Bad Teacher (Bad Girls Club Book 3) Page 7

She gave a nervous chuckle. “I’ll look forward to it.” Would she ever! Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and when she took it out to check the caller ID, her enthusiasm decreased. “Sorry. I’m on this group chat that won’t quit.” Even though she wasn’t a bridesmaid, she felt like she knew every little single detail of Brit and Damian’s upcoming nuptials.

  “Exciting news?”

  She paced around his office. “I told you Brit is getting married, right? Now they decided to go to Vegas. So it’ll be this whole thing.”

  He frowned. “You’re going?”

  I have to. “Yes. Amanda wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t go. You know, she’s little and she’s all excited that her parents and her new stepmom will be all together and happy.” Besides, Brit had always been there for her. Why not do the same on such a joyous occasion for her? Come to think of it, Damian deserved her support too. An ex-husband he may be, but he’d always been generous and understanding.

  “And will you? Be happy?”

  “I’m happy for them.” she said, truthfully. “Will it be less awkward? I don’t know. I guess I’ll see.”

  “You’re a good woman, Violet. Sometimes I feel like you keep saying yes to things because you want to make up for the time you were not there,” he said.

  “You may be right. When I returned and learned they were together, I paved the way to their happiness with the kids and facilitating their relationship so that it wouldn’t be bad when I had my own.”

  He watched her quietly, his gaze traveling between her eyes and her mouth. “You’re a fascinating woman.”

  Little shivers of excitement traveled down her back. “I’ll take that.”

  He pulled her to his lap, and she sat on him, as he swiveled the chair. He placed a kiss on her shoulder, and she had to battle her growing desire and gather every ounce of willpower to push him away and rise. “No kiss?”

  “No,” she mouthed. What if Marcelle walked in and saw them? She wouldn’t forgive herself. “Wait for tomorrow.”

  He touched his heart as if he’d received a blow and made a sad face. “I’ll cook you lunch myself. Show up hungry.”

  Heat coiled at the pit of her stomach. “Don’t worry. I’ll be starved.”

  Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.

  8

  Theo looked at the new menu. His gaze searched for the familiar dish in the specialty section, but didn’t find it. He’d given Alan the go ahead to try the new menu for a temporary time frame. Uncertainty lanced through his heart. Was this the right choice?

  Putting his doubts aside, he headed to the kitchen. Best to keep busy and focus on the present. He slid on his apron and washed his hands, as usual. It would be another half an hour by the time Violet showed up for lunch, and he couldn’t wait to prepare her a meal she wouldn’t forget. A strand of anticipation wove through him.

  “Get me some Brussel sprouts,” he told his sous chef.

  His sous chef nodded, and before he could continue his preparations, Alan marched into the kitchen, walking amongst the waiters who carried trays out. “Theo. You have a visitor.”

  Already? Couldn’t be. He glanced at the watch on the wall. “Whoever it is, it can wait.” Probably someone who wanted to do business with him or sell him a service. As his chain of restaurants became more successful, he had to vet business opportunities and such.

  “You should be ashamed for making a lady wait,” Violet said.

  His heart flipped in his chest, and he set the dish aside and followed the direction of the voice. She stood by Alan’s side, with a small smile, playing with the pendant of her necklace. Something inside him switched, a flicker she had the power of turning on and off.

  “You’re early,” he said, his gaze on her, and everything else around them vanished.

  “That’s not very nice,” said Alan, quickly reminding him they weren’t alone.

  “I like him,” Violet said, pointing her thumb at Alan.

  “Don’t,” Theo said. “He’s a troublemaker.”

  A couple of waiters chuckled in the back, and he ushered her to the office to get more privacy. When she entered the medium sized space, he closed and locked the door behind her.

  “Couldn’t wait, huh?” He pulled her to him.

  A wave of red spread across her cheeks. “I underestimated the traffic. Don’t think I was eager to come here and make out with you.”

