Читать книгу Charade: Impetuous / Outrageous - Lori Foster - Страница 10

Chapter Three

“YOU CAN’T TELL anyone I was at the party.”

Brenda tugged Carlie through the kitchen door and then quickly shut it. “I wondered all night what happened to you. Where did you go? Why did you leave so soon? I thought for sure you were going to enjoy yourself.”

Wincing, Carlie gave Brenda an apologetic look. She had enjoyed herself, all right, just not the way Brenda had expected. She pulled out a chair at the round wooden table and slumped into it. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I’m sorry.”

“So what happened? Why did you run off?”

Hesitating, Carlie tried to decide how much to tell her friend. It wouldn’t be the whole truth, that was for certain. Somehow, the night seemed...magical, something she could tuck away and keep to herself. She couldn’t share it, not even with Brenda. But she had to tell her something....

“Brenda...I felt really foolish...in the costume. Maybe if I hadn’t been wearing something so...”

“Sexy?”

Carlie spared her friend a quick look, and saw Brenda was smiling. “Yeah, well, maybe. I just couldn’t face all those people looking like that.”

“I’m sorry I pushed, Carlie. I just wanted you to realize how attractive you are. Those damn baggy suits you wear make you look fat.” Brenda pursed her lips, then idly traced the wood grain in the table with a fingertip. “Tyler noticed you.”

Carlie felt her heartbeat race. “I... Did he say something to you?”

“He asked who you were.”

“You didn’t tell him!” Carlie nearly choked on her embarrassment, waiting for Brenda’s reply.

“No. I just told him you were a guest.” Then she patted Carlie’s arm. “Hey, calm down. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if Tyler took a liking to you. You have to admit, he’s gorgeous.”

Oh, yeah, he was gorgeous. Carlie licked her lips, then said carefully, “He, ah, approached me.”

“He did?”

“Yes.” Carlie cleared her throat, then immediately launched into her rehearsed story. “We talked for a while. In, ah, the pool house.”

When Brenda’s eyes widened, Carlie reminded her, “It was raining, remember? And we went inside to stay dry. He, well, he was attracted to me.”

“No kidding?”

Carlie hated the note of fascination in her friend’s tone. She also hated lying to her, but she didn’t see any way around it. Brenda leaned forward. “So, what happened?”

Carlie shrugged. “He didn’t recognize me.”

“Well, of course he didn’t! He’s used to seeing you looking like this!” Brenda indicated Carlie’s dark, frumpy suit. With her honey blond hair in a tight braid and a pair of glasses perched on her nose, she looked nothing like the harem girl of the night before.

“This isn’t funny, Brenda!” Carlie felt like strangling her. “And you can’t ever tell him, either. I don’t want him to know it was me he was...flirting with.”

Brenda looked skeptical. “Ah, Carlie, don’t you think—”

Whatever Brenda was going to say was cut off by a loud voice from the living room. Seconds later, Jason and Tyler strode into the kitchen. Carlie stiffened, all her defenses jerking into place. But her face remained impassive. Almost painfully so. There was absolutely no way she would let Tyler know she was the woman he’d spent the night with. She didn’t even want to think about how mortifying that would be.

Brenda didn’t miss a beat after shooting Carlie an I’m-not-responsible-for-this look. “I thought you fellas were going fishing. What happened?”

Tyler reached Brenda first. He leaned down and lifted her from her chair, giving her a tight bear hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Brenda’s face turned pink. “What did I do to deserve that?”

Tyler’s smile was so warm and sincere, Carlie had to look away. “You invited me to your party.” Then he added softly, “Thanks.”

Jason shook his head, and Carlie had the horrifying suspicion that Tyler had confided to him what had happened. Don’t blush, don’t blush! She glanced at Jason, but he was looking at his wife.

Leaning down, he kissed Brenda, then nodded briefly to Carlie. “The fish weren’t biting and it’s damned cold out there. Besides, Tyler can’t seem to sit still today.”

Tyler pulled out a chair and straddled it, crossing his arms over the chair back. “Could I have some coffee, Bren? Then I need to talk to you.” He glanced at Carlie, and smiled. “Hi. Ah, Carlie, isn’t it?”

