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  “Please,” she whispered, pushing him away.

  Cam let her go and slowly stood up, staring down at her.

  Unable to look at him, on the verge of tears, Teal lay with her hands over her face for a few minutes, trying to pull herself together.

  The ache, the need in her lower belly burned, her nipples hard and pointed as she shook with wanting him. Shame filled her. It should be Alex holding her, Alex kissing her.

  Rolling over, she slowly got up, pushing his hands away when he would help her. Unsure of which way to go to find the car, Teal searched around her. His hand cupped her elbow, and he walked her back to the car in silence, opening and closing her door. He drove her home without a word between them.

  Teal thought about him all the way back to her house, and decided she could live with shame, but not the gnawing ache between her thighs. She didn’t shed any more tears, she was done with that. Admitting to herself that she wanted Cam was hard to do, but she did, and accepted it. By the time they arrived at the house, she’d made her decision.

  Opening her door for her, he held out his hand, and seemed surprised when she accepted it. He walked her to the door and stood silent when she stopped, waiting for her to speak.

  “If you want to sleep with me, I’ll agree under four conditions,” she spoke softly, barely loud enough for him to hear. She hadn’t looked at him, her focus stayed on the door in front of her.

  “And what would they be, love?”

  “One; there will be no emotional attachments, just sex. Two; you will always wear a condom. Three; there will be no kissing on the lips. And finally, four; once you are done, you leave, no staying for the night. Do you agree to these terms Cam?” A shiver raced up her spine, and she trembled when he turned her to face him, lifting her chin so her eyes would meet his.

  “No. Yes. No, and no. There will be no conditions in the bedroom. You either want to be with me, or you don’t, Teal.” He captured her lips so quickly, she was unprepared, and by the time she thought about fighting him off it was too late, she’d melted in his arms, and was kissing him back, moaning with need, and weak in the knees. His clean scent brushed over her senses as he held her close to him.

  Lifting his head, he said, “That’s something for you to think about, while you make your choice, love. Goodnight.” At that, he turned and walked away, got into his car, and left without a backward glance.

  Leaning back against the door, Teal put her shaking fingers over her lips as if she’d just realized they were there, and stared after him long after the headlights had disappeared.

  “Oh, shit!” she whispered. Shame washed over her in waves as she realized that she was falling for the Scotsman. Alex’s face faded a little as she tried to recall him. The feel of his lips was a faint memory, replaced by the heat of Cam’s. Her eyes widened. “Oh, shit!” she cried, and turned, running for her room.

  CHAPTER 5

  Exotic Blossom

  Two weeks went by, while Teal struggled with her decision. She wanted Cam. Of that she had no doubt, she just didn’t know if she had it in her to have a relationship. She was terrified of the pain she would feel once again if she lost him, if she allowed herself to care so much that her heart became vulnerable…again.

  As for Cam, he stayed in the background, working on the new room, only speaking to her to say good morning, or good night, and deferring to Delon when there were questions about the construction project.

  A few times, while she sat on the wide rocking bench in the yard, she looked up and caught him staring at her with a look of simmering passion so deep, her breath caught.

  Finally, she had to escape his gaze, and had Delon take her and Zola down to the school. The supplies had come in, and the children were thrilled with the new items she brought with her each day; books, paper, pens, pencils, art supplies and more.

  On the Monday of the second week, Teal brought her flute with her, and played for the children as they all sat in the schoolyard eating the lunch that Poppy and Zola had packed up for them. It was a beautiful day, and Teal lost herself in the lonely tune that enthralled the children and Leah, who sat silent listening, while her fingers floated over the holes of the flute.

  The expensive car that pulled up in front of the school went unnoticed by Teal as she played, lost in her musical world. Stepping out of the car, a well dress Jamaican man stood staring at her, his head tilted slightly to the side as he listened to her song.

  When she was done, she jumped in surprise as the children and Leah applauded. She had been so lost in her world, thinking about Zack and Alex, that tears had formed in her eyes, yet remained hidden from her audience.

  “Ms. Teal? Would you play a fun song for us?” asked a small boy, around twelve years old.

  Teal smiled warmly at him, “Certainly Joel, but wouldn’t you rather have lunch first?”

  His eyes widened, and he nodded his head, unable to believe his good fortune. Teal had won the undying devotion of each, and every child, the day she walked in the door and smiled at them, showing warmth and caring. Since then, the number of children attending school had tripled, and Leah had her hands full.

  Teal had begun teaching English, art, and music. One day it would be English for an hour, and another day art. The music hour was filled with laughter, as she learned about Jamaican-style songs. Some of the children brought their own homemade instruments and drums, and they had a jam session once a week.

  Teal’s heart began to warm, melting another layer of ice. The children had unknowingly begun chipping away at the stubborn block around her heart.

  “That was beautiful.” A man spoke loud enough that the children fell silent, all eyes turning to him.

  Zola and her two girlfriends suddenly became shy and withdrawn, moving to the back of the crowd. Delon watched Zola with a questioning stare, but she wouldn’t look at him. He turned and stared up at the man who had intruded on their fun afternoon.

