Page 7 of Spring Break with a One Night Stand

Everything changed when the Counseling Department presented him and Jamie with the list of potential projects for this year’s spring break trip. Nelson was only half paying attention, slouched in a hard plastic chair, as Dr. Johnson, head of the department, had recited the list in his nasal tenor.

When he heard “Love Beach,” he jerked to attention, demanding that Doc Johnson repeat the description.

“The town has a new state of the art animal shelter.” Dr. Johson adjusted his spectacles, peering at the 12-point font. “They’re looking for funding to offset expenses, like most of the other organizations that participate in the university program. It says here, ‘Student volunteers will learn about animal care and welfare by working with staff, including dog trainers, veterinary technicians, adoption counselors, and the animal shelter director, Miss Odette Bell.’”

“That’s it.” Nelson slapped his hand on the conference room table. “This year, we’re going to Love Beach.”

Now that the wait was over, Nelson second-guessed the wisdom of this decision. He’d thought about visiting Love Beach on his own, but then what? Show up on Odette’s front porch? Pretend he wanted to adopt a pet? Hang out at the local hot spot until he accidentally on purpose encountered her?

After the best sex of his life, he’d crashed. They hadn’t gotten back to his hotel room until after three a.m. and after two rounds of toe-curling, mind-blowing lovemaking, he’d pulled Odette into his arms and slept hard until eleven when the housekeeper let herself into his room.

How was she going to react when she saw him?

Was she going to cancel the volunteer opportunity for the kids?

What if she acted like they were strangers? As if that magical night never happened?

“You missed the turn, Price.” Jamie tapped her pencil against the passenger window.

Muttering a swear word under his breath, Nelson pulled onto the shoulder and completed a U-turn, making the turn onto a two-lane blacktop road.

“I didn’t realize the animal shelter was so far out.” Jamie flashed him a sly smile, tucking a long strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “At least we don’t have to worry about the kids wandering off. It’s a five-mile hike back to town.”

Compared to Jacksonville–the largest U.S. city by area–where it could take an hour to drive from one side of town to the other, the animal shelter was a hop and a skip from the town proper. The van turned into the gravel parking lot before Nelson was ready.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the director.” Jamie tucked her clipboard into a canvas satchel. “It’s hard to tell what she’s more passionate about–animal rescue or Love Beach.”

Once the Counseling Department had approved the trip, Nelson let Jamie make all of the arrangements. He hadn’t wanted Odette to pull the plug before he…did what?

He’d been trying to figure out that part of the plan for weeks and still didn’t have a clue what came next.

That would be up to Odette.

If she didn’t freak out when she saw him.

“Let’s go, kids.” Jamie clapped her hands as the six students arranged themselves in a ragged line. “Remember. You’re here at the benevolence of Miss Bell and the Love Beach Animal Shelter. Work hard, ask questions–”

“Leave the place better than you found it.” Brenda snapped her gum. “We got it, Miss–sorry, Mr. Price. ’Kay, gang. You heard Miss Jordan. Best behavior. We’re representing River Heights.”

Nelson and Jamie exchanged a surprised look that said, “Huh. You mean they were really listening and it sunk in?”

Jamie set off toward the gray metal building, the students trailing behind. Nelson took his time, pretending to study the shelter. The metal panels were accented with stone wainscot and blond wooden beams. The landscaping was minimal but attractive–small shrubs spaced evenly in flower beds filled with river rock. Neatly mowed grass extended in all directions, and on the far side of the building, a stand of trees provided shade.

Jamie waited by the open door, waving her hand to spur him on.

It was now or never.

Throat tight, he used Jamie as a shield. Not because he wasn’t ready to confront Odette–well, he wasn’t but that wasn’t the main reason–but because he didn’t want to cause a scene. She was sure to be flustered when she realized her Vegas one-night stand was standing in the lobby of her animal shelter, and teenagers could pick up on adults’ vibes like sharks scenting blood.

His heart thu-thumped when he realized the curvy Black woman in bright orange overalls and purple canvas sneakers was Odette. Her corkscrew coils sprang out from under a pink bandana, and her arms were filled with wriggling puppies.

“…best part of working at a no-kill shelter,” she was saying. “Everyone loves the puppies and kittens, but there’s more to rescuing animals than snuggling with these adorable furballs. It’s a great place to start though. You”–she jutted her chin toward Burke, a skinny gamer type–“grab one of these pups, will you? Who else wants to hold one?”

Every arm shot up. The kids swarmed Odette, until each held a squirmy bundle of fur. With the students occupied, she turned her attention to the chaperones, eyes landing first on Jamie…then him. Her wide smile froze and her body went stiff as if she’d stepped on a live wire.

“Nelson?” she gasped.

“Price?” Jamie’s tone demanded an explanation.

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