Hard To Handle (Teach Me Book 2) (32 page)

S
HE WAS THE MOST PATHETIC
person on Earth. This confirmed it. She was probably going to adopt fifty cats, only do her shopping online, be a shut-in and die in her small house with only her cats to mourn her.

Okay, that was actually really depressing to consider. She was allergic to cats, anyway.

Laney had gone down to the beach and managed to catch two ankle busters, basically weak waves, so she decided to call it a day and give up any attempt at catching waves.

Standing at the shoreline with the water lapping at her feet, she held her surfboard upright with one arm. It was the board Zach had loaned her and never collected back. Probably didn’t want it back, probably thought it was tainted now. Not like she blamed the guy.

She stood watching the beginning of what was guaranteed to be a magnificent sunset, the molten orange streaks already spreading across the sky. She was a few steps away from where she had left her bag with her towel and phone hooked up to the external speaker. It was currently softly playing Meghan Trainor and John Legend’s duet of “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”. She realized it made her even more pathetic to have created a playlist of songs that made her think of Zach, but she didn’t care. So be it. She was pathetic and she was embracing it fully, damn it.

Inhaling a deep breath of the salty ocean air, she took in the spectacular sight before her. She felt as though it were a sign telling her that there was still beauty in the world, even amidst pain and heartache.

She had tried, she had taken that jump, but it had been too late. Zach had already moved on, was finished with her and certainly not interested in giving her a second chance. Hell, the guy was even going so far as to move an hour away and teach at a different school just to get away from her. If that wasn’t sending an obvious ‘I don’t want anything to do with you message’, she wasn’t sure what would.

She’d finally done it, though. Finally, she’d given herself over to loving someone, to allow love in her life. As much as it hurt now, she knew she would’ve regretted it more if she hadn’t declared her feelings for Zach, if she hadn’t offered her heart to him.

She closed her eyes, tilting her head to the sky and muttered a small prayer, “If you could maybe make it hurt a little less, that’d be great.”

Suddenly, her music stopped playing mid-song and changed to Adele’s “Lovesong”. Laney’s eyes flew open, startled at the fact that someone was behind her, changing her music. Turning, with her surfboard still in her grasp, her breath caught in her throat at the sight of Zach standing a mere foot away from her, his hands behind his back. She watched as he brought something from behind his back, saw that it was a … spiral bound notebook? And a marker?

Watching him curiously, she waited as he uncapped the permanent blue marker and opened up the notebook, flipping past numerous pages, mumbling something about “finding a damn blank page”. Finally finding one, he scribbled quickly before turning it toward her, his eyes burning with intensity as he studied her. Waiting for her answer.

Did you mean everything you said in my classroom?

Laney’s throat grew tight, felt her eyes burn with unshed tears. “I meant every word.” Her voice was strangled, hoarse to her own ears.

He gave a brief nod before turning the notebook back his way, flipping to find another available page, and scribbled again. He turned it her way.

Every part of me aches for you.

Her eyes flew to Zach’s and she bit her lip to hold in the sob threatening to break free at his unapologetically honest admission.

He flipped to another page and quickly wrote something else, then capped the marker before sliding it into the pocket of his khaki shorts. Zach turned the notebook toward her as he studied her intently.

I’d offer you my heart … but you already have it.

Laney’s breath held, so unprepared for his words. She had been resigned to the fact that she’d lost him forever. “You have mine, too,” she whispered as the first tears escaped, trickling down her cheeks.

Zach tossed the notebook down, held out his arms, uttering only one word, “Laney.”

With a cry, she let go of the surfboard and nearly hurled herself against him, tears flowing down her cheeks as she held onto him. Zach’s arms wrapped around her tightly and she felt him press kisses to her hair.

“I love you,” she told him, her voice thick. Instantly, she felt the slight rumble of his chest beneath her cheek.

“Please, Kavanaugh. As if I didn’t know that already,” he said, his cocky tone eliciting a wet laugh from her. God, she’d missed this. Missed him. He whispered in her ear, and she could hear the humor laced with affection. “Those cue cards pretty much confirmed it for me.”

Raising her head from his chest, she peered up at him. His eyes held more warmth than she’d ever witnessed, hands coming up to cradle her face. Zach’s thumb swiped at the tears streaking her cheeks before he spoke, his words a sweet caress over her heart, “I love you, Laney.” He pressed his lips to hers tenderly.

