pleased. By now, everyone knew he was back in town and anyone would be delighted to see him. Bemused by that little tidbit of information, he left the office and waded through a sea of high school kids on his way to room 108. He'd never had a class in the room when he'd attended Garden High, but he knew the layout of the school well enough to find it easily. Ann's room actually wasn't that far from the auditorium. He wondered if she'd chosen it on purpose. He nearly collided with a tall young man when he reached the open classroom door. He recognized him as Paul, the boy playing the lead in the show. The two of them were the same height. Skyler allowed himself an inward smile to see that the boy had a similar signature lock of hair falling over his left eye. True, the hair was darker and the boy had glasses, but the similarities were obvious enough. The boy righted himself and recognized him. "Oh, hey, Mr. Skyler." Skyler grinned. "It's just 'Skyler'. You have rehearsal tonight?" "Not me. They're working on the Telephone Hour tonight." Skyler nodded, remembering well the musical number with a dozen or more teens all talking on the phone to each other. It was a choreographed number, which meant Ann would be busy for the next few hours. Damn. He'd known it was probably the case, but…damn. Skyler stepped out of Paul's way. "Well, I won't keep you. See you around." Paul grinned, hitching his backpack up on a bony shoulder. "See ya, Skyler."

Bye, Bye, Skyler Jet Mykles Skyler stepped into the open doorway.

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Ann was perched on the edge of her desk,

surrounded by half a dozen kids. To judge by the comments he overheard, she was answering some question about grammar. He stepped to the side of the door and propped his back against the wall, arms crossed. Watching her. There was no doubt Ann was in her element. In soft, cream-colored slacks and a deep green sweater, with her hair pulled back and her glasses perched on that cute little nose, she looked every inch a teacher. A teacher he certainly wouldn't have minded having when he was in high school. He might have paid attention more. Or, maybe not. Could he have concentrated with her to look at for an hour every day? Ann was nothing like Robin, his ex-fiancé. Robin was blonde, petite, and blue-eyed where Ann was tall, voluptuous, and dark of hair and eyes. Robin was sharp and talkative and loved to be around people. Ann, while friendly enough, tended to stick to people she knew. Robin had dropped him like a hot potato when it became obvious that his career was over. He knew in his heart Ann wouldn't have dreamed of such a thing. His heart caught at the thought. Anger at Robin resurfaced and he had to tamp it down. Anger at her for being so shallow. Anger at himself for letting her lure him in. Anger at the renewed realization that he'd very nearly tied himself to such a woman. But that's all there was: anger. He could admit to himself that there was no remorse at losing Robin. It hadn't hurt nearly as much as it should have. Ann's laughter dissolved his inward thoughts. She looked up and smiled when she saw him. She held up one finger and mouthed "one minute" as she turned to another student. She gave each one of them a warm smile and the attention they deserved, then sent them on their way. He watched in quiet awe. He didn't move from his spot as the last girl sidled past him, letting the door swing softly shut behind her. Ann remained perched on the edge of her desk, bracing her hands on the surface behind her. She smiled. "This is a pleasant surprise."

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Skyler's dick twitched at the warmth in her voice. Matching her smile, he pushed from the wall and approached. "I came to see if I could lure the teacher away from school." She glanced at the closed door, eyes widening just a bit. She held up her hand to brace on his chest, stopping him with some distance between them. "I have rehearsal in about fifteen minutes." He gathered up her hand in his, raising the palm to his lips. She sighed and he stepped closer, pressing his thighs against hers. "I know. I saw Paul." She nodded but he didn't think she really heard him. Warm, molasses colored eyes were riveted on his mouth. Smiling, he darted his tongue out to taste the base of her thumb. She sighed. "Skyler." He took her tone as permission. He pulled gently on her wrist to pull her closer, draping her arm over his shoulder. She melted into him easily and met his mouth when he bent down over hers. He slid his arms down her back to cup her ass. He tugged and twisted his own hips until he finally got her to part her legs so he could press his groin to hers. She pulled back from his kiss but not his embrace and spoke with her lips whispering against his. "We can't do this here." "We're just kissing." He squeezed her butt. "Or were you thinking of a quickie, you naughty teacher?" She grimaced. The glare she pointed at him was ruined by the lust that was obvious in her eyes. To his sheer delight, she dropped a hand down to insinuate between them, cupping his erection. "Then what's this?" He groaned. "That is an uncontrollable reaction to your presence, teach." He turned a wicked grin on her. "I'll bet dozens of your students get them for you too." Her eyes went wide and the cutest shocked "O" pursed her lips. She jerked her hand up and away from his boner and slapped his shoulder. "Skyler, don't talk like that." "Why? Doesn't get you hot to think of young studs dreaming about you?"

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She pushed him back. "It certainly does not!" He laughed, struggling a bit to maintain his hold on her. "Okay, okay. Even though it's true, I'll stop." "Skyler!" Damn she was strong! He switched his hold from her butt to her back, wrapping his arms securely around her chest. It pressed her breasts nicely against his chest and put her in just the right position for him to take her mouth again. She tried to pull away but he caught the back of her skull with one hand and forced the issue. Within a heartbeat, she sighed and relaxed into the kiss. She glared again when he finally released her. "You're an awful man, Skyler." He laughed. "You've known that for years, Ann." She grimaced and pushed and this time he let her escape. He stepped back and she sidestepped and turned to circle to the other side of her desk. "Did you want something?" she asked, reaching up to tidy her hair. "You. It's been too long since I've seen you." Because he was watching closely, he actually saw the shudder that took her body. The heat in his bloodstream kicked up a few degrees. She tried to hide it by turning to face a small mirror mounted on the wall beside the desk. She used it to straighten her glasses and some tendrils of her hair. Unlike most women, however, Ann didn't need to reapply makeup. The only time he'd ever seen her wear makeup was when she was performing onstage. Not that she needed it. She spoke with her profile to him. "It's only been a day since…we saw each other." "Too long." She smiled. "I've got rehearsal." "Can I stay and watch? You're doing Telephone Hour, right?" She glanced at him. "Yes. But we just started. That'll be boring for you." He shook his head. "Nah."

