Her Imaginary Husband (Contemporary Romance) (11 page)

She chuckled and they stood in companionable silence for a moment, leaning against the wall and watching the happy, hormonal commotion. Nikki relished the fact that Ross never flirted or made her feel stupid.

“So, you liking it here?” he asked. “Or will you move on to something else at the end of the year?”

“What? Why would I do that?”

He shrugged. “The turn-over rate for newbies is pretty high. They either decide they hate teaching after all, or they go off and have kids.” He glanced at her sideways.

Nikki blushed. “Well, I’m not in either of those camps.” She sighed. “I’d like to. Some day.” She tilted her head to indicate she was going to try the burritos despite his warning. “I’ve got four brothers, and I guess I’d like a big family.”

His eyes widened as he followed her to the trays. “Four brothers! You are either a spoiled princess or a deadly fighter.”

“A little of both, probably.” She stopped suddenly. “Hey, thanks for your help yesterday. Will said you showed up just in time to make sure the reports were filled out right.”

“Yeah, that was luck.” He looked over the room, but spoke to her. “So, did Carlin get you home safely?”

“Yeah,” she said. “I was pretty out of it.”

He looked at her as if about to ask more, but then shook his head. “What’s the word on the car?”

“They were uninsured, of course. So it’ll be a mess getting it replaced. I’ve got a rental for now.”

“That stinks. I’m really glad you weren’t hurt, though. That could have been bad.”

“Yeah.” She stared down at the burrito on her tray. “Is there cilantro in this?” The lunch lady shook her head, and Nikki smiled. “I think I overdosed on cilantro as a child, and now I can’t stand too much of it. I won’t even put it in my salsa.”

“That was your salsa?” asked Ross, suddenly excited. “At the barbecue? Did you make that?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Oh wow, best salsa ever!”

Nikki warmed to the praise, and grabbed a carton of milk. “You liked it?” She was suddenly afraid to make eye contact.

“I ate half a jar by myself!”

She could feel his gaze on her, and it sent butterflies spiraling inside. “Really?” Nikki could not stop the smile. “I’m so glad you liked it.”

“Loved it.” His voice, oddly gentle, made her tremble with unexpected delight.

Paying the cashier, she turned and beamed up at him. “Well, I’ll be sure to save you a jar next time I make a batch.”

With his eyes sparkling and intense, he whispered. “That would be awesome.”

A shout from across the cafeteria called his attention away, and he smiled apologetically. “Sorry. Looks like there’s a scuffle over there. Better go enforce the law.”

He wound his way through the chairs and tables while Nikki stared at her burrito and wondered just how big the “gaseous expulsions” would be if she ate it.

Then she remembered that she’d forgotten to tell him about not being married again and wondered just how big the emotional explosion would be after she did.

“Shaboobaloo.”



“Tell me again why I am helping you chop tomatoes at home when I have to do this at work all day?” said Janna.

“I just felt like making more salsa. What’s the big deal?”

“And it couldn’t wait until the weekend?” Janna’s tone was complaining, but her hands moved with startling speed.

“I’ve actually got time tonight,” said Nikki. “I’m all caught up on grading, and it’s only Wednesday. Are you telling me you’d rather come back on Saturday night and chop with me?”

“Okay, point taken. How small do you want the onions?”

Nikki demonstrated with her finger and thumb, and resumed rinsing the peppers. “So how’s it going at Main Street Market?”

“Flip-Flop Man is beside himself with grief. He pines away over the jo-jos and swears no one cuts them like you did.”

“Are you kidding me?” asked Nikki, slicing the peppers length-wise and tossing them into a frying pan.

“Yes, I’m kidding you,” said Janna. “Now he hits on me. Thanks ever so much for your hand-me-downs.” She grimaced. “What are you doing?”

“I need to sauté the peppers and onions,” said Nikki.

“For salsa?”

“Super fast. Just long enough to take the burp out.”

Janna wiped her onion tears with the back of her wrist. “The burp out? What is this—a Tupperware recipe?”

“It’s a trick my gramma uses. Trust me.”

