Heat Wave (7 page)

“Damn you. Cole!” she whispered. Wellington’s tail thumped vigorously, arousing her from her reverie. She looked down at her dog and laughed.

“That’s right. Damn Cole Chandler.”

Both dogs wagged their tails and Marilee patted their heads before placing her book on the dresser. She bathed, determined to fight her memory of the day, but as she lathered a long, shapely leg, she recollected Cole’s warm hands caressing her knee, her thigh. Shifting, she scrubbed vigorously, rushing through her bath before climbing into bed to find more agonizing memories taunting her. Forcing her thoughts to school, she contemplated the work she needed to do the following week.

Early the next morning, she called Ted Workman to ask him and Grant to look at Cole’s house and give him an estimate, promising that whatever sum they decided to charge would be agreeable with her. She dressed, attended church, went by her parents’ house for Sunday dinner, and didn’t return home until almost dark.

She hadn’t been there ten minutes when the phone rang. “Hello,” she said into the receiver.

“Chicken.”

Her heart jumped at the sound of Cole’s deep voice and she laughed. “No,” she said, “but I’m busy and I do have a little sense.”

“I lost all mine yesterday when I was invaded by a gorgeous redhead.”

“Yeah, sure,” she answered lightly, but his words recalled their meeting, the image of Cole standing beside the pool.

“That was a dirty, rotten, low-down, sneaky trick to send two guys out here. I was showered, had on my Sunday best, all ready for a marvelous day. …”

“Cole, it’s useless.”

“That’s what you think, honey. Your heartbeat relays a different message. Will you go to dinner with me tonight?”

“No, thanks. I have to get ready for school tomorrow.”

“A short dinner?”

Don’t argue with me, she thought. I’m far too vulnerable. Please don’t push. “Sorry,” she said. “Did you get an estimate?”

“Yep. You have a lot of male acquaintances. What do you mean you have no men in your life? Are those guys married?”

“I told you. Both are single and they’re just good friends.”

“Okay, if you say so. I know you have to eat dinner. You say no, but your voice changes each time.”

She wanted to answer, ‘Look what happened the last dinner we had!’ Instead, she said, “No, thanks. I better go. …”

“Hey, wait. On the estimate for the house …”

Marilee gently replaced the receiver. If it made him angry, it was just as well. Within seconds the phone rang again. She stared at it for a moment, then unplugged it from the wall.

Standing in the quiet living room, her voice sounded hollow and loud as she said, “Smart girl, Marilee. That was the right thing to do before you get hurt.” She sighed. If only he didn’t have so much appeal … She changed into jeans and a halter, fixed a cheese sandwich, and settled at her desk to grade papers.

Monday, when she was at school, she was able to forget Cole for whole minutes at a time. Two fans were humming at the front of her class room and every window was raised. Marilee smoothed a wisp of hair off the back of her neck, securing it again in the bun on top of her head. Even though she wore a white cotton blouse, a full blue skirt and canvas shoes, she was hot. During third period she gave a test and walked up and down the aisles to answer any questions and watch for cheating. The only sounds were her footsteps and the occasional shuffling of papers. She was standing at the back of the room beside Fred Lake’s desk when the door opened and Cole entered, his boots making a clatter on the wooden floor.

Stunned, Marilee caught her breath as the moment froze in time. The sudden appearance of a tiger wouldn’t have been more startling. Dressed in a pale gray western suit. Cole dominated the room, conveying a masculine air of authority as he walked leisurely across the front. He stopped by her desk, one hand resting casually on his hip.

Thirty-three faces turned to look at her questioningly. She felt a flush consume her to the roots of her hair.

Cole grinned. His voice was strong and clear and thirty-three faces reversed directions when he asked, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but may I see you a moment, Miss O’Neil?”

Every eye returned to her. Cole had her at a disadvantage. If she refused, he would just wait. If that happened, not a student in the room would finish the test. She could feel curiosity swirling around her like warm bath water and knew it would be only seconds before someone started to giggle.

Along with apprehension came mounting fury. She was as angry with her office as she was with Cole. For the thousandth time she wished they wouldn’t send visitors to a room without notice.

“Everybody go on with your test,” she said sternly.

No one moved. All attention was on her as she started toward the front of the room.

Cole watched her walk up the aisle. It didn’t matter where they met, what circumstances surrounded them, the impact of facing him was as great as ever. She was totally aware of every inch of her body as his blue eyes focused on her. She knew thirty-three pairs of ears waited for her words. The silence was total when she paused in front of Cole.

Whispering, even though her whisper could be heard throughout the room, she said, “I’ll be happy to talk to you after class.”

“No, I need to see you now,” he answered in a normal tone of voice, his words carrying clearly through the quiet room.

“My students are taking a test and you’re jeopardizing the results. Please go.”

“I have an appointment in just a few minutes, so I can’t wait to talk later.” He paused then added bluntly, “Have dinner with me tonight.”

Her worst fears were confirmed. Behind her someone snickered. Somebody else whispered, “Say yes, Miss O’Neil.”