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She eyed him thoughtfully, then smiled. His heart flipped. "There is something you could help out with. If you didn't mind." "What is it?" "Don't you have to help your grandparents?" "Not today." "Are you sure?" "Yes." She bit her lip. Then the smile returned and she cocked her head to the side. Instantly, she was transformed into the young girl who'd poked and prodded him in social studies until he'd agreed to audition for the fall musical. "Are you willing to help with scenery?" ***** Three hours later, Ann was rounding up the last of her kids and shooing them away while Skyler carefully propped up the freshly painted scenery flats. "Those look great." He turned to grin at Ann, who was eyeing the flats. "Thanks. But your kids did most of the work." "Guided by you. Thank you, Skyler. This was a big help." He reached out and snagged an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Do I get a reward for my help?" She turned into his embrace, sliding her arms about his waist. "Reward? What did you have in mind?" "Oh, something like this." He dipped his head and sealed his lips to hers. "Just that?" she asked when he pulled back. "Unless you're offering more." She smiled widely and slid her hands down his back to cup his ass. "Oh, I've got a few ideas." He let his eyebrows arch skyward. "Do you now? I'm all ears, teach."

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She popped up on her toes to kiss him briefly. "Meet me back at my place and I'll show you some of my ideas." He groaned as she slid from his embrace. "With an invitation like that, I'll follow you anywhere."

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Chapter Eight

Jeri’s laughter rang across the patio. Ann smiled. Her friend had never been quiet or demure. That was probably part of the reason they were friends. Jeri made up for Ann’s quiet when she wasn’t onstage. Bemused, Ann glanced at the dozen other guests seated across the Skylers' enclosed patio. Four of them she’d seen in the years since high school, as they all still lived locally. Two worked with her at the high school. The others had ranged out, leaving the immediate area, but were still close enough to be found by Skyler when he was in the mood to delve into the past. The man himself stood near the brick barbeque, discussing whatever with Russ, the only high school friend he’d really kept up with since they’d graduated. She understood why. Russ made the perfect matching bookend to Skyler. Cool and tailored, nary a hair out of place, Russ’s sleek, dark looks complimented Skyler’s lighter, more casual appearance. As she watched, Jeri intruded in the pair’s discussion, insinuating her little, blonde body between them. Ann smiled. Jeri had decided that Russ, whom she hadn’t seen for years, had filled out quite nicely. “Ann!” Jeri called imperiously. Obediently, Ann joined them. “Yes?” “Russ has declared that teaching high school is a breeze,” Jeri challenged, her eyes locked on Russ’. The man in question grinned and held up his hands in a warding gesture. “I said nothing of the kind.” “Then what was that crack about going out and getting a ‘real’ job?” Russ cringed. “Okay, that was a cheap shot.” His smile warmed. “But it’s so easy to get a rise out of you.” Sparks flew between them, although the words had stopped. Ann exchanged a hooded glance with Skyler. Yes, he’d seen it too, if his grin was any judge.

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“Steak’s on!” Skyler called, hefting the platter he’d been filling and turning toward the crowd. “Come on in the kitchen for the rest.” He caught Ann off-guard by sliding his free hand across her shoulders and bringing her inside with him. She fought her thoughtful frown. He’d been doing that a lot this afternoon, ever since the other guests arrived. He’d also insisted that she be there before anyone else arrived, claiming she needed to play hostess since his grandparents were gone for the weekend. Don’t read anything into it, she continued to chide herself. He’s just playing around. But her heart wanted this to be real, not just a game. It felt absurdly good to be in Gertrude’s kitchen, preparing food. It felt insanely good to see the speculative looks of those who’d known she and Skyler both before and after their spectacular split. Paula Stein pulled her aside in the bustle of getting food. Ann was quite glad to see Paula, who had been a good friend back in school. “Okay,” said Paula, cornering her in the hall just outside the kitchen. “I’ve seen the looks and all and I just want confirmation. Are you and Skyler an item now?” Ann smiled and started to find that three other women had joined them and were hanging on her answer. “For the moment,” she felt safe in saying. Two of them squealed, but Paula eyed her speculatively. “For the moment?” Ann shrugged. “He’s only in town for awhile. Once his grandparents move, he’ll be off, back into the big world.” Paula nodded. “You going to try and keep him here?” Ann shook her head. “Not my place.” She grinned. “But I’ll take advantage of him while he’s here.” All four women burst into laughter and Paula hugged her. “That’s my girl! It’s so good to see you!” **** “You’re sure about this game, bud?” Russ asked. His tone was casual, but Skyler knew him well enough to hear the subtext.

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He and Russ sat in his grandparent’s living room, a blazing fire before them, jazz oozing from the stereo system, and the gentle clank and clatter of women in the kitchen just beyond the archway. The four of them–he and Russ, Ann and Jeri–were the lingering members of Skyler’s mini-reunion bash. Skyler sat back on the couch, taking a pull on his Samual Adams before answering. “You mean Ann?” “You know I do.” Skyler nodded. “What can I say, man? She finally wore me down.” Russ chuckled. “Yeah, right. Seriously, what’s up? This could be a bad mistake.” Skyler let his grin fade. “I know, I know. But, hey man, I wanted her back then. That hasn’t changed.” “Yeah, but you know she wants more.” Skyler shrugged. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that.” Russ’s elegant brows hitched dramatically. “What do you mean?” Skyler glanced at the arch to the kitchen. “I’m not so sure she wants more from me than what we’ve got. Actually, part of me thinks she might be relieved when I head out of here.” “Why?” “Little things. You know how women try and make you comfortable? Try to bring you in? She hasn’t done any of that. If anything, she keeps reminding me that this is temporary.” Russ was thoughtful. His question was surprising. “Is it?” “What?” “Temporary.” “What do you mean?” Russ trailed a finger through a condensation circle on the glass tabletop. “You sure you’re not looking for something permanent?” “Nah.” Russ nodded slowly, but wouldn’t look at him. “Is this anything like Robin?” Russ had

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known her. Had been set to be his best man. Russ had helped him pick up the surprisingly few pieces after she’d dumped him. Russ was looking at him now, his black eyes piercing as only a man’s best friend’s gaze could be. That look deserved thought. The arrival of the women saved him, although Russ kept his gaze as they set down fresh beers and chips. He stared into the fire, aware that Ann made the decision to sit in a chair across from him, rather than beside him. Jeri, on the other hand, chose to sit close–very close–to Russ on the second couch. Jeri filled in the time with asking Russ about his work. Ann listened and added her comments. Skyler just listened, watching Ann without seeming to. No, he didn’t feel for her what he felt for Robin. Robin had been fun, beautiful, put together. She knew all the right people and was seen in all the right places. She’d been a dynamo in bed. She’d completely bamboozled him, guiding every inch of their relationship. He could see that now, in hindsight. She’d hitched herself to his rising star and had released herself when he started the plummet. What he felt for Ann was quite different. Warmer. More comfortable. He attributed that to having known her so long. It was a bonus that she was also fun to be with and a pleasure to hold. Abruptly, he stood, gaining everyone’s attention. He reached out and hauled Ann to her feet, kissing her astonished, upraised mouth. He looked at Russ and Jeri. “I’m beat. You two are welcome to stay in the extra bedroom, either alone or separate.” He looked at Ann, drawing her closer. “Will you come with me?” He really expected her to refuse. He knew he was being rude and he knew he was laying a vulgar claim to her, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. She hesitated, frowning up at him, but then the frown cleared into an impish smile. She turned to Jeri and Russ. “See you in the morning?” Both of them blinked at her, which made her to giggle. She took Skyler's hand and led him toward the stairs and the bedrooms. He laughed. “Lock up if you leave,” he threw over his shoulder.

