Page 13 of Tex's Angel

Before I can answer, she steps closer. “You know, we could probably trade all kinds of neighborly things. What do you think of that?”

I didn’t know if this pretty young thing was flirting with me or if it was my overactive imagination, but I decided the best thing was probably to nip it in the bud. “No need to trade. I’m doing this for myself, so I can get some sleep. This is more of a collaboration than us doing favors for each other.”

The smile and expression of interest drops off her face at the speed of light. “Oh, I guess I must have misread this situation.”

The disappointment in her tone makes me remember how I just fantasized about her coming on to me and wanting to suck my cock. Even now, my dick is showing all kinds of interest. I bring one hand down inconspicuously to adjust myself, so my overt interest is less noticeable, which in my thin pajama pants would be clear as day.

“Look, neither of us are thinking clearly. It’s late and we’re both sleep deprived.”

Both her hands come up with her palms out. “Sorry, didn’t mean to overstep.”

I take a step back. “I’ll let y’all know if anything turns up in those background checks. I also plan to see if anyone living near here has a car that matches the one the teens reported.”

“That’s great. I hope we can find out who’s doing this because I’m long overdue for a good night’s sleep.”

“Me too,” I say before heading back to my place. Tonight has been a royal pain in the ass. However, I’ve dedicated myself to figuring out who is harassing Clara, so that means the evening wasn’t a total waste.

***

I come down the next morning to find my son completely dressed and ready to go. Normally I have to practically force him to get changed for school. Then I remember it’s Saturday, the day we always do something together.

I go for my coffee, mumbling, “Y’all look like you’re raring to go.”

Without having to ask, he tells me, “I want to learn how to play chess.”

“Really, I thought y’all would have the rule book memorized by now. Chess isn’t like a sport where y’all have to train your muscles. Once y’all know all the rules y’all just play the game.”

“No. I have to learn from a master, that’s why I wanna go back to the park,” my son insists.

“Y’all sure about that?” I ask mildly as I sip my coffee.

“Absolutely certain,” he replies with a determined look in his eyes.

My phone rings, still before I’ve had my first sip of coffee, and it’s Clara. It’s too early for this shit, so I let it ring a few times while I get as much coffee down me as possible.

Chapter 7

Clara

My heart’s still racing after I went to collect my mail. My hands are shaking as I grip my phone and call my neighbor. After what seems like an age he finally picks up.

He answers calmly, “Miss Clara. You’re up early.”

“This isn’t a friendly neighbor to neighbor chat. You’re not going to believe what just happened.”

He responds dryly, “It’s pretty damn early in the morning for guessing games. Wanna give me a hint?”

“Someone signed me up for dozens of dirty magazines.”

“Are you offering to share, or are they all for women?”

“Get real, Tex. There were too many to fit on the box beside my door, so they’re scattered all over the porch. If the school catches wind of this, they’re going to fire me for lewd and indecent behavior. This is a small town, Tex. They don’t want people addicted to porn to be put in charge of vulnerable children.”

“Calm down, Clara. I’ll be right over. We’ll figure this out.”

“We better, because if word gets out to the wrong person, I could be in trouble.”

After ending the call, I go to gather up all the magazines before someone can see them but think better of it. We might need to fingerprint them or something. I pace back and forth on my porch, waiting for the man I made fool out of myself flirting with last night. I should have known that hot bikers don’t hook up with mousy schoolteachers. He is just a nice guy trying to do the right thing. I huff out an exasperated breath and fling myself down one of the chairs flanking my door.

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