“Miss O’Neil’s got a boyfriend!”

“Miss O’Neil’s blushing!”

“You’re ruining a test,” she muttered between clenched teeth. Her anger bounced off him harmlessly. His blue eyes danced.

“Will you?”

“No, thank you, I have plans.”

“She’s going rollerskating with the class,” someone said.

She prayed he would turn and leave. Smoke should be pouring out her ears from the heat in her cheeks.

“How about tomorrow night?”

“I have to grade papers.” Go, get out!

Cole’s blue eyes sparkled. He glanced over her shoulder. “Let’s see a show of hands.”

“Cole!” Laughter mixed with her aggravation. To her horror he blithely continued.

“How many think Miss O’Neil should grade papers tomorrow night?”

No hands went up as the class yelled, “No!”

“Hey, good! How many vote for a dinner date?”

Several boys whistled and all hands flew upward.

“Go on, Miss O’Neil! We’ll skip a night of homework so you won’t have to grade papers.”

“Well grade your papers.”

Her cheeks burned with exasperation, and she had to fight an idiotic tendency to grin. “Cole, so help me!”

The moment she spoke, everyone immediately hushed.

Cole smiled. “It’s unanimous. One dinner date instead of papers.”

“After what you’ve done here …” she began.

“How about eight o’clock?”

“No! Now look, I have to grade papers.”

“Go on. Miss O’Neil!”

“What’s your name, mister?”

“What’s his name, Miss O’Neil?”

“Miss O’Neil’s boyfriend’s cute!” someone in the front row whispered.

“How old do you think he is?” someone else whispered back.

She wondered if Cole would ever leave. She felt as if hours had passed since he entered the room. Laughter filled his eyes while he waited. She gazed into those blue depths and tried to hold on to her resistance.

“Go on. Miss O’Neil.”

“Are you going to marry him?”

“Will all of you be quiet! For heaven’s sake!”

“What’s the answer?” Cole asked.

She had to get him out of her room! She relented. “If you’ll go now, I’ll go tomorrow night.”

A cheer went up in the room that she knew could be heard all the way to the office. Whistles and applause added to the commotion until she waved her hand.

“This class better be quiet and finish that test or you’ll finish it after school!”

Instantly a hush spread like a blanket. Cole suddenly grasped her hand in both of his, shaking it vigorously. His blue eyes danced as, in an exaggerated drawl, he said, “Miss O’Neil, thank you. You can’t imagine how delighted I am.”

She yanked her hand out of his. “I can’t wait to tell you what I feel. There’s the door.”

Out of the corner of her eye she knew all attention was on them, but at least everyone was sitting quietly.

“I’m going,” Cole said. With his long stride he headed for the door. As he opened it, he glanced over his shoulder at her and winked, waving at the class.

Inwardly, Marilee muttered oaths. He had broken the spell of quiet her threat had created. Students called to him, “Bye, come back!”

“Eat at Steak and Ale!”

Voices ceased abruptly when Marilee turned to glare at the students. The door closed quietly behind Cole and the class exploded with questions.

“Is he your boyfriend?”

“You going to get married. Miss O’Neil?”

“No. Now, quiet down. Go back to your tests. I want the questions answered and you’ll get a grade, but we’ll have to have another test tomorrow …”

Several students groaned. With a quelling look, Marilee continued, “… because of the interruption during this one. Now, everyone back to work. Bring your paper to the desk when you’re finished.”

Fighting to suppress laughter, she sat down behind her desk. One of the girls came forward to place her paper on the desk. “Are you going to marry him. Miss O’Neil?”

“Oh no, Lana,” Marilee said without hesitation. She glanced at the clock. Ten minutes left in the third period. She couldn’t wait until it ended.

Fourth period wasn’t any better, but she wasn’t surprised. Everyone in school must have heard about Cole’s visit. She was besieged with questions until the final bell. Finally she sank back in her chair and stared at the empty desks. Thank goodness there were only four more days of school! If Cole had appeared in January and she had had a whole semester of questions and speculation, she didn’t think she would have survived.

An hour later when she entered her house, the phone rang. She picked it up, knowing full well who was on the other end. Still, Cole’s husky baritone voice unsettled her nerves.

“Hi, hon,” he said cheerfully.

“You really did it today! Do you know what trouble you caused?”

“You brought it on yourself. You wouldn’t talk to me on the phone.”

“I’ve explained why. I’ll never hear the end of rumors. You either don’t know anything about teenagers or you’re set on ruining my life. By sixth period someone asked me when our baby is due!”

“Gee whiz. What’d you say?”

“Dammit! I hear you laughing. You caused me a lot of extra work, not to mention mental stress.”

“Just bear that in mind the next time you turn down a date with me.”

“You don’t look like the type to resort to coercion.” It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep laughter out of her voice, to sound firm.

How easily she could picture his mischievous blue eyes.

“Thank you.”

“Now, will you stay away from my classroom?”

