Bulky & Beauteous Read online

  I nearly laughed out loud.

  “Yeah, Cass, what woman wouldn’t want a guy like the ones you usually date? They sound so perfect. How about next weekend? Will that give you enough time to set something up?”

  Mom wiped her hands on a dish towel and turned to look at Cassandra expectantly. I kept my fake smile in place. Even my aunts and cousins, who’d been silent during our exchange, paused what they were doing to listen to Cassandra’s answer.

  “Um, yeah, I’m sure I can set something up. I’ll, um, I’ll let you know,” Cassandra said slowly, glancing around to the others as she spoke.

  Mom nodded her head once, silently declaring her approval of the situation. I turned back to the counter and started chopping the carrots on the cutting board for the salad. I knew it was mean to put my sister in the middle, but I also knew it was her fault I was in that mess to start with. She could squirm a little.

  Just as long as she figured out a way to get us out of a double date. There was no way in hell I was going out with one of Cassandra’s ‘friends’ no matter how much I wanted to prove something to everyone.

  By the time dinner was over and everyone had filled up on turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie, I was ready to relax. Carrying on my fake attitude all day was exhausting and I was ready to go home and crash.

  The house was dark when I got back. I slipped into my pajamas and climbed into bed, flipping on the TV. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was just starting so I settled in, enjoying the comfort of a movie I’d seen so many times.

  I must have dozed off. My phone buzzed in my ear, drawing me out of a dream about a date with the drunk from the night before. Still shaking off the dream I answered the phone with a dreary, “Hello?”

  “Ms. James, this is Mr. Rockwell. I hope I’m not disturbing you.” The voice of the principal in my ear woke me up. I sat upright in bed, the cobwebs clearing quickly as I struggled for a reason he’d be calling me.

  “No, of course not, Mr. Rockwell. What can I do for you?”

  No matter how long I was a teacher I still hated to talk to the principal. I always felt like I was in trouble, and considering he’d never called me at home, I was even more leery of what the conversation was going to bring.

  “Well, Ms. James, we have a bit of a problem and I’ve been told you might be able to help out.”

  “Sure, of course, anything,” I hurried to say, not wanting to piss him off. His voice sounded tight, which had me worried.

  “Mrs. Emerling was supposed to help out with ski club this winter. She volunteered and was ready to go with the students starting Monday, but she was out last night and slipped on the ice. She broke her right arm and has a bruised hip. Her doctor told her no skiing and she’ll be out of the classroom until after Winter Break.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” I said, wondering what any of it had to do with me. Mrs. Emerling taught Advanced Placement English. Judy was always nice to me and we’d eaten lunch together a few times over the years. She invited me to her wedding two years ago, but I’d never filled in for her class. I wasn’t qualified.

  “Yes, well, we’re taking care of finding a sub until she’s able to come back, but we need one of our regular teachers to take over the ski club for the season. We can’t ask a sub to take on that sort of responsibility. Mrs. Emerling said you might be willing and I’ve already asked Mr. Santiago and Ms. Wyatt. They both said you’d be a great addition to the team.”

  Ah, shit. Just when I thought I could relax…

  “Sure, Mr. Rockwell, I’d be happy to help out,” I said, not bothering to hide my disappointment.

  “Wonderful. I appreciate your enthusiasm in being there for a teacher in need, Ms. James. I’ll let the others know to expect you to join them Monday. Bus leaves right after classes let out. Ski club is three hours then the bus will bring everyone back. Bring your own gear if you have it or you can rent skis there. Enjoy your weekend Ms. James.”

  He was gone before I could say goodbye.

  So much for the new and improved Addi who knew how to say no.

  Four

  I knew I shouldn’t be mad, but I couldn’t help being frustrated. Being stuck with another commitment all winter wasn’t really in my plans, even if it was only once a week. I stomped off the bus, doing my best to take out my irritation on the snow packed into the ground, instead of taking it out on the kids.

