Love isn’t always what it seems in these two timeless tales from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster

IMPETUOUS

When grade school teacher Carlie McDaniels trades in her frumpiness for an exotic harem girl Halloween costume, it’s so long, spinsterhood—and hello, tall, dark and handsome Tyler Ramsey. But even after the best night of their lives, Tyler hasn’t guessed the identity of his harem hottie…and Carlie plans on keeping him in the dark. After all, a gorgeous guy like Tyler would never fall for his smart-talking best friend. And Carlie’s not sure what would happen if he ever unveiled the naked truth!

OUTRAGEOUS

Judd Sanders couldn’t believe it when the beautiful, wide-eyed woman he’d rescued from some drunk hoodlums started poking her gorgeous little nose into his business. She was obviously a menace to herself—not to mention to his libido. Worse, she’d blow his cover. For little did Emily Cooper know that Judd was really a cop—whose feelings for Emily left him a little too uncovered for his liking.

Praise for New York Times bestselling author

LORI FOSTER

“Count on Lori Foster for edgy, sexy romance.”

—New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz on No Limits

“Emotionally spellbinding and wicked hot.”

—New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh on No Limits

“Storytelling at its best! Lori Foster should be on everyone’s auto-buy list.”

—#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon on No Limits

“Foster’s writing satisfies all appetites with plenty of searing sexual tension and page-turning action in this steamy, edgy, and surprisingly tender novel.”

—Publishers Weekly on Getting Rowdy

“Foster hits every note (or power chord) of the true alpha male hero.”

—Publishers Weekly on Bare It All

“A sexy, believable roller coaster of action and romance.”

—Kirkus Reviews on Run the Risk

“Foster rounds out her searing trilogy with a story that tilts toward the sizzling and sexy side of the genre.”

—RT Book Reviews on Savor the Danger

“Steamy, edgy, and taut.”

—Library Journal on When You Dare

Charade

Impetuous

Outrageous

Lori Foster

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Table of Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Praise

Title Page

Dear Reader

Impetuous

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Outrageous

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Extract

Copyright

Dear Reader,

I very much hope you enjoy this 2-in-1 reissue that includes the first two stories that started my writing career, Impetuous and Outrageous. As you read them, please keep in mind that these originally came out in 1995 and 1997. I hope you find that they withstand the test of time!

Although I now write many connected stories, both of these stories stand alone.

You can see all my books with their new and original covers, and a brief description, on my website at www.lorifoster.com/bookshelf.

All my best,

www.LoriFoster.com

Impetuous

Lori Foster

Chapter One

“YOU CAN’T BE a coward forever.”

Carlie chuckled, despite her nervousness. “Quit pushing, Bren. You’re not going to provoke me into rushing out into the party dressed like this.”

“Rushing? You’re already ten minutes late.” She had parked in the back of the house, away from the main flow of human traffic entering the party. Small, twinkling lights surrounded the pool and pool house, even though the weather was too brisk for swimming.

“And that’s your fault. What were you thinking, to pick me a costume that was so...so...” Carlie couldn’t quite find the words to describe the skimpy harem outfit her best friend had chosen for her. If she had to go to Brenda’s stupid Halloween party at all, she would have preferred to be a pumpkin or a witch. Anything that was less revealing.

“So...what? You look fantastic. What’s wrong with that? I want you to have fun tonight. I want you to loosen up a little and try socializing. Talk to people.”

“You mean men, don’t you?” Carlie shook her head. “I’m not a hermit, Bren. I have my students and more than enough school activities to keep me busy.” Then she glanced down at herself. “What were you thinking?”

“You said you didn’t have time to pick out an outfit yourself.” Brenda lifted one shoulder in a halfhearted shrug. “Besides, you make a very sexy harem girl. All the single men here tonight will drool. It’ll do you good to realize how attractive you can be when you aren’t hiding behind those hideous suits.”

Carlie winced. She was feeling far from attractive. Exhibited, displayed and downright exposed was more accurate. She was pretty certain she looked ridiculous more than anything else. “Which single men, exactly, did you invite?”

Brenda waved her hand in dismissal. “You’ve met almost everyone, I think. Some of Jason’s associates, a few neighbors, friends...Tyler.”

Carlie went perfectly still for a heartbeat, then frowned at Brenda. “Tyler Ramsey at a costume party? I didn’t think your notorious brother-in-law would bother with something so—”

“Don’t make fun of my party, Carlie.”

“I wasn’t. I just thought fancy banquets were more his speed.” Carlie couldn’t imagine Tyler dressed in a costume. He always seemed so...suave. And he always had a very sophisticated, very elegant woman on his arm.

“Tyler came because Jason asked him, and he would never let his brother down. You know how close they are.” Brenda shook her head and added, “You know, you and Tyler actually have a few things in common.”

Carlie turned away. “You’re dreaming, Bren. We live in different worlds.”

“You just don’t understand Tyler. He had it pretty rough growing up, too.” Then she touched Carlie’s arm. “But at least Jason was always there for him.”

“My brother had his own life,” Carlie said. “And he was right, my problems were my own.”

“Jason would never turn Tyler away if he needed help.”

“Jason’s a terrific guy. But he and Tyler are nothing alike.”

“Not now, maybe, but they used to be,” Brenda said with a grin. “But then, Jason met me. I think Tyler will be the same. When he finds someone he cares about...”

Carlie narrowed her eyes and stiffened her shoulders. “That will be a little hard for him to do when his relationships rarely last long enough to get to know a woman.”

Brenda stared at Carlie, her eyebrows raised. “You seem to be keeping pretty close track of my young brother-in-law.”

“He’s not that young.” But Carlie flushed at being caught. “I mean, he’s a grown man. He must be in his early thirties...oh, never mind.”

“Tyler’s a good guy, Carlie. He may change dates a lot, but that’s because the women he usually hooks up with are only impressed by his status in the community and his expanding financial portfolio. Tyler thinks he wants a no-strings attachment, but he’s never satisfied with it.”

Carlie had a feeling it was Tyler’s looks and outrageous charm that really attracted women, but she kept her mouth shut. She certainly didn’t want Brenda to get the idea she had a crush on Tyler Ramsey.

Good grief. A crush! No, she didn’t. Certainly not.

Carlie was shaking her head at her errant thoughts, even as she said, “You don’t have to defend Tyler to me, Bren. What he does is no concern of mine.”

“Fine. Then if you’re done stalling, can we get back to the party now? I think it’s about to rain.”

Carlie glanced up at the dark sky and smelled the moisture thick in the air. “You go on, Bren. I think I’ll just wait a few more minutes.”

Brenda hesitated, then she nodded. “Don’t be too long.”

Too long? Carlie wondered if another hour or so would be too long. She truly didn’t relish the idea of going inside, not that anyone would recognize her. Dressed so differently, no one would see her as Carlie McDaniels, grade-school teacher and spinster extraordinaire. Her persona this evening was as far from her usual self as a woman could get. Even her hair and eyes were different, thanks to the wig that came with the costume, and the colored contacts she was wearing.

She was a coward, true, but it had been two long years since her divorce, and though that had been enough time for her to gain her independence and put some order to her life, it hadn’t been time enough to repair her confidence in herself as a woman. Brenda claimed Carlie was attractive and appealing. Carlie’s ex had made an entirely different claim.

Shivering, she forced her mind away from the disturbing memories, mustered her courage and started toward the door. She could make Brenda happy by mingling for an hour or so, then she could make her escape. The thought of her small, tidy, empty house seemed very nice all of a sudden.

* * *

Tyler Ramsey hated parties.

Looking around in mild amusement, he tried not to appear bored. Everything was the same—the ritual, the games. There were several women, alone and obviously on the hunt, who had been eyeing him since he’d entered. A Cleopatra, an elf, an Indian maiden—they all were playing their phoney roles to the hilt. They were drawn to his reputation, he knew. The funny part was, most of it wasn’t even true.

Turning away, he wondered why he’d allowed Brenda to talk him into coming. True, he’d been bored for a while, at loose ends with himself. He needed a spark; he needed someone who could make him laugh.

His brother laughed a lot these days.

Not that Tyler wanted to settle down. He hadn’t met a woman yet with whom he could consider spending the rest of his life. Jason was lucky to have found Brenda; she was the best. But women like her were rare. Glancing around the room again, Tyler realized just what a find Brenda was. The house was filled with females, but none of them held his attention. They were all...the same. Laughing, flirting, drinking. They stood poised to best advantage, their gestures predictable.

He’d been told more than once now how dashing he looked in his pirate costume. Everyone knew it was him. He wasn’t wearing makeup as some of the other guests did. His only concession was an eye patch, worn rakishly over his left eye. A billowing white shirt that he found extremely comfortable, and tight black trousers completed the costume. His belt—wide, with a huge brass buckle— held a scabbard, with a sword resting inside it. His black boots came to his knees.

He sat in a chair, observing the crowd dispassionately. Immediately, a blond Valkyrie, brass breastplate shining in the glow of party lights, came to perch on his knee, and gave him a sly smile. He recognized that smile. It belonged to his ex-companion, Valerie. It was a smile that signaled her intent, and he used to respond to it appropriately. All he felt now was irritation. She leaned close, and he forced a polite expression to his features. They’d shared something brief, and by her insistence, with no strings attached. The outcome had been predictable.

She’d wanted a man who knew the score, who could afford the best, who moved in certain circles—her circles. She liked his sports car, his professional connections, and sex. In that order.

And he’d needed someone to help him fill his time, to give him something to think about other than his legal cases and the fact that his personal life was basically...empty. But it was over.

He knew it. Why didn’t she?

“Don’t you recognize me, Tyler?”

There was no place to put his hands, so he rested one on her back, the other on her naked thigh. “Of course. You’re a beautiful Norse goddess.” His legendary innate charm surfaced through his impatience.

Valerie chuckled throatily. “You make a very believable pirate. Have you made any plans to plunder the party and steal away with female captives?”

He didn’t feel like playing, so he conjured the lie without hesitation. “Actually, sweetheart, I have.”

She pouted, and ran her fingers through his hair. “You look so dashing, Tyler.”

He barely restrained himself from rolling his eyes. He thought of going home to his empty house—and the thought no longer seemed so unappealing.

He glanced up, and saw his sister-in-law, Brenda, standing by the kitchen door, talking with a man dressed as a Roman general. Tyler was just deciding to go home and nurse his discontent in the privacy of his own home, when Brenda turned toward the kitchen with an expectant look on her face. She gave a wide smile, and the Roman nearly dropped his glass of liquor.

Tyler felt anticipation for the first time that night. He stared, waiting. Brenda suddenly appeared to be very delighted, and he wondered why. She seemed every bit as impish as the fairy she was dressed to be.

Slowly disengaging himself from Valerie’s clinging hold, Tyler stood, his curiosity swelling. He was so intent on watching Brenda, he didn’t hear Valerie’s complaints. His eyes were glued to the kitchen doorway.

And then he saw her.

His knees locked and he felt his thighs tense. The woman stood uncertainly by Brenda, apparently oblivious to the stares she was drawing. She was magnificent.

Long, dark curly hair fell to her shoulders, and her costume left little to the imagination. Lush, was the first thought to come to mind.

She wasn’t slim, but her curves were in all the right places. Her long legs were beautifully shaped, lightly muscled, teasingly displayed in the wispy, transparent harem pants. Her waist was trim, her navel a soft shadow in the gentle swell of her belly. Her shoulders, straight and broad for a woman, were held proudly, despite her obvious reluctance, and her pale breasts were very full, firm and high. She was wearing an ornate mask, that covered her face from her nose to her hairline. He didn’t care.

She bent and whispered something in Brenda’s ear. Brenda lost her smile, and looked around the room as if seeking encouragement. Her eyes passed over Tyler, then seeing his rapt stare, she turned to the harem girl. Her eyes soon followed.

