Perfect Morning Read online

  Riki didn’t reappear until breakfast was half over. Jason was quite proud of himself. He had never scrambled eggs for nine before.

  She was dressed in a crispy yellow dress with a scoop neck and buttons all the way down the front. There was a matching yellow belt around her waist, and on her feet were yellow sandals.

  She had brushed her hair and left it loose, and he could detect a hint of makeup. She looked cool and sophisticated. He preferred her in the old football jersey, when she was hot and frazzled and not quite in control.

  “I left your plate in the microwave,” he said, smiling warmly. “I didn’t know how long you would be.”

  Riki groaned silently. It only took one smile from him to have all her defenses come tumbling down. The pep talk she had given herself didn’t seem to be working. If she was feeling this aroused in just a day, what would she be like in a couple of weeks. She’d be the one dragging him down on the kitchen floor. That would raise a few eyebrows. Get your mind out of the gutter, Riki old girl, and appear to be intelligent.

  “Thank you, Jason. You didn’t have to cook breakfast.”

  “Yes, I did.”

  For the first time since entering the kitchen, she looked directly at him. “Oh?”

  “I was hungry.” The look in his silver eyes told her it wasn’t breakfast he was hungry for.

  She didn’t reply as she walked over to the microwave to retrieve her plate.

  After breakfast with seven children, church was very quiet and relaxing, with all the children attending Sunday school. Jason sat with Riki. He didn’t hear one word of the sermon. His whole concentration was on the pulse in her throat. Every time he brushed his thigh against hers, the pulse would pick up. She wasn’t as cool as she would like to appear.

  For some reason this pleased Jason considerably. He kept picturing her in her old football jersey with that look in her eyes. He could smell the perfume she was wearing. He could detect the fragrance of jasmine, but it was mixed with something else. Ten minutes later he turned to Riki and whispered, “Summer rain.”

  She looked around the quiet chapel. No one else noticed any rain. “What?” she whispered back.

  “Your perfume. Jasmine and summer rain.”

  Riki stared at him. He looked like a boy who had just won the science fair. Good lord, she thought. He’d been sitting there analyzing her perfume. She quickly turned toward the pulpit, trying desperately to stop the blush.

  Jason noticed the blush, but more importantly he noticed that pulse.

  Three

  Riki was relieved when the service was over and she and Jason were standing in front of the church. All she wanted to do was grab the kids and go home. Especially with the town gossips closing in on her. How was she going to explain Jason’s presence? She couldn’t tell the truth. It would be all over town within an hour. The chances of Charlie’s finding out were too great.

  Seven children barreled out of the church, coming to a screeching halt in front of Riki and Jason. Mrs. Ballinsky, the center of the town’s gossip, was two steps behind them. Her face was red and flushed and she was breathing heavily.

  Riki had to hide a smile, thinking that one of these days Mrs. Ballinsky was going to have a stroke trying to get the latest gossip.

  “Good morning, Erika, children.” She gave the children a quick glance, then dismissed them as unimportant. “And whom do we have here? A beau?” She was staring at Jason as if he had to be crazy.

  Riki was just about to say he was an insurance salesman, when Andrew spoke up. “That’s Jason. He lives with us.”

  Jason started to chuckle and Riki could feel the heated blush. She was never going to live this down. Mrs. Ballinsky drew herself up to her full height of five feet and two inches and puffed out her chest. “Well, I never. Erika, what kind of example are you setting for these poor children?”

  Jason jumped right in. No one was going to insult Riki. “Riki is setting a very good example for her children. For your information, I am staying next door to Riki’s for the next couple of weeks. I am a friend of hers, and I don’t like it when you jump to the wrong conclusion and insult her like that. If you want answers, just ask a question. I figured you had more sense than to take a four-year-old’s statement at face value.”

  Riki couldn’t have said a word if she had wanted to. This was going to be worse than she’d thought. The whole town would start talking about her and Jason. Could any of this gossip upset the adoption proceedings?

  “I’m sorry, Mister ...?” Mrs. Ballinsky looked at Jason, waiting for a reply.

