Her Valentine Family by Renee Andrews Read Free Book Online

come out of retirement, like Ms. Smelding.
    Back in high school, everyone had eyes for Chad Martin. And that was one of the things that had meant so much to Jessica then, the fact that in spite of the way all of the girls flirted with him, he only had eyes for her and made no secret of his feelings. When she walked out of the classroom tonight and saw him give her that amazing smile, that same old excitement rippled through her.
    He’s waiting for me.
    â€œHey,” he said, easing away from where he’d been casually leaning against the wall.
    â€œHi.”
    His sandy hair was a bit rumpled, and he wore a brown suede blazer over a black crew neck shirt and jeans. It was nice enough to qualify as instructor attire but hip enough to remind Jess that this instructor was extremely young and extremely attractive.
    She tried to keep the direction her thoughts had headed from showing on her face. But Chad grinned, and she suspected that just like in high school, he probably knew exactly what she was thinking.
    The same group of girls who spoke to him was now walking toward the stairs and turned to look at them.
    Jessica knew that look. They wanted to know what was going on between her and the handsome instructor. And they weren’t the only ones. She wanted to know what was going on, too, particularly whether Chad could still have some of those old feelings toward her from way back then and then naturally, whether he’d still have them if he knew she’d kept him from his son.
    Her palms were damp, throat was tight. She was a nervous wreck.
    He stepped toward her. “So how was class? Ms. Smelding tends to be long-winded from what I’ve heard, and I guess tonight confirms that.”
    Jess glanced at her watch. The class had gone an extra ten minutes. “I didn’t even notice.”
    He laughed at that. “I guess you still like school as much as you did back then, huh?”
    â€œI guess so.”
    â€œWell, thanks to Ms. Smelding, I’ve already lost a third of my time with you tonight, right? If I stick to that half hour promise.” He tilted his head, waiting for her response, and Jessica had to swallow to help herself speak. Something about being this close to him, and looking into those eyes that were identical to Nathan’s, rendered her nearly speechless.
    She finally managed, “I just want to make sure I’m back in time to see Nathan before he goes to sleep. Another ten minutes should be okay.”
    He smiled, dimples and all. “Good to know.”
    Ms. Smelding exited the classroom and paused to look at them. She seemed to assess the fact that he had been waiting on Jessica, then pursed her lips for a moment before speaking. “Mr. Martin, isn’t it?” she said to Chad.
    â€œYes, ma’am.”
    â€œMet you at the staff meetings. Biology.”
    It was more a statement than a question, but Chad nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
    â€œYou know, I started teaching here when I was about your age. I was the youngest staff member at Stockville back then, like you.” She smiled and bobbed her silver head as though remembering those days. “It’s a small campus, I know, but it grows on you. Kind of like a small town. There’s something nice about everyone knowing everyone.” She glanced at Jessica and added, “And every now and then, you find one or two who really appreciate your effort. Makes it all worthwhile.”
    â€œYes, ma’am,” Chad repeated, smiling at the woman and then at Jess.
    â€œYou two have a good night,” she said, still bobbing her head as she walked away.
    â€œI think I just lost five more minutes of coffee time while we were talking to Ms. Smelding,” Chad said. “Come on, let’s go.” He began walking, and Jess noticed he still took the long, even strides that he’d had in high school, and like back then, she had to increase her pace to keep up. When he reached