Finally, she turned sideways and sidled past him, hoping her ass didnt skim his hips. She went to the blackboard, where an empty easel waited.
Her fingers shook as she set her canvas on the easel.
Daniel came up beside her, moving so quietly she didnt hear his footsteps. Suddenly, he was just there.
"Its Tamarack Cove," he said, not smiling anymore. "I used to kayak down there with my grandfather. There a great tide pool, over--"
"By the black rocks, yes. " When she realized that shed finished his sentence, she wanted to smack her own face. "I didnt know that was the name of my cove. I should have known, I guess, since I live there, but I dont spend a lot of time reading maps. Although Im interested in tide charts. "
Shut up, Birdie.
She clamped her teeth together. They hit with an audible click.
"You really dont know how talented you are, do you?" His voice was soft as beach sand.
The compliment filled her up inside, made her feel about twenty years old. "Youre nice to say that," she said, praying her cheeks didnt turn red.
He took a step toward her, came so close she could see a thin scimitar-shaped scar on his temple. She had a sudden, stupid urge to reach up and touch it, to ask him when hed been hurt.
Thats it, no more romance novels.
"Come have coffee with me after class," he said.
She stepped back so fast her butt slammed into a desk. "Im married. " She lifted her left hand, wiggled her fingers. "I mean, I am. Were separated right now, but thats not a divorce. Though he said divorce, I dont think he meant it. So, yes, Im married. " She tried to shut up, but couldnt. The silence would be horrible, awkward. "I have two daughters. With my luck, theyre your age. Oh, God, maybe you know them. Stephanie is--"
His touch stopped her.
"Oh," she sighed.
"Its just coffee," he said.
If possible--and frankly, she doubted it--she felt more idiotic. "Yes. Coffee. Its a beverage, thats all. You dont care if Im married. "
"Not for coffee. "
Her cheeks were on fire; she was certain of it.
"I dont know what got into me. Im sorry. "
"Dont be sorry. Just meet me after class. Theres something Id like to discuss with you. "
She nodded. He undoubtably thought she was a moron. Mrs. Robinson after a head trauma. "Sure. Coffee would be great. "
Jack had received one of the coveted tickets for the opening night premiere of Disneys newest blockbuster movie. Hed dressed carefully, chosen a black Armani mock turtleneck sweater and charcoal gray wool slacks. According to Sally, dark colors set off his newly blond hair and tanned skin to perfection, made his eyes look "Paul Newman blue. "
He was just about to grab his coat when the phone rang. It was probably the car service, letting him know that the car had arrived. He answered quickly. "Hello?"
"Dad?"
Jamie. Hed been missing her calls all week. "Hey, baby, howre you doing?"
"You didnt return my last call. "
"I know. Im sorry, too. Ive been so busy lately. How about you, howre things going? I meant to call after last Saturdays swim meet, but you know me. I cant remember why I left the house half the time. "
"Yeah, Dad. I know. "
He glanced at the clock. It was 6:37. The car service would be here any second. Damn. "Look, honey, Ive got--" His second line beeped. "Just a minute, I have to put you on hold. " He depressed the button and answered. "Hello?"