“Hello.” Carlie mentally applauded her calm response. She was more than a little surprised Tyler remembered her name. She prayed it was all he remembered. And then she looked at him, and despite herself, she remembered lying beside him in the pool house, remembered that magnificent body of his leaning toward her... She looked away, trying to collect her thoughts. Good looks only took a person so far, and from what she knew of Tyler, his had taken him around the block more than a few times. Last night had been a milestone in her life; to Tyler, it had probably been no more than a good time.

Carlie breathed a sigh of relief when she realized he hadn’t connected her to the party. His expression had been friendly, nothing more. Already he was ignoring her, dismissing her easily.

“I’ll have the coffee ready in just a minute.” Brenda was grinning affectionately at Tyler, obviously more than pleased to cater to him.

Tyler tapped his fingers on the table with an excess of energy. His gaze took a turn around the room, then settled on Carlie again. “So. What are you ladies up to today?”

She felt her heart flutter and color rise to her cheeks. Carlie wanted to smack herself. Enough was enough. She would not be an idiot around this man. She composed her features and met his look squarely. “We were talking about the new sports program I’m working on for the school.” She paused, then decided to elaborate. “It’s a way to help the kids who have trouble socializing. They’re not bad kids but they just aren’t sure how to conduct themselves with their peers. They need guidance and a chance to interact, with supervision. If they’re playing a sport, they’ll be getting exercise, burning off energy and learning to work together. I think the program will go over pretty good. I thought I’d try basketball first. The kids have to play together, but since it’s not really a contact sport, tussles ought to be kept to a minimum. Brenda and I were just discussing how great it is that Jason has agreed to be an instructor.”

Tyler listened, his eyes intent on Carlie’s face, watching her so closely she felt herself near to blushing again. “Sounds like you really care about these kids.”

His tone was soft, almost disbelieving, and Carlie stiffened. “Of course I do. I care very much about all my students.”

Tyler rubbed his chin, still watching her. “And you really think you can make a difference?”

Carlie leaned back in her chair, forgetting her embarrassment, forgetting last night. The gall of the man, to question her like this! With her hands in fists, she replied, “I’ll certainly do my best to. At least I’m trying to do something to help.”

Jason looked at Carlie, then Tyler. A smile appeared. “I, ah, suppose I should tell you something, Carlie. I won’t be able to help you, after all. Some things came up at the office.” His grin widened, and he shrugged. “I talked to Tyler this morning, and he agreed to do the project with you, instead.”

Carlie closed her eyes for a heartbeat, praying she hadn’t heard that. But when she opened her eyes, Tyler was still watching her, his smile now smug.

She cleared her throat and shoved her glasses needlessly up the bridge of her nose. “I don’t know, Jason.” What excuse could she use after practically challenging the man to help? “Maybe that wouldn’t be a good idea.”

It was Tyler who answered her. “Why not?”

Floundering, she racked her brain, but couldn’t come up with a valid reason. “You understand, it will be three or four nights a week? And we need someone who will set a good example for the kids. Someone patient.”

Tyler raised his eyebrow, looking affronted. “I’d be a good example. Hell, I’m a lawyer, same as Jason. I’ve been to college. I’m articulate.”

“You’re even housebroken,” Brenda added, seeming to enjoy the situation.

He nodded. “Damn right.” Then to Carlie, “You see? I’ll be perfect for the job.”

“But...” The truth was, she simply didn’t want to work with Tyler. Not now, not after last night. “I don’t know. Have you ever worked with kids? And remember, these kids can be a little...difficult.”

Jason interrupted. “Tyler should understand them on a gut level, because he was always damned difficult, too.”

Tyler laughed. “So it’s settled. When do we start?”

Carlie stood with as much aplomb as she could muster. Tyler’s eyes drifted over her body, almost out of habit, it seemed, but there was no sign of recognition in his expression. It rankled, even while she prayed he wouldn’t make the connection. She tugged at the bottom of her tailored suit coat, smoothing it over her slacks. Then she used a tactic that had worked with many rebellious students. She deliberately looked down her nose at him. “I’ll have to let you know.”