  “Too bad, because that’s all I’ve been thinking about all day.” He snatched her into his arms, and she gasped. Heat radiated from his chest, fast-tracking into all his cells. He dipped his head, crushing his lips on hers. She opened her mouth, granting him access, and he kissed her so hard, with so much passion and energy, that the room seemed to move around them—but it was him, pushing her with him as they tumbled on the couch and fell on it. A small one, but he couldn’t be picky right now.

  When he hiked up her skirt, he found her flesh. No underwear. Hmmm… he growled, wishing they were in her house so he could be louder. But if this was all he could have, he’d take it. His cock grew rock hard, and she touched his chest, his body tensing up under her palms.

  “God, Violet. You’re killing me. No underwear.”

  She nibbled his ear, her breath fanning his lobe and sending thrills of excitement through him. “I removed it in the car on the way here.”

  “Was it wet?” he hissed.

  “Soaked,” she said, her voice throaty.

  Without fanfare, he inserted three fingers inside her, and she moaned. She was drenching wet, all for him. Moving around, she straddled him, bringing them to the perfect molding. Even though his cock was still restrained by his pants, she squirmed against his bulge, back and forth, teasing him until he thought he was going to die.

  He finger fucked her, ramming his digits in and out of her. With her face flushed and eyes glossed with lust, she’d never looked sexier. A need surged to flip her around, put her ass up and impale her until they both came, but he had to give her a chance to ride him first. Hell, he’d take her anyway he could, as long as he got to explode inside her hot pussy at the end.

  He flicked her clit with his thumb, and she threw her head back. Encouraged, he continued torturing her with his fingers until she started trembling on top of him, her hips swaying back and forth, her breathing ragged.

  She came on his digits, and he slipped them out and took them to his mouth, licking her female essence and reveling on the tangy cream. Her gaze kept trained on his. Specks of silver popped like fireworks around her blue irises.

  His libido skyrocketed when she leaned down and descended her lips on his. Daring, she glided her hands down his pants and did quick work of unbuckling and then undoing his zipper. He shifted, all too happy to fumble to help her get his cock out to play.

  She shuffled on top of him, and when she brought the tip of his dick close to her sex, he felt lightheaded. This felt too good and he’d come in a second if he didn’t hold back. A low chuckle filled the air, the hint she must have either seen the look on his face or how hard his breathing became.

  He caressed her hips, and she softened against him, with a long, dragging moan. Resting her forehead against his, she finally brought him inside her, and they both quivered at the same time. Her chest rose up and down as he took control and began moving, cuing her to do the same. When she started moving her hips, pressure built in his core. Heat spread through him.

  “Theo,” she whispered.

  “I know,” he said.

  His blood ran thick through his veins, pounding its way to his heart. He slid his hand inside her dress, and touched her breasts over the lacy bra, with sheer intimacy. His hands perused her chest, outlining the shape of her breasts and nipples, teasing her over the lingerie fabric.

  She intensified the rhythm, bucking her hips into his and giving him access to a deeper thrust all the way to the hilt. He squeezed her nipple, and that did it—with a muffled cry, she came undone, her body vibrating over his. His turn came, and he let go, every bit
of him, burying his face in her chest, enjoying the tremor rolling through him. Enjoying every damn second.

  “You should come for a visit more often,” he said when his breathing came back to normal.

  She disengaged from him gently, then stood and fixed her dress. “You definitely worked up my appetite. I’m starving now.”

  He put his cock inside and zipped up, rearranging himself on the couch. Why did she have to move so quickly? “Are you still busy this weekend?”

  She ran her fingers through her hair. “Yes. I have both kids.”

  Hmmm. Having both kids meant he couldn’t do a late night visit. He’d come to love those visits. “Can’t you get away for a few hours?” he suggested, hoping she didn’t detect the note of anticipation in his voice.

  A flick of apology touched her baby blues. “No, actually. Amanda feels a bit anxious when she’s with me and I hire a sitter. Sorry.”

  “Oh, that’s right. What are you going to do to solve it?” He remembered she’d mentioned something in the past. Amanda was a sweet girl, and he hoped she felt more secure soon—and not just for selfish reasons.

