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  Adam licked the seam of her lips and when she opened to him, he sucked on her tongue. Heat started low in her belly and spread through her body. She moaned.

  He broke for air first. “Hush, babe. Don’t want everyone to hear us.” He smoothed a lock of her hair between his fingers. “But I do like hearing you. That sweet moan lets me know I’m doing something right.”

  “You did a lot of things right.” She rested her palms on his shoulders. Muscled there, too? How had she missed it? “We’ll run after the meeting?”

  “You bet.” He let go of her, then threaded his fingers into his hair. “I don’t want this to get weird.”

  “Adam.”

  “I mean it. I like you. I think you like me, but we work together.” He dropped his hands. “I don’t want to sound like a jackass and say we go about business as usual when everyone else is around.”

  “It’s a good idea.” She nudged herself off the wall. Good thing she’d had the support to brace herself against. “We don’t have to tell anyone about this until we’re ready. I’m very cool with that.”

  “You are?”

  “Yep. I don’t want to screw this up.” She patted his arm, then followed him out of the classroom. Not the ideal way to start whatever it was happening between them, but not bad either.

  The meeting lasted an hour and involved each of the teachers introducing themselves. She fidgeted in her seat. Dennis never bothered to have such elaborate meet and greets before. Probably flexing his administrative muscle. By the time he adjourned the meeting, her butt was numb. The other five teachers in the English department snagged her for a quick meeting consisting of a ten-minute discussion of college entrance essays and how to better incorporate them into the curriculum. As the middle ranking teacher in the department, she didn’t have to worry about creating full school lesson plans—she simply followed what the chairs wanted. She hurried back to her classroom and grabbed her gym bag. With her luck, Adam would be done with his run by the time she got started.

  She jogged to his classroom. He stood with his back to the door and a woman facing him. Melissa plastered herself to the hallway wall. She didn’t recognize the woman and tipped her head to listen to the conversation.

  “I want my daughter to be in your class.”

  “Miss Harper, I can’t control who ends up in which section. There are only so many sections and if Mr. Keller didn’t suggest Sadie for the class, then I can’t put her in as a freshman.”

  “I don’t believe you,” she spat. “Sadie is ready for this challenge.”

  “I’m sure you know your child and she might be, but I have no say over her placement.”

  Oh for crying out loud. Melissa peeked around the door frame. The blonde had her hands on his forearms and stood entirely too close for comfort. Adam appeared to be able to hold his own. He smiled, but not the jolly way she’d come to like. No, he wanted the hell out of there.

  “Mr. Pallas, there must be something I can do to help.” She dropped her voice to a purr. “Anything.”

  “You can stop,” Melissa interjected. She hadn’t planned on stepping in, but come on. The woman needed to be put in her place. The poor guy looked like a deer in the headlights. “The only individuals who have control over the scheduling for students are the guidance counselors and the administration. We cannot help you in this matter.” Damn Mama Bear tendencies. She couldn’t stand by while the parent acted in poor judgment.

  Miss Harper whipped around. Her eyes narrowed and she set her jaw. “It was all him. He threw himself at me.”

  “You’re really going to try that?” Melissa rested her hands on her hips. “I witnessed the whole exchange from the doorway here.” Now she recognized the woman. She had her older daughter, Sarahbelle, three years before. Hopefully Sadie hadn’t inherited her mother’s pushy attitude. Melissa choked back bile. Sadie’s father was Kevin, her ex. Crap. Melissa had dealt with her ex-fiancé’s ex wife before and now the ex-wife wanted to challenge Adam. Didn’t the woman ever give up?

  “Fine. You’re Miss Murphy, aren’t you? Sarahbelle never did like you. You were too arrogant.” Miss Harper pushed past Melissa and stomped out of the classroom. “I’m speaking with Mr. Dalton.”

  Go figure the woman didn’t like her. Now Melissa was on her shit list for sure. She doubted Dennis would cave on the matter, but couldn’t wait to hear what Miss Harper would say.