Tyler merely nodded. “You do that.”

Brenda rushed forward to give Carlie a hug. “Give me a call later. Promise?”

“Of course. And thanks for the company, Bren. See ya’ later, Jason.” She ignored Tyler, not feeling the least bit guilty about it, and exited the room, her back stiff, her tight braid pulling at her temples. She wasn’t entirely out of the house when she heard Tyler say, “That has to be the prickliest woman I’ve ever met. I got the distinct impression she didn’t like me. Can you imagine?”

Jason’s laugh was sharp. “Unheard of, isn’t it?”

There was a shrug in his tone when Tyler replied, “There’s just no figuring some women.”

Carlie allowed the door to slam just a bit too hard behind her.

* * *

It was a very neat, utilitarian office. Carlie was surprised at how functional each piece of furniture was, with only a modicum of necessary decorations. The walls were beige, the carpet a swirling mixture of blues and creams. The sofa and two chairs were upholstered in a rough nubby fabric of a deep blue, and the wooden end tables were light oak. It was a comfortable room, without any indication of Tyler’s personal style, which she’d assumed to be rather flamboyant.

The office door opened and Tyler stepped out, accompanied by the secretary who had first greeted Carlie. His smile was warm, a natural smile that Carlie knew he bestowed on almost every female he encountered. Beyond him, she could see into his office, and noticed his desk strewn with papers and files. Suddenly, she realized how disruptive, and presumptuous, her visit was, but she also knew if she hadn’t come today, she wouldn’t have come at all. Brenda had told her he’d been asking about the harem girl from the party. He wanted to know who she was.

Carlie hoped he would eventually give up and forget about that night...but then, she also knew how badly it would hurt her if he was able to do just that.

Lately, she felt awfully confused.

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting, Carlie. I didn’t realize it was you. I’m not familiar with the name McDaniels.”

Of course, he wouldn’t be. Carlie took his hand. Very briefly. “I hope I’m not interrupting. I can see you’re busy. I just wanted to stop by and tell you I’d like to accept your offer of assistance for our new sports program.” She was rushing through her words, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. She’d spent three days stewing over what to do, and finally decided that her personal embarrassment had to take a back seat to the kids’ problems. She was the only one who knew she had reason to be embarrassed, and since no one else had agreed to help, Tyler was her only option.

“We hope to start next week, so I wanted to drop off the material I’ve put together. You might want to look it over before meeting the children.”

Tyler accepted the papers she thrust toward him, then motioned her into his office. “Come on in and have a seat.”

“I don’t want to take up too much of your time.” And she wanted to get away from him as quickly as possible.

He lifted one shoulder in an exaggerated shrug. “I needed a break, anyway.”

Carlie followed him into his office and sat on the edge of a straight-back, narrow leather chair. Tyler went behind his desk, seating himself with all the officious attitude of any good lawyer.

After skimming through the papers she’d given him, he looked at her again. “You’re very thorough.”

She blushed and she hated herself for it. “It’s just a basic overview of the children who will begin in the program. I thought it would help if you knew what kind of problem each child was having and what their backgrounds were like. The idea is that any child who collects more than three after-school detentions or in-school suspensions will have the choice of joining the team or having their misconduct shown in their grades. Of course, if they choose to join the team, they’ll have to contribute wholeheartedly and follow instructions to the letter. In other words, they’ll have to work together and get along. They’ll have to accept that rules have a purpose, and everyone has to follow them. The program had been used in several schools. So far, it’s been very promising.”

Tyler nodded, then gave her another of his intent, probing stares. “How many children will we be starting with?”

Carlie cleared her throat and looked away. She let her eyes roam around his office while she spoke, pretending an interest in his bookshelves, but really trying to avoid his stare. “The list I’ve given you has nine kids. Of course, that number can change daily. And the children will be released from their obligation whenever they show an improved attitude toward school. But no child will ever be forced to quit the team.”

“Will we get to compete against other teams?”

Carlie didn’t answer right away. Tyler’s genuine interest amazed and confused her. She had half expected him to give only a show of concern. But he was studying the list, all signs of the womanizer gone while he perused her notes. She was looking at the top of his head, at how thick and dark his hair was, how it curled just the tiniest bit. He glanced up and caught her staring. At his hair for crying out loud.