  She leaned against his desk, staring at him. “I just have to show her I am around and hopefully one day she will get it.”

  He rubbed his temple. Let it go. This isn’t your problem, a voice inside him pleaded. A knot formed in his gut, one which would only loosen after he spoke. Merde. “Yes, one day. But you can’t keep from going anywhere without her when she’s with you.”

  “Well, that’s the case now,” she said, narrowing her eyes at him sarcastically.

  “Maybe you should push her a little,” he said, surging to his feet. His office must have shrunk, because the space was now much smaller and tighter. Tension crackled in the air, and in his blood.

  She stretched to her full height, her facial expression tightening. Even her shoulder blades stiffened under the dress, judging by how it stretched and creased. I poked the bear.

  “She’s not ready,” she said.

  “She may not be ready for a long time. Are you not going to have a social life for years and feed into her anxiety?” he said. Maybe his delivery wasn’t optimal, but she had to know she also deserved a life of her own. She couldn’t chastise herself the rest of her life for past mistakes—wouldn’t be good for her, or for her daughter.

  She lifted her chin. “Isn’t that what you did with your daughter?”

  “My daughter is different. She lost her mother.”

  “So did mine, for eight months.” She grabbed her bag from the couch. “Now if you excuse me, I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.”

  “Mommy, what are we having for dinner?” Amanda asked.

  Violet ran her fingers through her hair. Dinner? Her mind was still on the lunch she’d not had a few hours earlier. She’d ended up leaving, uncomfortable after that conversation, and thought of nothing else since then.

  Had he been right? Her stomach dropped a little. Was she really overcompensating for the time she’d spent away and therefore creating a different kind of problem?

  “Mom?” Amanda called.

  “Oh.” Violet blinked, shaking her head. “I’ll see what’s in the fridge.”

  Amanda grabbed a sheet of paper and began coloring on the table while Trevor played in the enclosed area with his car toys. Should she text Theo to check on him? No. Why would she? Because I agree with him. Deep down.

  “Hey Amanda, someday I may have to get Lucy, from down the street to watch you for a few hours while I go out. Is that okay?”

  Amanda looked away. “Mom, I’d prefer if you didn’t do it.”

  Violet leaned down, hoping to God she wouldn’t make Amanda trust her less. Worth a try, right? “I know, honey, but spending time with someone else may be good for you too. May be fun.”

  Amanda wrinkled her nose. “But what if you don’t come back?”

  Violet’s heart shrunk to the size of a pearl. Tears prickled behind her eyelids, but she blinked, refusing to show weakness. Not right now. She’d thought for so many nights she’d never get to hold her daughter close. She swallowed the bitter thought, and ran her finger down Amanda’s nose. “Honey, I’ll always come back. I love you.”

  Amanda hugged her tight, then sighed into her hair. “Me too.”

  The doorbell rang, and before Violet could move, Amanda withdrew from her embrace and dashed to the entrance. She marched behind her, and when she walked past the foyer, she saw Theo and Marcelle. They each held a reusable bag filled with groceries from a local organic market.

  “Hi, Ms. Violet.” Marcelle lifted her free hand in greeting. “We wanted to thank you for tutoring me, so we came to prepare dinner for your family.”

  “How sweet.” She smiled to Marcelle, but her smile died when she looked at Theo. “Come in.” She gestured, and Marcelle entered. “What a low blow to use a kid to say you’re sorry,” she whispered to him as he walked past her.

  “In my defense, she’d suggested we do this before, but I suggested today for purely selfish reasons,” he said, then stopped and glanced at her. “I’m sorry.” His honesty melted any resentment she harbored. After all, didn’t he have a point? Whether she’d liked his pointing out or not, he’d been right. But that was a conversation for another time.

  She tapped his shoulder. “The food better be worth it.”

  He glanced around to make sure no one saw them, then kissed her cheek. “I’ll make it worth it.”