He caught her gaze, literally. Even from the distance that separated them, Tyler could feel her nervousness. She seemed startled by his awareness, and displeased. She was poised for flight.

He didn’t smile. He pulled off his eye patch and started toward her. She seemed unable to move, her eyes widening. As he came closer, he saw that she was very pale and that her eyes were a startling, unnatural shade of vivid blue. Contacts? As part of her costume?

He was intrigued.

With only a few feet separating them, he was pulled to an abrupt stop by Valerie.

He glanced at Valerie with stark impatience. “I have to go.”

“Tyler, wait! I wanted to talk to you.” Her hand slid up his arm to grip his shirt. Her voice lowered to a purr. “I need a date tomorrow. For a banquet. It will be...fun.”

He didn’t have time for this. Valerie always came around when she wanted something from him. He had no doubt she needed him to gain entrée into the charity banquet. With plates going at a thousand dollars apiece, she knew there would be influential people there.

He wasn’t interested.

Shaking his head, he turned back toward the woman in the harem costume...but she was gone. He moved to the kitchen in time to see her ducking out the back door. A hundred thoughts flew through his mind.

She was exquisite, exciting, and she was evidently running. From him?

He didn’t want to lose sight of her, didn’t want to take the chance that he wouldn’t be able to find her again later. It was ridiculous, really, the urgency he felt, but he acted on it, anyway.

Brenda caught his arm as he tried to go past her.

“Tyler!” Her grip was firm, effectively stopping him. “Aren’t you going to say hi?”

“What?” His question was a bark, filled with impatience.

Brenda stared at him. “What’s the matter with you?”

“Who was she?”

Her eyebrows arching, Brenda looked behind her. “Oh...just one of the guests.”

Tyler narrowed his eyes. “She’s leaving already?”

“No, she...” Brenda shook her head. “She’s a little shy. I had to talk her into coming tonight and now she’s having second thoughts.”

“I think I’ll go get some fresh air.”

Her smile slipping, Brenda seemed startled by his abrupt statement. “It’s starting to rain, Tyler. Why would you...?”

Starting to walk away, but at a more reasonable pace, he said, “Don’t worry about it, Brenda. I promise not to track in any mud.” Then he stepped out the back door and peered through the cloudy night, trying to catch sight of her. A lighted path led to the pool house, and more lights, in an array of party colors, circled the small building. Through the smattering of raindrops falling on his face, Tyler was able to see a flash of movement. Ignoring the rain, he followed.

His heart was hammering heavily, his stride rapid on the wet flagstone walk. His muscles were so tight, his movements seemed rough and jerky. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so anxious to meet a woman.

Impatience and anticipation were riding him, and he forced himself to stop outside the door of the small house. He tilted his head back, letting the rain cool his face. He was overreacting. She was only a woman, after all, he told himself.

But then he remembered her wide, startled eyes and felt his stomach clench.

He put his hand on the doorknob, half expecting it to be locked. It opened silently, allowing the muted sounds of the party to intrude.

Colored light filtered through the windows in diminished shades, elongating shadows and playing over various forms and furnishings. He gave his eyes a moment to adjust to the dim interior, and then he saw her.

She had been standing turned away from him, one hand pressed to her forehead, the other knotted at her side. But when the door closed with a soft click behind him, she jerked, then swung around to face him. Her hand fluttered to her chest and she took a hasty step backward, then halted, staring.

Tyler swallowed heavily. He could feel her nervousness, her uncertainty, and something very basic, very male, erupted inside him. He’d never known a woman to be this way, had never before felt the overwhelming urge to offer comfort, to ease a woman with assurances. He wanted—right this minute—to hold her, to touch her...to make love to her. He sucked in a deep breath, leaned back against the closed door and forced a gentle smile. “Hello.”

* * *

Carlie felt frozen in place. She could feel his eyes drifting over her body, could hear every breath he took. She didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t have recognized her, yet he obviously liked what he saw. She’d never seen a man react that way—not to her. She couldn’t speak, her voice was trapped in her throat.

He whispered softly, “You’re beautiful.”

Her eyes shifted nervously with the racing of her heart. Brenda had said men would find her attractive, but.... She hadn’t believed her, not really. Usually, Tyler never looked at her twice, but then, he’d never seen her dressed like this.

The costume was definitely a mistake.

Tyler was still watching her, and she inhaled. She had to say something. “You look...dangerous.”

His teeth flashed in a quick grin. “Not dashing?”

Confused, she shook her head. In an even lower tone, sounding of accusation and anticipation, she asked, “What happened to your date?”

He tipped his head, as if he was straining to hear her, then carefully stepped away from the door. “She wasn’t my date.”

Liar, she thought. A man like him wouldn’t come to a party alone. He attracted beautiful women without even trying. And Valerie Rush was certainly that—beautiful, chic, sophisticated and very sure of her own appeal. She was everything Carlie was not.

So why was Tyler here now? She’d always been aware of him; he was impossible to ignore. Dark, charming, a devastating man. But completely unattainable. At least for her.

Of course, after her disastrous marriage, she didn’t want any man, not even Tyler Ramsey.

He took another step forward when she remained silent, and she went back one, bumping into the wall.

He was watching her so very closely, almost stalking her, and she could feel her chest shuddering, straining for air. She trembled inside, feeling light-headed and so conscious of him as a male. She didn’t dare take her eyes off him.

He took another step.

The rain was coming down more heavily now, tapping against the windows and the wind had begun to whistle. Carlie was glad for the darkness. She didn’t want reality to intrude too quickly. She didn’t want him to recognize her. Not yet.

Maybe not ever.

He started to reach for her, then dropped his hand. “Do you know who I am?”

She shook her head. “No.” She didn’t know this man at all, so intense and attentive, exuding raw sexuality. The air was filled with his scent, his purpose.

His eyes drifted over her body again, then he stared intently into hers.

She didn’t dare say anything. What was there to say? He wasn’t reacting to Carlie McDaniels. He was reacting to the night; to the atmosphere and the mystery of a masquerade. If he knew who she was, he’d lose interest quickly enough. He’d give her that same polite nod she’d always received from him, then go on his way.

Tyler stepped toward her and she balked, feeling her back against the wall. It would be mortifying for him to realize her identity now, with her acting like such a ninny. She was a professional woman, a teacher, mature and capable. And here she was, behaving like a coward. A virgin coward.

She knew in that instant, she wouldn’t tell him. He would never find out who she was. She had to leave, had to...

His hand caught her arm. “Wait. Please.”

She trembled, trying to pull loose, stunned by the strength of his grasp.

He released her instantly. Holding his hands out to the sides, he tried to softly reassure her. “It’s okay. I’m sorry.” She trembled again, and he said, “You’re cold.”

Swamped with uncertainty, wanting to do one thing, but knowing she should do another, Carlie turned away. Then Tyler was behind her, not touching her, but the warmth of his body surrounded her. She felt a pulse beat of heat run through her, swirling in her belly. The feeling was unfamiliar...and exciting. As his breath brushed her nape, she shivered with growing sensation.

His palms grazed her shoulders, smoothing away the chills and the dampness from the rain, warming her. She was surrounded by him, by his scent.

His touch was tentative, careful, and when she didn’t move, he leaned closer, his chest barely touching her back, his thighs brushing her own. She shuddered.

His fingers continued to stroke, feather-light, up and down her arms. He drew in a slow, rough breath, then molded his hands over her shoulders, holding her. She felt his suspended breathing, his hesitation. And when he finally spoke, his voice was low and unsteady.

“I want you. I think I wanted you the moment I saw you.”

She stilled as his lips very lightly touched the side of her neck. Slowly, he drew her toward him, her back against his chest, then waited, keeping her pressed close to his solid length.

“I want you,” he repeated. “Stay with me.”

Only in her wildest imaginings had she ever considered Tyler saying such a thing to her. It was unbelievable. It was outrageous.

It was her own private fantasy.

She swallowed hard, squeezed her eyes shut, then whispered, “I want you, too.”

Chapter Two

TILTING HIS HEAD BACK, Tyler exhaled slowly, then tried to relax. It was unbelievable how much her answer meant to him. She was staying.

He didn’t understand his own reaction, or hers, for that matter. He only knew he needed to get closer to her. She’d stood there in the doorway earlier, looking feminine, yet so unsure. Unlike the other women in the room, she hadn’t flaunted her assets; she hadn’t even seemed aware of them, despite the provocative harem costume that left her more bare than not. Even now, she seemed so vulnerable, so wary.

He leaned down, inhaling her fragrance, then touched his open palm to her soft belly. She jerked and pulled away.

He was surprised by her reaction, and forced himself to go perfectly still. He squeezed her shoulders again. “Shh. I’m not going to hurt you.” She remained strangely quiet, her body trembling, and then it hit him just how innocent she truly was. Suddenly, it made sense—the way she’d reacted to his interest. She was wary, and with good reason. He felt confusion first, then the unfamiliar stirring of protectiveness. He didn’t want to frighten her, didn’t want her to be uncomfortable with him. He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her carefully.

“I would never hurt you.”

Her hands came up to clasp his arms where they crossed her chest, giving him her silent trust.

His chest squeezed tight. It was remarkable how she affected him. Smiling, he rubbed his chin against her temple, then turned her to face him.

He cupped her jaw, tilting her chin toward him. He could see the scant light reflected in her wide eyes. Slowly, tentatively, he bent and put his lips to hers. It wasn’t a devouring kiss, but tender and sweet. She seemed unsure of where to put her hands, then laid them lightly on his chest.

He groaned quietly, tugging her closer. “Open your mouth,” he urged, continuing to nibble at her lips.

She did, gasping, and he teased her, stroking her mouth, licking carefully at her lips, touching her tongue with his own.

After a few moments, he pulled back. Her fingers had curled tight against him, and she was panting softly. Instinctively, he pressed his arousal, full and hard, against her belly. She seemed stunned by his blatant need, and he relished her reaction to it, watching her eyes slowly close. Nothing had ever made him feel so wild or urgent, so alive with sensation, as her innocent acceptance.

Her mask was in the way and he touched his fingers to it. Instantly, she jerked back, her hand coming up to cover her mouth.

His muscles grew taut. “I didn’t...” Tyler hesitated, then shook his head. “I’m sorry. I just...it seems so...right.”

She shook her head. “You can’t take off my mask.”

His eyebrows shot up.

“I don’t want you to know...who I am.”

He stepped closer to her, feeling the heat build under his skin. She was the most fascinating woman he’d ever met. He tried to get her to look at him, but she turned away. It was unbelievably erotic, a woman appearing so demure, but wearing such an enticing costume. He touched her chin, bringing her face back toward him. “What do you want?”

Swallowing hard, she whispered, “You. This.” And she leaned toward him.

Tyler caught his breath, and then he was kissing her again. He stroked his tongue deep in her mouth, drawing her closer, feeling his urgency swell. He was no longer thinking of his own consuming desire, not entirely. Now he was driven by a need to give her everything she asked for, everything she could possibly hope for. He didn’t want her to regret trusting him.

He didn’t want her to regret anything.

When he lifted his head, she was breathless and trembling, her small hands clasping his shirt in a death grip. Moving slowly, he touched the buttons on her skimpy jacket, for the moment ignoring her mask. “A mystery lady.”

His words were deep and husky and she trembled as he undid the first button. As soon as it slid free, he raised his gaze to her face, judging her reaction.

She flattened her hands on the wall beside her hips, but she didn’t protest. Tyler smiled, then looked down to watch the slow unveiling of her breasts.

The second button was undone, and still he didn’t touch her in any other way. He was only using one hand, being careful not to startle her. The third button was straining at the material. With one finger, he traced her cleavage, over the swell of each breast, then up her throat. He looked at her lips, then traced the fullness of her mouth, pressing slightly to glide over the inside of her bottom lip.