  Everyone lined up next to the lodge, well as much as high school kids would line up. I followed the crowd and stood with Rich and Amber, the other teachers working with the ski club. I didn’t know either of them well, but their appearance told me both were avid skiers and wouldn’t be needing lessons like I was. God, I hated being the worst one in a group.

  The hollow sound of someone clapping gloved hands together echoed behind me. I spun to face the coordinator and, of course, lost my balance. One boot slid right out from under me while the other locked in place, the combined effect making me fall into an impressive split that hurt more than I cared to admit.

  “Shit, are you alright?” he said from right behind me. His hands dipped under my arms as though he was going to lift me. I knew it wouldn’t happen, few men could lift dead weight as heavy as me. I struggled to help him, but my boots kept slipping, something I would have found funny if I wasn’t flat on my ass in front of my students.

  “Stop fighting me,” he whispered, his voice a smooth sound in my ear. I knew he’d be gorgeous judging by his voice, which sent a jolt of awareness through me. His hands were brushing the outside of my breasts and I could feel his heat through our heavy jackets.

  He jerked me up quickly, lifting me as effortlessly as men lifted women half my size. His body pressed against my back, his hands still holding me steady as I forced my feet to cooperate. He turned me within his arms, keeping me in contact with him as I spun. When I looked up into his jade colored eyes I was shocked, “You.”

  He lips quirked up at the ends. One eyebrow kicked up and he repeated my word, “You.”

  Snickers from behind me reminded me I was at a school function, not the bar I’d seen him at the first time. I pushed free from his arms and immediately fell again. “Son of a b-“ I stopped myself, not willing to swear in front of my students.

  He stepped forward and reached for my hands, lifting me again to a standing position. He guided me away from the icy spot I couldn’t seem to get out of and said, “I think this might be safer for you. Not that I mind getting my hands on you.” He whispered the last sentence so only I could hear him. My cheeks heated instantly, along with the rest of me, and I ducked my head to hide the effect he had on me.

  With my head down I could appraise him. Wide set stance showed his strength. Legs encased with snow pants, thighs straining at the thick fabric. And settled between was a bulge even the thick fabric couldn’t hide. His red and black jacket hid the thickness of his chest and a narrow waist, but I knew from how easily he lifted me that he was full of muscles.

  His jaw was sprinkled with a few days’ growth and his lips were trying not to smile. I finally met his eyes and saw amusement there, from him watching me check him out.

  “Like what you see?” his deep voice breathed.

  I shrugged and tried to feign indifference. “Not bad.”

  He laughed and nodded, then met my gaze. “You’re gorgeous.”

  Then he walked away.

  Not nearly far enough. He stood a few feet from me, rubbing his hands together and looking at the group. I tried not to keep checking him out, but holy shit he was beautiful. He peeled off his black fleece hat and ran thick fingers through his dark hair. I don't know how he made something so simple seem so sexy, but I thought my ski pants were going to catch on fire.

  "Welcome to Winter Ridge. I'm Joey Maxwell and I'll be working with your group while you're here through the winter. A little about me, I've been a ski and snowboarding instructor for eight years. I've skied some of the biggest slopes on the east coast and spent time in Colorado skiing. If it can be do
ne, I've tried it, but I'm not stupid. I don't want to see any of you on the slopes that are off limits. And for those of you wondering, anything black is off limits. Blue and green trails are okay, but only with permission. Be smart about it. If you know how to do tricks, you are welcome to do those runs, but again, be smart. If you want to try, ask me or one of your teachers and we can make sure you’re okay to go there."

  Joey paused and looked at me. He seemed to forget what he was saying, and damn if I didn't lose track of everything going on around me. I felt like a lunatic, not knowing anything except Joey. Shit, I was turning into my sister without even trying.

  Joey shook his head and focused back on the students. "This can be a fun winter, but you guys have to follow the rules. Now, everyone needs to get signed up, passes on, and ready to go. If you'll follow me, we can get this done quickly so you can get out there."

