Fall for You (Flirting with Forever Book 4) Page 5

  “Yes. Thank you for explaining it all again. I know it’s a pain in the butt when you already had to teach it once the first time around.”

  I pat her hand. “Teaching is what I love to do, Olivia. I’m happy to help you out. You don’t have to feel badly about it at all.”

  She takes a deep breath and begins to put her biology textbook and her spiral notebook back into her backpack. “If you say so.”

  “I do. And if there’s anything you need, anything at all, you just let me know, whether it’s during tutoring or in class. I don’t want you to fall behind on the new information while we are focusing on catching you up.”

  She eyes me warily. “I’ll try my best to pay attention in class and not have this happen again.”

  I cock my head to the side, watching several different emotions flicker in her eyes. Huh. Something’s going on. I can feel it by the way she won’t look at me for more than a few seconds, in her body language, and by the way she keeps gazing around the classroom—almost like she’s remembering something. Shit. I don’t want to overstep and certainly don’t want to upset her unnecessarily on her first day of tutoring.

  Olivia boosts her backpack across her shoulders and onto her back. “I think my dad is probably waiting out front for me.”

  With a quick smile, I scoop my things up and deposit them in my school bag. “I’m on my way out. I’ll walk with you.”

  As we step outside into the chilly March air, I see that she’s right. Liam is leaning against the back of a RAV4, his phone to his ear. When he sees us approaching, he says a few last words, and then disconnects the call, sliding his phone into his back pocket.

  I approach him with slight trepidation, unsure how I’m supposed to act around him, but in the end, it’s not terribly difficult. I cross the road with Olivia and smile as I watch him hold out his arms to her for a quick hug and a kiss on the top of her head. She turns and waves at me before climbing into the passenger side of the waiting vehicle.

  Once she’s inside the vehicle, he turns back to me. We don’t say anything for a few beats, just stand there semi-uncomfortably.

  He runs his hand over his cheek before he finally asks, “So, how’d she do today?”

  Well, at least his daughter is a fairly safe area of conversation. Sort of. If you discount the part where I’m her teacher and he’s her father, and we’d fucked each other silly. Not just once but twice.

  I swallow, trying to get rid of the dry, cottonmouth sensation threatening to choke me. “She’s doing okay. We backtracked a bit and she has some work to do at home. She has the worksheets in her notebook.” I give him a tight smile. “I’m just going to address this head-on. This is pretty embarrassing for me, and I’m not sure how to handle talking to you.” I take a deep breath and blow it out sharply. “And I sure as hell don’t know how to take money from you.”

  At that, one side of his mouth quirks up. “Well, the second part, at least, is easy. You’d take payment from any other student’s parents for service rendered, wouldn’t you?” He holds a check out to me and winks.

  Oh goddamn, why does he have to grin at me like that? I feel the warmth spread through my body like a decadent chocolate fudge sauce, the kind Mom drizzles over one of her signature cakes. I glance down at my feet to hide from his penetrating, knowing gaze. This man has seen me stripped bare. He knows how I moan when he touches me just right. He knows how my legs go limp after I come.

  I close my eyes for a brief pause before I look back at him and take the check. He’s still smiling, still has that cute little dimple in his chin, still has eyes that rove over me like they see every last inch of me. Okay. Get ahold of yourself, Quinn. “I would.” I point a finger at him. “But most parents would never agree to pay what your wife offered.”

  He watches as my face falls. Yep, I said it. I brought up his wife. The woman he has a child with and lives with and makes love to at their home, in the bed they share. His wife. Heat hits my face and rolls through my body, even though it’s only about forty-five degrees outside. Internally, I’m so mortified, there’s no stopping what happens next. A faint buzzing sounds in my ears, which is the telltale sign I need to get my head down before I faint.

  Could this be any more humiliating? At the same time I drop my bag to the asphalt, I put both hands on my knees and bend forward. Liam’s hand lands on my upper back, and his head appears right next to mine. “Are you okay?”

  I try to breathe through it. I can’t believe I’m reacting this way. From my bent over position, I murmur, “Um, I just felt a little light-headed.”