Her lips parted and she instinctively curled her tongue around the tip of his finger. His eyes closed and he drew a slow, painful breath. When he looked at her again, she was watching him cautiously, her eyes dark in the dim shadows. He leaned forward and kissed her very gently, tenderly, his lips moving over her chin, to her collarbone, then her breasts.

The third button held, and Tyler found her nipple through the cloth. She moaned. Even through the material he could feel the heat of her body as he drew upon her, his teeth carefully nipping.

The last button opened, and he covered each breast with a warm palm, cradling her lush weight, shaping her with his hands. He pressed her breasts together and nuzzled her cleavage before moving his mouth to a nipple, licking and plucking with his lips, then finally taking her inside, suckling strongly. A sound of raw hunger escaped her, and he felt the impact of that small sound deep in his belly.

Her fingers sank into his hair, pulling him away. But he didn’t leave her. Instead, he slipped to his knees, his mouth against her ribs. Closing his eyes and locking his arms around her hips, he rubbed his face against her skin, breathing in her heated scent, tasting her.

He savored her, taking his time to explore each facet of his senses; touch and taste and smell. And sight. He enjoyed looking at her; he enjoyed her pleasure and her surprise as he found a particularly sensitive spot.

His hands cupped her buttocks, startling her. Then slowly, he removed her slippers, his fingers lingering on her slim ankles. His palms coasted up her calves, over her thighs, and to her buttocks again, squeezing and cuddling. Then his fingers hooked in the waistband of her harem pants and, still watching her, he started sliding them down.

Tyler saw her embarrassment, and he leaned forward, kissing her navel, dipping his tongue teasingly inside. He wanted to reassure her, wanted her to understand how unique this was for him. But at the moment, words escaped him.

She stepped out of the pants as he directed, then remained silent while he looked his fill.

Oh God, what she did to him.

Gazing at her from his position on his knees, he had to call upon all his restraint to keep from rushing her. He wasn’t himself. Feelings he hadn’t known existed washed over him in hot, insistent waves.

The small jacket hung from her shoulders, serving more as ornamentation than covering since her breasts were freed. The shadowy room only enhanced her curves and made the moment more intimate. He could see the darkness of her nipples, her navel, the soft feminine curls between her thighs. He lightly brushed his fingers over her, finding her wet and hot. He delved deeper, stroking her, his breaths coming fast and low.

She gasped, and her hand clasped his wrist.

He turned his palm so he was holding hers, then took her other hand also, pinning her arms gently to her sides. He leaned forward, and this time it was his tongue that stroked her. She reacted immediately, pulling away, staring at him in appalled fascination.

Again, he felt that possessiveness, that need to protect her.

Tyler came slowly to his feet, his face flushed, his chest rising and falling quickly. He kept his tone gentle and quiet. “What’s wrong?”

Her voice emerged as a dry croak. “It’s...you can’t.”

Since he now understood her innocence, Tyler didn’t press her. But he wanted her to realize the depth of her own allure. “I understand, but honey, I want to kiss you there. I want to kiss you everywhere.” He held her eyes, refusing to let her look away, then added in a husky whisper, “You taste like a woman should, very sweet and sexy.”

She shivered, then pressed her right hand over his chest, near where his heart was thundering. He covered her hand with his own, then began unbuttoning his shirt. He felt her nails as she flexed her fingers into his flesh. He’d never had a woman watch him with such intent curiosity. His body reacted to her interest, tightening and swelling. His gaze never left her face.

He removed his trousers quickly, hearing her low, fast breathing. He found a condom in his wallet, then tossed his pants aside. He laid the protection on the table.

When he turned to her again, he saw her uncertainty, and pulled her close, relishing the feel of her naked skin. Kissing her throat and shoulder, his hands curved around her body, his fingers splayed warm and firm on her sensitive belly.

He was patient and gently persuasive, but he was also very aroused. Deliberately, he nestled his fullness against her buttocks. He needed her to know the effect she had on him.

He kissed her for a few moments, and when he finally slid his fingers down her belly and into the soft curls between her legs, she didn’t draw away. His fingers delved deeper, and she moaned.

His heart thundered at the small sound. “That’s it. Relax, sweetheart.” He slid a finger inside her, and she quivered, letting out a short cry. “You’re wet,” he said, softly stroking her, bringing his other hand up to hold a heavy breast, idly plying the nipple with his thumb. She leaned back on him, gasping, and he smiled.

She clutched at his hard thighs, her fingers biting deep into his muscles. Her legs stiffened, and soft, hungry sounds escaped her throat.

Close to losing what was left of his control, Tyler lifted her into his arms and carried her quickly to the narrow couch. He laid her down, coming over her and pulling her close.

She moaned as his mouth closed over her nipple, then moaned again when he smoothed his hand over her soft belly and into her feminine curls. His fingers stroked, dipped, plucked lightly, making her squirm. He lowered his mouth to her nipple and toyed with it, teasing her with his tongue and teeth.

Her climax took him by surprise. It gripped her body, forcing her to arch wildly, her eyes closed, her mouth open as she gasped and gave low, throaty moans. Enthralled, Tyler watched her, feeling her pleasure and her loss of control. Seeing her shock.

And when the rushing sensations would have ended, Tyler bent to taste her, crushing down on her with renewed urgency, his hand holding her face still for his kiss. She was crying, unable to help herself, and he kissed her jaw, undone by her soft, breathy sighs.

“It’s all right now. Shh.”

She shook her head. With tears clogging her throat and reflecting in her voice, she whispered brokenly, “I’ve never...”

“Shh. I know.” His mouth skimmed hers, his eyes alight with satisfaction and possession.

He couldn’t wait any longer.

Lifting slightly away from her, he reached for the condom and slid it on. She didn’t watch him, but he didn’t think it was embarrassment now, so much as repletion. Her breasts, heaving still, showed soft and white, reflecting the scant light. Her belly still quivered. But there was a small, awed smile on her lips, a look of wonder that filled him.

Thunder clapped loudly outside, and the storm picked up tempo, mirroring his explosive emotions.

He began kissing her again, light, biting kisses that made her smile and open her eyes. His muscles were taut, straining for release. She laid her palm to his cheek.

He sat back to look at her, running his fingers through her hair. It was then he realized she was wearing a wig. The hair was too coarse, too dense to be real. The fact that she had taken such pains to conceal herself only added to her intrigue. His mystery woman.

She pulled him closer in silent demand.

He reached down and parted her with his fingers, then gently pushed inside. His groan was long and ragged. Gasping, she twisted against him, her arms tightening, her hips lifting to his. He pressed her knees wider, giving himself more access to her body, then clenched his jaw as he sank deeper. “There we go. All the way.”

She shuddered as her body adjusted to his length and thickness. It was pure fantasy, he thought, wishing he could stay like this forever. She squirmed beneath him in delicious sensation.

Tyler shuddered, pressing his hips to hers to still her movements, trying to maintain his barely leashed control, but it was too late. He reared up, his arms stiffened on either side of her, his eyes hot and probing, holding her gaze. Then he began to move.

The friction was exquisite, and she lifted her hips toward him, taking more, her legs wrapping around him. His gaze dropped to her breasts, to her tightened nipples. He was enthralled, watching her full breasts sway as each of his thrusts rocked her body.

He threw his head back, biting off a groan. His jaw was tense, his words a growled whisper. “I don’t believe this!”

He felt her tighten around him, felt the pulsing of her climax. He groaned heavily, and his body went rigid as he climaxed. Then he stilled.

His weight was now fully upon her and his heartbeat rocked his body with its uneven cadence. He stroked her idly, without thought, without even knowing what he was doing. She smelled so good, and he felt so good.

She stirred beneath him, and he obligingly raised himself to his elbows. Her mask was askew, and he smiled at the picture she made, tousled innocence, sensual lure. He didn’t want the night to end.

“Do you have to go anytime soon?”

That surprised her.

Smiling, Tyler stroked her cheek. “Will you stay with me for a while longer?”

Her smile was shaky, a bit uncertain, but it was a smile.

Laughing, feeling incredibly lighthearted, he held her tight as he turned on the couch, putting her on top of him. She came up on her elbows, her heavy breasts swaying over his chest.

“Now, this is nice.” His hands cupped her, his thumbs flicking over her soft, dusky nipples until they drew tight.

“Can you scoot up just a bit?” he growled. “I want you in my mouth.”

Her lips parted, but she complied, her breath already thickening. Tyler swept his hands down her back and spread them wide over the buttocks, pressing her close.

“I’m going to make love to you all night, honey. I want to show you all the different ways to enjoy yourself. I’m going to see to it that you’re so overwhelmed with pleasure, you won’t be able to resist seeing me again.” He said the words quietly just before he took her nipple in his mouth, licking and teasing and making her shudder. His hands moved over her bottom to the back of her thighs, then parted her legs so she was draped over him. “You’ll wake up at night and think of me touching you.” His finger slid inside her and she tensed, her hips pressing hard against him.

“I want you to think of me,” he explained, loving her with his fingers until she trembled uncontrollably, “because I know I’ll be thinking of you.”

* * *

Tyler held to his promise, exhausting both himself and Carlie with pleasure.

Hours later, long after midnight, he slept, still holding her close. Carlie was stunned by all that had happened, never having imagined that such complete satisfaction was possible.

Tyler lay relaxed beside her, one heavy muscled arm circling her belly, his hand splayed over her hip. He was even beautiful when he slept, she thought, when the lines of his face softened, making him look almost vulnerable.

Of course, he could never know the truth. She would be mortified if Tyler ever discovered he’d made love with his sister-in-law’s dumpy best friend. Tyler didn’t even look at women like her, let alone sleep with them.

Not that she wanted it any other way. She was dumpy by design, choosing her clothes with an eye for concealment, rather than enticement. She didn’t want a man, any man—not now, not ever.

Relationships hurt. She’d learned that lesson after her marriage failed. And she’d also learned she could rely on no one but herself. Not on the grandfather who’d raised her after her parents’ death, treating her more like a burden than a grandchild, nor on her brother, who’d made it clear she was to deal with her mistakes on her own.

But marriage had been her biggest mistake. One she wasn’t likely to forget.

She could never tell Tyler the truth, but at least she’d learned something valuable; she wasn’t frigid. Her husband had been wrong, his accusations unjust. Probably, it had just been another of his attempts to destroy her self-confidence. But now she knew the truth, and for that, if nothing else, she was glad she’d stayed with Tyler.

He shifted in his sleep, and she stilled, watching him closely, but he didn’t awaken. She leaned down and very gently kissed him on the corner of his mouth, then slipped from the couch.

By the time Tyler woke, a smile of anticipation on his face, Carlie was gone.

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.”

Chapter Four

TYLER HAD VERY large hands.

Carlie stared, without meaning to, as he cut into a piece of peach pie, then put the bite in his mouth and chewed. His jaw was strong, lean and hard, with only a slight shadow of dark beard stubble. His nose, straight and high-bridged, would appear aristocratic but for the lump where he had broken it in a fight when he was younger. Bren had told her the story, about how Jason had joined in and the two brothers had ended up defeating four other kids.

His eyebrows were straight and dark. His lashes thick and long. His cheekbones high and sculpted. There was a healthy color to his skin, not a dark-baked tan, but definitely the added color of outdoor activities.

Carlie sipped her coffee, her gaze going again to his hands. She remembered those hands so well, the way they had touched her, their strength, their gentleness. The memory gave her an odd tingle.

“Aren’t you going to eat your pie?” he asked.

Carlie pulled her eyes away from his hands. She nodded and took a large mouthful to give her something to do, namely chew, while Tyler filled the silence with questions.

“I could come to the school Friday, around four again, if you want me to do some sort of sign-up, or make a roster. What about you? Can you make it, or is that too soon?”

