Page 19 of Hank

She stiffened at his quiet utterance, then slowly turned, bringing her beautiful profile into view. He’d kissed that jaw—that neck. Had felt her pulse racing under his lips and tongue as he’d taken her.

Hazel eyes raised to his, her pupils dilating, and cheeks pinkening., "Hank," she said on a low, shuddering breath. Then…

"What are you?—"

"What are you?—"

He joined in on her chuckle over them saying the same thing at the same time, all while he stared at her in wonder.

"You first," he said, unable to keep from smiling, while heat crept up his neck when he glanced around at the curious eyes on them. He had the distinct impression they’d just become the center of attention. It seemed to be the norm for them. "Maybe over here," he added, taking her by the elbow and guiding her away toward the back of the gym.

They’d barely taken a few steps when the not too quiet whispers started.

"We’re now the topic of conversation," she said, kind of laughing as they went, then grumbled, "I bet that nosy-ass Carolyn Snodgrass can’t wait to activate the phone tree."

"There’s a phone tree?" he asked, pulling her around to face him once he had her in a quiet corner. At least as quiet as it could be. And with the level of noise, there was no chance they’d be overheard. "So…" He was about to ask more about the phone tree thing, but the way her eyes staring up at him softened, stopped him. "Never mind." Now that he had her semi-alone, what was he supposed to say to her? "I thought I’d never see you again."

That didn’t sound needy. Much.

"It’s a small town." A smile touched her lips. "The chances we’d run into each other wasn’t out of the realm of possibility."

"True. But here of all places."

"My son goes to school here. But that doesn’t explain why you’re here,coach," she said, that touch of mischief he loved filling her gaze as she pulled on the whistle around his neck.

"I’m a teacher."

"You are?" She dropped the whistle, her eyes on him going soft again. "What do you teach?"

"I teach?—"

"Dr. Lawton," Collin called out, sending Hank’s gaze to where the kid jogged toward them from mid-court.

"He’shere?"

His heart, that seconds before had been galloping in excitement, did a little stutter as he focused back on Jo.

Please, no.

But he had to ask.

"Who?" Surprisingly, he’d managed to ask that without choking.

"Dr.Lawton."

His heart might as well have stopped, while that sinking feeling from earlier hit him again.

It can’t be?—

"Hey, Mom."

Jo’s face filled with a huge smile that at any other time he would have found beautiful. It was a smile he’d have loved absorbing through a kiss.

But not now.

Not when Collin brushed past him and picked Jo up—tote and all—and gave her a hug.

"Hey, baby," she said, as he put her down. "I’m so proud of you. Good job with the test. I guess I’ll have to giveDr.Lawton credit on not being such an a…" She let out a little cough. "A butthead and giving you a fair chance."

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