give Mr. Springer a big round of applause for reading to us today.”
They smacked their hands together, and Silas whooped as he jumped up and down with glee.
“My gosh, that’s more of a reception than I usually get,” Sienna said.
Dash stood in the middle of the room, unsure of what to do or say. He’d never gotten a reception like that in his life. Amazing that a group of eight-year-olds could make him feel better about himself than most people he’d known as an adult.
“You’re good with them,” she said as the warning bell sounded for dismissal.
“I like them.” Silas trotted over with papers falling out of his backpack, and Dash straightened them and zipped up the pack before helping Silas slip the straps over his shoulders. “I didn’t think I would,” he added.
“Really? What’s not to like about a bunch of eight-year-olds?”
“It’s not them. It’s school. I was never much good at it.”
“You keep saying that. But you’re good now.”
“Reading picture books to kids? I hope I am.”
The bell rang, and the kids straggled into line. “Can you wait?” Sienna asked as they tugged her toward the hallway. “Or do you have to leave right away?”
“I can wait.” Friday afternoons were notoriously slow at the gym. Hell, even if they weren’t, he’d prefer spending time here. You’re getting too close to her, came a warning voice in his head, but for the first time since meeting Sienna, he ignored it.
Ten minutes passed before she returned. “Sorry. Dawn’s bus was late. She had a bit of a meltdown. A silent one, but you’d be amazed how kids can communicate without saying a word.”
“She still doesn’t talk?”
“No. And I can’t figure out why. It’s a psychological thing, for sure, not a physical one. It’s a defense mechanism, I guess.”
“Well, the world can be a scary place.” Dash leaned in the doorway and looked down at her.
“For little girls, yes. For guys like you? I doubt it.”
“I’ve been scared before. Once. Maybe twice.”
“Oh, yeah? Of what?”
Getting hurt, he almost said. Of course, physical pain was easy to get over. Emotional pain? Betrayal, heartache, regret? Those scars seemed to last a lifetime. He screwed up his courage and met her gaze straight on. Didn’t look away.
“I have something for you,” he said. “Meant to give it to you the other night.”
She frowned. “What’s that?”
He hesitated only a moment. Then he slipped his arm around her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her like they were the only two people left in the world.
THIS.
The word whirled through her brain, the only one she could hold onto.
This is what I’ve waited for. What I was missing for so long.
Dash took her mouth with authority, strong and sure, easing her lips open and letting his tongue explore hers. A breath caught in her throat, and he smiled against her lips. One arm remained around her waist. The other hand came up to her jaw, holding her mouth to his. His fingers, rough and calloused, stroked the skin of her neck, and she went a little dizzy.
This.
He never stopped kissing her. He knew exactly how to tease her, how to make her lean in, how to take his time until she was hungry for more. His hand began a lazy trail down her side, tickling her ribs and the edge of her breast before moving on. A restlessness kicked up inside her, and she wanted to taste every inch of him, wanted to know how he’d touch her if they weren’t standing inside her classroom.
At that, Sienna did stop. We’re in my classroom. She put one hand to her swollen mouth and looked at Dash like she’d never seen him before.
“What’s wrong?”
She shook her head. She didn’t trust her voice.
“Not here, huh?” he added, reading her thoughts. “Sorry. You’re awfully hard to resist.”
She wanted to hear that.
It terrified her, hearing that.
You should tell him, Max echoed inside her head.
But how could she? How could she tell him she’d never done anything like this before, never wanted anyone like this before, without screwing things up or scaring him off?
He brushed his thumb along her cheek and lower lip. “I don’t want to be just friends. I know you’re leaving. I know we’re about as different as day and night. I still want more.”
“Me too.”
“Yeah?” His eyes lit with hope.
“Yeah. I just...” I need to tell you something. But before she could get up the courage, he went on.
“Listen, I have a crazy week ahead. Continuing ed classes, certifications