  “Nesbit, Jason Nesbit.” He’d seen Riki stiffen, and decided for her sake to be nice to this busybody.

  “Mr. Nesbit, I didn’t mean to insult Erika or you. It just came as a total shock when Andrew said that you were living there.” Mrs. Ballinsky glanced at Riki to see if she had accepted the apology.

  “That’s quite okay, Mrs. Ballinsky. I’m sure it was a shock.” Riki gave what she hoped was a smile.

  “Well, I really must be going. One question, Mr. Nesbit. Just what kind of friend are you?”

  “Riki and I have been pen pals for two years.” Jason smiled innocently. “I figured it was about time I met her in person, so I took time from work, and here I am.”

  Riki started to choke. Jason patted her on the back.

  “Pen pals. Isn’t that the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard?” Mrs. Ballinsky smiled at Jason. “I’ve got to run. See you around, Mr. Nesbit. You too, Erika.” She turned to the first group of ladies that caught her eye and walked rapidly toward them.

  Riki glared at Jason. Her eyes were all watery from the choking spell. “Pen pals?”

  “It was the first thing I could think of.” His voice took on the high nasal sound of Mrs. Ballinsky’s. “Isn’t it sooooo romantic?”

  Riki’s eyes turned murderous. “I’m going to kill you, Jason.”

  “Here? Right in front of the poor children, Mrs. Ballinsky, her friends, the reverend?”

  She scowled, then turned and marched away. She was halfway to the van when she stopped suddenly. She threw back her head and started to laugh. The more she thought about it, the more she laughed.

  Jason’s arm slid around her and he drew her close. “Does this mean I’m forgiven?” he whispered in her ear.

  “Of course. I’ve never had a pen pal before.” She slipped out of his hold and raced the kids to the van, screaming, “Last one in is a rotten egg.”

  After a very hectic lunch and a quick change of clothes, everyone piled back into the van to go to ball practice. Jason couldn’t help chuckling at the picture they made. It was like car-pooling with midgets. He was still amazed at the cooperation the kids gave one another. They had the system down pat. Travis always helped Jake when he needed it. Everyone pitched in with Billy-Jo, even Charlie.

  As they drove to the field. Jason kept smiling as he remembered Riki rushing down the stairs. She was wearing faded jeans, sneakers, and the team’s blue T-shirt. It read ’Coach’ across her chest. She had her hair pulled back in a ponytail that hung out of the back of her baseball cap.

  His full attention was on the word ’Coach’ as she bounced down the steps. When she stopped next to Jason, she knew perfectly well what he was staring at. She made a mental note never to run down the stairs again when Jason was around.

  “Coach?” His voice was low and husky.

  “Yep. Someone had to do it. All the dads seemed to have other things to do.” She smiled and blew a gigantic pink bubble. It burst with a loud pop. She pulled it off her face and popped the gum back into her mouth. Grinning saucily, she said, “I can’t stand chewing tobacco.”

  “Thank heaven for small favors.” He was chuckling as he pulled a piece of gum off her nose. He held it up, wondering what to do with it.

  Riki didn’t know what possessed her at that moment. She reached up and sucked Jason’s finger into her mouth, her teeth pulling at the gum.

  With his finger still between h
er lips, she slowly lifted her gaze to his.

  There was no mistaking the look in Jason’s eyes. She was sure the same look was in her own. She had no idea how long they stood there staring at each other before she slowly released Jason’s finger. She couldn’t stop the small sigh that escaped from her lips.

  His head started to descend and she knew he was going to kiss her. She made no move to prevent him. She wanted him to kiss her.

  The slamming of the back door sounded like a shot. Jason jumped back, and Riki blinked.

  Travis skidded into the hall. “Mom, are you ready yet?”

  “Coming,” She answered. Avoiding looking at Jason, she started for the back door.

  She got two feet before the sound of Jason’s laughter froze her in midstride. How dare that man laugh at her? She could feel the heat of humiliation on her cheeks as she slowly turned to face him.