“Friday would be terrific. I’ll put out a few calls tomorrow during lunch to see who can stay over. The ones who can’t make it can have a schedule Monday.”

Tyler pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. “These are my best times to get together. I tried to make them as regular as possible, so the kids can know what to expect. You can look that over then let me know if you’ll have a problem with any of those dates.”

She tucked the paper into her purse. “It’ll be fine.”

“You didn’t even look at it. How do you know it won’t interrupt your plans?”

Carlie gave him a quick smile. “We’re glad to have your help. Whatever works for you is fine with me.”

Tyler laid his fork by his plate and shook his head. “You know the saying about all work and no play? You have to take time for a social life, too.”

“Why don’t you let me worry about my social life, all right?” she said, annoyed with his persistence.

“What social life? It doesn’t sound to me as if you have one.”

That was entirely too close to the truth, and rubbed Carlie the wrong way. “Look, Mr. Ramsey. You may be the authority on having a good time, but I take my commitments seriously.”

She watched Tyler’s face go rigid, and then he leaned toward her. “And I don’t?”

“Not from what I hear.”

Leaning back, Tyler observed Carlie thoughtfully. “You know, if we’re going to work together, you’ll have to get over your attitude. I don’t know why you dislike me so much, but it’s not something I’m used to. Nor do I intend to get used to it.” He waited a heartbeat, and Carlie felt his annoyance wash over her before he added, “I’d really like to work with you and the kids. But if you would rather find someone else to help you with your project, I’ll drop out.”

It was plain, by his tone and expression, he didn’t want to do that. He wanted to be involved, for whatever reasons, and Carlie did need him. She hated to admit the truth, but it was her own personal conflict that was causing the problems. What she needed was an emotional compromise.

After adjusting her glasses, she straightened. “I think we can manage to get along if we keep it on a business level.”

Tyler shook his head. “No go. I don’t have a ‘business level.’ You’re going to have to get your little nose out of the air and be friendly.”

Her compromise exploded into oblivion. Did everything have to be his way? “You’re an extremely arrogant person!”

His chuckle was warm and husky. “Bren says the same thing regularly. Funny, it sounds almost affectionate coming from her.”

“She’s too softhearted.”

“Yes, she is. It’s amazing you two are friends.”

Uh-oh. Dangerous territory. Carlie held his gaze with an effort, the implied insult overlooked entirely. “We’ve known each other for a long time.”

Tyler considered that. “Do you know many of her other friends?”

“A few.”

“Who?”

Ah, so that was it. He didn’t for one minute suspect her as the mystery woman from the other night; she was too unlikely to even be considered. But he was fishing to find out who the woman was. She hesitated just long enough, pretending deep thought, until he cleared his throat.

Several names came to mind, most of the women quite attractive, and Carlie named them, watching as he pondered each one. She was ready to laugh, when a familiar voice interrupted them.

“Ms. McDaniels! How nice to see you here. And how is my boy doing?”

Carlie smiled, and turned in her seat to face Mr. Briant.

She was totally at ease as a teacher dealing with a parent, and invited him to join their table. She reassured the anxious father, taking a few minutes to go over things he could do at home that would help his son improve his skills even more. She was specific, but very patient with the man’s concerns. She was also aware that Tyler was watching her, sipping his coffee and listening to their conversation intently. He looked almost...impressed by her.

When the father finally left, Tyler lifted his coffee cup in a salute to her. “Does that happen often?”

“Yes. This is a small town, and thankfully the parents are, for the most part, very involved with their children’s education.”

“Your Mr. Briant seemed to hang on your every word.”

Carlie smiled crookedly. “We had a misunderstanding of sorts with the first failing grade I sent home with his son. You see, he decided it was my fault, and came to the school to tell me so.”

“Let me guess. You chewed him up and spit him out, right?”

Carlie’s smile froze. “I’m not an ogre. He was upset, so I tried to explain. I pulled out all the papers I had been keeping on his son, Brady, and showed them to him. I went over the procedure we used with new materials, and I told him his son was distracted and not paying attention in class.”

“Carlie, I didn’t mean—”

She shook her head. “It’s all right. I know what you meant.” Idly stirring her coffee, she whispered, “It was such a sad situation. Mr. Briant had just lost his wife. He was very withdrawn and angry. He hadn’t been able to concentrate on his son yet, who was having his own problems adjusting.” She sighed, remembering how difficult it had been to see the father and son together, each struggling with his loss. “We spent a lot of time together after class. Sometimes we worked on lessons, but a lot of the time we just talked. I...I lost my parents when I was young, so I knew how Brady must have felt. At a time like that, school work kind of takes a backseat to trying to survive the emotional pain.”

Tyler was studying his coffee cup. “It must have been rough for you.”

His quiet words, filled with understanding and sympathy surprised her.

She nodded. “Everything worked out, though. After Brady started catching up, Mr. Briant joined us in our after-school lessons. I think he was lonely, too, and looking for some direction. He wanted to learn how to help his son study, so for a few weeks I helped him do that. Now they’re on their own, and Brady Briant is earning A’s.”

Tyler stared at her, and Carlie could feel him looking beneath her calm control, trying to read her thoughts. “You’re very dedicated,” he said quietly.

“You have to be dedicated, to any job, if you want to do it well.” Then she smiled, curious over Tyler’s distracted expression. “That’s no reason to be so solemn, though.”

“I was just wondering how dedicated I am to my job, to handling the small load of petty cases that land on my desk each month.”

“And?”

“Oh, I’d say...not very.”

“That can’t be true. Jason says you do a wonderful job.”

“I’m a good lawyer.” It was a statement of fact, with no fringe of lace to pretty it up. Abruptly, he reached across the table and took her hand.

Carlie tried to pull away, but he held her firm. “I’m sorry if I inadvertently insulted you. I only meant that you’re very sure of yourself and you appear to be able to handle any situation. Including irascible fathers.”

It was more difficult than she’d expected, because Tyler wasn’t what she’d expected. At least, not completely. There were too many facets to his personality, and now he seemed genuinely thoughtful, interested in the children and concerned that he might have hurt her feelings. And he’d been very patient while she’d talked to Mr. Briant.

His hand was warm and strong, feeling exactly as she remembered. But her reaction wasn’t dulled by familiarity.

“I’m not invincible, Mr. Ramsey. I simply don’t believe in allowing myself to be trod upon.”

“You’ve done that before, you know. Called me mister when you’re agitated. I think we know each other well enough to dispense with mister and Ms., don’t you?”

She managed to slip her hand free, but only because Tyler allowed it. She needed to regather her defenses; Tyler was a devastating man when he was being the seducer. But as a caring, considerate man, he was downright potent. “I don’t really know you at all, but I think I know your type, and I’m not all that impressed by it. That’s one of the reasons I hesitated to involve you in this program. But I’ll be honest with you...Tyler. There was no one else to take Jason’s place, and—”

He interrupted her long enough to say facetiously, “Stop, Carlie. You’ll swell my ego with all this praise.”

Carlie heaved a disgruntled sigh, and saw Tyler’s eyes go automatically to her breasts as she inhaled. He wouldn’t be able to tell a damned thing, though, other than the fact that she did have them. Her shirt was buttoned to the throat and her suit coat was bulky, concealing any dimensions or shape. Carlie glared at him.

Still not looking at her face, he said, “You’ve made quite a few assumptions about me, haven’t you? Did you ever consider you might be wrong?”

“No. I hadn’t considered that.”

“Well maybe you should.”

When he finally looked up, appearing totally unrepentant, she frowned at him in exasperation. “I think it would be better if you kept your hands to yourself.”

Tyler did a double take. “All I did was hold your hand. I didn’t make an indecent proposal.”

His blunt speech could easily rattle her, but still her tone was brisk and confident. “This is a very small town,” she said. “People love to gossip. I don’t want to give anyone reason to speculate.”

Tyler blinked, completely incredulous, a small, uncertain smile playing about his mouth. Then the smile broke, and he indulged in unrestrained laughter. Carlie immediately felt like a fool. Her remark had been totally asinine. No one would ever assume Tyler Ramsey was romantically involved with her. Secret rendezvous in disguise aside, the idea was too absurd.

Tyler shook his head, still chuckling and watching Carlie with an air of expectation, as if he was waiting for another joke. She knew her face was red, and she hated it. She reached into her purse, blindly searching for her wallet, then threw a couple of bills on the table and stood. She slipped her purse over her shoulder and walked away.

“Carlie! Wait a minute.”

She ignored him.

Tyler cursed as she walked out the door. When Carlie glanced back, he was hurrying after her.

It was a beautiful autumn day outside, with only a hint of chill in the air to suggest that winter was approaching. The sun was a hazy tangerine glow dipping low on the horizon. And beneath it, her sturdy shoes clapping loudly on the pavement, stomped Carlie. She was intent on marching back to the school to retrieve her car.

She heard Tyler jogging after her.

“Leave me alone,” she said succinctly as he reached her side and tried to grasp her arm.

“Be reasonable, Carlie. You can’t walk all the way back to the school.”

“Of course I can. We didn’t go that far.”

“I’d rather drive you.”

“I’d rather walk.”

Growling, Tyler grabbed her arms, despite her resistance, then shook her gently. “Will you stop being so contrary? You were worried about causing speculation? Well, what do you think it will do if I carry you back to my car?”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Take one more step and you’ll find out what I dare.”

It was a standoff, and they glared at each other until finally Carlie did an about-face and, without a word to Tyler, stalked over to his car. She stood by the passenger door, impatiently waiting for him to unlock it. But before he opened the door, he caught her shoulders again.

“Carlie, I didn’t mean to...that is... Oh, hell, I’m sorry, all right?”

Carlie faced him, hard as that was to do. She felt thoroughly humiliated and had no problem blaming Tyler for her discomfort. She may have memories to cherish, but Tyler would obviously be appalled to learn the true identity of his mystery woman.

Straightening her shoulders to hide her hurt, she stared at him with cold indifference. “Do a good job with the children. That’s all I ask. Beyond that, you don’t concern me.”

* * *

Tyler nodded stiffly, then walked to his own side of the car. His hands flexed on the wheel twice before he started the engine.

“Doesn’t anything rattle that damned calm reserve of yours?”

Carlie stared out her window. “Is that what your insult was meant to do? Rattle me?”

“Actually, I didn’t mean to insult you at all.”

Carlie snorted. “I’m not an idiot, Tyler. I understand how ridiculous I must have sounded. Certainly no one would ever think... I mean, the idea of me and you...”

“That’s not why I laughed, Carlie.”

She snorted again, and he grinned. “There, you see?” he said. “You just never say or do what I expect. You were sitting back there all prim and proper, your pretty hazel eyes all disapproving, and it just struck me funny. You seem too much of a modern woman to be so prudish.”

Carlie felt mortified. “I’m not prudish,” she mumbled, memories of a few nights ago tumbling about in her mind. Then she told the necessary lie. “Just circumspect.”

They stopped at a red light, and he turned toward her, scrutinizing her. She stubbornly ignored him, only briefly glancing his way. But it was enough to see his smile. She had the vague suspicion that he felt challenged. And an even worse suspicion that if it came to a battle of wills, she’d lose. Hands down.

Tyler certainly had more experience sparring words. A thrill of trepidation ran down her spine, and then her reason for that trepidation was verified.

“Your lips are nice. Full and soft, but not a hint of a smile. And I like your small, stubborn chin.”

He was teasing, she could tell. And she almost grinned at his underhanded tactics. Almost.

“Does it hurt?”

That gained her reluctant attention, and a quizzical frown. “What?”

“Wearing your hair so tight. It gives me a headache just to look at it.”

She should never have looked at him. His dark eyes were shining and his firm lips were tilted in a boyish grin. He appeared totally harmless. But she wasn’t buying it.