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They reached his bedroom and his blood boiled to watch her pull her sweater over her head. “That was rude,” she stated calmly. Entranced by the bounce of dark waves as her hair settled about her bare shoulders, he barely remembered to answer. “Yes.” “Why’d you do it?” “I thought they needed a kick start. It’s obvious they want each other.” She grinned. “I’m glad you agree.” She unclasped her bra and let it fall to the floor. She glanced up at him as she sat on the bed, bending to get her shoes. “You’re not undressing.” True. He’d been mesmerized by her casual disrobing. He amended his lapse hastily, tossing clothes into the corner. By the time he was finished, she was lying back in his pillows, naked, watching him. He took a moment to memorize the sight. He’d wanted her in that bed on many nights, jacked off to the thought. It was something to see it in truth. She reached out to him, an invitation he wouldn’t refuse. He paused only to make sure he had condoms–plural–on the nightstand, then sank down atop her eagerly. The knock on the door irritated him no end. “What?” Russ laughed. “You have any condoms to spare, man?” Both he and Ann gleefully joined Russ’s laughter. Skyler left Ann briefly with two foil packets in hand and cracked the door enough to hand them to his friend. “Only two?” Russ scowled. “Be grateful,” Skyler quipped before firmly closing the door on him. “Now,” he murmured, crawling back onto the bed, “where was I?” “Right here,” Ann sighed, welcoming him into the cradle of her embrace. His lips met hers, hands sliding down her smooth skin to her hips. She opened willingly for him now, responding to just a slight pressure on the inside of her thigh. Warm cream covered his fingers as he tested her readiness and found her, as always, primed and willing. He used his fingers and thumb to make her crazy, loving the way she bit at his lips, how her tongue dueled with his. He adored the helpless little moans that escaped her throat and he

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especially loved the tortured groan that shuddered from her as she reached her climax. Pulling back, he reached for the condom, watching her sigh, proud to have caused that sated smile. “Turn over,” he murmured, prompting her with a tug at her leg. “What?” “Turn over.” She frowned a little, but complied. He helped her position, placing her hands firmly on the top of his headboard. He moaned as he took in the sight of her, her plump ass pointed up toward him, glistening pussy clearly visible. The long, elegant line of her back stretched up, swept by an expanse of dark, curly hair. “You’re gorgeous,” he sighed, smoothing his hands over her rear, squeezing lightly. “You’re not so bad yourself.” He ignored the compliment, uninterested in his own looks. He edged closer, lifting his cock so that it rested on the crack of her ass. “Skyler…?” “Shh,” he soothed. “I promise I won’t hurt you. I won’t do anything you don’t want.” “Okay.” He slid his fingers down and plunged two inside of her warm cavern. That produced a sigh and helped alleviate her fears. Soon she was pushing back at him, her head dropped forward so that her hair fell to expose her back. Fully ready, he replaced his fingers with the blunt head of his cock. With one, hard thrust, he hilted inside of her, stilling when he was all the way in. He expected her gasp, held onto her hips as she grew accustomed to the feel of him. He knew it felt deeper this way and guessed that she’d never been taken at this angle. For him, it was something else he’d fantasized about. “You okay?” he whispered, folding himself over her to kiss the back of her shoulder. “Yes.” “Want more?”

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“God yes!” Grinning, he nipped her shoulder then reared back. He pulled out and rammed forward, gratified when he saw her elbows lock so she could take the slam full force. Sweet warmth convulsed around him, nearly causing him to lose it. He grasped her hips and continued to plow forward. Then she got into the groove, moving with him. She lost her grip on the headboard, falling forward. They both gasped as he slid in that much deeper thanks to the new angle. He watched her hands convulse in his bed sheet, heard the scream she muffled in his pillow and would have thought he’d hurt her if he didn’t also feel her cunt grip him as she came. He held on, pumping as best he could as she held him like a vise. Until she calmed, panting, and he rammed forward to take her higher. Another orgasm and she threw back her head, gasping as her entire body clenched. This time he couldn’t hold it and he lost it into her depths. She collapsed before him, still shuddering. He felt unsteady himself as he fell to his side next to her. He reached out a hand to smooth down her side and started when she cried out, shuddering again. Good God, she was still climaxing! He reached for her, easing her quickly to her side. She fastened wide, dilated eyes on him but he wasn’t sure she saw him. Her lips were wet and swollen and her skin looked flushed, although he could barely tell in the moonlight. He slipped his hand between her thighs and inserted his fingers again, brushing her clit with his thumb. With a cry, she arched again, eyes screwed shut as her body convulsed. He wondered if he should leave her alone, wondered if it was painful. But he decided to continue until she stopped him. It didn’t last long. At last, she trembled her last, rolling away from him. Weakly, she gripped his wrist and he took the hint to remove his fingers. He watched, fascinated, as she gulped air, arms and legs spread as wide as possible on his king sized bed. “That was something,” he quipped when he thought she might have returned to Earth. She laughed weakly. A lazy hand splayed on her chest, just above one breast. “I’ll say.” She turned her head to look at him, her surprised but sated look intoxicating. “It didn’t want to end.”

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He shook his head, still amazed. “I’m sorry I didn’t last longer.” She waved away the worry. “Quite all right.” He chuckled, reached out to pluck the nearest nipple. She shivered, then laughed. “I seem to be all one nerve ending.” “That’s a good thing, right?” “I don’t know yet.” She sighed. “Just give me a moment.” Anything you want, he promised her silently, content just to watch her breathe. He refused to think about the consequences.

