Her Sexiest Mistake (15 page)

She swiped a hand over her hot, damp face. “He gave Hope a hickey.”

“I saw.”

Of course he’d seen; he didn’t miss a thing. “I’m going to kill him.”

“They didn’t have sex,” Kevin said.

“But she knows
we
did,” Mia said. “And she thinks I’m the biggest hypocrite out there.”

“Ah. That makes sense then.”

She looked at him warily and tried not to wilt in the heat. “I’m not going to like this, am I?”

He sighed. “She’s been telling stories.”

“Runaway stories?”

“More like…lies.”

“Oh, boy. What’s she saying?”

“She’s just talking, being a teenager, trying to fit in.”

“What’s she saying?”

“That she’s from some rich family and they’ve dumped her with you for the summer and you’re treating her like Cinderella before the ball. Any of that background stuff true?”

“Are you kidding me? You know it’s not.”

His eyes never left hers. “How would I know? You’ve never told me anything of your past.”

“Okay, you know what? It’s too hot for this. I’m just going to take her home.”

Kevin splashed the hose over her feet, making her gasp with the sudden cold.

She stared down at her silky, strappy heels. “These are Jimmy Choo’s,” she said in shock. “You can’t just—”

He did it again, splashing just a bit higher now, past her ankles nearly to her knees. Water spots appeared on the bottom of her pleasant D&G skirt.
“Hey!”

“Oops.”

Mia narrowed her eyes and took the last step between them, putting them toe-to-toe, and if she’d been a foot taller, nose-to-nose. “I’ll have you know these shoes are expensive.”

“And I’ll have you know that haughty tone you use when you’re irritated really turns me on. It’s sick, I know, but true.”

“You don’t want to play with me. Trust me. I always win.”

He flashed a slow and utterly wicked smile. “Did you know that when you’re backed into a corner, your Southern accent shines right through?”

“I’m not—”

“Oh, that’s right. We don’t talk about that. Or your past. You don’t even cop to having one.”

Echoes of Tess saying the same thing went through her head. “My past is too complicated to discuss in this heat.” She reached for the hose, but he evaded.

“I’ve got air-conditioning at home,” he said.

“You said you weren’t going to answer the door to me anymore.” She again tried to snatch the hose from him, but he pulled back and, in the guise of pointing it at her car, missed entirely.

And nailed her legs, making her gasp again.

From behind them, the kids began to notice and let out a bunch of whistles and
woo hoos.
“Water fight!” someone yelled.

That was all they needed to hear. With shrieks of laughter and screams, the kids turned on each other.

In the midst of it all, Kevin took a step toward Mia, a wicked light of intent in his eyes.

She backed up, her butt hitting her car. “I mean it. Don’t you even think about—”

The hose hit her thighs and belly, and laughing, she finally grabbed the hose and pointed it at Kevin’s chest, nailing him full blast. He burst out laughing, the sound even sexier than his voice, and then just stepped through the spray toward her. Pulling a total girl, she screamed, dropped the hose, and went running around the Jeep, ducking down on the far side of it.

“Aunt Apple?”

Mia opened her eyes from her crouch by the passenger door and came face-to-face with Hope. Or at least she thought it was Hope. With a cap on and her face devoid of makeup, she looked like a different girl entirely, sweet and pretty. And fairly shocked.

“Are you…
squealing
?” Hope asked in a disbelieving voice.

“Apparently, yes.” She would marvel over that shocking fact later. “I’ll pay you twenty bucks to sidetrack Kevin so I can get him.”

Hope’s eyes widened. “Twenty?”

“Okay, forty.”

Hope just stared at her.

“
Sixty.
Come on, Hope. Help me out here.”

Hope shook her head, looking bowled over. “I’d have done it for nothing, you know.”

“Have I taught you nothing? Aim higher, girl.”

“Yeah.” Hope touched the cap, looking a bit self-conscious. “I’m, um, sorry about this morning.”

Mia blinked in surprise, but the girl was gone. She waited a minute, then, assuming Hope wanted that sixty bucks, stood up. No Kevin in sight. Perfect. She tiptoed toward a forgotten bucket filled with soapy water, her heels squishing all the way. Damn him. She took another quick look around.

Still no Kevin. This was too good to be true.

Without warning, she was grabbed from behind and pulled against an extremely wet, warm, hard chest. “Gotcha,” Kevin said low and husky in her ear, tightening his arms on her as he laughed softly.

Goose bumps rose everywhere, but pride dictated that she struggle. “When I get free,” she vowed, “I’m going to get you.”

“Promise?”

“Let go!”

Another soft laugh. “I don’t think so.”

“Let go or I’ll…” Hard enough to think when he held her like he did; harder still to maintain her righteous dignity.