  Jason knew he had made a mistake the instant he saw the murderous gleam in her eyes. He also knew she had put the wrong meaning to his laugh. Good lord, was she crazy? he wondered. Why would he laugh at what had almost happened? He had never felt this instant attraction before. He had a gut feeling that neither had Riki.

  He glanced around to make sure they were alone, then grabbed her by the shoulders and placed a hard swift kiss on her lips. She blinked in surprise. That wasn’t the reaction she had expected.

  “Before you fly off the handle, Riki, let me explain. I was laughing at the back of your shirt. How did you get stuck with a team named ’Farley’s Funeral Home’?”

  She glanced over her shoulder as if trying to read the back of her shirt. “Oh!” She turned back toward Jason with a guilty look. “Just lucky I guess.”

  He opened his mouth to say something, but the slamming of the back screen door stopped him.

  “Mom, are you coming?” Andrew asked, running down the hall at top speed. Jason made a wild grab for him as he sped by. Lifting Andrew straight into the air, he carefully sat him on his shoulder.

  “Yes, your mother is coming, young man.” As he ducked through the back door, Riki was sure he mumbled something to the effect of “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

  She stuck out her tongue as the man and the small boy on his shoulders made their way to her van.

  As Riki parked the van Jason glanced at the six kids tossing balls back and forth in the field. They were obviously on Riki’s team. They all had ’Farley’s Funeral Home’ shirts. Jason wasn’t an expert, but anyone could see they were having trouble catching the ball.

  As the kids and Tiny unloaded from the van, Riki pulled open the rear doors. Jason came around the side of the van as she was struggling with a huge duffel bag. He moved her aside and lifted the bag.

  She made a face at him. “Make yourself useful.” She watched him carry the duffel bag toward the dugout. She couldn’t help noticing how his muscles tensed to handle the weight of the bag. He tossed it to the ground as if it weighed next to nothing. Every time she carried it, she practically got a hernia.

  She dumped the contents of the bag near the dugout. Four of the kids who had been playing catch grabbed the bases. They ran out onto the field and positioned them.

  Riki clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, team, I would like you to meet Jason Nesbit. He’s a friend of the family. He has graciously consented to help coach you guys while he’s in town.”

  The cheers were deafening. Jason glanced at Riki to see her reaction to the boys’ obvious relief. She was smiling at them. “Yeah, I figured that would be welcome news.” Laughing, she continued, “Now, Jason can’t remember all your names today, so help him out. Okay?” The boys nodded. “All right. Get your gloves and take your positions. I’ll hit you a few to warm up. This way Jason can see where you need improvement.”

  She picked up two balls and a bat and headed for home plate. “My glove is right there, Jason. You can borrow it.” She tossed her head in the direction of an old glove.

  Jason noticed that Charlie. Andrew, Jake, and Billy-Jo were seated in the dugout. Tiny’s head was resting in Charlie’s lap while she scratched behind his ears. Jason smiled and waved.

  He was turning back to the field just as Riki threw a ball straight up and slammed it. The ball went deep into left field. Damn, could she hit! he thought. The boy playing left field fumbled it.

  After she got the ball back, she clobbered it again, this time to right field. Once more, the outfielder dropped the ball.

  She continued this pattern until every boy had had a chance. Jason noticed most of the boys bobbled the ball. He hoped their hitting was better than their catching.

  He had a perfect view of Riki’s sweet tush as she bent over to set up the practice tee. What he wouldn’t give to be a pair of jeans at that moment. He mumbled a curse and shifted his position. Damn, he’d be teaching these boys more than baseball if he kept thinking that way.

  By the time he had cleared his mind of ludicrous thoughts, Riki already had the boys starting their batting practice.

  He noticed that no one really had any trouble batting. Only one little boy named Tommy seemed to have a problem running. Jason had noticed a slight limp while Tommy was playing third base.

  It looked like catching was what they needed to concentrate on.

  After everyone had gotten his chance to bat, Riki called them all in. They gathered around Jason with eager anticipation on their faces. He hoped they didn’t expect miracles from him. He had never even seen a T-ball game, let alone coached one.

  “Okay, guys, it looks to me as if you could do with some catching practice. Travis, please give your mom your glove and we’ll show you how it’s done.”