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Chapter Nine

Tech week. The last week before opening night. Ann had always thought this time was magical when she was one of the performers. She was thrilled to find that being the director didn’t diminish the feeling. “Actually,” she shouted up at the stage, “I think it should be blue.” Skyler scowled down at her from atop the ladder. She could barely see the expression as he was nearly lost in shadow as he fiddled with the light he was hanging. “Blue’s going to wash everyone out. You’re not doing a horror scene.” “Purple will make it look lurid.” “No it won’t.” “Skyler…” “Trust me, would ya?” He grinned down at her. “There were a few things that I learned how to do around a stage.” It was her turn to scowl. Unfortunately, he was right. When it came to the technical aspects of the show, he was much better at it than she. “Maybe I should let you take care of the whole thing,” she muttered, stomping off the stage. “Who needs me?” “What was that?” “Nothing. Do whatever it is you’re going to do,” she snapped. “Dazzle me.” “Yes, ma’am.” She caught her students watching her. It was about eleven o’clock on a Saturday night. They had been with her since ten that morning and they still had five more scenes to light before they could go home. As was typical in tech week, the props and scenery were not cooperating. It was late and she, and everyone else, were tired. She was lucky Skyler was there, although she wouldn’t admit it to anyone at that very moment. Since that first day of helping with the scenery, he had slipped into the production with

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her and she couldn’t extricate him. The kids loved him and he did well with them. And, as he’d said, he was much better with the technical work than she. The scenery they now had was nothing short of amazing when she considered the time and budget. She’d even caught him in a few heart-to-hearts with some of her cast. Paul and Will had progressed in their performances in leaps and bounds and she suspected he was the cause. She went back to her seat in a huff. Veronica, her female lead, sat beside her. “Are they all like that?” Veronica asked, staring at Skyler’s well-shaped ass. “Like what?” “Acting like they know it all.” Ann heard the tell-tale gripe. She wondered if she was right about Veronica’s thing for Paul. Wouldn’t that be an awful déjà vu? “For the most part, yes,” Ann admitted, sitting back with her arms folded. She was being petulant and she didn’t care. It had been a long day. They watched in a few moments of silence as Skyler shouted directions at the ten boys he had helping him. The boys willingly followed his command, hauling equipment and set-pieces as though they weighed nothing. “May I ask you a personal question, Ms. Sommers?” “You may ask.” Although she insisted they call her Ms. Sommers, Ann was proud that she had a friendly relationship with her students. Especially her cast. Most especially, her leads. She would admit to no one, but Veronica was her all-time favorite. The girl was smart, both by the book and by experience. But she was also quite popular, unlike Ann had been. Performing had been the only way Ann had shone outside of the classroom. Veronica, she knew, belonged to a vast social circle. Ann still wasn’t sure she was correct about Veronica and Paul. Paul, despite his looks, was a loner. He was quiet everywhere except for on-stage, and even there he had a quality about him. He was the type who could stand on-stage and do absolutely nothing and you’d still be fascinated just to watch him. He wasn’t the type you’d expect to interest Veronica, until you saw

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them perform together. Although they were young, they fit beautifully. Ann had a feeling that Veronica was smart enough to have seen that. “Are you dating him?” Veronica asked, her voice respectfully low. She wouldn't tell the girl that she mainly had a sexual relationship with Skyler. "Dating" seemed to be safe to say. “Yes.” “Did you date him in high school?” “No. We were just friends.” “Was that your choice or his?” Ann turned to meet Veronica’s very serious brown eyes. The girl deserved the truth. “His. Then mine.” “What do you mean?” Ann glanced about but they were alone. All the other cast members were either helping or lounging about, well out of earshot. “He wasn’t interested for a long time. Then when he was, he was more interested than I was ready for, if you catch my drift.” She kept her gaze steady on Veronica to make sure she got the meaning. By the nod, Ann figured she did. “You mean he wanted you to…” Ann confirmed with a nod. “And you said no?” “I said no.” “Because you didn’t want to?” “Because I wasn’t ready.” “How old were you?” “Sixteen.” Veronica nodded. “That’s too young.” Ann smiled and hugged the young woman with one arm. “I’m so glad to hear you say that.” They laughed then Ann groaned when she looked at the stage. “Darn it! He was right about

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the purple.” **** “Gertrude’s offered to host the closing night party.” Ann blinked. Her breath had just calmed from making love and she was still somewhere in the dreamy stratosphere. It took a moment for his words to make sense. “What?” His hand stroked her belly, his head pillowed on her shoulder just above her breast. “I was telling Gertrude how well the play was going and she wanted me to let you know that she’d like to host the closing night party.” “When did she say this?” “Yesterday.” “And you wait until now to tell me?” He chuckled. “I got all caught up in tech rehearsal and forgot. We can tell the kids at dress rehearsal tomorrow. It's better than having it in the auditorium.” She remained silent, staring up at her bedroom ceiling. The hand on her belly stilled. “What?” “When are they leaving?” “Who?” “Gertrude and Jason.” “Two weeks.” Now she knew. How was it she’d avoided asking that question before? “Wouldn’t that be a bit of a strain on them?” “Nah. Actually, most of their stuff is already gone. The house is pretty empty. It’s perfect for a party.” “Oh.” “What?” “What?”

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He pushed up to his elbow so he could look down at her. Impatiently, he flipped away the errant lock of hair that hung in his eyes. “Something’s wrong. Tell me what it is.” “Nothing’s wrong,” she lied. “I just don’t want to add to Gertrude’s stress level. This has to be a difficult time for her.” “She’s okay.” “All right.” “You sure that’s it?” She forced a casual smile. “Yes.” Yes, that was it. She wasn’t going to ruin the last two weeks she had with him by starting a fight now. **** Skyler was a godsend during that last week before performance weekend. Because her schoolwork didn’t stop for her extra-curricular activities, Ann wasn’t able to do the hundred little things that usually drove her crazy during the final days.

She wasn’t sure how she’d

accomplished it last year on her own. But with Skyler just a cell phone away, the million and one little things all got done. Ann called Gertrude to make sure that the party was okay. Gertrude laughed her off, assuring her that it was their pleasure. All she wanted was a good seat on opening night when they came to see the play. Ann promised her the best. The night of the final dress rehearsal, Skyler disappeared just after intermission, only to return shortly before the closing curtain with pizza for the entire cast. And Ann wondered why he was a favorite. Ha! As they all sat on-stage eating, Ann took a moment to enjoy. Thirty kids stood about her, most still with their stage makeup on. Thankfully all were out of their costumes, on her insistence. They all chatted, animated with excitement. It oozed out of them and permeated the air, doing to the auditorium what she’d always loved. Made it a place of magic. A place of dreams. She watched Veronica laughing from her perch on the edge of the stage, and didn’t miss