“Maybe. What harm did it really do?”

“Oh, none. I just had three thousand questions to answer about my personal life. How old is he, how did we meet …”

“That must’ve been an interesting answer. What’d you say?”

“If I’d hinted at what really happened, do you know how many more questions I would’ve had? I said I met you at church.”

“I’ll be damned, you lied about church.”

“Cole! Now I have to give another test.”

“Hey. I’m sorry about that! Of course, you could’ve accepted my offer right away and I would’ve tiptoed out without a by-your-leave.”

“That would be the day!” She suppressed a laugh. “I have to get ready now to go rollerskating.”

“Eight o’clock tomorrow night, okay?”

Her heart beat faster at the thought despite herself. “I might back out. …” she said half seriously, as all her doubts began clamoring for attention.

“You do and I’ll reappear in your classroom.”

“Do you usually resort to blackmail to get dates?”

“If I say no, you’ll think I’m conceited. If I say yes, you’ll think I’m nuts.”

“Right!” She laughed. “You are, I do, and don’t come to class. I’ll be ready at eight.”

“That’s more like it! Marilee …” he paused. When he spoke again his speech had slowed to a drawl, his voice had lowered to a husky, sensuous tone that came over the wire and stroked her nerves, set them afire. “Hon, I can’t forget a moment, a kiss, a touch. …”

She tried to ignore the suddenly tightening coil deep within her. “Cole, please don’t,” she whispered. “I’m having a hard enough time as it is.”

“Then why fight what you feel? Oh, honey, my sweet auburn-haired witch. I want to hold you in my arms.”

“Cole!”

“Yes, ma’am,” he answered so contritely that the spell was broken and she laughed.

“I have to go roller-skating.”

“Sure thing. See you tomorrow at eight.”

Torn between excitement and wariness, Marilee brushed her hair and pinned it behind her head in a chignon. Satisfied that she was ready, she put the dogs outside and walked into the living room to wait for Cole. She knew she was playing with fire by going out to dinner with him, but surely nothing could happen in a public restaurant. But then there was the ride to the restaurant, the ride back, the good night kiss. …

The door bell rang promptly at eight and Marilee took one last look in the mirror, noting her shiny black high-heeled sandals, her sleeveless black dress, the faint touch of blush on her cheeks. Wondering if Cole would like how she looked, she picked up her purse and went to the door.

The impact of Cole was devastating. His smile faded as his blue eyes devoured her, drifting lazily—down to her toes then returning to her face while she took in his appearance with a flickering glance, his dark jacket, the charcoal slacks, a white shirt open at his throat, revealing dark curls of hair. He stepped inside, closed the door behind him, and took her into his arms.

She resisted instantly. “Wait …”

“No way, luv,” he murmured huskily while his arms tightened around her and crushed her to
him. He kissed her hungrily and Marilee felt swamped in swirling emotion. Her need, her longing for him, surfaced. With it came fear, the reminder that she should use judgment, exercise caution. But beyond all that was the wild, inescapable thrill created by his kisses. His mouth on hers, his warm body, his one hand at the nape of her neck and one hard arm behind her back, built flames within her, making her cling to him. Finally, she broke away. While a giddy shakiness filled her, she smoothed her hair into place. He reached for her again, but she slipped past him to open the door.

“This way to safety, to dinner, to peace of mind.”

He stood in the hallway, one hand on his hip, his smoldering eyes challenging her. “Do you really think so?” he drawled.

He was like a heady drug, churning her senses into a delirious high. “Cole …”

Dropping his hand to his side, he smiled and ushered her outside, closing the door behind them. Standing only inches away from her, he said, “There’s only one thing I’m hungry for. A luscious, red-headed witch.”

Each word added kindling to the bonfire blazing within her, but she ignored them as best she could. “It’s a good thing my door locked when you shut it and I have the key.”

He smiled. “Come on. I’ll feed you, hungry woman.”

Aware that her appetite had changed as drastically as his, she descended the porch steps with him to where the black Thunderbird was parked by the curb. As they drove toward the expressway, she asked, “Have you had any more planes? Any trouble with rustlers?”

“Yes and no. Yes, the plane was spotted last night about dusk and no, we haven’t had rustlers yet.”

They entered the expressway, heading south. Cole adjusted the rearview mirror, then dropped his hand to her shoulder to pull her close.

“Come here,” he murmured. “Don’t you know this is where you belong?”

She scooted close to him while he wrapped his arm around her. She hated to admit how marvelous it felt beside him, as if she did belong there. His aftershave was enticing, a delectable masculine, woodsy scent. Through their layers of clothing she felt the warmth of his body.

He changed lanes smoothly, speeding up as they whipped through the evening traffic along the flat highway. She noticed him studying the rearview mirror, alternately glancing from the mirror to the road.

“Wait a minute.” He raised his arm to put both hands on the wheel.

She frowned as she studied his profile, the firm jaw, taut mouth, cold blue eyes. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

His words were clipped. “We’re being followed.”