Zach took one of her hands in his, linking their fingers together to bring their joined hands up to press a kiss to hers. Pulling her closer, his lips brushed against hers as he spoke.

“Even after all the anger, all the hurt, I would still choose you. Every,” he kissed her, “single,” another kiss, “time.” When his lips pressed against hers, it was a kiss with more love, more passion behind it than any she’d ever before experienced. It was a kiss of promise from the man who loved her. The man who wouldn’t leave.

Laney stayed there in his embrace, exchanging soft kisses while they watched the sun sink farther in the western sky. With a sudden realization, Laney pushed away to look at him, concerned. “Wait a minute. What’s going to happen now that you’re going to be down in Neptune Beach?”

Giving her a mischievous smile, Zach said, “Let’s just say a certain principal had high hopes that I’d change my mind so he didn’t fill my position.”

“Thank God,” she sighed, leaning her head on his chest.

“You want to keep me around, huh?”

Laney tipped her head back to meet his gaze. “You bet I do.”

“For how long?” he asked.

She cocked her head as if to ponder the question. “Mmm, I don’t know. Definitely as long as you have the Chevelle.” The corners of her lips twitched with the urge to smile.

He pretended to be insulted and shook his head, muttering, “I can’t believe it. The woman of my dreams only wants me for my car.”

She gave him a salacious grin and winked. “Oh, now. I want you for more than that.”

“Oh? And what is that?” he asked with a suggestive smile. “For my big—”

Laney reached up, pulling him down to her for a kiss, reveling in the softness of his lips against hers. Breaking the kiss, she lifted to her toes, placing her lips to his ear to whisper, “I want you for your big heart. The one I hope will love me forever.”

Zach’s hands slid into her damp hair, drawing her away, his eyes finding hers. In them was an intoxicating combination of heated desire and love.

“I’ll love you forever, Laney.” He leaned his forehead against hers. “And then I’ll love you a little more.”

THE END

LOVING THE
TEACH ME
SERIES?

Have you read
Wildest Dream
, Raine and Mac’s story? Click here to purchase it on
Amazon
.

A
CKNOWLEDGMENT
s

This book would have never been possible if it weren’t for the following individuals (in no particular order):

My former coworkers, the ladies I’m proud to call my friends and still laugh about our teaching shenanigans. I’m sure you’ll notice some of these familiar stories in here.

Heather K., my soul sister. You’re always there to support me, regardless of how many miles separate us. I consider myself beyond lucky to call you my friend.

Kristi and Lynn for letting me shove book blurbs and manuscripts in front of them to look over and critique. You ladies are the best and I thank UNF for uniting us years ago!

Sarah M., for being my cheerleader from the start of this journey. I’m both proud and honored that you’re my “biggest fan”.

My husband for … well, everything.

My readers! The fact that I actually have readers is just … AWESOME!! Thank you for choosing to read these books. Without your support, your sweet emails and reviews, none of this would be possible. I am forever grateful.

Ms. Melissa at There For You Editing for helping to fine-tune this book. And for telling me I’m actually a really good writer when I feel like I suck at it.

Ms. Chasity at Rockstar PR for taking the time to guide a new indie author along her way. All of your time and advice are appreciated more than you can imagine.

Ms. Robin at Wicked By Design for creating a cover that I absolutely LOVE!!

A
BOUT THE
A
UTHOR

RC Boldt is the wife of Mr. Boldt, a retired Navy Chief, mother of Little Miss Boldt, and former teacher of many students. She currently lives on the coast of North Carolina but dreams of relocating to a tropical island. When she’s not writing, she can be found daydreaming of relocating to a tropical island, at the beach, going running with her family (and contemplating *gently* tossing her daughter out of the jogging stroller to reduce weight resistance), singing karaoke, harassing her husband or relaxing with a good book. And, let’s be honest. Most of those activities listed probably include wine or a good microbrew. Except for the running. In that case, the drinks come afterward.

RC loves hearing from her readers at
[email protected]
. You can also check out her website at
http://www.rcboldtbooks.com
or her Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/rcboldtauthor
for the latest updates on upcoming book releases.