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that Paul sat scant inches away. Will was holding court not far away, surrounded by girls. “Geez, this is familiar,” muttered a familiar voice over her shoulder. She tossed a grin at Skyler. “Isn’t it?” “Yeah. I can see why you came back to do this.” His comment warmed her heart. “Not quite the same as performing, but it comes close.” “You ever thought of performing again?” “Sometimes, but never seriously. I like teaching.” “You’re good at it.” “You think so?” “Judging from what I’ve seen? Oh yeah.” “Thank you.” “To Ms. Sommers!” piped up Will from across the stage, gaining her attention. “Thanks for a great time!” The rest of the crowd chimed in, raising their cups of Pepsi in a toast. Ann tried to be nonchalant in rubbing away the tear that escaped her eye. **** The kids left shortly after finishing their pizza. She and Skyler were left alone to lock up. She closed the costume closet after her final count, locked it, and went to find him. The stage lights were still on so she figured he was in the control booth. “Stop right there,” his disembodied voice reached her from the dark seats. She froze, center stage. Shading her eyes, she could just make him out, sitting a few rows back off to the right. “Aren’t you going to turn those off?” she asked, pointing up at the glaring lights. “Do you know that you shine on-stage?” Her heart skipped a beat at his warm tone. “What?” “You do. You walk differently on-stage, even when you’re not performing.” She felt ridiculously self conscious, standing there alone in her short-sleeved shirt and ankle

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length rehearsal skirt. “I do?” “Yeah. Like you’re at home up there.” She smiled. “I am.” “You always have been.” Pause. “You’re the reason I did the play back then, y’know.” “Well, I mentioned it in social studies, but…” “No. That was icing on the cake that you asked. I’d already decided to try out.” “Because of me?” “Yeah. I saw you in that play the year before.” “What? I had a bit part.” “But everyone I asked knew you were going to star in the next. Scott Tyler for one.” Her eyes widened. Scott Tyler had been the actor in the school the year before they did Birdie. If he hadn’t have been a graduating senior, Skyler wouldn’t have had a chance at Albert. She hadn’t known that Scott Tyler thought that highly of her. Skyler appeared gradually out of the darkness. Her overcoat was draped over one of the arms bared by the torn-off sleeves of his dark t-shirt. “It was the only way to get close you. Boy, was I psyched when I got to play lead with you.” She crossed her arms. So they were going to have this talk, huh? “Yeah, you were so psyched that you avoided the hell out of me.” He stopped the bottom of the aisle, a confused look turned up at her. “I didn’t avoid you.” “No? I tried to get close to you and you were always surrounded by three or four girls.” Was that a grimace or a grin? “They seemed to like me.” “Yes. They did.” “You never hung around me.” “I refused to be part of the crowd.” “Yeah, that fits, I guess.” He crossed his arms over his chest, mirroring her. “In fact, you avoided me.” She tossed her head. “You were getting plenty of attention.”

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“Instead you started talking about me to people.” “Huh?” “Jeri. Brent. Greg.” He ticked the names off on his hand. “You know how intimidating it was to hear the things you said?” She frowned. “What did I say?” “There was a point when you’d all but announced that I was yours. Although you never bothered to talk to me about it.” Uncomfortable, she went on the offensive. “When did I have a chance?” “When did you try?” She racked her brain. Had she blown things out of proportion? “Then when I didn’t react fast enough, you announced that I was an asshole that didn’t care one bit for your feelings.” He shook his head. “Geez, Ann, how’s an eighteen-year-old guy supposed to deal with that? Hell, how’s a thirty year old supposed to deal with it?” “Okay,” she said slowly. “Perhaps I blew things out of proportion. I was sixteen and naive. But you certainly rallied that night at your grandparents.” He grinned. “I was caught up in the performance. Hell, that was a rush.” He rounded the stage to the side stairs and started toward her. “And you softened up. You finally let me get close to you. You let me kiss you, even off-stage.” She blinked. He remembered that, huh? Heck, everyone had kissed everyone else—well of the opposite sex. She’d used that excuse to try and ease her aching want of him. He stopped about a foot away from her, arms still crossed. The look on his face was achingly tender. “But the best part was on-stage. Acting with you, even though you spent the entire play mad at me. Just like off-stage.” She laughed with him. “But then we got to the end.” He dropped her coat and she started to protest. But he took her hand and pulled her back, starting the starting phrase of “Rosie”, the finale song.

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With wide eyes, she stood with him on their marks. To her amazement, he remembered the steps to their dance. It wasn’t elaborate anyway, and she’d swiped a lot of it in her rendition with Paul and Veronica, but the fact that he remembered their dance made her heart swell. He changed the end, though. Years ago, they’d ended with his arm about her shoulders and hers around his waist and they’d strolled dreamily offstage. This time, he turned her about to face him and closed his lips on hers. She shook with emotion. Did he know what he was doing to her? He’d dredged up all of those tender, frightening teenage feelings, exposing her to all the hurt all over again. But he was done talking. His lips were far too busy matching hers, his tongue delving deep into her mouth. She whimpered and he held her closer. Her knees buckled and he caught her, then lowered them both slowly to the freshly swept stage. She tore her mouth from his, gasping when his hand slid under her shirt to cup her breast. “Not here, Skyler.” “God yes, here,” he groaned, pinching her nipple to make her gasp. “Right here where you were mine.” “But…” He reared up over her, eyes wild. “The doors are locked, it’s one AM. Who’s going to come?” He grinned. “But us.” “I don’t think…” “Don’t think, sweetheart. And don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.” Of course she’d thought about it. Many a fantasy had involved this man—albeit younger— and this very stage. Her moment of indecision was her undoing. He used it to shove her shirt up and tear her bra down enough to capture a nipple in his mouth. In the harsh, bright stage lights his soft hair gave off a golden glow that she couldn’t resist tousling with her fingers. Sure of her now, he slid his hands down her waist to start gathering the voluminous folds of her skirt up.

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“You planned this,” she gasped at him, recalling now how he’d deviously talked her into wearing her favorite stage skirt. Cunning fingers squirmed under her panties to find her wet entrance. Only then did he grin up at her. “I’d hoped.” She growled then gasped when he drove those fingers home inside of her. “You horny rat! You planned to take me on this filthy stage?” “Hey,” he protested, biting her neck. “I mopped it.” She laughed, and again moaned as he twisted his hand. “You came prepared, I hope.” He pulled away, smug at her disappointed moue, to dig in his jeans for a condom. “You bet.” She snatched it from him and deftly turned the tables on him by shoving back. He caught himself barely, shocked when she suddenly straddled him. “We do the rest of this my way,” she insisted. “Sweetheart, whatever you want.” She attacked his jeans, pulling them and his boxers down only enough to expose his rampant cock. She tore open the condom then handed it to him. “Put this on.” “Where are you going?” “To take these off,” she said as she began to shimmy out of her panties. Seeing the sense in that, he complied, finishing just as she knelt over him again, draping most of her skirt over one arm. With very little finesse, she took hold of him and impaled herself. He didn’t seem to mind the lack of grace, if his ragged groan was any indication. She dropped her skirt, satisfied that now that her shirt had fallen back in place, they were now covered. True, it was obvious what they were doing, but no one would see anything. He didn’t even notice. His lips met hers when she fell forward to lean her hands above his head. His own hands gripped her hips, helping her in a grinding rhythm designed to drive them both mad.