  “Thank you. Can I help you sir?” Teal asked, putting her flute aside and standing. She noticed how handsome he looked in his expensive linen suit, and she felt dumpy, her dress many sizes too big, hanging off her shoulders. She hadn’t even noticed how ridiculous she looked until now.

  “I heard your music, and couldn’t help but stop to listen.” Looking around the yard at the children, he said, “I see that you have acquired many new students in the past few weeks. It’s good to see. For such a long time the school was practically empty and Miss Leah has taken on the task of teaching the students alone. Isn’t that right, Miss Leah?” His bright white smile fell on Leah, who stared back in cold silence.

  “Ah…well, Leah and I work together now.” Feeling the sudden tension, Teal said, “Thank you for stopping by Mr...?”

  “It’s Tyrell, Tyrell Livingston. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Teal,” he said, his dark enigmatic eyes seeming to look right through her dress.

  Flushing, Teal said, “Thank you Mr. Livingston. We have work to do now, so if you don’t mind…” Her hint for him to leave didn’t insult him, but made his smile wider, and his eyes darken.

  “Perhaps I could stop by again some time when you play. I would enjoy that.”

  “Perhaps. Good day sir.” Smiling half-heartedly, she nodded and, watched him leave. The sudden silence captured her attention. Zola and her two friends were practically cowering in the background, Leah was serious and silent, and even Delon looked like he’d just swallowed a snake.

  “What’s going on?” Teal asked.

  Leah ignored her, and clapping her hands, had the children organized for lunch. The two large baskets of food disappeared in a few short minutes. Even Teal, who seldom had an appetite, ate her fill. She was silent as she studied Leah and Zola. The women were subdued, and wouldn’t meet her eyes.

  Deciding that she wouldn’t take no for an answer, she took Leah’s arm, and walked her out of hearing distance from the children.

  “Leah. Please tell me what that was all about. Who was that man? And
why are you all acting so weird?”

  The woman wouldn’t meet her eyes. Teal took her chin in hand, and turned her head so she would look at her.

  “You can tell me anything Leah. You can trust me. If there’s a problem, and I don’t know what it is, how can I help?”

  Shaking her head, a look of utter defeat in her eyes, Leah said, “There is nothing you can do about that man, Ms. Teal. Don Tyrell is bad news, and you’d be best to stay far away from him.” Turning, she walked away, unwilling to talk about it further.

  Wrapping her arms around her waist, Teal watched Leah walk away, and then looked over at Zola. She and her friends were whispering to each other, their faces filled with fear. Something was definitely wrong. Even Delon watched Zola with a fretful expression.

  Moving back to her flute, Teal picked it up and began playing a lively tune, grinning around the mouthpiece when the younger children got up and danced, giggling, unaware of the dark undercurrents of emotion around them. Somebody was going to tell her what was going on!

  Once the music class and lunch were done, Teal, Zola, and Delon packed up, and left the smiling children. Teal promised to be back in two days to teach an art class, and climbed into the car.

  Before Delon began driving, she put her hand on his arm. “Delon, would you take me into town? There are a few things I’d like to buy.” Her eyes twinkled with excitement, and he stared at her in surprise.

  “Yes ma’am.” He grinned back at her, as though pleased that she wanted to go shopping herself. It was the first time since she had arrived, more than six months before, that she’d shown an interest.

  “Zola? I’m hoping you can help me with my purchases. It’s been a very long time since I shopped for myself.” At the girl’s brilliant smile and nod, Teal grinned, turning back to the front to watch where they were going with interest. She smiled when she imagined the look on Cam’s face when he saw what she was going to buy.

  ***

  When Delon pulled the car into the driveway, Teal saw that something was wrong immediately. The three men who worked for Cam were standing in a circle around something, and one of them was gesturing frantically with his hands.

  Getting out of the car quickly, she ran to the worksite, pushing past the men. On the ground was Cam, in obvious agony.

  “Bring him into the house, now! Be very careful with him.” Teal took control, ordering the men around, and they jumped when she spoke. Running ahead to the house, she called out to Zola, “Tell Poppy we need her right away Zola.”

  Once in the house, she ran to her bed and tore the blanket away, leaving only a thin sheet. Hearing the men, she called, “In here.”

  Cam’s face was sheet-white, and his eyes were pinched closed, his lips a straight stiff line.

  “Sit him on the edge, and you three can leave. Delon, I need your help.” Kneeling in front of Cam, she asked softly, “Cam, what happened? Where does it hurt?”

  A gasp escaped him before he replied, “Old war wound…shoulder.”

  Nodding, she turned to Delon. “Bring me the scissors from the kitchen drawer please.” Her fingers began undoing his utility belt, and then his jeans.

  “I’m not…really…in the mood lass,” he ground out between clenched teeth.

  Laughter bubbled up, but she held it back, and snapped, “Shut up, you bloody fool.” Her hands made short work of his zipper, and Delon handed her the scissors. After cutting his T-shirt away, she looked up at Delon.

  “Can you help me stand him up so we can take off his pants?”

  Poppy came running into the room.

