Page 71 of The House on Blueberry Lane

“You know you can.”

Yes, he could, but he’d been trying to show restraint and control, otherwise he would end up making love to her right in this blueberry field. Wrapping his arms around her, he said, “Let’s see what I can do.”

He loved stroking his tongue with hers and wished they had all the time in the world to stand here and do just that. Driven to get as much of her flavor as he could, he gripped her backside, wanting to feel his hands on her, not caring he’d ridden her ass before going to sleep last night. That didn’t matter. There was never a time he didn’t enjoy making love to her.

When he finally released her mouth, he continued to hold her bottom, pressed close to his front, wanting her to feel the extent of his desire for her. “Thanks, Jaye, I needed that,” she whispered against their moist lips.

“You did?” he asked, smiling, tempted to kiss her again. Knowing he shouldn’t, but still not willing to move his mouth away from hers.

“Yes. I have a parent–teacher meeting with Allen Bordeaux this morning. He’s that father I told you about who refuses to accept his son is failing my class.”

“Things haven’t improved with that situation?”

“No.”

“Then I’m sure you’ll handle things just fine.” He leaned in and kissed her again. By the time he broke off the kiss, they were panting for breath.

“I need to go,” she said on a breathless sigh. “My parent–teacher conference is first thing this morning.”

“Okay,” he said, releasing her and taking a step back. “I’ll see you later. If I arrive home before you do, I’ll have the wine ready.”

She smiled over her shoulder. “And if I get home first, I’ll do the same.”

THE MOMENT VELVET walked into the conference room and saw the deep scowl on Allen Bordeaux’s face, she knew the meeting was not going to go well. “Good morning, Mr. Bordeaux.”

He muttered something that sounded like he’d returned her greeting, but she wasn’t sure. The minute she sat down, he lit into her. “What is the meaning of this letter you sent to me?” he said, throwing the document on the table.”

“Just like the previous two letters, I think the meaning is pretty clear, Mr. Bordeaux. I will be submitting grades this week, since next week is spring break. As Lenny’s parent, I just wanted you to know he still has not improved in my class and will be given a failing grade. There are only two more grading periods this school term for him to improve. If he doesn’t, he won’t advance to the next grade unless he goes to summer school.”

The man’s face hardened. “And like I told you, my son will not be going to summer school. You are teaching him stuff he won’t need when he plays in the pros. Algebra didn’t make sense to me back then and it doesn’t make sense to my son now.”

“Regardless, and like I told you, it is a required core subject to move on to the next grade. If you have a problem with it, then you need to take it up with the school board.”

Without another word, the man snatched the letter off the table, stood and left.

IT WAS DARK when Velvet arrived home that evening and she smiled when she saw Jaye had made it home before her. Bringing the car to a stop, she grabbed her briefcase and got out. Moving quickly up the steps, she headed for her door.

Inside, she placed her briefcase on the table and removed her jacket. The weather was a little cool and that had her wondering if Jaye still wanted to sit out in the rocking chairs. She smiled when she heard the knock on her back door. Lifting the blinds, she saw it was Jaye and he was holding two glasses of wine.

Opening the door, she said, “Hi. How was dinner?” She took the glass of wine he offered her.

“Great and how was yours?”

“Delicious. Today’s special at the Green Fig was my favorite. Black bean soup with crab meat and andouille sausage.” She sipped her wine and said, “It’s chilly outside. Are you sure you still want to sit in the rocking chairs?”

“Yes. Come see what I’ve done.”

Closing the back door, she stepped onto the porch and stopped. Near the rocking chairs, he had placed one of those portable woodburning firepits. Even from where she was standing, she could feel the heat and it looked cozy and rather romantic. She also saw a blanket thrown across one of the chairs.

She glanced up at him and grinned. “You’ve certainly seen to our comfort tonight, Jaye.”

“It’s too beautiful a night for us not to sit out here. We might have missed the sunset but look up in the sky, Velvet.”

She tipped her head back and saw how the dark sky was sprinkled with what looked like hundreds of stars. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. Come, let’s enjoy it.”

When they settled into their chairs, he covered them in the blanket that was large enough to spread over both of them. “I love it,” she said happily, taking another sip of wine.

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