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She buried her face in his neck, fighting the emotions that swelled along with her arousal. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t feel him inside of her, she couldn’t be on this stage with him, she couldn’t be in this fantasy with him without every piece of her heart oozing from her chest into his. And he didn’t even know it. She loved him, with every ounce of her soul and every inch of her being. He wrung feelings out of her that no one else could hope to accomplish. He made her body tingle in a way that no one else possibly could. He was hers, as she’d always known, but he didn’t know it. Didn’t care. He was having his fun and he’d leave, taking most of her heart and soul with him. She could tell him. Wildly, as she bucked her body atop his, she considered blurting how she felt, admitting that she loved him. But it wouldn’t do any good. He’d listen, very politely. He’d come. Then he’d proceed to explain, very nicely, why this wouldn’t work between them. When the climax came, she threw her shoulders and her head back, arching away from him, trying to hide the tears that streamed from her eyes, trying to pretend the heaving of her chest was her orgasm alone. But the orgasm subsided and the sobbing didn’t. The sobbing grew, uncontrollable. She bit her lips and screwed her eyes shut, face turned to the blinding stage light, but inevitably, he noticed. Still buried deep within her, he shoved to a seated position. She slouched, tossing her head forward, still trying to hide from him, using her loose hair as a shield. “Honey, what’s wrong? Sweetheart, look at me.” “Don’t!” she snapped, swatting his hands away from her face. “Don’t. Just don’t.” “Ann, honey, what’s wrong?” “Everything,” she cried. Frantic, she scrambled away from him, curling into a ball on her knees. When he tried to curl around her, she shoved him back. “Ann, talk to me.”

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“I can’t do this,” she cried. “I tried, Skyler. I really tried. I tried to pretend that I was okay. But I’m not.” “What’s wrong?” “I’m in love with you! Again. Still. I don’t know. I tried to be adult and have it not mean anything, but I’m not built that way.” She scrambled to her feet, unwilling to look at him. “I know you’re leaving. You don’t want to be stuck here. I know that. I do. This time, I don’t blame you. I blame myself. Fully.” “Ann…” She ignored his small voice, gathering her coat and heading for the stairs. “I can’t make love to you anymore without it breaking me apart. Please understand.” She hoped she was coherent enough for him to understand her words. She stopped at the side door, glad of the darkness that might hide her heaving dishevelment. She glanced back to see him still kneeling on the stage, staring into space on the opposite side of the stage from her. “Please lock up,” she said in parting, before escaping to her car.

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Chapter Ten

“I won’t hear another word about it.” Skyler stopped just outside the kitchen door, hearing the barely contained rage in his grandmother’s voice. Old habit made him do a mental scan of his recent activities. No, there shouldn’t be anything that she knew about that would get him in trouble. He walked into the kitchen and froze on the dagger point of her glare, forced to re-think his assumption. She pointed imperiously at him, but continued to talk on the phone. “Ann dear, I wouldn’t dream of allowing you to cancel your party. Where would you have it at this last minute?” Skyler’s eyes widened. After all that had happened since Ann left him in the wee hours of the morning, the party was the last thing to intrude on his churning thoughts. “No, Ann, I’m serious. I don’t care if you and Skyler have had a falling out. It’s my house and I wouldn’t dream of letting you down.” Gertrude pointed at a barstool and Skyler obediently, if sullenly, sat. He might as well get this over with. “Good. Now you go on back to class and remember to save Jason and me our seats for tonight. Good bye, sweetheart.” Gertrude managed not to slam the phone on the hook, but she did slam her palm on the counter before him, making him wince. Damn, she was strong for a seventy-some year old woman! “What did you do?!” “Nothing.” “Hmph, that’s probably the problem. What happened?” Briefly, he struggled with what to tell her. He certainly couldn’t reveal the circumstances of his and Ann’s unraveling and the circumstances had everything to do with it. “I honestly don’t know.” Gertrude’s glare narrowed.

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“Except that…” he sighed, exasperated. “She said she loved me.” “Yes. Any fool could tell that.” He raised surprised eyes to her and she slapped his arm, hard. “And I must have helped to raise a fool! Of course Ann is in love with you. You only had to see the two of you together to know that.” He continued to stare. She actually snarled. “I think I understand now. You didn’t tell her that you love her.” “I don’t know that I do.” Her eyes widened alarmingly and he abruptly feared for his life. “What kind of damned idiot are you? Of course you’re in love with her!” “There’s no ‘of course’ about it, Gram!” he snapped, getting angry himself. “I care about her, yes. I always have. But I don’t know what I’m in love with her.” “You said you loved that little slut Robin fast enough.” He gaped. “Slut?” “Please. She was after the glory of being with a major league baseball player and you know it! She couldn’t drop you fast enough when it ended.” He glared, wounded. Mostly because he knew it was true. Gert had already gone past it. “Why was it so easy to say you loved Robin and not Ann? You’ve known Ann forever.” “Yeah. And I don’t want to hurt her by saying something that’s not true.” Gert took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “What makes you think it’s not true?” He sat back, unhappy to be caught off-guard by the question. He was so in the habit of knowing it was true, he couldn’t readily think of one of the reasons why. “I always manage to hurt her, or say the wrong thing.” “You only hurt her when you pull back. And if I’m not mistaken, the wrong things you usually say are when you’re denying your feelings for her.” He scowled. “I don’t want to spend the rest of my life with Ann,” he blurted.