“It’s gonna be sog-gy,” sang Janna.

“It’s gonna be yum-my. Don’t cry. I’ll save you some, too.”

“Too?”

Nikki turned away to find a wooden spoon. “You know. I mean, you can have some.”

“Too. You said, ‘too’. Who are you cooking this up for, hot mamacita?” Janna twirled her hips in a salsa dance move. “Coach Hunkalicious?”

“No. If you must know, I promised a jar to the campus cop.”

“What for?”

Nikki suddenly wondered what for. “I don’t know. He’s just been really nice, helping me get settled at the school.” She rinsed her hands in the sink. “He helped with the accident report and everything.”

Janna furrowed her brow and waved the knife as she might wag a finger. “You’re holding out on me. Who is this guy? Is he cute?”

How did I get into this conversation?
“Um. I don’t know. He was the guy sitting behind us at the game. The one with the air horn.”

“That guy? I guess I didn’t look too closely.” She returned to her chopping. “Well, all right then. Just don’t put any love in that salsa. It’s fattening, you know. Cops have to be light on their feet to catch the bad guys.”

Nikki blushed.
I’ll try, but he
is
kind of cute.

“Katie, what’s a teacher supposed to wear to Homecoming?” asked Nikki.

“Something dark, so you can ninja up behind them,” said a voice behind her.

Nikki jumped, startled. “You mean like that, Officer?”

“Exactly,” he said. “They’re usually so tied up in each other’s lips, they don’t hear you coming.”

“You’ve got a mean streak.” Katie grinned. “I never would have guessed.”

He winked and tapped Nikki’s arm lightly in greeting. She felt a quick flutter in her stomach at the contact. “Did you get the salsa I left for you?”

“Delicious. Thanks. I owe you!” He stepped behind the counter, jerking a thumb at Principal Geoffreys’ office. “I need to check with the boss on something, okay Katie?”

Katie waved him back and turned an arched eyebrow at Nikki. “What was that all about?”

Nikki gulped and changed the subject back. “Seriously, what do I wear?”

“Comfortable shoes and something with pockets to hide stuff in,” said Katie.

“Hide what? What am I hiding?”

“Candy—because it’s long, and a book—because it’s
boring!
”

“Homecoming is boring?” asked Nikki. “I thought it was
the
event of the season.”

Gayle entered with a steaming mug of coffee and wad of tissue in one hand, and a folder in the other. “Katie, I’m heading home after all. Here are the lesson plans. Jenny’ll cover first period for me, so you’ve got time to get the sub. I’m sorry.” She nudged Nikki with her toe. “It’s your fault. I caught your cold.”

“That was over two weeks ago,” said Nikki. “Don’t blame that one on me.”

“Oh, it’s made the rounds through the staff and finally found her,” said Katie. “We share everything around here.” She took the folder from Gayle and began punching in numbers on her phone.

“So, is your husband chaperoning tonight?”

“Husband?” chirped Katie, slamming down the phone. “You’re married? When did
that
happen?”

“Uh…”

Katie cocked her head to one side and gave Nikki a sly grin. “I guess we’d better make sure all the boys know.”

“Huh?”
The lie is spreading. Somebody make it stop!

“Oh, Will knows,” said Gayle. She sneezed hard. “He just doesn’t care.”

Ross passed them on his way back out of the office, and Katie watched him go with a suppressed grin. “Yes, but he’s not
all
of the boys.”

Nikki’s eyes bulged as she silently willed Katie to stop talking, but she forced a smile onto her face and said, “No, I’ll have to come alone, I guess.”

“Doesn’t that leave us one chaperone short?” asked Gayle wearily.

“Oh, I’ll find someone,” said Katie with a wicked wink at Nikki.



Nikki decided she’d follow Katie’s advice and wear her running shoes and a hoodie. In her pocket was a pack of Mentos and her fully charged phone, ready for some social media checking if things got as boring as predicted. The DJ checked sound levels, and two Homecoming committee kids were adjusting the streamers which hung so low that Nikki could actually reach them if she stretched. It was as if the ceiling was sagging with the weight of all that crepe paper.

