Page 59 of Class Act

The feeling of his skin against mine brought heat back into my cheeks and took away the dizzy feeling. “No,” I whispered.

“You’re getting some color back in your face,” he whispered as his hand stopped its caressing and wrapped softly around my upper arm.

He swallowed and pulled me closer. It was like we were pretending that he wasn’t bleeding from his head even though the blood was still dripping from the ends of his water-darkened hair onto his shoulders. I didn’t dare meet his eyes, so I focused on the base of his neck as my forehead came near his lips.

“Take a few deep breaths.” His voice was low, intimate, as though we were sharing a secret.

Another wave of light-headedness hit, and my clammy hands were heavy as they lifted until they pressed against the outside of his waist. I wasn’t sure if I was bracing myself or embracing him.

“I’ll be okay,” he said.

His tone begged me to look at him. I felt his breath against my cheeks as I tilted my head back. His eyes were clear again, his expression grave. I nodded, and then his lips were feather soft against mine. I was aware of his hesitation, understood that he wasn’t sure this was a good move, but for me it was pure heaven.

His mouth was soft and warm with a hint of rough bristle against my chin. I leaned into it; my mouth relaxing and welcoming before meeting his kiss with one of my own. His hand clenched tighter around my arm, and his thumb gave my bicep a slow stroke. There was no feeling in the entire world better than this.

He increased the pressure slightly, his mouth forming more firmly to mine, and I welcomed it, repositioning my head to get closer. It felt like my world was crumbling and being reordered, but in reality the kiss only lasted a moment, a heartbeat of time that could change everything for better or worse, depending on how we reacted. The kids’ voices called us back, and he pulled away far enough to let a breath of air through. Just enough for me to whisper shakily.

“Wow.”

He released me with an amused huff of breath, turning to face his children as I stepped back and bent to retrieve my towel. When I stood I was satisfied to see that I wasn’t the only one practicing some deep breathing techniques.

That night, right before bed, Ford sent me a text.

Ford: Thanks for coming tonight

My stomach tingled and my face broke into a wide smile.

Me: I had a great time

Ford: I’m going to be busy hosting international visitors for the next week or so

It seemed a little random, so I replied with

Me: Okay?

Ford: I won’t have much free time, but could I call or text you when I have a minute?

Oh, yes, yes he could. Delicious warmth spread through my limbs. He wanted to be in touch. He was telling me that he didn’t want me to think he’d disappeared after our kiss. There was a crack in his wall, and I was more than happy to fill it.

Me: I’d like that

Ford: Goodnight

Me: Night

I didn’t fall asleep quickly even though I’d completely worn myself out. I laid in bed for a long time, hugging my phone to my chest and running my fingers along my lips, reliving a kiss I’d never, even in my wildest dreams, thought would actually happen.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

A week later I stood with my hand wrapped around an ax handle, facing a target, while being both heckled and cheered on by my group of friends. Ax throwing was all the rage, and Meredith felt passionately about trying it out. If it had been allowed, she’d have put a picture of Brooks VanOrman’s face on the bullseye. As it was, I didn’t believe for one second she wasn’t imagining it there.

“You don’t have the muscles for this, Hailey,” Ruby taunted from her spot behind the safety line.

I glanced over my shoulder and raised one eyebrow while pursing my lips. “It’s not about muscles; it’s about heart.”

“That’s right,” Aryn cried. “You tell ‘em.”

“Bullseye, bullseye, bullseye,” Lizzie and Meredith were chanting.

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