  For the next few hours, he lived up to his promise. He prepared a wonderful chicken cooked with a rich thick sauce, paired with sautéed veggies and rice with a hint of cinnamon, a common dish in Vonevell. Even the kids enjoyed the food. Marcelle interacted a lot of with Amanda and Trevor, and she seemed a lot more comfortable and less bitter than the first time she’d met her. Maybe she’ll change if she finds out I’m sleeping with her dad.

  Violet slapped her lips. No, Marcelle would never find out—wasn’t fair.

  Then why did he come over? It was nice, but why would he get the kids all engaged? She bit her inner cheek. Perhaps I’m overthinking.

  “Thanks for dinner,” Amanda said to Theo.

  “You’re welcome,” he said, ruffling her hair.

  Amanda, along with the other kids, went to the playroom and Violet watched them go. Violet could hear their voices when Amanda talked about turning on her Wii videogame for them to play.

  “Aren’t you worried about all this?” she asked Theo, using her fingers to circle the space between them. “Including the kids, I mean.”

  “No, it was just a nice gesture, Violet. No one got hurt.”

  Not yet. She looked at him, wishing things were so simple. Of course Theo didn’t add the complexity to the situation that she did because he didn’t share her feelings. Yes, feelings. She cared about him. Her stomach plummeted. How could she deny it? Their chemistry was palpable, sure, but his love of his daughter, his kindness also drew her in.

  “Are you sure we can’t meet this weekend?” he asked, yanking her from her musings.

  She blinked. “Sorry. Yes, I’m sure. I’m busy this weekend and the upcoming week.” She’d offered to have the kids when it would have been Damian’s turn, so Damian and Brit had more time to get things organized for the wedding. They’d thanked her, but deep down she’d done it because she loved having the opportunity to spend more time with them.

  “How about next weekend?”

  She folded her arms. “That’s when I’ll be going to Vegas for Brit and Damian’s wedding.”

  He bridged the gap between them, and asked in a low voice, “What if I go too?”

  Surprise flew through her, and for a moment, her mouth fell open. Sure, after Brit’s suggestion, she’d fantasized a little about him going with her. But she’d never come closing to hinting, let alone asking him. “What?”

  He cocked his head to one side. Damn the man, he was so close to her she smelled his intoxicating, spicy manly scent. “As a friend.”

  She perche
d her hands at her waist. Did he really mean it? “My children are going, so I won’t be able to sleep with you if that’s what you’re hoping for,” she said, to ensure he knew what he was volunteering to do. A part of her clung to the hope he wanted to support her, to be there for her. At the same time, she feared his generosity. What if she fell for him harder and stronger only to get her heart broken later? Her shoulders dropped a notch.

  He flashed her a smile that weakened her at the knees. “That would be a plus, but look—Marcelle asked me to have a sleepover at her friend’s. I can let her go next weekend so I get to travel.”

  “Yes, but didn’t you hear when I said—”

  He touched her elbow, and she went quiet. Her gaze darted to his hand making invisible circles on her least sexy part. The circular motion soothed her, and the silly touch had the power of squashing any concerns.

  “Yes. I’d still want to go. Plus, I’ll have a room on my own if you can ever find a break and need some stress relief. Bottom line is, I’ll be there and I’ll be your plus-one.”

  She drew in a breath. Plus one. Hopefully his idea wouldn’t add more trouble. “Okay. Fine. You’ll be my plus one.”

  9

  “So, no bachelorette party? Are you sure? We’re in the right place to go rent a stripper for a few hours after the rehearsal dinner,” Lara said, gesturing to the floor-to-ceiling window facing The Strip. A mix of lights and billboards announcing shows and musicals blended together against the extravagant hotels at night.

  Violet glanced around the lavish suite where she and Nikki, Lara, Britt and the children got ready for the rehearsal dinner. The week had gone by quickly, and Theo was supposed to arrive just after dinner. He had to stay behind because of a famous food critic who was supposed to visit one of his restaurants in Tulip.

  Brit chuckled. “Lara! Children.” She nudged her head in the direction of the kids, who played with the videogame console they found in the suite. Trevor was happy to watch them and shake his squishy toy.