The game had been over for ten minutes, and the hordes would arrive shortly, but for now, she received instructions from the Homecoming committee president. Gayle’s efforts to recruit couples had worked. Four other teachers and their spouses had paired off and claimed the corners of the gym. The last two chaperones would be the floaters, patrolling the middle of the floor and the hall outside. The perky girl had to be shown I.D. before she believed that Nikki was a teacher. “I guess you and Officer Ross get to be the bouncers. Have fun!”

“Officer Ross?” Nikki’s voice squeaked.

“I think he’s on the stage with the DJ.”

Nikki decided she would play ninja as Ross had teased, and made her way swiftly along the wall. Placing one foot carefully on the edge, she tested the creak factor and found the platform surprisingly sound. She stepped lightly up, keeping herself behind the DJ and Ross. Five feet away, three feet away…

Whoop—
In a single smooth move, Ross flipped her over his shoulder and slammed her down
—BAM!

“Ow?” Nikki stared up from her back and tried to focus on the two faces looking down at her.

“Oh, whoah! Ms. Fallon! I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t have snuck up on me like that!”

The DJ’s face moved from surprised terror to surprised amusement. “Dude, that was
awesome!
” he said, appraising Ross with new eyes. He checked himself and looked back down at Nikki. “You okay down there?”

“Just play ‘Another One Bites the Dust’, and I’ll be good,” she said drily.

Ross dropped to one knee and put a hand gently on her forehead. “Seriously. Are you hurt? I don’t know my own strength sometimes.”

Nikki sat up and leaned back on her palms. “Is this your version of break dancing? Because you seriously need to work on your moves.” When his concerned face remained, she snapped her fingers at him. “Hey, you’re kind of gullible.”

He shoved her back down playfully before lifting her to her feet with ease. His strength thrilled her, and she was pretty sure her mouth hung open stupidly.

She quickly recovered. “So, I see why they put you down as the Bouncer. Seems an odd job for me, though, since I’m shorter than half of the kids.”

“It’s all in the way you stand,” he said. He spread his legs wide and folded his arms across his chest. “You’ve got to look mean.” He knit his brows together, flared his nostrils and stuck out his lower lip. “Try it,” he said.

Trying not to laugh, Nikki adopted his stance and facial expression.

“No running on the dance floor!” He grunted.

Nikki followed suit, furrowing her brows. “Is that booze I smell?”

Ross turned, still in his pose, and faced the dance floor as the DJ welcomed the students and promised them a great night of rocking out. Nikki sidled up next to Ross, trying to make herself look bigger and meaner.

“That’s it. Show no fear,” he said without moving.

“Show no mercy!” She scowled with her lower lip protruding.

A loud cheer went up as the football players tore through a banner and ran into the room, and suddenly it was raining glittery confetti. Cameras flashed, and a blinding light went off in front of Nikki and Ross.

Nikki gave up the pose and spat glitter from her lips. “I can’t see.”

Ross held her elbow gently. “Don’t fall off the stage.” He jumped to the floor and helped her down.

“So what’s the plan?” she asked, brushing more glitter from her arms.

Ross looked at her with a lop-sided grin. He reached for her, but stopped himself. “You’ve got a lot of glitter in your hair,” he said.

“I do?” She leaned over and shook her head, watching blue and gold sparkles cascade down. When she flipped upright, Ross had a different look in his eyes, one she had never seen in a man looking at her before. She felt a rush of warmth and smiled awkwardly. “You’ve got quite the shiny dandruff, too.” Without thinking, she reached up and brushed the top of his head with her fingers.
Man, his curls are so soft!
She retracted her hand as if she had been shocked. “Uh, how about I…you know… check for suspicious activity as they enter.”

The soft look on his face dissolved. “Right. Let’s get to business. Signal if you see trouble.”

“What’s the signal?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be watching you,” he said.



“You don’t act like a chaperone,” said Josh.

“What do you mean?”

“They usually just stand there and complain about how loud the music is.”

Nikki bobbed her head to the music. “Oh, it’s too loud, but I love this song.”