He ran his fingers through it negligently. “What’s the matter? Have I sprung a streak of gray?”

Carlie folded her arms defensively. “No, I...no. I was just thinking.”

Tyler laid the file down, once again giving her his full attention. “About what?”

“About...whether or not we’d be playing other schools, of course,” she said quickly. Then, taking a deep breath, she continued. “I don’t believe so, at least not at first. If after a time the team shapes up, that would be entirely your decision how far to carry it.” Carlie forced herself to stare at him directly, though she felt a faint blush on her cheeks.

Tyler smiled at her again, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands across his stomach. “You have the most unusual eyes. Very intense. Especially now, while we’re talking about the children. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen that exact shade of hazel.”

She stiffened. “Thank you, but I don’t think the color of my eyes has any bearing on this program.”

“It was just an observation.”

He was still leaning back in his chair, his posture relaxed, his gaze lazy, and Carlie realized he was deliberately provoking her. She decided not to oblige him. She came to her feet, still holding his gaze, and stared down at him. “Personal observations aside, do you have anything else you’d like to discuss?”

Carlie watched as he struggled to stifle his amusement. He stood behind his desk, his dark eyes warm and smiling. Then, leisurely, he began looking her over. She tolerated his perusal, trying to keep her expression blank, even while her pulse raced and her palms grew damp. She was well aware of what she looked like. Her suit was a deep, dark green, almost brown, and it was cut in straight lines, effectively hiding any signs of her figure.

“You’re tall for a woman.”

What an inane comment. But true. Carlie’s head was just about even with his nose, and she was wearing flats. She glanced down at her shoes when he did. They were ugly, round-toed, and extremely comfortable.

She drew on disdain to hide her sudden discomfort. “If you don’t have any other questions about the program, I’ll be on my way. I wouldn’t want to keep you from anything...important.” She turned, and headed for the door without another word.

Tyler came around his desk and stepped in front of her, blocking her exit. He wasn’t grinning now, but she could still see the humor in his eyes. “Forgive me, Carlie. I didn’t mean to be rude.” Before she could reply, he lifted the folder in his hand. “May I keep this?”

She watched him warily. His apology sounded genuine, but she still felt he was laughing at her. She gritted her teeth, wishing she could rid her mind of intimate thoughts concerning Tyler Ramsey. She hadn’t thought of a man that way in a very long time.

She was determined to stop right now. She didn’t return his smile, or acknowledge his apology. “Of course. I have my own copy.”

Tyler gave her an amused, mischievous grin, almost as if he’d read her thoughts. “Excellent. When do we start?”

“How soon can you start? I’ll send home the notices to the parents as soon as you give me a schedule that suits you.”

“Tell you what. Let me check things over and I’ll get back to you tomorrow. What time do you leave the school?”

Carlie hesitated. “Around four.”

“I’ll come by then. Maybe we could go somewhere and work out a schedule that will suit us both.” He indicated his cluttered desk. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the time right now to take care of it.”

“I...” Carlie mentally scurried for excuses. She did not want to go anywhere with Tyler Ramsey. The man had a chaotic effect on her senses. He had only to smile at her, and memories came rushing back, so intense, so powerful, that her stomach clenched and her nerve endings rioted. She hoped her thoughts of him would fade with time; she hoped she could eventually forget him completely.

It wouldn’t happen today. Though she hated to admit it, even to herself, he rattled her as few people could. But she refused to be a coward about the situation. The best way to deal with a problem was to face it head-on, she reminded herself. Summoning a bland smile, she nodded. “That would be fine, Tyler. Thank you.”

* * *

She was standing at her desk, stacking papers, when Tyler walked in. Her door was open, so he took a moment to simply look at her. Dressed in another of her prim, spinsterish outfits, her hair pulled back in a braid, she looked like the epitome of the perfect schoolmarm. And she was humming softly.

He felt something shift inside him. Never in his own school days could he remember a teacher like her, someone who actually wanted to help. He’d always thought of Carlie as simply Brenda’s friend, a little odd, a lot frumpy, but nice enough.

