Sasha Summers - Twins For The Rebel Cowboy

“Yes.” She stood, putting away two of the student files she’d pulled earlier in the day.

“How did Winnie take it?” he asked, leaning against the door.

Annabeth rested her hip against the desk. “She wasn’t pleased.” Which was why he’d missed the meeting. No one wanted to get on Winnie’s bad side. But that was part of the job, following the protocol and enforcing the procedures in place—even if it meant an unhappy parent now and then. “But that’s the necessity of the grade contract. Mr. Glenn tried to accommodate Kevin but he didn’t do the extra credit.”

Ken nodded.

She went back to straightening her desk, more than ready to leave for the weekend. “Anything else we need to talk about?” she asked nonchalantly.

“I’m interviewing for the position next week,” he offered. “I know things could get awkward, but it’s business, after all.”

She looked at him, hoping she looked enthusiastic rather than nauseous. “Of course, Ken. I appreciate the heads-up. Good luck. I’m sure it will go well.” She wished she could mean it, she really did. But it was the right thing to say.

He cocked an eyebrow at her. “I’m not a big believer in luck, Annabeth. It’s all about working hard and fighting for what you want. And, to be frank, I want this position. But I hear I’m not the only one they’re interviewing.” He was watching her closely. “Besides you, it’s me and two others. One from San Antonio and one from Illinois, with years of experience from what I hear.” His laugh was forced. “Since that’s something neither of us have, looks like a tough race is ahead.”

Perfect. Just what she wanted to hear. Her phone rang.

“I’ll let you get that.” He pushed off the door frame. “Enjoy your weekend. Get some rest, you’re looking worn-out.”

“Night, Ken. You, too,” she said before answering the phone. “Annabeth Upton,” she snapped.

“Um... Hey, stranger,” came Josie Boone’s voice. “I was hoping to take you out to dinner tomorrow night. Sounds like you could use it.”

“God, yes.” Annabeth collapsed into her desk chair. “Just promise there will be wine.”

“Tough week?” Josie asked.

“You could say that.” She yawned. “I’m not sure I can get a sitter—”

“Bring him over to my dad’s. He and Lola can play checkers or make cookies,” Josie cut her off. “I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” She sighed, knowing she sounded defensive.

Josie laughed. “Well, you sound pretty wound up.”

“Sorry,” she groaned. “Guess I am.” She powered down her computer. “I’ll try to shake off the attitude before then, I promise. I’m picking up some fried chicken and watching a superhero movie with Cody tonight.”

“A superhero movie, huh? Will there be a shirtless scene?”

“If I’m very lucky.” She grinned. “Not all of us get to go home to a hunky husband.”

“I am one lucky woman,” Josie agreed. “So, tomorrow?”

“Sounds good. I’ll call Lola first and make sure it’s okay with her.”

“Okay. Text me later. And enjoy your date with Cody.”

Five minutes later she was collecting Cody from the gym. “Sorry I was a few minutes late, Cody.”

“It’s fine, Ma. Look.” Cody started dribbling the basketball.

“Wow.” She put her hands on her hips. “Look who’s a dribbling pro.”

“Coach taught me.” Cody was still all smiles.

“Principal Upton?” A very fit, very handsome man approached. “Coach Goebel, just started. I’m subbing for Coach Hernandez while he’s recovering from his back surgery.”

She shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.” Ken was in charge of all the substitutes, so meeting Coach Goebel was a surprise. Even more so because none of the teachers had mentioned him. Well, they might have. She’d been a little preoccupied with her upset stomach—and Winnie. But still, she could only imagine what the reaction to Coach Goebel had been. It wasn’t every day a new, good-looking man came to town—married or not.

“You, too.” He nodded. “Cody’s a natural with a basketball.”

She ruffled Cody’s hair. “His dad was, too.”

“Does he still play?” Coach Goebel asked, watching Cody dribble in a wide circle.

“Who? Cody’s dad?” Annabeth drew in a deep breath. “No, Greg was killed in Afghanistan about six years ago.” It was getting easier to say. The ache was there, but the pain didn’t bring her to her knees anymore.

“I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “I lost a lot of buddies. Nice to be back and part of the world again. Don’t miss it over there.”

“You were military?” she asked.

“Army.” He nodded. “Now, I’m a substitute coach. Single, carefree and loving every minute of it.”

She heard the way he stressed single and looked at him. “Guess it’s a pretty big change of pace?”

He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling nicely. “No complaints.”

“Well, thanks for keeping Cody occupied while I closed up shop.”

“It was fun.” He shook his head. “Principal Upton—”

“Call me Annabeth.”

“Bryan.” He swallowed, clearly interested. “It was really nice talking to you, Annabeth.”

Bryan Goebel was the last thing she needed. Besides the distraction he was likely to cause amongst her single and desperate staffers, he was a threat. All it would take was one look, one misconstrued conversation, and her already precarious employment situation would become ten times worse. God, Ken would have a field day... Her thoughts came to a screeching halt. “How did you hear about the position? Stonewall Crossing’s a little off the beaten path.”

“Ken.” Bryan Goebel grinned. “We go way back. I was thinking about a change of scenery. And he can be very persuasive.”

Annabeth forced a smile. I’ll bet. “Ken’s always thinking.” He was such an ass. “You ready, Cody?”

Cody nodded, dribbling the ball to the storage closet, and then running back to her side.

“You have a good weekend,” Coach Goebel called after her.

“You, too, Coach,” Cody answered.

Annabeth nodded in return, but her smile was forced. She’d like to think Ken was just helping out a former serviceman and friend. But she knew Ken. After all, he’d just said he’d fight for the job. And using a hot, single guy would definitely cause talk, if not serious problems, for her.

Right now, she had bigger things to worry about. She couldn’t ignore it anymore, she had to get answers. She only hoped the answers were the ones she wanted.

* * *

RYDER KICKED THE blankets off and sat up. His phone was ringing. His pulse was racing ninety-to-nothing, his heart in his throat.

“Yeah?” he grumbled.

“Ryder?” It was Annabeth.

“What’s wrong?” He rubbed a hand over his face, glancing at the alarm clock. It was midnight. “Everything okay?” Which was a stupid question. She wouldn’t be calling if it was.

“No.” She sounded strange, tense.

He froze, waiting for more information. “Annabeth?”

“Can you come over?” Her voice broke. “Now, please?”

He stood, pulling on his jeans. “On my way.”

“Thanks,” she murmured before hanging up.

He tucked the phone in his pocket, hurriedly tugging on a black T-shirt and leather jacket, and hopping into his boots as he headed out the door. He forced himself to take a few deep breaths, clearing his mind, before starting his motorcycle and heading toward Annabeth’s place.

He wasn’t a worrier by nature—he’d always sort of rolled with what life gave him. But the panic in Annabeth’s voice had triggered an immediate response. She didn’t scare easy. Or get rattled. Annabeth was solid, grounded...