  “Have a nice day.” Melissa waited until Miss Harper flounced away before she spoke to Adam. “She’s harmless. She wasn’t a problem for me three years ago when I had Sarahbelle, but I did have a parent like her last year. His kid lost his project and somehow it was my fault for not using ESP to grade what wasn’t there. They think they can walk all over us.”

  “She tried.” Adam shook his head. “I had that under control.”

  She bit back a smile. She’d bruised his ego. Unintentional, but still painful for him. “I can’t stand to see the people I like being trampled on because someone has an agenda.”

  “Yeah.” He rubbed his forehead. “Look, I need to go to the office and settle this. I’ll catch up with you later?” He brushed past her.

  Well, crap. She wounded his ego and he should’ve wanted to kick her butt. He wasn’t a possessive jerk, but she sure felt like a fool for not giving him space. She sighed. Screw it. Whatever they had brewing between them, would either hang on or fall apart. She needed the run anyway. Men were meant to be a conundrum she’d never figure out. In Adam’s case, a handsome, quiet gentleman who didn’t need her butting in. Melissa closed his classroom door and headed to the back of the building. Time to pound the rubber in the halls and clear her head. Men could wait for later.

  Chapter Three

  Six weeks of school down and a slew of grades to complete. Adam stared at the computer screen. Each year the district upgraded the grading software and each year they waited until the last minute to ensure the teachers knew how the hell to input grades. He wasn’t a newbie with computers and knew how to calculate grades, but damn he felt so ineffective.

  A headache grew behind his eyes. He’d been running with Melissa every school day once the students went home for the day. He loved their nightly ritual, but the tension between them sucked. Yes, he’d gotten to know her. Not just the big things, he learned the little things, too. Like how she preferred late sixties rock versus the super groove seventies stuff or how she hated speaking in front of large crowds, but loved teaching her juniors.

  He drummed his fingers on the desk. The grades weren’t going into the computer any faster if he spent his time thinking about Melissa. He shouldn’t be upset with her for sticking her nose in with Miss Harper, but he couldn’t forget the experience. He felt so…emasculated. Talking to her would probably help, but he wasn’t sure what to say.

  A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. Corey Murphy, Melissa’s brother, stood in the doorway. “I thought I’d run with you two tonight, but I can’t find Missy. Have you seen her?”

  “She’s not working on grades?” He nodded to the computer. “I can’t figure out this stupid program, Murph. Got a suggestion on what to do?”

  “They didn’t explain it enough for us to understand it.” Murph strode across the room, the lanyard for his keys dangling from his pocket. “It’s not that hard.” He grabbed a chair and plopped beside Adam. “You’re logged in, that’s the first hurdle. Adding the letter grades is easy if you know where to look.” He pointed to the drop down box. “Here’s where you select your class. And here,” he clicked on one of the sections, then highlighted the first student in the list, “are the grades. It’s code.”

  That made more sense. Code. No wonder others on staff didn’t understand it. He nodded. Now that he knew how to add the grades, he could add them from his laptop. “Cool.”

  “Yeah, it’s not hard once you know all that. Mitch had to teach me.” Murph leaned back in his seat. “Speaking of teachers, I hear you and Missy are a thing. Not just running buddies.”
r />   “I doubt that.” Adam snorted. “We jog together and talk. That’s it.”

  “Uh-huh.” Murph spread his feet and rested his elbows on his knees. “Okay, I don’t believe you, because Missy doesn’t hang out with guys. She likes to be one of the guys, but guy friends doesn’t happen for her—mostly because of us.”

  “She’s mentioned that.” Adam shifted in his chair. Great. A grilling by the older brother.

  “Since Kevin the nitwit, we’re protective more than normal.” He stared Adam in the eye. “Look, she likes you and told me and Jordy about you. I know she can be…gruff and abrasive sometimes. She had to learn to stick up for herself and doesn’t take crap.”

  “So I’ve noticed.”

  “I heard about her stepping in with Harper.” Murph grinned. “That’s Missy. Sounds like she really took to you. It’s a good thing.”

  “Then why do I feel like a dope?”