Now he had to look at her with new respect.

Raising a hand, he gave two sharp knocks on the open door. She jerked, looking up with wide eyes and peering at him through the lenses of her glasses.

“They told me at the office where I could find you.” He stepped in, looking around the room with interest. “Very nice.”

She smiled with an obvious touch of pride. “Thank you. I try to make the classroom nice. It should be a comfortable place to be, an easy place to be. Do you know what I mean?”

Strangely enough, he did. The room was decorated in bright colors with plenty of the children’s artwork hanging on the walls. It was a thought-provoking room. He walked toward a workstation that was filled with hands-on activities. There were dominoes, rubber stamps and numerous math games. The room gave an overall appearance of bustling activity. He smiled at her, seeing that she was watching him cautiously. “You like to teach.”

She straightened. “Yes. And I’m good at it. Children respond well to me.”

She could be so damned bristly, with no real provocation. “I’m sure you are. You’re authoritative, but gently so. Children wouldn’t be afraid of you.”

Lowering her eyebrows, she gave him a ferocious look, as if she didn’t trust the sincerity of his words. He smiled back, and waited.

Finally, she nodded. “No child should ever be afraid. Certainly not of their teacher. I do my best to make sure they’re at ease, to let them know they can talk to me if they need to.”

Tyler turned away. He didn’t want her to see how she affected him. He could still remember being a kid himself, feeling defensive and hurt because his dad wasn’t around, and his mother couldn’t be bothered. His teachers hadn’t cared about a kid with problems. Their idea of understanding was to send him to the office whenever he upset their lessons.

He certainly hadn’t had a teacher like Carlie.

“What is it, Tyler? What’s wrong?”

Her perception was uncanny. He realized he was holding a math paper one student had left on a desk, and he slowly laid it down and turned to her. “I have the greatest respect for teachers. For anyone having a gift with children. There are too many people out there who don’t care about kids, even their own.”

He knew he shouldn’t have said so much the minute the words were out of his mouth. Carlie was scrutinizing him carefully. He shook his head and wandered around the room, surveying all the desks, laughing when he saw one that was overflowing with old papers. He straightened a chair, centered a book, replaced a pencil that had fallen on the floor.

Carlie began helping him tidy up. “The children may like me, but they’re always in a hurry to leave when the bell rings.” She indicated the disheveled desks. “They tend to be a little sloppy at times.”

Tyler refocused on her. “Do you have children of your own?” He discovered he was suddenly very interested in her.

“No.”

Just that one curt word. He crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re not married?”

“Mr. Ramsey...”

He smiled. “Do you want children of your own someday?”

Lowering her gaze, she ignored his question and pulled her purse from beneath her desk. “We’d better be going. I have tests to grade tonight and lessons to prepare for the morning.”

He accepted her change of subject without comment, and motioned for her to lead the way. They’d be spending a lot of time together, several nights a week. He’d get to know her better, and she would eventually warm up to him.

That thought brought with it images of another woman, a woman who had warmed up to him, only to leave him. He still felt irritated when he thought of how he’d woken up alone, a stupid smile on his face. But even then, he hadn’t considered that was the end of it. He’d assumed he’d find out who she was from Brenda, then have the pleasure of getting to know his harem girl better.

But Brenda said the woman didn’t want to be identified, and short of telling her why he wanted to know, he couldn’t very well demand the mystery woman’s name. But he hated the thought he might never see her again, and he hated even more that the night had evidently meant so little to her. It had been special to him, a night to cherish.

And the woman didn’t want anything to do with him.

Carlie was halfway to the door when Tyler caught up with her, automatically taking her arm. “Let’s take my car, and I’ll bring you back here when we’re finished.”

“I’d prefer to drive.”

Bristly. She was stiff, her arm rigid in his grasp. He had the distinct notion she resented his touch, though he hadn’t a clue why. He was getting a little disgruntled with female rejection, and the question came out a little sharper than he’d intended. “Why?”

She didn’t look at him, but he saw her pull her bottom lip between her teeth. She had a nice profile, he realized, and the lip she was punishing was soft and full. Then she nodded. “Very well. You may drive.”