"Don't I know it," Theresa said with a smile. "At least, you can't blame me for you being here."
"Can't I?" He watched color suffuse her cheeks.
"You can't possibly believe I had anything to do with it?"
"Forget it. Let's get this punch to the table before my daughter has a conniption fit." He pushed open the doors and let Theresa push the cart through. She shot him a look, her green eyes blazing. What could she be upset about? She was the one trying to throw them together, wasn't she? So far, her schemes had worked. Yet she seemed oddly unsettled.
That made two of them. Whenever he was near Theresa, his attraction for her became stronger. And somehow his feelings for her were getting mixed up with his desires. Deep down, he knew it would be different with Theresa. If he slept with her, nothing would ever be the same. On the other hand, if he didn't, he would go insane. Either way, he was doomed.
The gym was full to overflowing by half past eight. Many people came to Salt Fork to attend the homecoming celebrations. Austin walked the perimeter of the gym, stopping occasionally to talk with former classmates and teachers. He sat for a little while visiting with his sister Tori, who'd driven in from college. Cameron and Jessie, Dallas and Gillian, and Tyler and his date were also in attendance.
The lights had been dimmed and the music floated on the air. Would the evening never end?
Austin stationed himself on the opposite side of the gym away from the refreshment table where Theresa and her students were working. From that vantage point, he could observe her without her knowledge and without being too obvious.
She had dressed up for the dance. The sexy black velvet sheath molded to her body, showing her curves to advantage. Simple in cut, the dress had short sleeves and a straight skirt that hugged her derriere lovingly. Long legs, black stockings and killer high-heels made Austin swallow more than once. She wore an emerald and diamond necklace around her throat. The jewels matched her eyes.
He could imagine her in bed, naked except for that splendid necklace. He would cover her body with his, run his hands all over the silky skin. Explore every curve and valley. Her hands would be exploring, too. Would they be bold or hesitant?
Austin took a deep shuddering breath and began walking again. He had to get hold of himself. He was supposed to be chaperoning the dance, not thinking erotic thoughts about one of the teachers. He looked around and found he had stopped near the table Kelsey was manning. He had been so wrapped up in his fantasies, he had forgotten to sidestep the refreshment area.
"Hey Dad, why don't you ask Miss Rogers to dance?" Kelsey said as she ladled punch into a Styrofoam cup.
"I don't want to dance," Theresa said quickly, taking the cup and setting it in the line of cups ready for the thirsty dancers. She avoided Austin's eye.
Kelsey smiled. "Sure you do. You said you loved to dance a little while ago. Dad's not doing anything. Ask her to dance, Dad."
Austin caught Theresa's look of consternation directed at Kelsey. It didn't even come close to his feelings toward his daughter. But hell, she had given him the perfect opportunity.
He held out his hand. "Would you like to dance?"
Theresa hesitated for a long moment. Then she lifted her chin. "I'd be delighted," she said.
Kelsey laughed. "You both sound so formal. This is a homecoming dance. Not a ball or anything like that."
Theresa walked around the table and headed for the dance floor. Austin stared after her. She didn't seem overjoyed with the prospect of dancing with him.
"Go on, Dad." Kelsey leaned over the table and gave him a little push.
Austin gritted his teeth and followed Theresa. His eyes locked onto the low cut vee at the back of the black velvet dress. Her nicely shaped bottom brushed the dark fabric with every step. Why was she wearing such a dress to this kind of function?
The music slowed down. Theresa turned around and waited for him to come up to her. He stopped inches away and placed both hands on her waist for a second. What he wanted to do was jerk her against him and feel her body yield to his. She must have sensed his desire because she trembled beneath his fingers. Austin swallowed hard as he lifted his right hand and took hers in a firm grip.
Green eyes stared up at him. He wished he knew what she was thinking. Wasn't this what she wanted? He damn sure wanted it. And more. Much more.
He felt her slide her other hand to his shoulder. She bit her bottom lip. She had a habit of doing that when she was near him. It drove Austin crazy. He was going to have to kiss her soon. There was no doubt about it.
Theresa lowered her eyes. She felt stiff and tense as if she were waiting for something awful to happen.
"Relax," he said in her ear, pulling her closer. "We're just two people dancing like the rest of the folks here."
"I can't relax when I know you must think I contrived to get you to dance." If she bit that lip any harder, she was going to draw blood.
"I don't think that."
"Not this time," she said.
"This time I concede that Kelsey outmaneuvered both of us. So loosen up and enjoy the dance. I certainly intend to."
He tightened his hold on. Her hair smelled fresh and fragrant, a hint of strawberries filled his nostrils. It had been a long time since he had danced with a beautiful woman. He had forgotten what a pleasure it was to hold someone in a close embrace and sway to the music.
Theresa finally relaxed and leaned her head against his shoulder. She fit him perfectly. He could feel her breasts pressed to his chest. Her stockinged legs rubbed against his slacks. Every movement of the dance brought them into intimate contact.
Austin closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, he saw Patti Garrison dancing with her husband, Bubba. She had been friends with Deborah all through school, even though Patti had been in his class. For a minute, Austin felt guilty--like he'd been caught cheating on Deb. When Patti winked at him and gave a thumbs up, he felt somewhat better and winked back.
Just for tonight, he would concentrate on the woman in his arms. How good she felt, how sweet she smelled. It wouldn't hurt to enjoy a few dances with her. Talk to her. It wasn't like he wanted a long-term commitment or anything. Austin held her close and guided her across the gym floor in time to the music.
Theresa couldn't believe Austin had actually asked her to dance. She knew Kelsey had made it practically impossible for him not to ask without being rude. He wouldn't want to look bad in front of his daughter. He was a good, caring father. Except he was blind to what was going on right in front of his nose. He still didn't have a clue that Kelsey was the one throwing them together.