  The 43 students followed Joey like he was their newest hero. Braden, one of my fifth period students, and not one of the great ones, walked next to Joey. I heard him asking about getting special permission to ski the black runs and smiled when Joey said there were no exceptions during ski club, but he could come back with his parents and they could sign approval when they were there with him.

  I hung back as the others walked, needing to put some distance between myself and Joey. I needed to get a grip. How could one man turn me into a puddle of goo without even doing anything? Well, except getting closer to my breasts than any man had in far too long. Still, a little-over the-jacket, unintentional action should not have been enough to get me so hot and bothered. Jesus, maybe I did need to get out more. I hated that Cassandra was right about me.

  If I was going to prove to Cassandra, and Sam, and my mother, that my life wasn't as bad as they thought it was, I needed to do something different. Having Joey as our group liaison was definitely not within my plans. Then again, none of this was in my plans. Not only did I fall on my ass and make a complete fool of myself, but he managed to help and flirt with me in a matter of seconds, something all my students witnessed. I’d never have any authority or respect again.

  It was going to be a long winter. And Joey was a distraction I didn't need.

  “Hey Miss James have you ever skied before?” Kendall asked from just behind me once I got my skis on.

  I stopped and turned to her. I pasted on a bright smile and said, “When I was younger, yes. It’s been a while though and I never got too into it. I’ll probably end up watching from the bottom of the hill most of the time.”

  “Oh,” Kendall said, her face falling in disappointment. “I was sort of hoping you would ride the ski lift with me and show me some tips.” She lowered her voice so the others didn’t hear, “I’ve only skied a few times before but I told them I was good.”

  Confusion creased my forehead and tilted my head to the side. “Why would you lie to your friends?”

  Kendall rolled her eyes and huffed as only a teenager can. “Misty was flirting with Braden, but I really like him and she knows that. When he started talking about skiing all the time I told him I did it too, and then he asked if I was joining ski club, so I begged my parents to let me, and now he likes me, but I can’t let him find out that I lied. So I was thinking if I went with you then you could help me get off the ski lift and started down the hill and he’ll never know I don’t know how to ski that well until I do know how and it’ll be okay.”

  Dear God, how did they talk like that? It was like one big long breath where she pushed everything out at once. After my brain caught up to what she said I realized I was going to either have to play along with Kendall’s game or risk her losing what was quite possibly her first boyfriend, even if lying wasn’t a great start to whatever kind of relationship they were going to have.

  I took a deep breath and knew I was going to regret my decision, but I made it anyway. “Okay, Kendall, I’ll go with you, but you need to listen to me. Every word. Okay?”

  Wide, bright eyes stared back at me. Kendall nodded, her mouth gaping slightly at my words. She was serious about this. She just wanted her boyfriend. And I was the vehicle for her keeping him.

  Damn.

  “Okay, let’s go,” I said without enthusiasm and headed toward the ski lift. Kendall stood in line next to me, the other students in front and behind us. I kept my voice low and told her, “When the lift comes up behind us just sit down and let it take you up the hill. We’ll pull the bar down and just enjoy the view for a few minutes.”

  Kendall was practically vibrating next to me. Whether it was fear or excitement, I wasn’t sure, but she was making me nervous. I was hoping to get a chance to practice a little more on my own, without witnesses, before I had to show my students how little I remembered about skiing. But there I was, stuck on a ski lift with one of my students.

  Because she was afraid of making a fool of herself in front of a boy.

  A boy who wasn't good enough for her.

  A boy who would end up hurting her.

  A boy who… was just a boy.

  Damn, when did I get so cynical?

  He was a kid. No, he wasn't one of the kids who asked for extra homework, but he wasn't a horrible student. He pushed the limits, but he wasn't a bad kid. And Kendall wasn't my kid. She was another one of my students. Their lives weren't my life. And I needed to start remembering that. And living my own life.

  We finally reached the top of the hill and Kendall got off the ski lift looking like a pro. I didn’t fare quite so well, one ski going left and the other going right making me almost fall on my face. I dug my pole into the ground and managed to right myself before getting a taste of the snow between my feet.

