Page 30 of The Apple Tree

And Grandma Bonnie.

“Did you find someone to watch Josh until school starts?” I stepped up on the fence rail so we were closer to eye level.

“No.” He said without backing away from me. “I’ll pack snacks next time.”

“What time is your morning practice done?”

“Eleven.”

“I can go into the motel later and return by the time you leave for the second practice.”

“Then you won’t make as much money if you finish your work in less time.”

I shrugged. “I don’t pay rent.”

He eyed me with contemplation. “Are you sure?”

I nodded. “It’s just for a few days. You can buy me some beer or wine coolers, and we’ll call it even.”

He grinned. “I have to draw a line. And that’s a hard one. I won’t be providing you with any alcohol.”

“You’re no fun.” I frowned.

“Because I had bologna for dinner instead of lasagna. You threw my fun in the trash.”

I laughed. “That was your own fault. Now, when are you going to teach me something new?”

Had he not stared at my mouth, my mind would not have gone to anything sexual, but he did. And my face filled with heat.

“We can go fishing after dinner tomorrow if your sister will babysit Josh.”

“I’ll ask her.”

“No.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and laughed. “You’re already failing at this. If I’m takingyoufishing, and we’re not telling anyone, then you need to have other plans tomorrow night, hence whyIwill ask Gabby if she can watch Josh.”

I leaned forward until there were about six inches between our faces, and he didn’t move, which thrilled me. “Or I can ask her and tell her you asked me first, and when I said I had plans, I told you I’d check with her for you.” I grinned.

Gah!

Again, he stared at my mouth, and I could practically taste his lips. My heart skipped so many beats that I wasn’t sure it would recover.

His gaze inched up to mine. “Can you watch Josh tomorrow night for me?”

“No.” I grinned.

“Why not?”

“Because I’m going out with friends. But I can see if Gabby can watch him for you.”

He smiled. “Attagirl.”

“I’m going to be your best unofficial student, Mr. Collins.”

“Straight A’s?”

I hopped off the fence. “I’ve never gotten straight A’s.” I headed toward the house so he wouldn’t see me drool over him, melt at his feet, and lose all my dignity because I had an incurable crush on my neighbor.

“You’ve never had me as your teacher,” he said.

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