  “Can I get you anything? I have water in my car.”

  I take in one cleansing breath after another, then shake my head as I stand up straight. “No. I’m okay. Look, I—”

  “She’s my ex.”

  I blink. My lips part, then snap closed. I blink again, staring into his dark brown eyes. “Oh.”

  “We should probably talk, but now is not the right time.” He glances back inside his vehicle, where Olivia, who has put in earbuds, is clearly visible, bopping her head along to the music.

  “I hope she missed that.”

  “What?”

  “Me freaking out.” I lift a hand to the side of my head, holding it. “Liam, she’s my student. I feel terrible. I didn’t realize …”

  “How could we have known? We weren’t exactly dating.” He chuckles quietly.

  I shoot him a tiny, sly grin. “That’s not what you’d call that?”

  “No. Not at all. But I think we can at least talk about how to handle this.” His eyes roam over my face, and I swear he should be able see it written plainly—I don’t want whatever this is to be over. I want there to be an us.

  But I don’t know if we can have that.

  “Don’t you think we should, Quinn?”

  As much as I want this, I can’t understand how it’s going to work. And then because I’m not fully focused, something I don’t really mean tumbles from my lips as I shrug. “What’s there to talk about? I’m her teacher. I don’t see how we get past that.”

  I regret it the instant I say it, especially when I see disappointment in Liam’s eyes. “Right.” He drops his gaze to the asphalt. “Okay, well, I guess that’s it, then.” He turns and steps into his vehicle, the door shutting with a resounding slam.

  Chapter 8

  Quinn

  After I watch Liam and Olivia depart, I drag myself over to my car, open the driver’s side door and plop down sideways onto the seat. I seriously wish I had kept my damn mouth shut. Groaning, I pull my phone out of my bag and shoot a quick text to the long-standing group chat I have with my friends.

  Me: Can anyone meet me over at Shawn’s?

  When I say Shawn’s, they know instantly something is up. I’d warned them I was doing the first tutoring session after school today.

  Madison: I’m already here. I’m just upstairs in Shawn’s apartment.

  Madison: Text me when you get here.

  Zoey: I’m still in the office. I can come when I’m done here. Just dealing with an issue right now.

  Sophia: LOL Heath and I are sitting here with Shawn already.

  Me: Well, if half the gang is already there …

  Piper: Crud. I’m cooking with Damon’s mom right now. Rain check?

  Me: No worries, I’ll fill you in later.

  Hadleigh: Oh, what’s going on? Sawyer and I are nearby. We could stop in for a few.

  Me: I have a dilemma. Relating to Liam and Olivia.

  Madison: Uh-oh. I’ll have Shawn make a pitcher of margaritas. Heading downstairs now.

  Me: That’d be wise.

  A while later, my girlfriends and I sink into the big booth in the back corner of the bar. Sawyer and Heath are still here, but when they’d spotted the look on my face, they’d wisely chosen to hang with Shawn at the bar for a little while.

  Usually, it’s my job to pour drinks for everyone, but Sophia takes over for me tonight, pulling the pitcher and cups i
n front of her. “So, tell us the deal. What’s he like?” She nudges the first drink poured over to me, and I gladly take a quick sip.

  “Um, well, we haven’t really had the chance to talk much. We’ve just had sex.” I give them a wide-eyed yikes, clamping my teeth together.

  I’m not blind. I see the silent exchanges going around the table. I may as well share the whole cannoli with them. “So, it happened the first time that night I told you about, on Hadleigh’s birthday—”

  Hadleigh gives a sharp bark of laughter. “You’ve done it more than once?”

  “Um, yeah. I stopped in at the cider mill last week.”

  Zoey exclaims, “Without us?”

  I nod my affirmation. “Yes. And yes, it happened again.”

  “Oh boy. Our girl has it bad.” Madison covers the wide grin that crosses her face with her hand.

  Wow, it feels hot in here. I pinch the fabric of my blouse between my fingers and try to use it to fan the heated skin of my chest and neck. Shaking myself, I focus on my friends instead of the hot flush of embarrassment creeping up onto my cheeks. Maybe they’ll just think it’s a nice margarita-induced flush.

