Chapter 9
Abbey pulled the last of the streamers off the wall. “That was a lot of fun.”
The other parent helpers had rushed off shortly after the students left the hall, citing work and childcare obligations as excuses. Lucy, Abbey, and Jenny were left to handle most of the clean-up.
“Thanks a mill for your help today,” Jenny said, closing the box of decorations. “Fair play to everyone; I think the kids had a great time.”
“Me too,” Abbey laughed. “If you ask Lola, I probably had too much fun.”
“Ah, sure, bless; I think they love having us here, even if they say otherwise.” Jenny winked. “Listen, I gotta leg it to the créche to get Zoey. You can handle the final bits?”
“No worries, Lucy and I will finish up,” Abbey replied.
“You’re a star.” Jenny grabbed her purse and jacket. “I’ve no doubt Lucy will be running events before we know it.”
Lucy smiled but shook her head. “Don’t count on it.”
Jenny laughed and waved as she exited the hall, leaving Abbey and Lucy alone.
“That wasn’t so bad now, was it?” Abbey asked.
“It was fun,” Lucy agreed. “I’m glad I came.”
“Good,” said Abbey, lifting the box of decorations. “I’ll take this up to the store room. You can work on the kitchen. Pretty straightforward, the mugs go in the dishwasher, wipe down the counters, you know, act like you’re at home.”
Lucy raised an eyebrow in amusement as they parted ways.
In the kitchen, Lucy took in the chaos. Abbey was right; this was a familiar scene in their home lately. The mug she had abandoned earlier was sitting on the counter, currently surrounded by several others. Empty sugar packets lay discarded, their tiny, white granules scattered haphazardly across the counter. Milk droplets added to the disorder, while mugs and spoons overflowed from the sink. A few stray tea bags lay abandoned, leaving stains that mingled with the milk and sugar remnants.
Lucy went to work, tossing the veil from her head onto a vacant chair. Aidan instantly filled her thoughts; it seemed that was the first place her mind wanted to go today, especially after two awkward encounters. Absently, she rubbed her head lightly, where a bruise was definitely developing.
She couldn’t figure this man out. Was he being playful, flirting, or simply enjoying watching her squirm? There was no denying the chemistry between them; he had to feel it, too. However, he seemed to be able to turn his emotions on and off like a light switch. Despite the intensity of his gaze, he appeared utterly calm in her presence while she battled a storm of emotions raging inside her.
What would have happened if Kaylee hadn’t interrupted their moment earlier? The tension had been so thick between them, or at least it had been for Lucy. Nothing could have happened, not with the room full of students. Even so, she couldn’t shake the feeling of something brewing between them, although it might be a case of wishful thinking.
Her mind took a nosedive in the erotic direction as she ran a washcloth under the faucet. Wiping the rag across the counter, she imagined Aidan’s arm sweeping across the refreshment table and knocking all the little juice boxes to the floor. Tossing the empty sugar packets into the trash, she continued in her fantasy, picturing Aidan lifting her onto the table and passionately kissing her. Moving back to the sink, Lucy grasped a mug, imagining her legs wrapped around Aidan’s waist as his fingers tangled in her hair.
Lust and desire burned through her veins. She wanted to laugh out loud as she conjured up scenes that were a mix of a cheesy romance movie and a bad porno. Her hands weren’t the only body part getting wet as she rinsed the mugs and placed them neatly into the dishwasher.
Shaking her head, attempting to clear her mind, Lucy closed the dishwasher. Squatting down, she balanced on the balls of her feet as she rummaged through a drawer, searching for dishwashing tablets.
“I have one more.”
Lucy jolted at the voice, losing her balance and somehow managing to topple backward, landing flat on her back.
“Sorry. I’m so sorry.” Aidan set his cup on the counter and knelt next to her. “Are you okay? I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Oh geesh,” Lucy muttered, feeling absolutely mortified as she lay flat on the cold, hard floor. “I’m okay.”
Aidan grabbed her arms and hoisted her up until they stood face-to-face. The quick movement caused Lucy’s head to spin. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she began to sway.
Aidan placed a hand on the small of her back, steadying her. “Whoa, easy there.” He was so close she felt the warmth of his breath against her cheek.
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, hoping to steady herself. Instead, her legs felt like jelly. As she inhaled, she caught a whiff of soap and sandalwood. He smelled good. One arm tightened around her waist, and the other held her arm. Lucy’s heart pounded against her chest as butterflies swarmed in her stomach. Again, time seemed to stand still; they were dangerously close.
“I’m okay now,” she whispered after several silent seconds.
She rested her hand against his chest, fully intending to push away and stand on her own, but a momentary glance into his smoldering eyes caught her off guard. Unintentionally, she sucked in a breath at the intensity of his gaze. His breathing accelerated, and she could feel his heartbeat thundering beneath her palm.