“How long is it?” Tyler moved when the traffic light turned green and drove smoothly down the uncrowded street. “Shoulder-length? Longer?”

“I can’t see where my hair could possibly interest you, Tyler. But to end your juvenile tactics to annoy me, I’ll tell you. It reaches my shoulder blades, is a very mousy brownish blond, and I wear it this way because I don’t have time to fuss with fancy hairdos. As long as a person’s hair is clean, what should it matter to anyone else how it’s worn?”

Very softly, but with devastating sincerity, he said, “I don’t think your hair is mousy.”

Her head swiveled so sharply to look at him, she winced.

“I think it’s a nice color, especially with the sun on it. I see shades of red—which suits you—but also blond and dark brown. It’s very nice. You should wear it loose.”

“I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I’m not interested. I’m not a teenager to be flattered by comments on my hair or eyes. I want to do a job here, Tyler. I’m very serious about it, even if you aren’t.”

“You are so damned defensive.”

With reason, she wanted to scream. If he found out.... She sucked in a calming breath and stared at his profile. Her voice was patience personified, and filled with sane reasoning. “I’m not defensive. Just realistic. As you already made clear, there’s very little about me that would ever entice you. I’m not naive. I’m aware of how I look. Why don’t we talk about something important now? Like the students.”

“I was only being honest with you, Carlie.”

She gave him her patented teacher’s look, reserved for students who had pushed her past the line. He shrugged, then returned his attention to the road.

She felt oddly deflated.

As he pulled into the school parking lot a few minutes later, he asked, “Were you at Bren’s Halloween party?”

Coming out of left field like that, the question left her temporarily routed. Then she gathered her wits, opened the door and stepped out. Tyler left the car also, the consummate gentleman, and walked her to her own car, opening her door.

Carlie wasn’t certain if it was just an innocent question, or if he was guessing at the identity of the masked lady again. She hesitated.

“Carlie?”

She saw no way around the lie. “No, I didn’t go. There’s always a lot happening at school this time of year. We had our own class party, you know. For the students, I mean. And we’ve already started practicing for the Thanksgiving play. And then, with the new project I’ve been working on...” Carlie came to a fast stop, appalled at her rambling. She looked into his eyes as she added truthfully, “I don’t go to parties very often.”

“Why not? You don’t have a steady date?”

Carlie rolled her eyes, leaning back on the car. She adjusted her glasses carefully on the bridge of her nose. “I most certainly don’t need a man to take me to a party if I wish to go.”

“Of course not. I was only going to say that I didn’t have a date, either, but I...well, I had a...terrific time. You should have come. I think you would have enjoyed yourself.” He grinned. “I went as a pirate.”

“How appropriate. Did you rape and pillage your way through the party?”

It was a lousy jest, and Tyler made certain she instantly regretted it.

“I wouldn’t do something as reprehensible as rape, Carlie. As for pillaging, I would never steal from my brother. Now, if it was at your house...do you own anything worth stealing?”

She should have known better than to throw that verbal punch, but she hadn’t been able to resist. She didn’t have an answer to his facetious question, so she settled for a look of disdain. Tyler only smiled.

Carlie turned away and climbed into her car. She needed to get away. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so emotionally drained. Or so invigorated.

That personal acknowledgment angered her even more, and she tried to slam her car door. But Tyler got in her way, gripping the window frame and holding the door open.

“You should go out more, Carlie. It might do you some good to socialize, I think.”

“Then you probably shouldn’t think. You might damage something vital, and then what would the female population do?” She smiled with false sweetness, slammed the door and immediately pulled away.

She glanced in her rearview mirror and saw Tyler still standing there, watching after her. Even from a distance, she could see he was smiling. And then Carlie realized she was smiling also. She shook her head, bemused. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d actually had fun with a man. Even arguing with Tyler was somehow fun.

Maybe she had been missing out and didn’t even know it.

* * *

On her drive home, she thought about seeing Tyler again. She was actually anticipating it. He didn’t seem to be at all deterred by the cold shoulder she was giving him. In fact, she believed it amused him. He smiled often enough to give her that impression.

The very last thing she wanted to do was amuse Tyler. She had to maintain an emotional distance; she had to keep herself safe. It certainly wouldn’t be easy, but she’d just have to try harder not to react to his little provocations. The only problem was, Tyler could be very provoking even when he wasn’t trying. All the man had to do was stand there, and women fawned all over him.

But Carlie wouldn’t be like other women. He’d find that out soon enough. She’d see to it.

* * *

Tyler bounced the basketball, feeling impatient. Where was Carlie? He was anxious to see her again, which surprised him to no end. He’d decided he must be a glutton for punishment, because as much as she seemed to look down on him and his life-style, he still enjoyed every minute he spent with her. Even when they were arguing.

The woman had a real flair for putting him in what she considered his place. She was fun.

He heard a sudden squeaking of gym shoes and looked up, a huge grin spreading across his face when he saw her. Carlie was waltzing onto the gym floor, looking as if she wore the comfortable, baggy sweatpants and thigh-length sweatshirt every day. She couldn’t quite stop her nervous hands, however, from tugging on the hem of the shirt, trying to pull it farther over her thighs.

He couldn’t resist teasing her. “Well, Ms. McDaniels! You have very long legs. I hadn’t realized.”

She held his steady gaze and Tyler found himself anticipating what she might say. She never reacted as he expected her to. She never reacted as most other women would.

She was definitely unique.

“There was no need, nor will there ever be a need, for you to notice my legs, Tyler.”

His grin never slipped. He enjoyed baiting her, watching her struggle with her temper. “Is every damned thing you own the same shade of mud? Don’t you have anything blue or yellow?” He smacked his forehead, as if struck by a thought. “Red! You might look...nice, in red.”

Her teeth snapped together in a loud click. “Watch your language. There are children present, and no, I have no desire...”

“None at all?”

“...to wear red! We’re only playing basketball, for goodness’ sake, and I hardly think the occasion warrants dressing up.”

“It doesn’t warrant dressing down, either. Is your body actually in there somewhere?” He leaned back, his gaze ranging slowly over her. “There’s enough extra material there to clothe three women.”

“Not that it’s necessary for me to explain myself to you,” she told him, starting to lose that steady, rock-solid calm, “but I thought I should wear clothes that were loose to allow for freedom of movement. I always wore something similar when I was a child and played basketball. I believe in being comfortable.”

Tyler paused with interest. “You have some experience with the game then?”

“A little.”

He chuckled. Knowing Carlie, and he was getting to know her, despite her efforts to remain aloof, “a little” probably meant she was very proficient at the game. “Excellent. We’ll start by outlining the rules to the children, then we’ll choose sides. I’ll lead one team, you can lead the other.”

Carlie nodded, but put in, “After warm-ups. I don’t want to take a chance on anybody getting hurt.”

“Whatever you say. But you’ll have to lead those. I don’t know any, other than sit-ups and such, and I’m not certain what kids this age are used to.”

Tyler watched Carlie as she rounded up the kids and introduced them to him. As he spoke with each child, taking the time to joke and put them at ease, he caught Carlie staring. He winked at her, and she favored him with a genuine smile.

He wasn’t used to her doing that, and for a second there, it threw him. Then he realized she was merely pleased that he was taking the time to really talk with the children. What had she thought he’d do? Bark at them?

The exercises she’d chosen were simple, but she challenged the children to keep up, to do each individual stretch properly. Throughout it all, Tyler watched her, and he grew increasingly curious.

Her breasts bounced. He’d never really noticed how amply endowed she was until now, but Mother Nature had treated her generously. And from what he could tell, she was totally unaware of it.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t.

After helping a little girl catch the rhythm of the exercise, he wandered between all the children, checking to see if anyone else needed help. But even as he did that, he kept his gaze on Carlie, watching her every move.

When they finally broke up into teams, Carlie taking four girls and the biggest boy, Tyler with four boys, he announced they would play “shirts and skins.” He led the boys in stripping off their shirts, then noticed Carlie staring. She tightened her mouth and blushed bright red when he caught her eye. He was amused, but he also liked the idea of her liking his body. Walking toward her, seeing her back up a step before she could stop herself, Tyler grinned. When he reached her, he slipped a fingertip over her lips, then chucked her chin, all without a single word. She closed her mouth with a snap, stomping to the other side of the hoop. But still, she looked her fill.

Later, after each of the children had taken a few practice shots, Tyler pulled Carlie aside. “They’re well-behaved. Only a few of them are a little rambunctious.” He laughed. “I heard one of the boys daring another to do a few...indiscreet things. They saw me looking and changed their minds.”

“Just remember that when the novelty wears off and they get used to you. They can become a little more than rambunctious.”

There were several occasions to point out misconduct, ranging from offensive language to shoving. Once, Tyler had to break up a skirmish between two of the boys. By the time six o’clock rolled around, Tyler was beat and Carlie looked exhausted.

But still, she took the time to make certain each child was bundled up properly. She helped with tying shoes, answered numerous questions and convinced one little boy that he didn’t really want to hit another, just because the child had sneezed on him.

Then she gave the sneezer a tissue.

“I’m impressed,” Tyler told her, his eyes on her flushed face. “You’re really good with kids. You never once lost your temper.”

She shrugged off his compliment. “I enjoy them. They’re fun, and honest to a fault.”

Tyler felt a tug on his hand, and looked down at a little girl named Lucy. She was smiling at him, showing him the stuck zipper on her coat. He helped her get her coat closed, then tweaked her nose. As he started to stand, she threw her skinny arms around his neck and squeezed him tight. “Thank you, Mr. Ramsey. I had fun.”

Surprised, he looked toward Carlie, then ruffled the girl’s tangled hair. “I did too, Lucy.” She giggled, and Tyler grinned at her. “You’ll be here Monday?”

“Yes, sir.” She skipped away, leaving Tyler to stare after her.

“Whatever could that little girl have done to deserve detention? She’s a doll.”

Carlie waved goodbye to the last little boy, watching as he climbed into his parent’s car, before allowing the heavy gym door to close. She turned to Tyler, chuckling softly. “Lucy has a problem with her language. She could make a sailor blush when she puts her mind to it. Personally, I think she just wants attention. Her father took off about a year ago, and her mother has her hands full trying to take care of five kids, all under the age of fifteen. Lucy sort of falls into the middle of the group.”

Tyler turned away, his left hand rubbing the muscles of his neck. “I hate hearing stories like that. They make me want to strangle somebody.” He began idly bouncing the ball, just to give his hands something to do and his mind something to focus on other than the problems of innocent children. But it didn’t work. The issue was a sensitive one with him. “Why is it the kids who have to get hurt?”

“It’s always the ones who are most vulnerable. That’s simply human nature.” She shrugged philosophically, then took him by surprise, snatching the basketball out of his hands and dribbling it across the court.

Tyler watched her antics, knowing she was trying to distract him, and appreciating her efforts. Being with the children today reminded him of his own childhood. It had been rough for him and Jason, and when they’d become teenagers it had only gotten worse. Tyler had always pretended with his friends, bragging about the freedom he and Jason had, making it sound as if raising themselves had been a lark. And he had refused to admit to the embarrassment of having a mother who was the town “lightskirt.”

God, it had been hard. Luckily, he’d had Jason. But it wasn’t the same. Children needed an adult to look up to, someone they respected and who cared about them.

These kids had Carlie, but he wanted to help, too, wanted to make a difference.

“All right, Tyler,” she said, breaking into his thoughts. “Enough moping over things you can’t change. I hereby challenge you to a little one-on-one. The first to make ten baskets wins.”

His grin was slow and filled with wicked delight. He put his hands on his hips, watching Carlie as she continued to expertly dribble the ball. “What are we betting?”

“That I can beat the pants off you.” Her tone was smug and taunting. And then she understood exactly what she’d said. She flushed scarlet.