  Hadleigh squints her eyes at me. “Do you know much of anything about him yet? Or is it still like a dick-and-dash situation?”

  Sophia stops, glass full of margarita midway to her mouth and has to set it back down. We each glance around the table and then can’t hold it in any longer. We burst out laughing.

  I crack a smile for the first time since I sat down. “Hadleigh, thanks for that. I haven’t felt much like laughing for several days now.” A little giggle-snort bubbles up from deep in my chest.

  She shrugs with a laugh. “Well, am I right or am I right? It was an appropriate description of the relationship.”

  I stop to wrinkle my nose and grit my teeth. “Yeah. Until all the stuff with his daughter came up, anyway. And now it’s infinitely more complex.” Playing with the condensation on my glass, I glance around, knowing this is totally my show, all eyes and ears on me. I dragged everyone here, and I don’t even know what I’m looking for, other than commiseration and possibly some support. “So, um, I did find out that the wife? She’s his ex.”

  Murmurs of “Oh, thank goodness” and “That’s a relief” hit my ears, and I don’t even know who said what, but I forge on. “I didn’t really get a chance to find out more than that. I had Olivia for tutoring after school today and once she was in the car, Liam and I talked for just a minute. I thought I was going to pass out thinking about the fact that I fucked this guy and oh my God, his poor wife and—”

  “Well, his poor wife would have been mostly his problem, not yours.” Sophia arches a brow at me.

  “Well, you know what I mean. I thought at the time that I’d unintentionally ruined this woman’s marriage and was feeling awful.”

  I lick the rim of my glass and take another sip of my drink. The girls seem to sense I’m about to spill something significant and fall silent. “My father slept around on my mom with a woman who knew he was married. Mom finally found out and kicked him out, I guess. We spoke about it a grand total of one time, but the pain he caused our family has lasted years now. I never want to be that woman, even by accident. I couldn’t live with myself if I ruined someone’s family like that.” I take a deep breath, then let it all out. “I was feeling pretty shitty and literally almost passed out over it right there in the parking lot.”

  Zoey sucks in some air. “Oh my gosh.” She puts her hand on my shoulder. “Are you sure you’re okay? What happened?”

  “I bent over and just tried to breathe. That’s when he told me Becky is his ex.” I sigh. “So, I feel a little better about that at least, but I’m still worried about the fact that his kid is my student. I just don’t know how to handle it and told him as much. I’m not sure what to do.” I frown, remembering the look in his eyes. So hurt. “I think he wants to try to figure things out, but I don’t even know how it’s possible.”

  Hadleigh winces. “I get it. Sawyer and I thought for sure we’d never get past our struggles either. Now that he’s no longer a student teacher here, everything is fine. It’s hard when you’re in the thick of it, though. I get it.” She pats my back. “Maybe there’s hope you can get past this hard part, too.”

  Sophia squeezes her eyes shut for a second, then opens them. “I hate to say this, and you know I’m totally behind you to support you however you need, but what could possibly go wrong?” Her statement oozes sarcasm. “Dating a student’s parent sounds terrifying.”

  Chapter 9

  Liam

  Well, shit. Dad of the Year over here. When I woke up this morning, I’d known it was Olivia’s birthday and had even wished her a happy birthday over a pancake breakfast. But now it occurs to me I probably should have thought about a cake or something. Do sixteen-year-olds expect birthday cakes? I’m guessing yes. Not to mention, I’m sure I’d never hear the end of it from Becky if I dropped the ball on this. Never mind the fact that, as far as I know, she has no plans to see her child today.

  I consider my options as I tap my fingers on the steering wheel. Surely, the grocery store has cakes. But damn, I feel like for her sweet sixteen it should be special, and I’m kicking myself that I didn’t think of it before now. There has to be another option.

  That’s when I remember there’s a cute little bakery right on the main drag through Newberry. I could try there first, and if it’s a bust, then I’ll hit the grocery store afterward. Decision made, I head in that direction.