As if in slow motion, Aidan released her arm and gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. Lucy thought her heart would pound right out of her chest. The pad of his thumb swiped across her lips as he studied her mouth. The wire of tension between them snapped as he bent his head and kissed her.
Electricity coursed through her body as their lips touched. Instinctively, he pulled her tight against his chest and deepened the kiss. Lucy’s hand glided up his chest, sliding around to rest along the back of his neck. Her other arm, which hung loosely at her side, encircled his waist, closing all distance between them.
Aidan groaned, sliding his hands down her back and over her butt to lift her from behind her thighs. Pushing his tongue between her parted lips, he carried her back, setting her down on the freshly scrubbed countertop.
Carnal need caused an ache to flood her body. Her legs, having a mind of their own, wrapped themselves around his waist. She tangled her hands into his hair, pulling him deeper into the kiss. Her desire for him overwhelmed all thought and reason. Neither could think straight, consumed by their desperate need for each other.
Lucy slid her hips to the edge of the counter to press firmly against him, feeling his desire rub against her crotch. A moan escaped his lips as she rubbed seductively against him. Aidan fingered the lacy trim of her dress, his knuckles lightly rubbing along the skin across her knees before slowly traveling up her thigh. She quivered at his touch, his fingertips leaving a fiery path along her flesh.
She sighed as he buried his face in her hair, kissing her neck as his fingers toyed with the lace of her panties. Lust pooled mere centimeters from his fingers; she knew he could feel the dampness and heat emanating from her core.
Aidan pulled away as if suddenly yanked by an invisible string attached to his back. Placing his hands on his knees, he panted. Lucy’s lips were plumb and red; she was breathing hard. Her body was ready for him. If he wanted her right here, right now, it would be nearly impossible to say no.
He took another step back. “Shite,” he whispered breathlessly, running a hand through his messy hair. “I––class––damn––bye.”
Before she could respond, he was gone. Her entire body felt numb; all she could do was continue to sit on the counter, staring after him, unfulfilled and way too turned on for the current setting.
When Abbey walked in, Lucy was still breathing hard. Her eyes were like saucers, and she gasped at Lucy’s state. Lucy still sat, her hair a tangled mess, and her dress hiked up to her thighs.
“Oh my! What are you doing?” Abbey’s jaw nearly touched the floor.
Lucy jumped from the counter, her face crimson as she straightened her dress.
Abbey pointed at Lucy. “Did you just—? Were you—?” Abbey stuttered, trying to understand the scene she had walked in on. “You didn’t, you know?” Abbey gave her a quizzical look, putting two fingers together and moving them in a circular motion down toward her crotch.
Lucy looked horrified. “What? No!” Absently, she pulled at the hem of her dress. “I did not just pleasure myself on a counter in the middle of a school––on a school day!”
Abbey pretended to wipe sweat from her forehead. “Phew. No offense, but you sort of look—flustered. Your hair could use brushing, and your dress was––a bit provocative. Why were you sitting on the counter like that anyway?”
“Well, I understand why you would think I was––“ Lucy mimicked her sister’s movement with her fingers. “It was Aidan.”
Abbey smirked. “Obviously; I figured you were thinking about Aidan.”
“No,” Lucy whispered harshly. “Aidan was in here.”
“What?” Abbey leaned back in surprise.
“Shh!” Lucy looked around as if someone would walk any minute. “Literally, just a few minutes before you walked in. Didn’t you pass him?”
Abbey shook her head. “Not that I recall. What were you two doing in here?”
Lucy’s face burned, and she stared at her feet. “We may have kissed a little.”
“A little? Girl, you look like it was intense. You have sex hair.”
Lucy playfully slapped her sister’s arm. “Shut up.”
“You like him,” Abbey replied.
Lucy held up her hands. “You caught me; I’m a little infatuated.”
“Oh, I think it’s more than that. You two were getting hot and heavy in the school kitchen.”
“Shh!” Lucy gritted her teeth. “I confess, I’m horny these days, but I promise you it’s nothing more than that.”
Abbey rolled her eyes. “If you say so.”
Lucy turned back to the dishwasher. “Let’s start this dishwasher so we can go home. Any idea where the soap for it is?”
Abbey opened a drawer above where Lucy had looked earlier and pulled out a tablet. Dropping it into the machine, she pressed a button and slammed it shut.
“That’s that. We better hurry out of here. I don’t want to be here if “you know who” walks in again.” Abbey winked. “Things could get awkward.”
Lucy glared at her sister as they shut off the lights and headed out the door.
Abbey waited until they were off school grounds to broach the subject again. “What are you going to do about Aidan?”
