Sharon watched the scene for a moment, a feeling much stronger than gratitude growing toward Joe. "I see you have things totally under control," she observed with amusement. "Keep it down, though, kids. Paula needs some rest."
The younger children ignored her warning until Joe tapped them gently on their shoulders to get their attention. "We're playing a new game now. Let's see who can go the longest without making any noise."
Paula's youngest, Jason, raised his hand, as if he were in the classroom. "Can I ask a question?"
Joe grinned. "Sure, go ahead."
"What about chewing noises?"
"They don't count."
Sharon couldn't help but laugh. Would they really go along with this?
Joe cocked his brow at her and continued. "I see we have a skeptic in the audience, folks." He repeated the rules with one addition. "Whoever acts rowdy gets no dessert."
Sharon moved closer and whispered to him, "Bribery and threats, no less. I'm beginning to understand your system."
"You wanted action, ma'am, you got it."
Sharon wasn't sure if it was Joe's presence or because they were all very hungry, but the children did quiet down. Joe and Sharon filled their own plates and joined the others at the table.
It was a tight squeeze, but they managed to find a place. Sharon allowed herself to enjoy being pressed against him and wondered if it affected him the same way.
Had he given any thought to the kisses they'd shared at the 4-H Dance?
"Mmmm, great, Mom," Luke said after a huge bite of garlic bread.
She smiled at him, and glanced at Joe.
He reached for his second slice of bread and said, "This lasagna is fantastic. I couldn't have done much better myself."
She watched as the mozzarella stretched from the plate to his mouth. "You're just afraid I'll comment on your confirmed bachelorhood."
His dark eyes twinkled. "Wouldn't you?"
She gave up and went back to eating. In a verbal contest, he'd always win. In a physical one, too, she thought. The idea of tangling with him brought a hot flush to her face.
She glanced sideways at Joe and became even more flustered by the expression on his face, as if he'd guessed what was going on in her mind. Was she so transparent?
"Daddy and Mommy had a fight," Jason said, breaking into the moment.
"Be quiet," Melanie said with a pained look. She was sitting next to David, and Sharon hoped that was a sign they'd be friends again.
"Well, they did," the little boy retorted, sticking out his tongue at his sister.
Sharon didn't know how much they'd heard, so she murmured, "I'm sure they're both sorry and everything will be fine." She crossed her fingers under the table.
"I doubt it," Melanie said.
Sharon was surprised by the hopelessness in the teenager's voice. She gazed at the lovely young girl, and everyone else stopped eating. Melanie mumbled an apology with her head down. David put his arm around her, and Melanie looked up, startled.
"How about some ice cream," Luke asked the younger children.
Sharon smiled at Luke, and David got up to help. "Just make sure their plates are clean," she reminded her sons.
Sharon was surprised when Joe offered to help with the dishes. He suggested the teenagers entertain Jason and Stephanie outside. David started to object, but Joe explained that they had to keep it quiet for Paula's sake.
"Toss a ball around, okay?" Turning to Sharon, he added, "You have great kids."
"Thank you. You're pretty terrific yourself. I'm glad you stayed." Actually, she hadn't given him a choice. Maybe she took him too much for granted. Sharon didn't think that was wise for any woman to do to such a man.
Joe didn't smile or retort in his usual bantering way, but studied her with his dark, serious eyes. "I'm glad I could help." He moved closer and placed his hands on her shoulders.
At first, Sharon was mesmerized by his gaze, but as he tried to draw her closer, she stiffened. "No...the kids..."
Joe ignored the protest and claimed her lips with his own. Sharon struggled briefly, then melted into his strong embrace. His kiss was firm with the promise of passion behind it. Sharon's body trembled with an uncontrolled yearning. Dismayed, she broke away.
Joe gave her a long considering stare, then calmly picked up the dish towel. Sharon knew if she spoke, her voice would betray the turmoil inside.
"We'd better get the dishes done," Joe said, his own voice husky.
She nodded without glancing at him, experiencing a deep ache that had nothing to do with grief. It would have been so easy to surrender to the lure of his charm and follow wherever it lead. But for what? An evening's pleasure?
That wasn't her way, and he'd made it clear he enjoyed being single with no plans to change his status. And he was leaving, as she kept trying to forget.
Sharon stacked the dishes into the sink with such force that Joe protested. "Hey, calm down. Don't take it out on the dinnerware. Here, hit me." He pointed to his jaw.
"What?"
Joe gestured once more to his chin which he thrust forward. "Well, that's what you want to do, isn't it? Go ahead. I can take it."
He looked so ridiculous, standing there with her apron tied around him, waiting for her to take a swing that she burst out laughing. The tension between them dissolved.
"Believe me, I'm tempted, but my insurance may not cover the damage."
Joe breathed an exaggerated sigh of relief, then Sharon added, "I will take a rain check, though."
By the time they'd finished cleaning up, all five children tramped in. "It's getting cold outside," Stephanie said, her pert nose a cherry red.
"Aw, girls," Jason mumbled. "They spoil all the fun."
"It is getting late," Sharon said. "We've got to figure out the sleeping arrangements and get the younger kids to bed."