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That got her. “Whyever not? What’s wrong with Ann?” “Nothing. Except…” “What?” “She’s here. She came back here. She’s going to stay here. And I…don’t want to be here.” “Ah,” Gert’s tone had gentled. She went into the refrigerator and emerged with two beers. She opened one and plopped it down before him. “Now we’re getting somewhere. It’s not Ann at all.” He drank, unhappy, as she opened her own. “So. What’s wrong with here?” “What’s right about it? You’re leaving.” “Yes. But I lived fifty very happy years here.” “Forty-eight and a half, actually,” corrected a voice from the doorway. “How long have you been there?” Skyler asked his granddad. “Long enough to hear you spout nonsense.” “Great.” “What’s wrong with here?” Jason repeated his wife’s question. “It’s nowhere,” Skyler said lamely. “Okay,” said Jason amiably, and Skyler knew he was in trouble. An amiable Jason was a Jason with a good argument, a Jason with a plan. “You’ve been places that aren’t nowhere. When you going back?” “Huh?” “You came back here readily enough.” “You needed help.” “We didn’t need you here for two months,” Gert pointed out gently. “Although we were glad to have you.” Jason continued on his point. “Where are these somewheres that you want to be? New York? London? Seems to me that major league baseball took you all over the country. You’ve

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lived in L.A. proper and New York City. You’ve traveled all over Europe, parts of Africa, and Australia. You’ve jumped from airplanes, scaled rocky peaks, and sailed the ocean blue. Yet you’re still unsatisfied.” “And,” Gert cut in, “you’ve been happier in the last month and a half than I’ve seen you in years. With Ann.” “So, I’ll ask a different way,” Jason continued, “what are you looking for? Happiness? Contentment? Because if that’s what you want, buddy, I think it’s all wrapped up in a very beautiful, very loving package by the name of Ann Sommers.” Skyler sat, struck dumb by his grandparents’ words. Were they right? Gert reached hand to lovingly brush the hair from his face. “Think about it, my darling, and be honest with yourself.” **** “Where’s Skyler?” Will asked. Ann fought the sting in her eyes and the pull at her heart, forcing a casual shrug. “I don’t know, Will. I haven’t talked to him since last night.” “Really? Isn’t he coming?” She shrugged again. “I honestly don’t know.” Will’s scowl was huge, completely at odds with his pompadour and gold lame suit. “Can’t you call him?” She’d wanted to call him all day. Wanted to tell him that she was wrong, that she could handle it, that she could spend happy times with him until he vacated her life. But she knew it was a lie. This, however, was different. He’d become special to her students and they should be happy on their special night. That included having him present. “I’ll call him.” She walked outside and away from the building for privacy. His cell number was etched in her heart as well as stored in her own phone. He answered on the second ring. “Skyler.”

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“Are you coming tonight?” she blurted after a moment’s hesitation. A pause. “I didn’t think you’d want me there.” “It’s not for me. It’s for the kids.” “Oh.” Then, “Ann, I…” “Please come. I’ll behave, I promise.” “It’s not that. Ann, I…” “They’ve really come to care about you lately and I’d hate to see them disappointed tonight. Please come.” “Okay.” “Thank you.” He arrived fifteen minutes later. The tech crew, in particular, was relieved to see him and dragged him into the auditorium on some unknown mission. After that, Ann found it all too easy to avoid him by staying in and around the girls’ dressing room–which also happened to be her classroom. She was forced to emerge as the audience began to arrive. She was, after all, the hostess of the night and most of the faculty was in attendance on opening night. Ann stumbled upon Mrs. Pearl chatting with Gertrude. On seeing her, Gertrude pulled her into a hug. Uncharacteristically, she said nothing, only squeezed. Ann thought her heart might break. She put on her happy face and circulated the crowd. She thought she was doing well. Her act worked until the moments before the show when the cast gathered in her classroom for her pep talk. Skyler was there, hovering at the door while she stood by the chalkboard. He was all in black, from his jeans and boots to his t-shirt and leather jacket. Only his hair shone, a golden beacon she itched to tousle. But that wasn’t her right anymore. She concentrated on what she wanted to say to her kids. She was brief, struggling to be upbeat when all she wanted to do was hide and cry. She thought she’d done well until wonderful Veronica pulled her into an unexpected hug.

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“Ms. Sommers, are you okay?” she whispered in Ann’s ear. Instinctively, Ann squeezed harder, breathing in the smell of cake makeup and hair spray. She forced herself to let go with a grin. “I’m fine, sweetie. Thank you for asking, though.” Veronica left her with a worried frown, only after Ann reminded her that she was in the opening scene and the overture had already begun. She looked up to see Skyler lingering, watching her. She shook her head faintly, praying that he understood her tenuous hold on her sanity. He did. With a nod, he left. The performance was wonderful. The only mistakes were ones that she or someone in the cast would notice. The audience hadn’t a clue and didn’t care. It was a gloriously full house and she couldn’t have been happier for her kids. She spent what seemed like hours after the performance, congratulating the cast, meeting their parents and accepting congratulations. Gertrude and Jason found her and both folded her in amazingly warm hugs that nearly had her crying again. Wonderful people that they were, they didn’t even mention Skyler. That night, Jeri went home with her. She cried out her angst on her best friend’s shoulder then they compared the scene to one eleven years ago over double chocolate ice cream. Friday after school, Ann went shopping with Jeri. Her friend understood her need for distraction. They toured the mall for a few hours until it was sundown and she had to be at the theater. Skyler was on time that night and again he was surprisingly understanding in staying away from her. She would have to thank him eventually, she realized. He didn’t, after all, have to do any of this. That he did only tore her apart more. It would be so much easier if he was an asshole all the time. Saturday she spent with her parents, helping her mother in the garden and having a beer with her dad while he worked in the garage. She told her mother bits and pieces of what had happened with Skyler. Janice Sommers understood and was a welcome balm to her daughter’s

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sore heart. By Saturday—closing—night, Ann truly believed she had it all together. She could talk to him tonight. She was all right. The familiar melancholy of closing night had her cast in its grips. They were excited about the performance, but horribly sad that it was the last one. She understood. She remembered. She, too, wished that they had more than one weekend to enjoy the performance high. In her pep talk that night, she had the group thank Skyler and reminded them to thank his grandparents for donating their house for the party. Veronica was the one who gave him his gift, a baseball cap with the play logo on it. He accepted graciously and Ann could even smile at the way Veronica melted a little into his hug. The performance was over all too soon and Ann found herself headed up the familiar driveway to Skyler Ranch. The doors were flung wide to the crisp November air. Someone had procured one of the banner posters from the school grounds and hung it over the front door. The house was full to bursting by the time she arrived. A standing ovation awaited her, which she accepted with a tear. She burst into more when Paul presented her with her gift, a lovely cashmere sweater she’d had her eye on. She found Jeri in the crowd and her friend’s grin told her that she’d had a hand in the choice. What wonderful children! The next two hours were spent laughing at the video a parent had made of the show, during which Gertrude presented a buffet feast that Ann continually told her she shouldn’t have bothered over. After the food and the video, it didn’t take the kids too long to turn on the music. Not much longer and some discovered the wonders of the grounds of Skyler Ranch. “Are you going to talk to him?” Jeri asked. They stood just in the kitchen, two adults trying not to cramp the kids’ style. Skyler could just be seen in a room beyond the living room. He, Paul, Will, and Veronica had taken over the pool table there.