“My pants? Well, Ms. McDaniels! It wasn’t enough to ogle me without my shirt? You want to strip me of all modesty?”

“That would be impossible.” Her face was still hot, but she began dribbling the ball again. “You don’t possess any modesty and probably never have.”

His grin widened. He approached her slowly, his eyes never leaving her face. “I’m ready when you are, sweetheart. But the stakes have to be worthwhile. Say...dinner? At the winner’s choice of place?”

Carlie gave him a confident smile. She did a fancy little feat of bouncing the ball behind her back, then between her knees, before shouting suddenly, “You’re on.” She raced down the court, scoring the first basket before he realized the game had started.

“Oh, ho! Getting tricky on me, huh? I like a woman who can take me by surprise.” Carlie faltered at his words, nearly losing the ball. Tyler lunged, staying right on her, his body looming over hers, his arms outreaching her, his legs able to cover the same amount of ground more quickly. Carlie claimed it was an even match.

She was good, real good. She dunked the ball three times before he had a chance to score. Then he got serious. But all the while, he grinned. He felt better than he had in a very long time.

They were both sweaty by the time the score was evened up, eight all. Tendrils of hair had come loose around Carlie’s face, sticking to her forehead and flushed cheeks. She looked done in, but still very determined to win. And she was laughing, obviously enjoying herself.

Then Tyler accidentally hit her. He made to jump for the ball, and his elbow smacked against her temple. Stumbling backward, she landed on her butt, her glasses slipping off her nose and dropping into her lap.

Tyler was horrified. “Oh, God, Carlie. I’m sorry!” He knelt beside her, taking her face in his hands, staring into her dazed eyes. Wide, hazel eyes. “Are you all right?”

She managed a slight, shaky smile. “I’m okay.” Then she looked up at him.

His eyes locked with hers, and his fingers moved an almost imperceptible amount. As he studied her, something seemed familiar, some memory tickling at the back of his mind. Those wide eyes....

Then Carlie broke the contact, pulling away from his hands.

“You knew you were about to lose, right? That’s why you belted me?” Her voice shook, and she tried another grin, but it was a weak attempt. Tyler wondered how badly she was hurt.

He was too busy trying to analyze the situation to answer right away. Carlie stuck her glasses firmly back on her nose, then called, “Yoo-hoo? Anybody home? Tyler?”

Finally, he shook his head, chasing away the errant confusion. “Sorry. Here, let me help you up.”

“I’m fine, Tyler. I don’t need any help.” He helped, anyway, giving Carlie no choice in the matter.

He turned her, holding her chin in his palm. “Let me look at you. I think you have a lump coming up already.”

She jerked away. “I told you, I’m fine. Quit fussing.”

Tyler propped his hands on his hips, worried and filled with guilt. “I’ll concede the game. Dinner is on me.”

Carlie looked down at herself, then shook her head. “Dressed like this? I don’t think so, but thanks, anyway.”

Her refusal didn’t surprise him, but it did annoy him. “You have to eat. It’s been a long day.”

“I have stew in the Crock-Pot at home. You’re free and clear.”

He picked up his shirt, drying the sweat from his chest and arms with it. He didn’t particularly want to be free. “Stew sounds good. We bachelors don’t get a home-cooked meal all that often.”

Carlie raised her eyes to his, a look of disbelief mirroring her thoughts.

As hints went, his was blatantly clear and he held his breath while waiting to see what she would say.

“You are wrangling me for an invite?”

He shrugged, but the movement felt stiff. “I figure anyone who can play basketball as good as you, must surely be able to cook, too.”

“Your logic escapes me, and besides, I don’t think I made enough.”

It was almost as if she was challenging him. He wanted to spend more time with her, but she was determined to put him off. He didn’t like it, not one little bit. They would spend the evening together, despite the woman’s ridiculous reservations. “I’ll stop at the bakery and pick up some sourdough bread to go with it.”

Carlie narrowed her eyes at his persistence. “Don’t you have some female somewhere waiting for you to call and check in?”

“Nope. And I’m hopelessly lonely. Be kind, Carlie. Take me home.”

“Like a stray dog? If I feed you once, will I have trouble getting rid of you?”

He managed to look hurt. Shrugging his bare shoulders, he said, “Never mind. I didn’t mean to intrude. I just thought since we were both going home alone, we could share a meal. I had fun today. I don’t get to goof off all that often anymore, regardless of what you think.”

Carlie froze. He knew she wouldn’t be able to handle hurting his feelings. Carlie was, despite her efforts to prove otherwise, a real softie. He watched her out of the corner of his eye and knew the moment she relented.

“I had fun, too, Tyler. And I suppose it would be nice to have someone to chat with over dinner.”

Tyler raised his head, all remnants of self-pity disappearing. “Terrific! I knew you could be reasonable.”

“Why, you big fraud!”

He simply laughed, not the least bit concerned with his deception. “Go get your things. I’ll follow you to your house.”

He watched Carlie stomp away. He could see her silently fuming. Damn, but he enjoyed her company. She was prickly, independent, determined to do things her way. She didn’t pout, didn’t treat him to the silent bit. No, when Carlie had something to say—and she usually did—she said it. She was so unpredictable, so unexpected, she chased boredom right out the door.

Chapter Five

TYLER DROVE BEHIND Carlie, noting the slow, careful way she maneuvered her car. He was on the verge of laughing out loud. He shook his head, bemused. He couldn’t recall ever having such verbal skirmishes with a woman. Women didn’t react to him that way. But damned if he didn’t like it. It was fun.

For that matter, Carlie was fun.

And he’d never thought of a woman that way before. She appeared totally immune to his flirting, but it wasn’t because she was shy or withdrawn.

On the contrary. She was one of the most outspoken women he’d ever met. And intelligent. He enjoyed her company.

It was like having a pal, someone he could exchange mild insults with and still smile. But it was so utterly different with her being female. It was as if a whole new facet had been added to the relationship. It went a long way toward relieving his distraction over the mysterious—and missing—masked lady. And that in itself was a major feat.

Carlie pulled into her driveway and parked beneath a carport. Tyler pulled up to the curb out front, then he stared. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, probably a mud-colored house with a barren expanse of lawn and not a single speck of color. She took him by surprise. Again.

Her house was a small Cape Cod cottage nestled at the end of a narrow side street. A farmer’s fields were on the right side of the house, a heavily wooded area to the left. Behind and in front of the white-and-yellow wooden structure was a well-tended lawn. Daisies were blooming everywhere, and her mailbox was designed to look like a small, colorful barn.

Tyler looked around, captivated. There was a tire swing hanging from the gnarled branch of an ancient oak off the back corner of the house. A curving porch circling to the right of the front door had a rattan porch swing attached to the overhang.

“A real swinger, aren’t you?”

Carlie shrugged as she dug her key from her purse. “I’m not an idle person. I don’t like to be still, even when I’m relaxing.”

Tyler tried to imagine the classic picture of a woman superimposed with Carlie in a flowery dress, her hair loose, swaying in the breeze and humming softly while her bare feet maintained the gentle motion of the swing.

He wasn’t quite that imaginative.

The inside of her house was also a contrast, so different from the woman he was getting to know. There was little furniture, only the basic necessities. It was an eclectic mix of modern and antique, light oak and glass, chintz material and delicate doilies. There were no photographs, but there were framed prints of the most outrageous things. Each room appeared to have a theme.

The living room was spring, with a large, brass-framed picture of a bee, busily collecting pollen from a daisy. Porcelain flowers decorated each tabletop and filled one curio cabinet.

The dining room, which was minuscule, was decorated with birds. A border of them circled the room, a dainty, delicate figure sat looking over every corner, and in each plant, one peeked from between the leaves.

The kitchen was whales.

He raised his eyebrows at her in question. “How did you choose whales, may I ask?”

Carlie had been busily putting their jackets on the coat tree and checking the stew. She looked at him over her shoulder as she lifted the Crock-Pot lid. “One of the children at school gave me one, once. I said I liked it, and...” She smiled.

“They all decided to give you one?”

“Each class seems to take it into their head that I need a new collection of something. But I don’t mind. It makes for consistent Christmas presents. There are bunnies in the bathroom and cats in my bedroom.”

“What are you going to do when you run out of rooms?”

She tilted her head. “Mix and match?”

He smiled at her wit. “Can I help you set the table or something?”

“No. You can turn on the television if you like. I’m just going to heat the bread and set the table.”

Tyler wandered into the living room again. His attention was drawn to the television set and an array of DVDs sitting on top. He looked through them, and stopped when he spotted a “Work Out With the Oldies,” video. He carried it with him into the kitchen. “Whose is this?”

Carlie paused in the process of serving the stew. “Mine. Who else would it belong to?”

“You work out to the oldies?”

“I like older music. It’s more fun than this new stuff kids listen to.”

“So do you hop and jostle around in a pair of tights?”

She smirked at his expression. “You’re looking at my workout clothes.” She spread her arms in the air. The shirt raised a bit and he caught a glimpse of the pale flesh of her belly.

To his disbelief, and annoyance, he felt a brief spurt of interest. It had only been a flash, an instant of white skin, gone too quickly to really appreciate, if indeed, there had been anything there to appreciate.

With the clothes she favored, it was hard to tell for certain. But she definitely had a large bosom. He’d established that today when she was exercising, her body bouncing in all the right places. And from that prominent point, her clothes fell almost straight down, giving no hint of curves or dips and hollows.

But her arms had felt slim when he’d shaken her the other day. And when she’d come into the house, she’d kicked off her shoes, showing narrow feet and trim ankles.

It was simple curiosity, he decided, that was making him react to her. Not that he would ever consider doing anything about it. She was a schoolteacher, which was bad enough as far as dalliance went, but on top of that she was too damn prickly, and was his sister-in-law’s best friend, to boot. She was so far off the scale of available females, he knew he didn’t have to concern himself. But he did, anyway.

He’d never met a woman so dedicated to a cause, so at ease with children and so giving. She was totally disinterested in his supposed prowess, in his community standing, in his reputation. All she wanted from him was his help in achieving a worthwhile goal.

Disgruntled with his thoughts, and his overactive imagination that kept him guessing at her elusive figure, he stalked toward her and asked bluntly, “How much do you weigh?”

Carlie halted in the middle of opening a package of butter. “That’s none of your business!”

“You’re working out, so you must feel you need to lose some weight, right?”

“Wrong. I work out to keep in shape. Everybody should.” She poked him in the middle. “Don’t you?”

“Of course. But that’s different.”

“Why?”

“I go to a gym. I’m a man.”

“Well, I can’t afford to go to some fancy gym. And no one ever told me being a man was synonymous with being outrageously snoopy and impertinent. I would have thought a man your age would have learned some manners by now.”

It was her teacher’s voice again, and Tyler saw that he’d made her truly angry, though she was trying to hide it. He watched as she slammed bowls onto the table, then practically threw the spoons next to them.

“What are you drinking?” he asked cautiously, waiting to see if she would end up throwing something at him.

“I’m drinking milk. You can find yourself something in the refrigerator.”

He did. Milk.

After sitting down to eat in perfect, strained silence, he ventured, “I’m sorry...?”

“You’re not sure?”

“Of course I’m sure. I just didn’t know if you would want me to speak to you. I, ah, seemed to have hit a nerve.”

Carlie sighed, dropping her face into her hands.

Tyler had the awful suspicion she was going to cry. In a near whisper, he asked, “Carlie?”

Her shoulders shook, and Tyler’s heart stopped. “Aw, Carlie don’t. Sometimes I just stick my foot in it. You shouldn’t pay any attention to me. Really. Carlie?”

She slowly raised her head. A wicked grin spread across her features. One look at Tyler and she broke into peals of laughter. He fell back against his chair, glaring at her.