Josh laughed and then let a cute little sophomore drag him away to dance under the disco ball.

Nikki grooved her way through the crowd, letting the kids acknowledge her before she said anything lest she upset the delicate balance of their social status by making them look like a teacher’s pet. She had just reached the main entrance to the gym when Officer Ross found her.

“I need to investigate something. Can you come be my back up?”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Something bad?”

Ross took her by the elbow and steered her out into the hall. “I’m not sure what we’re about to find, but I think something’s going on in there.” He indicated a small custodial closet.

“Someone’s sniffing Lysol?”

He signaled for her to whisper. “I hope not.” He stood with his hand poised over the door handle.

“Isn’t it locked?” asked Nikki.

“Doug usually leaves it open and hides snacks for us.”

Nikki raised an eyebrow. “You’ve got everyone feeding you here!”

“No, just you, Doug and Katie. I’d starve without you.”

“You’re like an alley cat,” she said with a wry smile.

Ross grasped the handle. “I will be until someone takes me home.” With a sharp motion, he yanked the door open and took a step back.

There was a muffled female squeal, and a boy’s voice said, “Taken!”

Nikki peeked around the door to see a young couple wrapped in a tight embrace. The girl had hidden her face in the boy’s chest, but he was obviously trying to get her focus back up to his lips. He peered out angrily at them. “Guys, shut the—Oh!” Recognition exploded on his face. “Hey, Officer Ross. We’re just…”

“Sampling the refreshments?” Ross stood back and cocked his head. “Out, Brian. Is that—hi Lisa. How are you this evening?”

Lisa couldn’t raise her eyes, and her face flushed dark red. “Fine.” Her voice was a squeak. She dragged Brian from the recesses of the closet and the two scurried back to the gym.

Nikki snuffled into her hand, trying to hide her laughter.

Leaning against the doorsill, Ross lowered his voice to a tempting lilt. “Do you want to sample some refreshments?”

Her heart skipped a beat.
Does he want to go make out in there?
Normally a proposition like that would have infuriated her, but his eyes twinkled with innocent humor, and he looked…hot? With just a black t-shirt and jeans, she could see his form, feel his strength, and her eyes wandered up and down until they landed on his smiling lips.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he raised a quieting finger. “Come here,” he whispered, his voice husky.

Nikki glanced around. There were a few kids at the water fountain. They’d be seen.
What am I thinking? Does he really want to kiss me?
She looked at him, feeling her pulse race and realized she wouldn’t mind that at all. “Uh…”

“He’s usually got Milky Ways or Baby Ruths,” said Ross, his hand disappearing into an inconspicuous canister on the shelf above him. “Oh score! King Size. Wanna share?”

The swelling bubble inside of her popped, and Nikki let out a breathy laugh. “Sure. Did you say Baby Ruth?”

“My favorite.” He brandished it triumphantly. Splitting open the packet, he grinned, “Thanks for your help, partner.” He held up the packet and let her take the first piece.

“Thanks. You sure this won’t slow us down if we have to do a high speed chase?”

Ross grinned and ushered her fully into the hall so he could close the door. “I’ll trust you to catch the perps. You’re the running coach, right?”

Nikki laughed and took a bite. Now
I’ll have peanut breath. No kissing for me, I guess.

Ross suddenly tensed, as if listening.

“What’s wrong?” asked Nikki, her skin prickling with excitement.

“Sh.”

“I don’t hear anything.”

“That’s what I mean,” he said. “They must be getting ready to have the Homecoming King and Queen give their little speeches.”

Nikki’s shoulders sagged. “Is that all?”

“But then they have the special slow dance,” he said, leading her back to the gym. “They always play it up. Great lighting. It’s like a movie. Very romantic. It’s kind of fun to see. The kids really get into it.”

Something in Nikki melted like the chocolate in her mouth. The two of them stood at the door of the gym, watching the Homecoming royalty dance. The music was soft and the lyrics spoke of a sweet, pure love. Even standing inches from Ross, Nikki could feel warmth, as if he held her. She closed her eyes, and in her mind, she danced with him in the glittering lights.