Page 6

“I’ve been really pleased that he got to wear the necklace home yesterday and today.” Seth tried not to pay attention to her sweet scent that seemed to wrap around him and threatened to dizzy his senses. “Are there other kids who get to wear a necklace home?”

“I usually have three of four others who are working on behavior issues and earn the necklaces. You do realize there are probably going to be days when he won’t wear it home,” she replied and then took a sip of the coffee. “But I definitely think we’re on the right track with him.”

“I really appreciate that you’re doing all this for him instead of just writing him off as a bad kid.” Her eyes were such a beautiful blue. Damn, why was he noticing her attractiveness so much?

“I don’t believe there are any bad kids,” she said. “And I appreciate you working with me. You wouldn’t believe how many parents believe their child is perfect and refuse to take any suggestions or help from me.”

“That only hurts their kids,” he replied. “How long have you been teaching?”

“This is my seventh year.”

“And you obviously like it,” he said.

“I absolutely love it,” she replied. Her blue eyes sparkled, and a smile curved her lush lips.

The tension in Seth’s stomach intensified. God, she was beautiful. Not that it mattered. Seth wasn’t interested in dating.

“The nice thing about being a teacher in a small town is I get to follow up and know about my students until their high school graduation,” she said.

“I can see where that would be nice. It’s kind of like me watching my crops grow until harvest time,” he replied.

“You’ve definitely come to the right place for farming. Millsville is a town full of farmers.” She took another drink of her coffee. “There’s even a little bar in town called the Farmer’s Club. It’s a nice place to have a quiet drink, and a lot of farmers go there to talk to each other and share their farming experiences.”

“Sounds like a place I need to check out,” he replied.

At that moment Sammy flew back into the kitchen. He was clad in his pajamas and smelled of minty soap. “Mrs. Michaels, do you want to come and see my bedroom?”

“Sammy, I would love to see your bedroom,” she replied, then looked quickly at Seth. “That is if it’s okay with your dad.”

“It’s okay with him,” Sammy said. “Right?” He looked at Seth.

Seth released a small laugh. “It’s fine by me.” He was just glad he’d decided to clean the bedrooms that afternoon.

Suzanna rose and Sammy grabbed her hand and then pulled her out of the kitchen, through the living room and down the hallway. Seth followed the two, amused by his son’s eagerness to share his bedroom with his teacher.

They went past the bathroom, by Seth’s room and the spare room and then into Sammy’s bedroom. “See, I got dog pictures on all the walls. Dad says he’ll let me get a dog when the time is right, and I’m hoping the right time comes really soon. I really, really want a dog. And over here I have a collection of horse statues. I like horses, too, but not as much as I like dogs.”

As Sammy showed her his collection, Seth looked around the room with a discerning eye. A blue-and-white-striped spread covered the bed, with matching curtains at the single window. Thankfully, Sammy was a neat little boy, and Seth rarely had to tell him to clean his room. The room also held a bookcase and a computer desk. All in all, Seth thought it was a good room for his son.

“This is all really nice, Sammy,” she said when Sammy had shown her just about everything that was out in the room. “You have a great space here, but now it’s time for me to go home.”

“And it’s time for you to get into bed,” Seth added. It was a little early for bedtime, but Seth knew Sammy would get into bed and play on his tablet.

Seth led her back down the hallway to the front door. “I’ll walk you out to your car.”

“Thank you, I would appreciate it,” she replied.

Darkness had fallen outside, and the last thing Seth wanted to do was send a woman out alone who fit the victimology of a serial killer.

Together they left the house and headed toward her car in the driveway. “Thank you again for coming here to help my son,” he said as they reached the driver door.

She smiled up at him, her eyes glowing in the moonlight. For just a brief moment he wanted to draw her into his arms and kiss her lush lips. Damn, what was wrong with him? She was his son’s teacher, for God’s sake.

“So, are we on for Thursday?” she asked.

“Absolutely,” he replied and stepped back from her.

“I’ll see you then,” she said, getting into the car. “Good night, Mr. Daniels.”