Theresa wasn't going to worry about that right now. The unbelievable had happened and she was in Austin's arms. For once, he was being civil. Beggars couldn't be choosers.
The achingly tender love song threaded its way in and around the dancers. Something deep inside of Theresa responded to every strum of the guitar and low beat of the drums. Austin's arms held her in a strong embrace. She could hear his heartbeat in her ear as she pressed her head to his shoulder. Feel it pounding against her. Making her breasts heavy, her nipples taut beneath the lace of her bra.
Their bodies moved in rhythm to the music. His hard and unyielding; hers soft and molding to his frame. His hand gripped hers in a warm clasp. An electrical charge chased down her arm to her elbow. Her heart fluttered wildly when he turned her so they wouldn't bump into another couple, holding her even tighter. She felt his arousal press against her stomach.
Theresa looked up. The hazel eyes were regarding her with hot dark desire. She swallowed hard when Austin smiled slowly down at her. His hand at her back reached up and tucked her head into his shoulder again. Then she felt that hand slide gently down to rest on the small of her back.
Her bare skin burned at the intimate touch. He splayed his fingers, reaching toward her derriere. Ever so gently, he caressed her, pulling her closer to him.
Theresa's hand clutched his neck. She sucked in her breath. Beneath her fingers, his muscles corded like steel. She wanted to snuggle closer, feel his arousal strain against her. Inside her. She almost groaned with the yearning and wanting.
Austin tightened his hold. "Easy, baby. This isn't the time or the place." His breath was hot in her ear.
The music ended. He gave her a quick hug before releasing her. "Let's get some of that punch to cool us off." Austin's voice sounded rough. His eyes caught and held hers with an intensity that left her struggling for breath.
Theresa nodded and led the way to the refreshment table.
"Did you two enjoy your dance?" Kelsey handed them both a cup of punch.
"Yes," Theresa said, taking a sip of her drink, trying to still the trembling in her hands and body.
"How about you, Dad?" Was Kelsey trying to gage her dad's reaction?
Austin gulped down half his drink. "It was nice."
Nice?
That was an understatement if she ever heard one.
Kelsey frowned and sighed. "Miss Rogers, we're getting low on punch."
Theresa set her cup down. "I'll take care of that right away." She walked around the table where she had parked the metal cart.
"I'll help you," Austin said.
"That's not necessary." Theresa pushed the cart toward the gym doors.
"But I insist." He came up beside her and placed his hands on the bar, brushing her away with a bump on the hip.
Theresa let go of the cart and stepped back. She was having trouble controlling her body's response to Austin's every move. He seemed to want to be near her tonight. Didn't mind touching her. Where was the angry man she knew? He was confusing the hell out of her.
Austin stopped at the doors and looked back. "Are you coming?"
Theresa squared her shoulders. "Sure." She followed him down the hall.
When they reached the kitchen in the cafeteria, Austin pushed the cart past gleaming stainless steel counters, huge stoves and ovens. Turning a corner, he rolled the cart down the aisle to the heavy-duty refrigerators. "I assume you have extra punch stored in one of these?" He forced the simple question through his dry mouth. Standing there in that sexy black dress, Theresa was wreaking havoc to his insides and good intentions.
"Of course." Theresa tried to ignore the low seductive tone of Austin's voice. The fierce tumbling in her stomach told her she wasn't doing a very good job. She started to walk past him to the fridge on the end, congratulating herself on her sure steps because her knees felt like jelly.
Austin reached out and grabbed her arm, jerking her hard against his body. Theresa barely had time to protest when his mouth came down on hers.
From the moment he had walked into the gym, Austin had been aware of Theresa's presence. Or non-presence. When he had finally seen her, his body had turned into a human radar machine. He knew exactly where she was no matter what part of the gym he was patrolling. The sexual tension vibrated between them whenever they came into close contact. The dance had been almost more than he could bear. His body was taut with desire. He was burning up for her.
Gripping the nape of her neck with one hand, he slid the other down Theresa's smooth bare back, not stopping at the enticing vee, but slipping his fingers beneath the velvet material. He clutched her rounded bottom and kneaded the firm flesh, swallowing her moan in a deep sensual kiss.
She tasted like pure sweetness, her lips pliant and yielding. He plunged his tongue into her hot mouth again and again, threading his fingers through her silky hair at the back of her neck. He pushed his body into hers, grinding his arousal against her belly. Her arms wound themselves around his neck. She wiggled closer, crushing her breasts against his chest.
Feeling the soft mounds pressed to him made Austin itch to hold them, caress them. He moved slightly away, stifling her groan of protest with another searing kiss. He slipped his hand between their bodies, cupping one breast. The pert nipple thrust against his palm. He cursed the layers of clothing denying him access to her bare skin.
He had to have more. Lifting her in his arms, he set her on one of the clean shiny counters. Her skirt rode high on her thighs, revealing the lacy edge of her stockings. Austin stood between her legs and pulled her hard against him. He traced the black lace with trembling fingers as he trailed hot wet kisses down her throat.
He licked the curve of her neck and collarbone, relishing the sound of her quick intake of breath. He kissed his way down the low cut dress, easing the fabric away from one breast with his lips, nuzzling the valley between. Every breath brought her unique scent into his lungs. He knew he was losing the battle he had fought for so long, but didn't care.
Theresa clutched Austin's hair, pulling him closer, willing him to ease the torment of her body. Never before had she been so aroused. Never before had she wanted to culminate the act--give herself to a man. Lose herself in the sensations and pleasures of the body.