  “He’s done something to his shoulder Poppy, I think it’s pulled muscles, can you make up a poultice or something to relax them?” Poppy nodded and left the room.

  Teal’s eyes never left Cam, and soon his pants were gone, leaving only his boxers. “Lay down on your stomach Cam. Delon, go over to the other side, and help him.”

  She adjusting the pillow so it would support his chest and leave his head free. Propping up a pillow under his forehead, it provided a bridge between the pillows so he was face down and able to breathe.

  “I have to move your arm Cam, try to relax a little,” she said, gently moving his arm so it was straight, taking the strain off his shoulder muscles. His groan of pain made her stomach flip but she kept going until she was satisfied and both of his arms were straight out beside him.

  “Pills…my bag…in the car,” he gasped, agony ripping through him.

  Delon was off like a shot, running for his bag, and returned quickly with it.

  Taking it from him, Teal opened the bag and found prescription painkillers. “Percodan? Do you get in this much pain often Cam?” Knowing that his pain was from pushing already damaged muscles, she fought to keep from getting angry with him.

  “Delon, I think you can go now. Please oversee the men, and don’t go too far in case I need you. Thank you for your help.” Teal offered him a smile even though she was worried sick about Cam. Nodding, he left the room.

  Poppy came in. “I’m setting up a poultice Ms. Teal but it’s going to take a while. Here is some oil so you can massage the muscles, and work out the knots.” Handing Teal the oil, she hurried back to the kitchen, returning with a bottle of water so he could take the pills.

  “Cam, you are going to have to sit up a bit to take the pills. Can you manage?” she asked.

  “Yeah…you’ll have to hold…the bottle for me though.” He took a deep breath, crying out as he got up on his elbow, his other arm still lying beside him. His face went an alarming shade of green.

  “It says two, is that what you take?”

  “Yeah.” Sweat beaded his brow as he let her place the pills in his mouth, and hold the water to his lips. He swallowed as much as he could, and then let her support his chest as he lowered his body back down on the bed.

  “We’ll let the pills work for a few minutes, and then I’ll work on those muscles.” Running her fingers gently though his hair, she waited until he began to relax, her heart aching for him.

  “Stupid,” he muttered and fell silent.

  “What is stupid?”

  “Should have let the guys help me, but I…just wanted—stupid.” He was slurring now, his body relaxing.

  “Lay still now. I’m going to massage your shoulder. Let me know if you need me to stop.” Taking the bottle of oil, she poured a fair amount in her palm, and straddled his hips, rubbing it into his skin.

  “Lass?” he asked in a dopey voice.

  “Yes, Cam, what is it?” Her warm hands pushed and pulled on his tortured muscles, but he was beyond caring now with the painkillers at work.

  “Are you planning on having your way with me now that I can’t fight you?” His teasing tone brought a giggle from her.

  “Sure I am, why do you think I took your jeans off?”

  “Ah, that’s good. I’ll try not to fight too hard then.” A deep chuckle shook him, bringing a groan of pain.

  “Lay still, you fool,” she murmured, smiling as her fingers found the knot, and began unraveling it.

  It was quiet in the room after that. Cam floated in his drug-induced euphoria, and Teal tried not to notice the tingling sensations in her lower belly, while she moved back and forth over his hips.

  “You look beautiful in your new dress, lass,” he murmured.

  Teal had thought he was asleep. She’d changed into her new dress before coming home, wanting to look nice for him. It was bright pink cotton, covered with a floral pattern of hibiscus flowers. The soft cotton wrapped around her waist, and tied together. The neckline was scooped low, with two-inch wide shoulder straps. It made her feel beautiful.

  “Thank you, Cam. Now shut up and rest.” The amusement in her tone took away the bite of the words.

  Poppy came in, carrying the poultice. She smiled at Teal, who rocked gently back and forth deeply massaging his shoulder. Cam slowly began to bring Teal back to life, and it appeared Poppy had been right, she did need him.

&
nbsp; “Thank you Poppy.” Accepting the poultice from her, Teal lay it on his shoulder, and moved to get off him.

  “Wait,” he protested.

  Thinking she was hurting him, she stopped, concerned. “What’s wrong Cam?”

  “Could you stay there a while longer? It feels so good.”

  Biting her lip to keep the laughter at bay, Teal looked up at Poppy, and saw the poor woman was in the same boat.

  “Well, I suppose I could massage your other shoulder a bit.” Blushing, she acknowledged to herself that it felt good sitting on him, and she didn’t want to get off him either.

  Poppy covered her mouth with her hand, and quickly left the room. Teal could hear her muffled laughter coming from the kitchen, and blushed again.

  Taking more oil in her hand, she began massaging his other shoulder, moving in the same rocking motion while she worked his muscles. Eventually, his shoulder was done, and she moved farther down his back, continuing until she arrived at his buttock then stopped.

  “Now that’s a damn shame.” His pained voice stopped her from getting off.

  “What’s that?”

  “You’ve run out of back. Feel free to continue all the way to my toes, love.” His amused voice had her chuckling.

  “Don’t push your luck buster. Now just lie there and rest. I have to leave you for a bit, but you can call Poppy if you need something.”