“You’ll what?” he goaded. “Make it good now.”

“I’ll get Hope to rewire your house so that every time you switch on an appliance, country music blasts at earsplitting decibels throughout your house.”

“Nice one.” But he still held on to her, his arms banded tight around her middle, the fingers of his left hand spread wide and nearly, just nearly, brushing her breast. “Face it, Mia. I won. And I’m going to claim my prize.”

Her nipples went happy. “Dream on. There’s kids watching.”

He laughed again, and even though she kept squirming, he didn’t let her go. “Not everything is about sex.”

“Between us it is.”

For a beat, he went utterly still. Then he bit lightly on her ear, making her hiss in a breath, and not in pain. “It’s not
all
about sex,” he repeated. “And I’m going to prove it to you. Tonight. Dinner. With me.”

“As in a date?”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t—”

“See you at six thirty.” With that, he let her go and walked away.

“I didn’t say yes!” she yelled after him.

He didn’t even look back, the bastard.

Well, fine. But she wasn’t going. No way. Not going to get in a restaurant and stare at him over flickering candles and wine, and talk…Not going to ride on the back of that motorcycle, clinging to his hard, warm body. Not going to go home with him and let that body make hers sing.

Ah, hell. She was going to go.

K
evin came down the stairs, and Mike took his gaze off the TV long enough to sign,
Scary woman left you a text message.

Who?

Beth.
Mike used the remote to flick through the channels with a speed that suggested annoyance. The volume was earsplitting, not that he could tell, but after a minute he tossed the remote aside to sign in quick, agitated gestures.
She said to tell you she’d like a conjugal visit tonight, and bring dinner.

Kevin laughed.
She did not say that.

Word for word. Since when is she sniffing around you again?

Since Amber is at the teen center for the summer. Beth’s under the misguided impression I’m a better catch these days.

Mike took in what Kevin was wearing and raised a brow.

Kevin looked down at himself. He’d showered and put on fresh jeans and a clean black T-shirt. Given who Mia probably usually dated—
not
high school science teachers on a budget—this was probably slumming it. The TV, still at earsplitting decibels, was driving him crazy, so he grabbed the remote.
Loud enough for you?

Mike’s face closed.
Sorry if I can’t hear it.

The old stab of guilt still brought pain. He knew it, and Mike knew it.

Sometimes he knew Mike liked knowing it.
Look, Mia and I are going to dinner. Want me to bring you something?

So you’re going to get fed before she does you this time. That’s nice.

Kevin’s jaw ticked.
Do you want something or not?

I’m going to Tess’s.

She might not be up to it, she—

Quit. I know, we’ve been text-messaging. She says she’s pissed, but I think she’s sad. I’m going to cheer her up.

Kevin thought of Mia, and how protective of Tess she was. If Mike fooled around with Tess, as was his custom with women, and then dumped her in about a week, also his custom, Mia would kill him.
Maybe you should call Kim. Or Carrie. Or how about—

Tess.

Yes, but Monica called you, just this morning, said you hadn’t gone out with her in weeks. I bet she’d take you clubbing.

Mike’s smile faded.
Last time I went clubbing, you had to bail me out of jail. I thought you’d be thrilled I was doing this. You have a problem with Tess?

No, I have a problem with you screwing around with her and then dumping her.

Mike stared at him.
How do you know she’s not the one?

Kevin laughed.

Mike’s face tightened.
You’re that sure I’m going to fuck it up?

Kevin didn’t know what to say to that without starting the fight that Mike was clearly looking for.
What’s the big deal? Just find another woman to play with.

Why don’t you?

What are you talking about?

Or are you going to come home dragging your heart behind you again?

What does that mean?

Mike stood up.
It means you’re one to talk. You’re currently sleeping with the female equivalent of me. You ever think of that? Yet another person in your life that is broken but doesn’t want to be fixed. Yet another person in your life for you to anguish over, and in this case, get screwed over.

Kevin stared at Mike, hearing the words as if his brother had actually spoken them, feeling them settle into his chest.
I don’t have time for this shit.

Right. Because it’s about you this time.
Mike nodded agreeably.
You never have time to deal with yourself, only others. Go. Go get fucked tonight. Literally and figuratively, see if I care.

Whatever.
Kevin strode to the door, feeling far more suited to be heading to an aggressive basketball game than a date.

But maybe a date with Mia would be right up his alley. Maybe for once he’d do this her way. Get all his aggressions and stress out with a spectacular orgasm. And then move on.

Yeah, sounded perfect. But he slammed the door to make it even more perfect. Too bad Mike couldn’t hear it.