“Oh, Tyler. You didn’t hit a nerve, honestly.” She chuckled again, then removed her glasses to wipe her eyes. “Actually,” she put in, obviously intent on controlling her hilarity and not entirely succeeding, “you’re finally acting exactly as I thought you would.”

“Is that right?”

“Yes, it is.”

He felt the sting of her insult, deliberate, he was certain. “So, you assumed all along that I was a jerk? Is that it?”

“Not a jerk. Not really. You’re an okay guy. But you think you can make up your own rules and everyone, especially females, will abide by them. You deliberately provoke me, and you’re purposely outrageous. You don’t even try to follow normal codes of manners or behavior. And why should you? Women relentlessly fall at your feet, despite your attitude, so why should you change to accommodate polite society?”

He didn’t like having her categorize and analyze his faults as if he fell into an expected mode of “male behavior.” “All this lecturing simply because I commented on your weight?”

“Because you felt it didn’t matter if you were rude. After all, I’m not a woman you’d aspire to sleep with. You have no personal, sexual interest in me, so why go out of your way to be charming? There wouldn’t be any benefit, now, would there?”

He studied her, his eyes probing. Damned if he wasn’t letting her get the best of him, again. So far, that was how it had been. She consistently sliced him up, verbally at least, while he was sitting there admiring her. Laughing with him was one thing, but Carlie was actually laughing at him. It was intolerable. “I’ll be honest with you. For some inexplicable reason, I’m intrigued by you.”

Her eyes widened enormously, and she choked on a breath. Her amusement was instantly, and completely, gone.

He waited impassively until she’d regained her breath. “I’ve decided it’s because you’re so damned mysterious.”

She sent him a wary look, then shook her head, refusing to meet his eyes. “No. No, I’m not. I’m an open book. You simply refuse to accept there’s a woman who isn’t bowled over by your charm.”

He pretended she hadn’t spoken. “What does your body look like? That’s what I’m wondering. How plump are you? How big are your breasts, how bountiful is your bottom? I’m used to looking at a woman and seeing what’s there, be it attractive or not, not this infuriating guessing game, trying to see beneath layers of ugly clothing.”

Very slowly, Carlie laid her spoon by her bowl. She stared at him, then tightened her mouth. “You’re terribly spoiled. You think nothing of going for the jugular just so you can win. All right. So I’m overweight.” She lifted one shoulder in a stiff shrug, holding his gaze. “It runs in my family. And flaunting my body would be a bigger crime than hiding it. But so what? I don’t need a man’s approval to feel good about myself. I’m a very nice person, and I do a very good job, and I care. About this community, about the children, about people in general. Can you say the same, Tyler? So you’re handsome. So what? What real contribution have you ever made to your own small part of the world?”

He spooned up a bite of stew, saluting her with it before putting it in his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully, feeling her simmer beside him, her anger growing with his nonchalance. Finally, knowing he’d pushed her far enough and sensing that she was ready to throw her stew at his head, he said, “You do a good job of going for the jugular, as well. I can’t think of a single important thing I’ve ever done in my life. But I don’t do bad things, either, discounting my comment on your weight, of course. I pay my taxes on time, I don’t drink and drive, I donate to charities—although, only when they actually catch me. I’m a gentleman and I’m kind to older people. Surely all that counts for something?”

“Not much.”

“Come on, Carlie. Can’t you forgive me? I was only curious, after all, not being deliberately insulting. If I was too nosy, well it’s only because I think you could be very attractive. No, don’t make rude noises at me again. You are intelligent, very intelligent. That’s something to be admired. If you made a little effort with your appearance, you might have plenty of equally intelligent men knocking your door down. You would probably have a very busy social schedule.”

“I don’t have time for a...busy social schedule.”

“It’s not a disease, you know. You’re a fun person to be with. You should be involved with someone special.”

Carlie tilted her head back to survey the ceiling. Without looking at him, she asked, “Why do you care, Tyler? I’m not some bird with a broken wing you need to teach to fly. I don’t want to fly. Walking is much more my speed.”

“I have an idea,” he announced, very pleased with himself.

“Oh, no. Now we’re in it deep.”

He laid his palms flat on the table, and raised himself out of his chair to loom toward her. “Date me.”

Carlie eyed him as if he’d grown a second head. As she kept him waiting, he reseated himself, tapping his fingers on the table. “Well?”

“I’m waiting for the punch line.”

“All right. Here it is. You might like it. You might enjoy my company.”

She made a show of stifling her laughter. “You should get paid. You’re a professional.”

“Professional what? Or should I ask?”

“Comedian, of course.”

“I’m being serious here. The least you could do is listen to me.”

“No, the least I could do is make you go home and take your insanity with you.” She seemed almost angry—and flustered. Her cheeks were a warm, rosy pink, and her hands trembled just the tiniest bit. Then she widened her eyes comically, gasping. “You don’t think it’s catching, do you?” She shoved her chair back, holding her hands up in a defensive gesture.

Tyler slowly rose from his seat. “All right, you. I think I ought to take you in hand. Talk about my manners!” As he advanced on her, circling the table with a menacing stride, Carlie shrieked and jumped to her feet, moving quickly to keep the table between them.

“All right! All right! Tell me what you have to say.”

Tyler advanced. “Too late. You’ve challenged my masculinity. And with my ego as enormous as you claim, that must surely be grounds for assault. Now you’ll have to pay.”

She was trying not to laugh. He watched the grin grow on her face, and felt satisfaction. Chuckles emerged from between her tightly drawn lips. She clapped a hand over her mouth, still moving cautiously. He followed.

Then Tyler lunged across the table, grabbing for her. She screeched in surprise, but it was already too late. He had her.

Hauling her body across the table, his grip firm on her upper arms, Tyler grinned at her. She was laughing, her glasses were askew, her chest heaving. And he had the insane, almost overwhelming urge to kiss her.

What the hell? he thought, and leaned closer, his eyes on her soft, slightly parted lips. He was filled with an anticipation that even surpassed what he’d felt at the pool house with the masked lady, and that had been shocking in its intensity. What he felt now was so alien to his jaded senses, he actually jerked when she spoke.

Her voice wasn’t breathless. It was low and menacing. “Back off.”

He did. Slowly regaining his wits, mortified by what he had almost done—to Carlie, for Pete’s sake—Tyler managed an unconcerned shrug. “I’ve never really...played with a woman before. I was only going to—”

“Oh, please. Spare me. I know what you were doing.”

“Uh, what?” Maybe she could tell him, for he certainly hadn’t a clue what had been in his mind. Carlie? Good grief.

Carlie fussed with her glasses. “You’re playing games. I already told you, I won’t have it.”

That sounded plausible, though not entirely true. But it helped him to regain his aplomb. “Of course I was playing. And so were you. That’s why you should date me. Ah-ah, just hear me out.” He waited until she sat down again. “Now, don’t storm out on me. I think we could enjoy each other’s company, at least, as long as we keep it platonic. I hope you didn’t think I meant—”

“Why?” she interrupted, her tone sharp, her look suspicious. “Why would you want to spend more time with me?”

“I like you. Really like you. You make me laugh.” Then he added, “And you keep me humble.”

She snorted, then ignored his chastising look at the rude noise.

“It would be good for us both. You would learn to relax a little, to concentrate on something other than your obligation to the school, and like I said, I enjoy your company.”

“Surely there are other women whose company you would enjoy more?”

“Perhaps. But for different reasons.” She opened her mouth, and he raised a hand in surrender. “I know. Uncalled for. Acquit me. But I’ve been really bored lately and...”

He frowned at her bubble of laughter. “I’m perfectly serious, I’ll have you know. Here I am, laying my heart out to you, and you’re rudely stomping all over it.”

“You know what, Tyler?”

He didn’t trust her grin. “Probably not.”

“It has been fun at odd and varying moments, which if you’re being sincere, is surprising to us both.”

He grabbed his chest, feigning a heart attack. “What? You admit to enjoying my company? I’m not totally without redemption? I’m not totally cast down? Carlie McDaniels likes my company! What more encouragement could a man ask for?”

“At odd and varying moments,” she clarified. “Okay, so where would we go and what would we do on these experimental, platonic dates?”

“Then you’ll do it?”

“Absolutely not. Not until you answer my question.”

“I don’t know.” He hadn’t really thought things through. “The usual stuff?”

“Such as?”

“Dinner? Dancing?” He grinned, ready to elaborate and add to his list. “Roller skating? Bungee jumping? Body surfing?”

“I could maybe handle a movie. It’s dark there and nobody would have to know I was out with a maniac.”

He beamed at her. “Excellent choice. Tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow is Saturday. Don’t you have a real date?”

“Carlie, Carlie, Carlie. This will be a real date. Up to, but excluding, the good-night kiss.”

Carlie twisted her mouth in apparent thought, chewed the corner of her bottom lip and studied her short, neat nails.

“You’re not contemplating death, you know,” he said dryly. “I’ll even let you choose the movie.” He watched the fleeting expressions on her face, and saw her indecision, her...nervousness? Damned unaccountable female. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had to actually beg for a date. It was a rather disturbing experience.

“I can choose what we’ll see?”

His heartbeat picked up speed. “Absolutely.”

“A true concession. All right. I’ll go.”

Tyler felt his muscles ease, and only then realized how stiff he’d been. He felt as if he’d accomplished something major. Carlie was no easy nut to crack. But he was determined to help her loosen up. He could help her with the children, easing some of her obligation, and also show her how to have a good time.

He suddenly realized that things were starting to pick up. Boredom was a thing of the past. First there was that night with the mysterious, timid masked lady, whose identity Brenda refused to reveal, no matter how he cajoled. His curiosity over that little episode was still extreme; he’d never met a woman like her before. Sooner or later, he would find out who she was.

Of course, he’d never met a woman like Carlie, either. She was as unique as any woman could be. He smiled, thinking of her again. Prickly, independent, outspoken Carlie. He surely had enough excitement to keep boredom at bay for some time to come.

* * *

“I can’t believe you chose this movie.”

Carlie smiled in the dim theater, very aware of Tyler sitting beside her. He was dressed in jeans and a dark sweater. She could smell his after-shave, and his own natural, masculine scent. It was comforting, stimulating and very distracting. “I love Mel Gibson.”

“Now, why does that surprise me? Oh, yeah. You’ve made it clear to me on several occasions that macho, sexy men are low on your list.”

“No. I made it clear that men who thought they were macho, sexy men were low on my list.”

“Don’t look at me like that! I never claimed to be macho.”

“Are you claiming to be sensitive, instead?”

“Certainly. Especially in specific areas. Like low on my stomach, the top of my spine...”

Carlie’s breath caught and her skin suffused with heat. He wasn’t lying. She remembered all too well just how sensitive he was in those particular areas. Throughout that one special night, he’d shown her how to give as well as take, and she’d thoroughly enjoyed each lesson.

She elbowed him roughly to cover her reaction. “You’re impossible.”

“Naw.” He waited a heartbeat. “Just very sensitive.”

“Hush, the movie is starting.” Carlie knew she sounded rude, but she didn’t care. Tyler’s flirting was just that, flirting. He did it with every woman he came into contact with, be she nine or ninety. It shouldn’t mean anything, and likely wouldn’t if she wasn’t the mystery woman. But she was, and his words affected her in numerous ways. Her head knew he wasn’t serious, but her heart jumped into a wild cadence of excitement every time he teased.

“Lesson number one, Carlie. You don’t rudely tell your date to hush.”

She shifted her gaze, peering at him in the growing darkness. “Not even when the movie is starting and he’s yakking on about his sexuality and very personal preferences?”

“That’s right. You should have told me where you’re sensitive, too.”

“Oh. Well, let’s see. My feet?”

“You’re not trying to get in the mood here, are you?”