  A few minutes later, I park and step out, looking at the little place I’ve seen once or twice before in passing. Meg’s Sweet Treats. Looks good to me.

  The door chime sounds as I enter. It’s a small place, has room enough for a counter and some tables up front, and I assume there’s an area in the back where the magic happens. A sweet-looking lady of about sixty-five, give or take a few years, stands behind the counter, patiently waiting for me. She offers a polite smile as I glance around the place a second time. “Can I help you?”

  Eyeing the display case, I take in all the delicious-looking desserts. There are all sorts of goodies—assorted cookies piled high next to decadent brownies, rich-looking fudge, and some really amazing little strawberry tarts. Mental note taken. I’ll have to come back here with Olivia. Maybe when she pulls that biology grade up as a little surprise. Hell, I’d bet after she gets a taste of some of this cake it could be used as a bribe. A dad has to do what he has to do sometimes, even if it means enticing the teen-monster with sweets.

  I approach the counter, pointing at the cakes, which have several slices missing. “Do you only sell your cake by the slice, or do you offer entire cakes as well?”

  “Both. We get tourists through here just looking for a treat, and our locals purchase cakes for special occasions frequently, too. What are you in need of today?”

  I give her a rueful grin. “Well, it’s my daughter’s sixteenth birthday, and I’ve conveniently forgotten until now that she’s probably expecting a cake for dessert tonight to celebrate. I was thinking about just buying a couple of cupcakes, but your cakes look fantastic.” My lips press together for a beat. “I don’t want to let her down. It’s the first year her mother isn’t available to make her a cake.”

  “Oh, I see.” She nods, knowingly.

  “I’d have tried to make one myself, but I’m just getting accustomed to cooking again. I haven’t tried my hand at baking yet.”

  Her eyes twinkle at me. “Well, I can help with that. I happen to have a few cakes in the back that haven’t been claimed today. Usually we make one or two in the morning and sell by the slice if they aren’t purchased.” She grins. “Believe it or not, you are not the first man to rush in here in dire need.” With a wink, she continues, “Now, does your daughter have a flavor preference? I have a vanilla buttercream or chocolate back there.”

  “Let’s go with the vanilla.”

  “Perfect.” She pushes the door behind her open e
nough to poke her head through and raises her voice. “Would you mind bringing out the vanilla buttercream I made this morning? I have a gentleman out here ready to purchase it.” Someone beyond the door asks her something I can’t hear. “No, I have a box up here. I’ll get it ready.”

  Just then, to my surprise, a woman who is having her wedding at my cider mill this spring comes in hand in hand with a little girl who looks to be about five or six years old. I’m still not used to living in a small town. Apparently, you run into people you know absolutely everywhere.

  The bakery owner smiles at her and waves. “Well, if it isn’t Sophia and Ava! Nice to see the two of you.”

  “Hi, Meg! You gots a strawberry tart for me?” The girl wrinkles her tiny nose and gives the baker a semi-toothless grin.

  “I sure do, sweet angel. Give me just one second while I help this nice man purchase a cake, okay?”

  I chuckle at the whole exchange, which draws Sophia’s attention. “Oh. Um, hi, Liam.” Her eyes dart around the room strangely, like she’s nervous all of a sudden.

  Frowning inwardly, I smile outwardly while wondering what the problem is. “Hi, Sophia.” I nod at the pint-sized girl at her side. “Is this Heath’s daughter?”

  “Yep. Our little flower girl.” She leans down to kiss the side of Ava’s head before her eyes flick from me to the door behind the counter.

  Just as I follow her gaze, the door pops open, and a woman backs out and turns, my cake in her hands.

  My jaw drops. “Oh.” Well, now I know why Sophia was acting like that. She and Quinn are friends … and I sure as hell wasn’t expecting to see Quinn here, regardless of the size of the town. I would also bet that Sophia is aware of the issue brewing between me and Quinn.

  Quinn blinks, then carefully sets the cake down on the counter. “Liam, hi. What are you doing here?” Her voice sounds a little breathy and nervous.