Jace.
CHAPTERSIX
JACE
And it does not matter what any eyes think of her but mine . . . and to me, she is the most wonderful, most attractive, and most compelling of creatures.
Ruby Dixon,Ice Planet Barbarians
“Nice show today, Jace. You should really think about getting a teaching degree,” Mr. Nichols said as I was packing up my puppet show props.
I knew Mr. Nichols meant well. Everyone in town meant well. But it was hard not to take their comments as judgment after a while. Like how I spent my time, volunteering at the school here and running Young Wills weren’t worthy pursuits because it wasn’t a formal career.
“Thanks, but I’m happy with what I’m doing.”
“If you ever change your mind, I know some faculty at UT Knoxville in their education program. I’d be happy to introduce you. See you Thursday.”
I continued to pack up my rolling suitcases, recalling when Sienna, too, offered to arrange a meeting with a professor who ran the performing arts education program at a local liberal arts college. She didn’t judge me when I declined, but if I was being honest with myself, I’ve tossed around the idea of teaching more seriously since then. I loved working with kids, particularly in the theater, seeing them shine in their own ways, finding their confidence. Yet, a part of me was scared that if I formalized it by making it a career, it’d take some of the magic away.
I was on my way out, heading around the corner toward the main hallway, when a familiar voice made me pause. It was the voice I looked forward to hearing every Sunday, the little rasp once again causing a throb at the base of my spine.
I peered around the corner, and there she was. Polly Alberton.
She looked upset, pacing back and forth, speaking rapidly into her phone. “I understand that. But I’m sure you can also understand how alarming it was to come home to find my nanny, the one I hired from your service, smokingmarijuanain my home when she was supposed to be watching my children.” She paused. “Uh-huh. Yes. But I need someone to watch my kids overnight when I’m on hospital call, not just during the day.”
Hospital call. Was she a nurse? And watch her kids? She must be a mom. My eyes moved over her upswept hair, sunglasses sitting on top of her head, then moved down her body. She wore a short black blazer, and tight, dark blue jeans molded to her incredible ass.
Ahotmom.
A mom I’d like to?—
“Fine,” Polly snapped. “Yes. I’ll look for your email. But I will expect this month and next month’s fee to be refunded.”
Jesus, this woman was sexy when she was direct.
I turned back around, hiding behind the corner. Listening. Waiting. Holding my breath. I heard a couple soft footsteps, followed by a sigh. What in the hell was I doing? Hiding? And why? I wasn’t one to hesitate. I took a step forward just as Polly whipped around the corner, causing us to practically collide.
“Oh!” she cried as I reflexively grasped her shoulders, stopping us from crashing headfirst into one another. A look of shock crossed her face, so I automatically stepped back and dropped my hands, missing the soft feel of her body under them instantly. I’d been close to her before, on many occasions. Except today her makeup was fresh and light, splashes of freckles were visible across her cheeks and nose.
“MissAlberton, pleasure to see you again.” I laid on the Southern charm on thick as I could, taking my time, letting thesfrom theMissdrag on a little longer than usual.
“It’s just Polly.” She stiffened and backed up a step. “I saw your puppet show. You’re very talented.” Her expression was polite, face still unreadable. But her vivid green eyes were running all over me, despite her rigid posture. Like they were the only thing not buttoned up about her.
“Thank you.” I couldn’t help the wide grin that came over my face, loving the glimpse of another side of Polly Alberton.
“Do you work here?”
“At the school? No. I assist the theater classes throughout the school year and there’s an after-school theater program I help out with, too. I picked up the puppet show gig after a friend of mine gave me the idea. Her husband helped me build the stage. How old are your kids?”
She widened her eyes at my question, then bristled, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. “How do you know I have kids?”
Hell, but she was a live wire. I didn’t want her to know I’d been listening to her phone call, so I shrugged. “I’m only assuming, since it’s almost pickup time. It’s why most folks come here about now.”
“I guess that makes sense.” Polly seemed to hesitate. “I have two kids: Max is ten and Ryla’s five.”
I remembered the new kids I met today, a brother and sister with blond hair and green eyes. Of course they were Polly’s kids, they looked just like their momma.
“Do your kids go to a different school during the year?”