She chuckled, feeling some of her tension ebb at his dry expression. Leaning slightly toward him, she nudged him affectionately with her shoulder. The action surprised them both, and Tyler whispered, “That’s better,” then boldly put his arm around her.

It felt good. Comforting and exciting at the same time. But she had to remind herself this was only a game to him. And she was only a distraction.

“You shouldn’t stiffen up so, either,” he added. “I’m not getting fresh. Just relax.”

The words had been whispered gently in her ear. She could have added it as another sensitive spot, yes, indeed. He was being so careful with her, lightly teasing and so solicitous. She wanted to lean against him, to feel more of his heat against her side. Instead, she stared straight ahead. “Shh. Don’t make me miss the movie.”

It would be okay, Carlie thought, once she managed to relax a little. Tyler would never connect her with the pool house. And he wasn’t attempting to fondle her; his hand wasn’t moving from her shoulder and he wasn’t drawing her nearer to his body. He was just...there. Firm. Nice. Male.

They shared a huge bucket of extra-buttery popcorn and a large cola. Carlie felt Tyler’s eyes on her when she unconsciously licked the butter from her fingers, but when she turned to him, he didn’t say a word. He looked perplexed, annoyed and exasperated. Carlie frowned at him, but he shook his head and looked away. She couldn’t begin to decipher his thoughts, and a few seconds later he excused himself to go buy candy. He returned with a box of chocolates.

“After all that popcorn, you have room for candy?”

Her tone had been whisper-soft, and he answered in kind. “You’re doing it again. You don’t talk to your date as if he’s a glutton. You should say, ‘Oh, candy!’ and thank him for it.”

She contrived a blank expression. “Oh, candy! Thank you.”

He laughed out loud, prompting the people behind him to grumble a complaint.

Carlie whispered, “I gather by your display of humor, I didn’t do it right?”

“You are amusing, Carlie. You really are. Thank you for coming with me tonight.”

Her throat felt tight when she tried to smile. She dropped her gaze to her lap for a moment, then raised it to look at him. “I’m having a good time, too. Thank you for asking me.”

He held her eyes a moment longer, tightened his arm around her in an affectionate squeeze, then turned his attention back to the screen. Carlie silently studied his profile. He wasn’t the puffed-up, conceited egomaniac she’d accused him of being. At least, not now, not with her.

Probably because he was with her; he wasn’t trying to impress or seduce her. He’d claimed boredom, but she wasn’t at all certain that was possible, given his reputation. There was no doubt Tyler Ramsey could have a different date every night of the week, without resorting to asking her out.

But it was nice being with him, knowing he didn’t really see her as a woman, but rather as a companion, someone to spend a few hours with. She thought of the party and trembled.

Tyler accepted that she was heavy, plain and greatly lacking in good taste. He’d made no bones about detesting her choice in clothing. But it had taken only a few small modifications—a wig, colored contacts—and he hadn’t recognized her at all.

With each passing hour, she found herself growing more attracted to him. It had started out being strictly physical. After all, Tyler Ramsey was the kind of man girls dreamed about and women fantasized over. And Carlie had recently lived a few of those fantasies. But now, she realized how easily she could lose her heart.

Carlie thought about the woman she used to be, so frivolous, so anxious to attract her husband’s attention, wanting and needing his approval. She’d failed dismally then, and eventually had learned a valuable lesson. Not that she blamed her husband entirely, for she had failed him in numerous ways. But he hadn’t even tried to be patient with her. He’d thrown out accusations without remorse or consideration to her age and inexperience. At first, she’d been crushed that she wasn’t a sexual person, that she’d failed in the most basic female concepts.

She was older now, wiser, no longer taken in by men and their obscure promises. Her husband hadn’t wasted any time in finding someone who suited his sexual tastes better than she did. It didn’t hurt anymore to remember, nor did it fill her with disappointment and self-reproach. She’d vowed never again to be that vulnerable. And she’d never been tempted to waver from that pledge.

Until Tyler. Now she had a night to herself, a special night to remember when she felt the loneliness that would surely come one day.

Gaining Tyler’s friendship was fun, but knowing him as a man, for that one special night, was a memory she would repeatedly indulge in recalling. Without even trying, he’d made her feel things she’d never felt before, things she’d thought herself incapable of feeling. He’d proven her husband had been wrong about her. That would have to be enough.

She would have to be very careful that he never became suspicious. Any more friendly, casual dates would have to be forgotten. She couldn’t risk it. The possibility of emotional hurt was too great. But the program? Could she distance herself, even while working with him for hours on end?

It wouldn’t be easy, but she had no choice.

* * *

“Tell me about Carlie.”

Brenda paused in her efforts to finish folding her laundry. “Carlie? What do you want to know about her?”

Tyler shrugged. “I don’t know. How long have you known her? Why isn’t she married?”

Brenda swallowed, then looked away. “She was married. When she was very young. But it didn’t work out. And since then...she just hasn’t found the right man. She’s intelligent, bright and funny and caring. She’s very special.”

Tyler was frowning slightly, then waved away Brenda’s defense of Carlie. “You don’t need to convince me. I’ve been with her a lot lately, and I like her, too.” He was silent a moment, then shook his head. “I didn’t know she’d been married. It was rough, huh?”

“I...ah, Carlie is very private, Tyler. I don’t feel comfortable talking about her.”

“I didn’t mean to pry. I just think it’s a shame she doesn’t have anyone special.”

Brenda turned and looked at him. “She told me you two went to the movies.”

“Yeah. It was really fun. I enjoyed it. It’s nice to be out with someone without having to worry about how the night will end. It was actually better than being with the guys. I didn’t have to listen to, and return, all the raunchy jokes about sex and who had enjoyed the latest conquest. It was comfortable. Do you know what I mean?”

Very gently, Brenda smiled at him. “Don’t look so confused, Tyler. I know exactly what you mean. Jason says he felt the same way after he met me. With other women and with his male friends, there was always a certain face he had to wear, a certain way he was expected to act. Around me, he could just be himself.”

“There’s a major difference here, Bren. Jason couldn’t keep his hands off you.”

Her sudden burst of laughter was quickly cut off. “That’s true enough, thank heavens. I don’t suppose you suffered the same thing with Carlie?”

“Carlie? That woman gives new meaning to bad taste. Her clothes alone are enough to keep my stomach churning. And there were several times I would have dearly loved to yank those damned glasses off her nose and stomp on them.”

“I’ve had the same thought myself, Tyler. But Carlie won’t ever change. She won’t dress to suit other people. And she’s comfortable with herself and the style she’s chosen.”

“What style? There is no style to her.” He grinned suddenly and admitted, “I’ve wondered what she would look like buck-naked, without her hair being tortured behind her head in that braid.”

Brenda’s mouth dropped open, then she sputtered. “Tyler Ramsey! Don’t you dare seduce my friend out of idle curiosity. I’d never forgive you!”

Tyler stood, glancing at his watch. He sighed philosophically. “You don’t want me to have any fun, Bren.”

“Have fun with some other woman. But you leave Carlie alone.”

“Carlie is safe enough.” Then he added, “You sure you won’t tell me who the harem girl is?”

“I can’t. I promised her I wouldn’t.”

“But why? What is she hiding?”

“She...she knows your reputation. And...and I guess she just doesn’t want to get involved.” Brenda shrugged. “I’m sorry.”

Tyler worked his jaw in frustration. “She doesn’t trust me?”

“Well...no.”

He exploded. “What is it with you women? I am not some overcharged male bimbo! Doesn’t anyone allot me the benefit of having scruples?”

“You women?” Brenda grinned at him. “This sounds like a Carlie lecture. Has she been rough on you?”

“One minute, yes. I get the feeling she doesn’t think very highly of me. But then she’ll laugh and be outrageously funny.” He paced a few feet away. “She keeps me guessing.”

Brenda walked him to the door. “I know you have scruples, Tyler. And I think you’re a very nice man, despite everything.” She skipped away when he turned, grabbing playfully for her. Laughing, she continued, “But Carlie’s different. I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“Hurt? Carlie’s about as vulnerable as a porcupine. But if you’re worrying I’ll make her promises I can’t keep, don’t. I’ve told her I like her friendship, that’s all. I admire her, despite her atrocious clothing, but I doubt I’d be even tempted to go beyond platonic with her. She’s safe enough.”

Even as he said the words, Tyler thought what an adept liar he was. He was tempted, more than tempted. It was just that the temptation had come in a different package. As often as not, he wanted to simply touch her, on the hand, on her smooth cheek. Holding her would be nice.

“Thank you, Tyler. I’m glad you’ve befriended Carlie. She needs some fun and excitement with men other than those stuffed shirts on the school board.”

Tyler had been in the process of walking out, but he halted abruptly. “I didn’t get the impression she was dating anyone in particular.”

“Carlie doesn’t consider going anywhere with them a date, because she works with them. She thinks that their interest is purely work-related. But I don’t think so. I think they’re as curious as you are, but probably don’t have the conscience you have.” She looked up at him, frowning. “So far, Carlie hasn’t allowed them the chance to appease their curiosity.”

“What about Carlie? Doesn’t she get curious?”

“Carlie?” Brenda fidgeted with her hair, looking away from Tyler. “Naw. She just isn’t interested anymore. Like her clothes, she thinks spending a lot of time on a social life is a waste of perfectly good brain waves.”

Tyler grinned. “I can hear her saying that.” He glanced at his watch again, then asked quickly, “So you knew her in school?”

“Carlie and I have known each other for years. Without her help, I’d never have made it through college.”

Tyler was silent a moment, acknowledging Brenda’s words. “Carlie’s like a mother hen, isn’t she? She likes helping people.”

“Yeah. That’s Carlie, all right.”

Nodding in satisfaction, Tyler left, late for his appointment. His trip to his sister-in-law’s had been spontaneous. Carlie had refused to see him again except at practice, claiming she had too many papers to grade and a big test to prepare. He’d missed her.

Carlie seemed to have an innate rapport with children. When he was younger, he’d thought it was only his mother who didn’t like and understand kids. Women, in general, were supposed to be maternal, he’d thought. But as he’d matured, he’d learned exactly how wrong he could be.

His mother hadn’t wanted him or Jason because they hampered her life-style, which basically meant they curtailed her sexual freedom. At least she claimed they did. Tyler could never recall his presence slowing her down.

From a very young age, he’d known what women did with men. He’d seen what women did with men. His mother hadn’t been circumspect. His mother hadn’t been much of a mother.

And since then, he’d met too many women who seemed to share her sentiments. Life was for enjoying; as long as you had money and looks and prestige. It was a life-style most women sought, with no place for kids. Children interfered with careers or ruined otherwise perfect figures.

He would probably never have any children of his own. His life wasn’t conducive to raising kids. And he would never cheat a child of the warmth and love they deserved. Children should enrich life; they should be cherished and protected, not considered a burden to be tolerated.

An image of Carlie, married and cradling a baby of her own, flitted through his mind. It left behind conflicting emotions; tenderness, because he knew she would be an excellent mother. But also possessiveness, which made no sense at all. He refused to dwell on that sentiment, and put the image firmly from his mind.

It disturbed him, how much she occupied his thoughts. Especially when he had other things to think about. He wouldn’t give up on the mystery woman—he wasn’t a man to leave a puzzle unsolved. But time and again, he found his thoughts veering to Carlie and her unusual wit, the gentleness and patience she gave her students.

Anyone who took the time to really know Carlie, would realize there was nothing plain about her, despite the horrendous clothing she wore. She was about as complex and complicated as any female could be. He hadn’t exaggerated when he said she intrigued him.

Though he knew she’d had a good time with him, she had refused any future dates. She didn’t return his calls, either. He would almost swear she was avoiding him, but why?

He would take his time, and sooner or later he would figure her out.

He intended to enjoy every minute.

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