  “But, Jason,” Travis sputtered. At Jason’s raised eyebrow, Travis handed over his glove.

  Riki handled the glove as if she expected it to bite. “Jason, I think there’s something I should tell you.” Her voice was low and hesitant.

  “Riki, if you want me to help coach, please stand on first base like a good girl.”

  There was an outbreak of chuckles and snickers from the boys. Jason pinned them with an icy glare. He shouldn’t have talked to Riki that way, he thought, but she had asked for his help. He didn’t notice Riki walking toward first base as if it were the guillotine.

  “Now,” he said to the boys, “I’m going to throw a high pop to Riki. Watch how she gets right under it. Always keep your eye on the ball.”

  He threw the ball, and Riki positioned herself right under it. The next instant he couldn’t believe his eyes. As the ball started to descend, Riki closed her eyes. Both her arms shot up to cover her head. The glove still faced outwards, as if the ball were going to fall into it.

  The ball dropped harmlessly in front of her. Riki slowly lowered her arms and glanced at Jason. To say he was dumbfounded would have been an understatement. His mouth was hanging open so far, she was sure his jaw was unhinged. She waited for the shouting to begin, but there was only stunned silence.

  Then the boys started giggling and laughing. She was sure they were laughing at Jason’s face, not at her catching. They all knew she was scared to death of the ball.

  In the next instant it was Riki’s turn to be stunned. Jason let out a roar of laughter and promptly plopped his butt in the dirt. He was laughing so hard, he was holding his sides. Tears were rolling down his cheeks. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, leaving behind a streak of dirt.

  He looked again at Riki and let out another roar. He fell backward in the dirt, still laughing. Riki picked up the ball and marched toward him. The boys gathered around Jason as if to protect him.

  She wanted to wrap her hands around Jason’s throat for laughing. But then again she had to be nice to him so he could teach the boys how to catch.

  Jason glanced up and saw a furious Riki standing over him. He tried to swallow back another laugh, but there was no way he could stop his shoulders from shaking.

  Riki noticed he was trying to control his mirth, even if he was failing m
iserably. She reached out a hand to help him up. “Does this mean you’re willing to help coach?”

  He took the hand and slowly stood up. He didn’t trust that innocent expression on her face.

  “Sure, I’ll help coach.” He glanced at the boys, blessing them for their presence. He didn’t want to find out what Riki would have done if they were not there.

  “Good,” Riki said. She leaned closer and whispered, “Don’t look now, but your zipper is down.”

  His hand flew to the front of his jeans as his face turned a dull red. When he realized she wasn’t telling the truth, she was already heading for the dugout with an impish smile plastered on her face.

  He had to suppress the desire to take her in his arms and kiss her senseless. That would have wiped the smile from her face. He liked that she fought back. That was a sure sign of passion. He also knew exactly where he wanted that passion directed.

  It felt good to prop her feet up after a hard day, Riki thought. A gentle sigh escaped her lips as contentment settled in her heart. How she loved to relax in her lounge chair with a cup of coffee after all the kids were in bed fast asleep. The night air was turning cool, but she was too lazy to go retrieve a sweater.

  She studied Jason from under her lashes and wondered what he was thinking. Was he remembering last night’s kiss on this porch, or the cook-out this evening? She closed her eyes and a vivid picture of Jason cooking appeared in her mind. He was standing in front of the grill with his head bent toward Charlie, patiently explaining the merits of his secret chicken barbecue sauce. Riki had jumped at the chance of Jason’s help with dinner. Barbecuing was not her forte. For the two years that she had lived here, the fire department had responded four times to her cookouts. The fire chief had personally bought her her own extinguisher, especially designed for barbecues.

  To give Jason credit, he really did try to hold back his laughter when Travis brought out the extinguisher. But when Travis and Trevor started to relate past cookouts with all the zest and gore of war stories, his control broke. It wasn’t her fault no one had ever explained to her how much lighter fluid to use. The flames weren’t quite as high as Trevor indicated, though. By the look on Jason’s face, one would believe that 747’s had to be detoured around the area while she cooked.