  “Because she’s a force to be reckoned with and you’re one of those guys who seems like he’s a pushover and isn’t. Give as good as you get and you’ll be fine. Promise. She needs a guy who can be pushed but also knows when to push back.”

  “I can do that.” Adam closed his grade book and swiveled in his chair to place the book on his main desk.

  “Cool.” Murph stood. “By the way, Missy’s in her classroom.” He grinned, then strolled out of the room.

  Adam shook his head. He’d been had. Honestly, he didn’t mind. He stuffed his grade book, his lesson plans and the textbook into his bag. Time to find Melissa and talk things through. He headed across the building to her classroom. The lights weren’t on, but the door was open. He knocked on her door.

  “Melissa?”

  “Howdy stranger.” She sat behind her desk, her hair swept off her face with two pencils. God. He hadn’t seen a woman look so sexy.

  “Fun with grades?”

  “Yeah. Corey had to help me.” She shrugged. “He’s a good brother.”

  “He helped me, too.” Adam plunked his bag down on the first student desk. “It’s Friday and we’ve got all weekend to put grades in. Want to get pizza? I’ve got great wifi and decent digital.”

  She grinned. “Sounds good. We should’ve gone for a run first, but we can cheat.”

  “Heck yeah, we can cheat. I’m in the best shape of my life.” He snorted. He sounded like a commercial. “I’m only a couple blocks away. Want to follow me?”

  “Sure.” She snapped her books shut and filled her shoulder bag. “I’d love a night to just hang out.”

  “You said just.” He grinned.

  “I did.” Her eyes sparkled. “Maybe you should punish me.”

  “I will.” His heart skipped a beat. There was the banter he loved. “Ready?”

  “Sure am.” Her footsteps clunked behind him as he strolled out of her room.

  No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t tamp down his excitement. Finally, a sort of date. He wanted to tug her to his side or at least link hands with her. But he’d been a dick for the last couple weeks, keeping her at arm’s length. Fuck. They came to a stop at their vehicles, her Jeep and his sedan.

  “What’s on your mind?” She tossed her bag into the backseat. “I can see the wheels turning.”

  Might as well tell her about his conversation with Murph. “Your brother visited me.”

  “You said so. He helped with the grading system.” She rested her hip against the fender. “But I’m guessing Corey did what he does best, tried to scare you out of seeing me? God. Big brothers.”

  “He’s all for us seeing each other.” Adam didn’t bother to glance across the parking lot to see if anyone was looking. He didn’t care. He braced his hand on the window frame. “I’m sorry about being a dick. My manhood came into question and it hurt. I’m used to it, but that doesn’t mean I like it.”

  When she opened her mouth to answer him, he placed his index finger on her lips. “Let me apologize. I get it. You want to protect me. I like it and I like you.” He bridged the gap between them and threaded his fingers into her hair. “I’ll never hold you back, but promise me you’ll do the same for me—whether we’re friends or lovers. I’m in your corner.”

  “You’re good,” she said around his finger. “Maybe you need the right person to help you realize you’re stronger than you think.” She moved his hand and threaded their fingers together. “Take me home, feed me and we’ll see where things lead.”

  “You got it, babe.” He kissed her on the lips, a quick peck but her scent remained on his skin. He stifled the moan. “I’m in the Crestwood Estates.” Adam rounded the hood and climbed behind the wheel of his car. The drive to the apartment seemed to go by in a blur. He remembered to stop at the signs and obey the lights, but he swore the tires never touched the pavement.

  When she smiled, his spirits flew. Her laughter warmed his heart. Touching her brought all sorts of naughty thoughts into his head. He wanted to protect her, too.

  At his apartment building Melissa followed him up the path to his building. He opened all the doors for her and stole glances at her ass. His mouth watered. A nice heart-shaped ass. Perfect for swatting.

  “Why don’t we get these grades knocked out while the pizza’s on its way, then we’ve got the night to do whatever?” he asked.

