Page 46 of Restorations

I instantly get defensive. “I’m not crying. It’s just one tear, and I’m allowed to be emotional. It’s Sebastian’s first day of school. It’s hard.”

“I’ll be here.”

My shoulders lower, the tension lessening when he says that because I know he’ll look after Baz. “I know.” But I can’t keep my annoyance at bay when I add, “and so will Ms. Bowen.”

His eyes flicker with amusement and a grin spreads over his lips as his hands grasp my hips, nearly stealing my breath. He leans in, growling sexily, “Are you jealous, Viv?”

My throat is dry, and I'm afraid for a minute I can’t answer. I wish he didn’t have this pull over me. “Of course not.” He doesn’t move, and I can still feel his warm breath against my ear. “I just think a teacher shouldn’t be drooling over my son’s uncle.”

I swear I can feel him smiling against my ear as my heart thunders in my chest. “Maybe she’s drooling over the hot new teacher, Mr. Sterling.”

Fuck.

I nearly moan from the sound of his voice in my ear, the husky growl saying his name is enough to make me combust.What the hell is wrong with me?

I swallow, trying desperately to wet my parched throat. “Well, she should keep it in her pants at school.”

His hands continue to rest on my hips until he drags one up, using his fingers to brush over the bare skin of my arm, sending a shiver through my body. Only I'm not cold. I’m very, very hot. And I know the asshole knows it when he pulls back so I can see his eyes glimmering with triumph.

It’s so fun for him to fuck with me.

“Candice is harmless.”

Ugh, Candice. Fits her bubblegum princess persona. I don’t want to embarrass myself any more, so I step away from him. “Well, have a good day, Mr. Sterling.”

I feel my own victory when his full lips part slightly and his throat bobs hungrily. He looks like he’ll lunge at me, but he just gives a curt nod.

I take that as my cue to leave.

This magnetic pull toward him hasn’t lessened in the slightest, and some days I feel helpless against it.

Today was definitely one of those days.

22

ASHER

Mr. Sterling.

Why the fuck can’t I get that out of my head today? Everyone at school calls me “Mr. Sterling”, but when Viv said it, Jesus fucking Christ, I almost had to meet all my new students and their parents with a hard-on.

That would have been just fucking great.

Thankfully, the old trick of thinking about nasty shit did the trick in time and no charges had to be filed.

I have to stop thinking about her.

The first day of school went well, and I actually had a lot of fun. Who knew work could be fun? After dodging Ms. Bowen’s invite to dinner, using my nephew as an excuse, I brought Baz home.

We hung out till Viv got home from work. Lola brought dinner home, and then everyone parted ways for the night.

But I can’t stop thinking about her.

I go down the hall to the indoor gym at Lola’s and take a round with the punching bag, hoping to get rid of some tension.

When I'm sweaty and spent, it’s then I realize only one thing will get rid of the tension from my body, and it isn’t in here. Myeyes narrow at the door that I can’t see through, of course, but it doesn't matter. I know what’s out there and just down the hall. Viv’s room.

“Not an option, motherfucker.”

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