Jason's eyes lit up. "I'm sleeping in Luke's room."
Sharon glanced at her older son and hoped David wasn't hurt by Jason's obvious preference for Luke. Or was it Luke's collection of electronic games?
David probably preferred being alone anyway.
"Melanie, you can sleep in the guest room with me, and Stephanie, we'll slip you in beside your mother. It's a big bed, but you have to be very quiet."
By the time the kids were settled, she was exhausted. Joe had helped Luke with Jason, and followed Sharon downstairs. Her every nerve ending felt his nearness.
When she collapsed on the sofa and propped her feet on the coffee table, Joe sat down beside her.
Sharon leaned back and closed her eyes, knowing as if she were equipped with radar that he was watching her. She didn't mind. It felt good having him there. They didn't need to talk to feel comfortable together.
She realized she was becoming selfish where Joe was concerned, not wanting to question the "rightness" of his presence, but simply to enjoy it.
Joe reached over and took her hand, weaving his fingers through hers. Sharon had never known hand-holding could be so thrilling.
A strange sound broke into Sharon's sleepy musings. It was the roar of an engine, not an even, traveling sound, but with jerky stops and starts, then a racing noise as if someone were holding one foot on the brake and the other on the accelerator.
The sound came closer, then the vehicle screeched to a halt in front of her place. She turned and peeked out the window through the drapes. "Oh no, it's Ty. Wait here, Joe. Let me talk to him first."
"Paula, I know you're in there. Come on out." Ty's speech sounded slurred, as if he'd been drinking.
Sharon was on the porch before he could reach the house. "Be quiet, Ty," she shushed. "Can't you see everyone is asleep. Come back in the morning."
Ty weaved on unsteady feet, but somehow remained upright. "I'll leave when I have my wife."
Sharon could tell how determined he was. "Ty, please, can't you wait until tomorrow?"
"I want to see her now, Sharon. Please get her."
"She's asleep, Ty, honest. Wait until you sober up, then you can work things out. I know it's what Paula wants."
Ty was silent a moment, as if thinking it over. "I have to tell her I love her."
Joe stepped out onto the porch. "Tomorrow will have to do."
Ty's eyes narrowed as he peered into the shadows. Sharon realized they hadn't met. "Ty, this is one of Luke's teachers, and a friend of mine."
"What's he doing here?" Ty moved toward Joe. "Did you come to see my wife?"
"No," Joe said quietly. "I was visiting Mrs. Quinn and the boys."
Sharon hoped Ty would accept Joe's explanation instead of concocting some wild fantasy involving Paula. That was all they needed.
"Have you forgotten Tom already, Sharon?"
Ty's words slammed into her like a solid blow.
Hadn't she asked herself the same question, berating the weakness that allowed her to feel the way she did about Joe? Ty's accusation confirmed her guilt.
"That's enough," Joe said, steel in his voice. "I'm giving you a ride home...now!"
Ty was getting angry at being kept from his wife. "Who are you to tell me what to do?"
Sharon was afraid he'd begin swinging at Joe. She heard a movement behind her at the front door. It was Paula. Sharon motioned for her to stay hidden.
Joe tried again. "How about a drink, then?"
Sharon thought it was a rotten suggestion, but kept her fingers crossed that he would at least get Ty out of here.
Ty appeared to be considering Joe's offer, then said, "That's a good idea. Let's get a drink." He followed Joe to the red truck, saying, "But I want to come right back here."
"Later," Joe assured him. "Say, it's been a long time since I've driven a four-wheel drive. Mind if I try it?"
The truck was Ty's pride and joy, and the compliment obviously hit home. "Sure, fella, you can drive."
With a deep sigh of relief, Sharon watched them drive off. Paula stepped onto the porch, still dressed in her jeans and light cotton shirt. "I should have talked to him."
"Tomorrow," Sharon replied, feeling weary. "He was in no condition to make sense tonight. Let Joe handle it."
She worried for an instant that she was, once again, trying to control Paula's life. But this was her home, and Ty would have upset everyone, including the children, if she'd let him stay.
Paula shivered and rubbed her arms. "Why does it have to be like this? We had such high hopes..."
"I don't know," Sharon said. It was difficult to offer encouragement in light of the situation. She was glad her pastor was coming by tomorrow. She didn't feel very wise right now.
Paula seemed to realize this and said, "I'm sorry. Here I am, burdening you with my troubles, and you have enough of your own."
"Hush, not another word. I'm glad you came to me." Paula was shaking uncontrollably. "Let's get you inside and find a nice, warm granny gown. Things'll look better in the morning." She certainly hoped she was right.
After the house was quiet again, Sharon still couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about how often Joe was there when she needed him. Not only tonight, but the way he'd taken Luke in hand and turned him away from potential trouble. He'd even offered friendly support during her job search.
No one could ask for a better friend. Had he gained anything in return? He'd expected nothing. Her heart sank. As soon as the school year was over, he was leaving, and he hadn't said a word about keeping in touch.
Whatever the reason, she hated to see him go. After months of numbness, she was beginning to feel again. And if Ty had noticed her attachment to Joe, others must have.