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“I have to. He’s actually been very good about this.” “Ann, please.” “No, really, Jeri. It’s not his fault that he doesn’t love me.” Her shrug was fatalistic. “I’m just destined to have my heart broken.” “You’re also quite the drama queen.” They laughed.

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Chapter Eleven

At two in the morning, Jeri had left and only a handful of her kids remained. Among them, Veronica and Paul. The two sat out on the porch, holding hands. Ann was sure she’d spied them kissing. A pang of regret made her wish that her young love had been that sweet. Speak of the devil, Skyler emerged from the kitchen and their eyes met. She escaped into the pool room. “Okay, you devils,” she announced to the pool players. “Time to leave Mr. and Mrs. Skyler to their peace and quiet.” The senior Skylers had long ago retired to their bedroom, on the other side of the house. Without the music, she knew they weren’t disturbed because they’d told her so, but enough was enough. Good natured complaints half-heartedly argued with her, but she managed to rout the stragglers. Paul and Veronica entered from the porch, his arm around her shoulders. They bid her goodbye and she gave Veronica an extra little squeeze. The girl blushed. Then they were alone. She shut the door then re-entered the living room. He stood in the door to the porch, gazing out at the moonlit night. “I want to thank you. For what you did for the kids. I know you didn’t have to.” He continued to stare at the night. “That’s okay. I actually enjoyed it.” “They certainly enjoyed you.” She saw his grin. “They’re a great bunch of kids.” “Yes. They are.” Now the hard part. “I also want to thank you for coming even after I…well, fell apart.” Now he faced her, a strangely still look on his face. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, Ann.” “I know that. I know. It was my own silliness. I’m sorry that I can’t control my wayward emotions.” She tried her best to distill the bitterness in her voice, but it was still there. Sadly, she turned to find her coat. “I’ll be going then.”

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“Wait. Take a walk with me.” She shook her head. “Please?” She kept her face averted as she slid her coat on. Her eyes began to burn. “I can’t.” He was there so suddenly that she jumped, backing up against the wall that divided the foyer and the living room. “Don’t leave,” he rumbled. The desperation in his voice made her look at him. The stillness was gone, replaced with an emotion that she couldn’t quite identify. “Skyler, please, don’t you understand that every minute I spend with you makes it worse?” “Does it still if I tell you that I love you?” Every blood vessel in her body froze. If her knees hadn’t been locked, she would have crumpled to the floor. “Don’t say that if you don’t mean it.” “I do.” His hands braced on the wall to either side of her shoulders. He was inches away, his scent driving her insane, but he didn’t touch her. She shook her head to scatter the hope that seized her heart. “No. You don’t. You can’t.” “I do. I love you, Ann.” “But you’re leaving.” “I don’t have to.” “No!” She snapped, coming to life to shove hard at his chest. Caught off guard, he stumbled back. “Don’t do this to me!” she hissed, pointing a finger to keep him at bay. “I live here. I’m staying here. My life is here. And this is where you don’t want to be. Don’t tell me that you do.” “That’s what I thought. That’s what I’ve been telling myself since I was fifteen.” He scraped a hand through his hair, his eyes wild, as he seemed to search the room for something. “I couldn’t stand the thought of settling down in nowheresville, getting a nine-to-five and waiting to

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die. That’s what I’d convinced myself. But when Gram told me they were moving, I actually panicked. I volunteered to come back because I had to. I couldn’t stand the thought that my last connection here was about to be gone. And then there was you.” His eyes found her face as though that’s what he’d been seeking. “You. Beautiful, incredible you. You were here reliving all that was great about being here, doing the things that had always made me feel happy and whole. I’ve been all around the world, I’ve been in the limelight, but I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than I’ve been in the past few weeks.” She stood frozen, wanting with all her heart to believe his words. Dissecting everything he said, trying to find the holes. If she gave in and she was wrong, this would kill her. She had to be certain. “I’ve tried everything I can think of in the past few days to convince myself to leave. I meant it when I said I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t want to stay knowing that my presence gave you pain.” He came back to resume his position, leaning on the wall, boxing her in. “But every time I found a reason, it turned to dust when I realized that I couldn’t touch you again.” She shook her head the tiniest bit, halting his lips’ downward progress to hers with a hand to his chest. “It could just be physical.” A ghost of a grin twitched at his lips. “I tried that. But that wouldn’t explain the fact that I felt better being at those performances, just to be near you, to see your success. It doesn’t explain why I love spending time with those kids, just because they’re your kids.” Tears welled in her eyes and she let them fall. Could she believe him? “God, Ann, I know I’ve screwed up major big time with you. But as Gram pointed out, I only seemed to hurt you when I ran away from you or denied my feelings about you.” Gently, he used one thumb to wipe a tear from her cheek. “I’m not denying them anymore, sweetheart. I love you so much it hurts and I’ll do anything you want me to do if you’ll just say you’ll let me spend the rest of my life with you.”

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Her mouth dropped open, a short whimper emitting. What was he saying?! “I haven’t gotten a ring yet, sweetheart, but I’ll go out tomorrow and get one if you say you’ll marry me.” Her heart stopped as she stared into those amazingly green eyes. She watched a single tear track its way down his cheek. “Please, honey, say something,” he whispered desperately. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

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Epilogue The play was “Chess, the Musical”. Paul played Anatoly, the Russian chess player, Will played the American and Veronica played Florence. It was a rather sophisticated play for high schoolers and Ann had worried at her choice, but her kids didn’t disappoint her. They pulled it off beautifully. Kira, a sophomore, played Paul’s wife and Ann found in her a future star as Paul, Will, and Veronica were all in their senior year. “Purple again?” Ann called up into the rafters. “Damn it woman!” Skyler shouted, forgetting himself around the minors, “get off the stage! Do you want a light to fall on you?” “Please. I’ve never been struck by a light before.” “Yeah, and you’ve never been pregnant before.” As he knew it would, the comment made her beam. Although it hardly showed yet, she was five glorious months’ pregnant with their first child. “Get off the stage, woman! You know I’m better at this than you are.” Happy, she accepted his gruffness. She went to her seat in the audience, contenting herself with watching her husband’s fine ass. “Is it always like that?” Veronica asked, smiling slightly from her seat beside her teacher. Ann smiled. She thought of their small, hometown wedding at Skyler Ranch. She thought of her wedding present, which turned out to be the ranch. She thought of the days that weren’t all milk and honey, and the nights that weren’t all fireworks and glory. She thought of the dayto-day routine of waking with Skyler then going off to work, she to school and he to the woodshop he’d taken over from his granddad. “Not always,” she admitted. Then she turned a grin to her student. “But it’s worth it.”