Mia dialed Sugar’s number, and while she waited impatiently someone hit the doorbell. Still waiting on Sugar to pick up the phone on her end, Mia pulled open the door, then found herself momentarily struck by the sight of Kevin standing there looking a little attitude-ridden, a little edgy, a little like he wanted to take her up against the doorjamb. Her heart kicked hard.

“Hello” came Sugar’s cranky, Southern voice in her ear, as always with perfect timing. “Who the hell is this?”

“It’s Mia.”

“Well, listen to you, all fancy LA voice. I’ve gotten your messages. I suppose you’re wanting money for those plane tickets I’m not using this weekend. And maybe for taking care of Hope all this time.”

“What? No, I don’t want money for taking care of Hope, or the tickets. I just want to see when I can reschedule the flights. I thought—”

“I’m busy then.”

Mia’s eye twitched. “But I didn’t say when.”

“Yeah. See, the thing is, I’m having some troubles. Mental ones.” Sugar’s voice lowered, as if this was a state secret. “I’m having a breakdown on a account of my daughter driving me insane. There’s this thirty-day recovery period, or so my doctor says.”

Thirty days, her ass. “Sugar.” Calm. Be calm. “You can’t just desert your daughter for thirty more days.”

“Oh, but see, that’s the beauty of this. I’m not deserting her at all. She’s with you. And you’re family. I’ll call you in August. Okay?”

“August!”

“Otherwise, I just don’t know what I’ll do. Please, Mia. Look, I know I’ve been a shit to you while she’s been there—”

“How about for all my life?”

Sugar sighed. “I was kinda hoping you were over some of that early stuff.”

Now Mia sighed. “I am.”

“Then, please. For me.”

“I’ll think about it,” she said, because suddenly Sugar really did sound like she was on the very edge. “But—”

But nothing. She was talking to a dial tone. “Damn it.” She hit the
OFF
button with her thumb and tossed the phone to the couch.
“Damn it.”

“Maybe it won’t be as bad as you think.”

Whirling around, she focused. Gorgeous, edgy guy standing in her foyer, holding an extra helmet, which set her hormones all aquiver as if she was—“A teenager,” she said. And slapped her forehead. “Oh, my God, I’m thinking like a teenager. What kind of influence can I possibly be? I can’t do this. I can’t.” She set her fingers to her twitching eye. “I have no idea how to do this.”

Kevin sighed and set the helmet down. “It’s going to be okay.”

“Really? How? How is it going to be okay? By August I won’t have any eardrums left, or a job for that matter. Kevin, I have no idea what I’m doing here,” she admitted quietly.

“It’s a one-day-at-a-time thing,” he assured her with a lopsided smile that seemed slightly self-mocking as he took her hand. “Trust me on this. Where’s Hope now?”

“Upstairs. Tess is coming by to get her. They’re going to make cookie dough. I guess your brother is joining them.”

Kevin laughed. “Hope’ll make a good chaperone.”

“Do they need one?”

He ran his finger over the furrow between her brows. “Stop worrying.”

“Easier said than done.”

“Know what you need? A ride.”

Her tummy quivered. “Is your house empty?”

He stared at her, then let out a low laugh. “I meant on the bike.”

Damn it. “I knew that.”

He shook his head and took her hand. “Let’s get out of here before I forget why we have to.”

“Yeah, about that…” She dragged her feet. “Kevin, what are we doing?”

“Getting some food, and hopefully some laughs while we’re at it. Sounds like we both need it.”

“I meant more generally than that.”

“I know. Just come out with me tonight. Let’s see where it goes. No plan, no media blitz, no campaign, no expectations.”

She had to smile. “Yeah, okay.”

They rode over the canyons toward the ocean, and as always the experience was both visceral and sensual, almost overwhelmingly so. Mia leaned into Kevin with every turn, her breath catching with wonder at how it felt to have such power between her legs, the utter exhilaration of being so exposed to the elements.

Not to mention the feel of the man she clung to. Every inch of her legs brushed his, his broad back making a perfect resting spot for her breasts and belly.

And, God, he smelled seriously
dee-lish.
It should be illegal to smell that good. The evening wind was warm from the long summer day, and the sound of it almost tuned out the rest of the world.

They ended up at a small outdoor café in Malibu, where they shared a finger salad and a huge club sandwich. With the ocean pounding the surf as the sun set, Mia sighed with an odd comfort. “Teaching seems like an odd vocation for a rebel,” she said and picked up an olive.

“A rebel.” He grinned. “You only say that because of the bike.”

“Yeah, I like the bike a lot,” she admitted. And the man on it…

He bit into his sandwich and, watching her, chewed thoughtfully. “If I’m a so-called rebel, it’s only because rules don’t seem to agree with me much. Or authority, for that matter.”