Lucy shuffled her feet. “What can I do?”
“Jump his bones again and again and again.”
Lucy rolled her eyes. “You sound like a horny teenager.”
“I wasn’t the one getting hot and heavy on school grounds.” Abbey poked Lucy’s arm. “And I don’t blame you; he’s hot. If the sex is good, girl, get it while the getting is good.”
Lucy tried to hide a smile. “But he’s Kaylee’s teacher. Aren’t there rules or something?”
“Rules against sleeping with hot guys?”
Lucy sighed, raising her head to the sky. “Get serious for a minute. There has to be some rule against dating your child’s teacher, even if it’s unwritten. I wouldn’t want to make him or Kaylee uncomfortable.”
Abbey gasped. “Dating? Who said anything about dating? Is that what you want?”
“No!” Lucy replied forcefully. “I’m just saying there has to be a rule against teachers fraternizing with their students” parents, whether it be sex, dating, or whatever.”
Abbey twisted the key in the lock. “Well, there must be some strong chemistry if you couldn’t keep your hands off each other in the kitchenette.”
“Making out is not dating.” Lucy hung her jacket on the hook. “I am not going to deny the chemistry between us, but it’s just lust. Of course, I can only speak for myself. I have no idea how he feels about me.”
Abbey turned her mouth agape. “Are you kidding me? Obviously, he’s attracted to you. For goodness’ sake, he practically had his way with you right there in the school kitchen while working.”
Lucy unknowingly placed a hand over her stomach as it flip-flopped wildly.
“I forgot he was technically at work.” Lucy scowled, picking up her laptop and settling down at the table. “That was pretty scandalous. Thankfully, we didn’t get caught. He would probably get fired for something like that.”
“His desire for you made him risk it all,” Abbey said wistfully. “It’s a little romantic.”
Lucy narrowed her eyes. “Maybe in your weird dream world. That moment was pure animalistic desire. We’ve slept together, and both enjoyed it, so maybe we wouldn’t mind doing it again. However, if I hadn’t gone home with him that night, he wouldn’t have even noticed me today.”
“Deny, deny.”
Lucy turned her attention toward the laptop. “It doesn’t matter anyway. He’s off-limits. We shouldn’t have let things get out of hand like that. As they say, there are other fish in the sea. I just need to fish in another pond.”
“If you say so,” Abbey said, waving a hand in dismissal.
The rest of the afternoon whizzed by in a blur. Work was a mess, and Lucy became wrapped up in fixing issues and messaging the team. Aidan became a distant thought, momentarily shoved aside by the demands of her job.
Kaylee returned from school just as Lucy was wrapping up a case.
After tossing her school bag on the table, she picked through the fruit bowl. “Hey, Mom.” She chose a shiny apple and ran it up and down her dress. “The disco was fun, right? We don’t have anything like that back home.”
“It was definitely interesting,” Lucy sighed.
Kaylee took a bite of the apple and sat down across from her mother.
“Did you know Halloween originated in Ireland?” She asked between bites. “It has a funny name. I kept calling it Sam Hain in class because that’s how it’s spelled. The kids at my table think I’m funny because I can never pronounce Irish words. It’s sort of my thing, I guess.”
Lucy glanced at her daughter and couldn’t help but smile. Kaylee’s eyes sparkled, and her animated recount of the day confirmed everything Lucy needed to know; Kaylee was settling in, making friends, and happy.
Lucy leaned back and closed her laptop, giving Kaylee her full attention. “How is it pronounced?”
“I’m still not sure,” Kaylee laughed. “Saw-win or sow-in; something like that. Anyway, Aidan told us about different festivals and traditions; it was a fun day. And next week, we’re on break.”
“Sounds like a great day,” Lucy said. “I know you were worried about this move. It’s not easy starting a new school and making new friends, but I’m so proud of you for trying your hardest every day.”
Kaylee shrugged. “I was nervous, but everyone here is so nice. They ask me all kinds of questions about America. I’ve even made some friends. In fact, Chloe invited me for a sleepover during the break.”
“That’s great.” Lucy stretched her back out. “I would move back to America in a heartbeat if you told me you were unhappy.”
“No!” Kaylee looked horrified. “I’m happy here. I love living here. I love having Lola around. She’s like a sister to me, and I finally have someone my age to hang out with. Plus, you have your sister again. We finally have a real family.”
Lucy smiled. “We had a family. Your dad and grandma.”
“Pfft, I’d hardly call that family. Grandma spent time with me, but you and her can’t stand each other. And dad–––well, he has never lived up to that title.”
Lucy frowned. “I’m sorry.”
Kaylee waved the apology away. “You’re happier here, too. I haven’t seen you smile or laugh this much in a long time. And you don’t look worried all the time anymore.”