  “Good plan.” She placed her computer bag and her shoulder bag on the arm chair, then kicked off her high-heeled shoes. The pencils came out of her hair and the inky tresses slid down her shoulders. “Adam.” She didn’t even look at him. “I don’t want to do grades right now.” She turned around and slinked toward him. With each step she took, she popped a button on her blouse. The garment fell away from her body, revealing the flesh-colored bra and tight cami underneath. She pursed her lips and the straps from her bra and cami slipped off her shoulders.

  “Adam?”

  Holy shit, this was what he wanted. He dropped his bag and scooped her into his arms. The plan was to use finesse and romance her, but looking at her so hot and waiting for him…he needed her too much. He wrapped her legs around his waist and carried her into the bedroom.

  “Adam.” She tumbled onto the side of the bed, then scrambled to her knees. Melissa ripped open the sides of his shirt, buttons thumping on the floor. Hunger radiated in her eyes. She ran her fingers under his T-shirt. Her touch on his abs sent shivers through his system.

  “Running has been good for you.” She shoved the white shirt out of the way and kissed along his stomach. “Real good.”

  Oh hell. He wasn’t going to last. Not right now. He swatted the top of the bureau at his back and grabbed a condom from the top drawer. He opened the fly of his pants. The pesky garment plopped at his feet.

  “Yeah, baby.” Melissa took the condom from his hands and ripped open the packet. She rolled the rubber over his dick, then stroked him. “I want to feel this inside me.”

  “You will.” He eased the tight cami up over her head and then arranged her on her back on the bed. Damn, she liked body-hugging clothing. He liked seeing her in and out of them. “Do you like these stockings?”

  “Rip ‘em.” She arched her back enough to grasp the catch on her bra. The lace loosened and slipped from her chest. Her rosy nipples beaded.

  Adam leaned over her and laved his tongue over her breasts. The scent of her perfume, rose or something flowery, wafted around him. He reached between her legs and pulled on the thin pantyhose. The fabric gave way without issue.

  Melissa smoothed her hands over his head, raking her nails through his hair. The tiny bit of pain spurred him on. He licked his way down her belly to the waistband of her stockings. Black silk covered her pussy. He needed the panties out of the way, but he refused to rip those. Not this time, anyway.

  “Yeah.” Adam nudged the lingerie to the side, then stood tall.

  “Baby.” She hooked her hands around her knees and opened herself to him.

  The cream on her cunt glistened. So pretty and pink, like her nipples. “Damn.” He never swore durin
g sex, but the more he touched her the more he couldn’t think straight. He braced his knees on the edge of the bed and entered her in one thrust. Melissa tipped her head back. Her lips parted and she gripped him tight from within. Holy shit, this wouldn’t last long.

  Adam eased in and out of her pussy, caressing her wet heat. He needed to kiss her. With his hands on the bed on either side of her head, he lowered himself on top of her. He bit her bottom lip, then pecked kisses over her face.

  “Hard,” she puffed and draped her arms around his neck. “Make it rough—I like it when you play hard.”

  He paused. She wanted to play rough? He wondered if there was more to her statement than the simple phrase.

  Adam arched enough to pump his hips. His balls slapped her ass with each plunge into her body. His skin prickled and his thoughts blurred. He rested his forehead on hers.

  “Look at me, sweetheart,” he murmured. When he spoke, she did as told. “Feels so fucking good inside you.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “The best.”

  “Adam,” she whispered, meeting him thrust for thrust. She hooked her ankles around his waist. “More.”

  He’d give her more. Adam increased his speed. The flutters in his lower belly spread through his body. He shivered and gritted his teeth. “Come for me, Missy.”

  Melissa moaned and trembled beneath him. She tightened her grasp, then slumped on the bed. She panted. “Oh my God.”

  “No shit.” Adam’s restraint splintered and he filled the condom. From his balls to his heart, he tingled. His legs wobbled. Christ, he needed to sit down or at least flop on the bed. He stared at Melissa.

  A smile lit her face and she closed her eyes. “Adam, we so crossed a line.” She opened her eyes. “I’m glad.”

  Good thing. For a moment—again—she scared the crap out of him. He pulled out of her and collapsed beside her on the bed. Without looking, he removed the condom and dropped it into the waste bin beside the bed.