  I followed Kendall to the edge of the slope and looked down over the white landscape before us. Even though I hadn’t skied much, I loved the feeling of freedom I got from it. Although slopes that big weren’t usual for me. I worried how Kendall would fare.

  “Okay, Kendall, remember what I said. Go slow, side to side down the hill, and turn your toes into each other to slow down and stop. If you fall, use your poles to get back up. And try to have fun.”

  Kendall gave me a determined nod and took off down the hill. I pushed off behind her, watching her every move. She was a natural. She criss-crossed down the hill, looking like she’d been doing it for years. When she reached the bottom she turned her skis toward each other and came to a graceful stop right in front of Braden. He grinned down at her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Kendall glanced at me and gave me a thumbs up. I returned the gesture, forgetting that I was still on my skis. I lost my balance and ended up on one leg headed straight for a row of bushes.

  I couldn’t stop. The bushes were coming at me. There wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.

  The first bush smacked me in the knee. It didn’t really hurt, but it threw off my balance even more. Then the second one hit and I knew I was going down. By the time I face planted into the third one I had drawn a crowd, complete with sound effects.

  “Ooh.” “Ouch.” “Damn.”

  I finally came to a stop just beyond the last bush, face down, ass up, skis long gone. Before I could right myself I was hefted to my feet effortlessly, hands holding me up then traveling down my sides and resting low on my hips, burning straight through my clothes.

  The only thing worse than having all my students witness my utter failure on skis was having him witness it.

  “Are you alright?” Joey asked with more concern than I dared hope for. He was all business, I knew that, but his hands were still on my hips, confusing me and making me sweat.

  I shook my head, trying to clear the fog created from being so close to him and he mistook the gesture as a negative response to his question. His hands trailed over me again, from my shoulders down my arms, back up and over my sides, the weight of his hands brushing the sides of my breasts, my hips, and down my legs. As he searched, with his eyes and his hands, for my injuries, I struggled to find my voice.

  “No, I meant yes. I’m
okay. You can stop touching me now.” I hated how breathless my voice sounded, especially when he looked up from his crouch and met my eyes. Heat and understanding flashed in his before he carefully removed his hands from my ankles.

  “I couldn’t have the teacher go down on day one. Seems like an awfully irresponsible thing of me to let happen.”

  The teasing note in his voice made my lips quirk up, but I wasn’t fooled. There was genuine concern in his eyes, revealing he was a good guy, no matter how much he joked to try to cover it up.

  He pushed on his knees to bring himself back up to his full height, pausing briefly when his eyes were level with mine to lean in and say, “I couldn’t pass up the chance to run my hands over your body, even if it was still covered in way too many layers.”

  I gasped at the directness of his words and met his eyes, amusement and pure lust bare in his gaze. I opened my mouth to respond, with what I had no idea. I snapped it closed before I said something I was going to regret. Then he was gone.

  Again.

  I stood there staring after him, wondering what the hell was happening to me. Cassandra had gotten to me more than I realized. If I was gawking after a random stranger then I knew I'd lost it. Yeah, he was gorgeous, but I never acted that way around random men. Then again, random men didn't run their hands over my body, twice, and leave me feeling hotter than ever before.

  Kendall was at my side before I could make sense of what was going on in my head. "Miss James, are you alright?"

  I nodded and focused on Kendall instead of Joey's retreating form. "Yeah, I'm okay. I might sit the next run out though. Do you think you can handle it on your own? From what I could see you did great."

  Kendall nodded and chewed on her lower lip. "Braden said he'd show me a few things. I'm going to ski with him for a while if that's okay."

  I smiled. "Of course. You have fun. You know where to find me if you need me."

  Kendall bounded off to find Braden. I shook my head as I watched her go. She was happy. That was what mattered, right? Isn't that what Sam and I were talking about? Being happy, going after what you want. I'd forgotten what it felt like to go after something, even something as simple as skiing with a boy. Maybe it was time I went after something.