“You aren’t supposed to notice those things.”
Kaylee turned the apple in her hand. “Kids notice a lot of things.”
Lucy nodded; she knew from experience how true that statement was.
“Do you miss Grandma?” Lucy asked.
Kaylee looked up thoughtfully. “I thought I would, and I do, but—.” Kaylee’s voice dropped off, and she concentrated on her apple.
“What?” Lucy urged. “You can tell me.”
Kaylee blew out a breath. “It’s just, I realize now how awful Grandma was to you. I didn’t notice then, but looking back, she always made digs at you, mainly about Dad. She thought he was the most amazing person in the world and blamed you for him not wanting to be around us. She constantly told me if you tried harder, Dad would stay.”
Lucy felt as if she had been punched in the gut. “And did you believe her?”
Kaylee shrugged. “At first, but– Dad’s kind of an asshole.”
Lucy couldn’t help but laugh.
“Grandma would say if you tried harder, I would have a family, maybe even a brother or sister.” Kaylee’s voice dropped. “It made me sad because I wanted those things, and I think you did, too. But I realize it was Dad who didn’t want us.”
“He didn’t want me.” Lucy reached across the table and took her daughter’s hand.
“You don’t have to protect him,” Kaylee said quietly, squeezing her mom’s hand. “He didn’t want a family. He didn’t want either of us. I heard all those fights.”
“Oh, Kaylee, he doesn’t deserve you.” Lucy felt tears stinging the back of her eyes.
Kaylee stuck out her chin. “He doesn’t deserve either of us.”
“I wish I would have picked a better dad for you,” Lucy said.
Kaylee lifted a shoulder. “It’s okay. I don’t need a dad; I have you. And, who knows, maybe while we’re changing our lives, we can find a new dad.”
Kaylee smiled and wiggled her eyebrows at Lucy.
“I don’t know about that.” She released her daughter’s hand and stood up. “I’ve had some bad experiences with men. I should probably take a break.”
Kaylee sucked air through her teeth. “True, you aren’t the best picker. Maybe someone else should pick for you.”
“Maybe.” Lucy picked up her water glass and took a sip.
Kaylee’s eyes lit up. “I have the best idea. I’ll set you up with my teacher, Aidan. He’s okay looking and really nice.”
Lucy choked on the water she was drinking, spilling some on her shirt.
“You okay?”
“Wrong hole,” Lucy whispered, which seemed to be a common theme when it came to Aidan. His name alone caused her to forget how to use basic motor functions.
“You remember Aidan?” Kaylee continued, unaware of the effect this conversation had on her mother. “You know, the one you were talking with at the refreshment table today? What do you think? Is he cute?”
I think I just about ripped off his clothes in the kitchen, Lucy thought.
Turning quickly, she hurried toward the sink, grabbing the towel and wiping her shirt as she searched her brain for some sort of reply.
What did she think? That was a loaded question. Certainly, not one she could answer without turning twenty shades of red.
“He was–nice.”
“Really nice.” Kaylee nodded enthusiastically. Pushing up from the table, she approached the counter and faced her mom. “He isn’t my type, but I guess he’s good-looking, right?”
Lucy laughed. “Not your type? He’s a little old for you.” Lucy mused, realizing she had no idea how old he was. “How do you know he’s even single? Maybe he’s married?”
Lucy continued facing the sink, not wanting Kaylee to see how interested she was.
“I didn’t see a ring.” Kaylee shook her left hand. “Besides, he’s never mentioned a wife, and there are no pictures of females on his desk.”
Lucy turned around, leaning her back against the sink. “He has pictures on his desk?”
“Just a few of his mates,” Kaylee replied. “That’s what he called them, mates, isn’t that funny? They were at some match, curling or hurling, or some odd Irish sport I’ve never heard of.”
“Does he share a lot with the class?” Lucy asked.
Kaylee shrugged. “We played a getting-to-know-you game on the first day. That was one of his facts. Anyway, think about it; he could be a good catch.”
“You wouldn’t feel weird about that.” Lucy absently bit her lip, knowing she was walking a fine line.
Kaylee laughed. “I don’t know. I just thought about it now; it’s not as if I’ve been planning to hook you two up.”
Lucy finished wiping off her shirt and hung the towel on its hook. She wanted to press the issue further to find out how Kaylee would honestly feel, but she stopped herself. There was nothing between her and Aidan, so why continue to foster these thoughts? Sure, they had a lust-infused make-out session today, but it meant nothing.
“Give it some thought.” Kaylee winked as she left the room.
That was precisely the problem; Lucy couldn’t stop thinking about Aidan. And no matter which way she looked at it, she couldn’t shake the gnawing sensation that if she pursued him, things would only end badly.