“But to be a teacher and not respect authority…”

“I didn’t say I didn’t respect it,” he said. “But I do believe in showing these kids, or people in general, that it’s okay to have your own thoughts, to do things your own way. As long as it’s legal,” he corrected and shook his head. “We’re still working on that in my classroom. And my house.”

“Yeah, about your brother. You two live together. Have you always?”

“Wait.” He cocked his head. “Was that…a personal question?”

She rolled her eyes. “Maybe. But it’s for Tess, not me. Are you two close?”

He smiled. “Better be careful there, you’re going to get to know me.”

“Funny,” she said. “Now answer the question. He’s had trouble keeping jobs.”

“Some.”

“So you help him out.”

“Yeah. People discriminate against him for his hearing loss, you know? He pretends it doesn’t matter, but it does. And, yeah, I help him out.”

“Does he appreciate it?”

“Sometimes.” He laughed roughly. “Actually, mostly no.”

“Ah. So you gather and collect the needy,” she said. “Whether they like it or not. Is that it?”

“No. That’s not it.” He stuffed another bite in, chewed some more. “Okay, maybe,” he conceded after swallowing. “Actually, we just fought about this very thing. About you, actually.”

She straightened in immediate defense mode. “Me? Why?”

“Mike thinks I tend to put people in my life that need fixing. People that don’t want to be fixed. Himself included.”

Mia connected the dots and felt a frown gather. “Well, he’s right there. I don’t want to be fixed, so don’t even try.”

He lifted his hands as if in surrender. “Wouldn’t even think of it.”

“Because we’re just…you know. Releasing steam.”

“Right.” He nodded sagely. “Nothing else. Not friendship, or affection, or more.”

Her breath caught, jammed in her throat. “Well, maybe a little bit of that.”

Leaning over, he pulled off her mirrored sunglasses.

“Hey,” she protested.

“The sun is down. Your retinas are no longer in danger.”

But what about her heart?

“That’s the first time you’ve admitted we’re more than bed partners. I wanted to see your eyes.”

Her stomach jangled. “I said a ‘little’ bit more. You heard that part, right?”

He laughed softly. “Were you always like this? So independent? So…closed off?”

“You think I’m closed off?”

“Definitely not in bed. But out of it, yeah.”

She stared at him, then looked away, where the waves hit the beach with a rhythm that soothed. “I have not been plied with enough alcohol for this.”

Without missing a beat, Kevin lifted a hand, gestured to the waitress for another beer.

When she brought it, Mia took a long sip and said, “I have no idea why my guard is always down around you.”

He smiled, looking quite pleased with himself. “I’ve worn you down.”

“This isn’t funny. I don’t like to think about my past, about where I came from.”

“Why?”

“Because it reminds me that I was once nothing. Less than nothing. It makes me feel vulnerable, like in a blink of fate I could find myself there again.”

“Seems to me, Mia, we make our own fate. You’ve certainly made yours. You know exactly who you are. No one can take that from you.”

But she didn’t know. Not that she could admit that. “I’m sorry.” She pushed away the beer. “I lied. I’m not ready to do this, not even with all the alcohol in the joint.”

Accepting this with his usual easy grace, he easily moved the conversation on, in no time enthralling her with the antics of his students, whether it be climbing out the windows or their fondness for the burners in the back of the classroom.

“Tell me it wasn’t Adam,” she said of his mysterious pot smoker.

Kevin shot her a long look.

“
Shit.
Why couldn’t it be someone nice and sweet lusting after Hope?”

“She’s smart, she’ll figure him out. There’s also another kid who likes her. The one I told you about, Cole.”

“Terrific.”

“Cole’s a good guy.”

He spoke quietly and from the heart. The kids meant a lot to him, all of them, she could tell. “I bet you’re amazing at what you do,” she said softly.

“The best,” he agreed and made her laugh. He did that a lot, she noted, and they continued to talk over ice cream, where she discovered he’d gone to UCLA as well.

“I went to junior college first,” he said. “And then into UCLA poorer than dirt.”

“I’ve been poorer than dirt,” she said without thinking and then stared at him. “There I go again. What is it about you that makes my mouth run?”

He just smiled and let her think about it. Afterward he paid for the bill even though she reached for it, and then took her hand to walk through the restaurant. She excused herself to go to the restroom, and when she came out, saw him waiting for her in the reception area, which had gotten crowded. He had his back to her and was talking to a tall, willowy, gorgeous blonde. The same one who’d been at the teen center, the one who’d practically screamed
old money.
As Mia moved closer she heard the woman say, “I’ve changed my wicked ways. I won’t leave claw marks this time, promise.”