Page 41 of Always Mine
He came down and landed in a crouch, then straightened. He said, “Your turn, Ms. Shepherd.”
Maisy didn’t know where to begin as she approached the log. Jackson crossed to her, said something to her and she shook her head. Finally, she said, “All right, I guess.”
Jackson crouched again and cupped his hands together. She stepped into them, holding onto his shoulders. He stood slowly. Maisy could grab the log now and boosted herself on to the top. She grinned down at Jackson.
Annie’s diminutive stature necessitated several tries and she did start sweating. The kids attempted to help her, but they were clumsy and fell over laughing. Finally, Jackson and Seth boosted her up and she got a foot over the log. Sat up. “Hey,” she said, raising her arms. “I made it.”
She saw Seth smiling up at her. Oh, Geez. She felt guilty as hell.
More kids tried the activity and needed at least two people to boost them up. Some teachers made it, others needed help. They took a break and they sat on the ground in pairs. She noticed Jackson joined Maisy and Frankie.
Annie asked, “Is this fun for you, Tim?”
“Yeah, now that it’s spring, I feel like I’m gonna jump outta my skin just sitting around in classes.”
“Huh. I wonder how we can help with that.”
“We can’t come here every day, Teach.” The boy sounded defeated.
“No, but we might be able to take a walk halfway through class.”
“Is that allowed?”
“I don’t know that it isn’t.”
They took part in two more activities, and everybody improved. By the end of the day, Annie was exhausted and ached for a hot bath. On her way home, she thought again about Diego. It would be good to at least hear his voice tonight.
She took the bath, then sat down on the bed in her robe.
She startled awake. Day had turned into night and she groped for the phone, which had awakened her. “Hullo.”
“Annie? Are you all right? You sound funny.”
“Hold on a second.” She sat up against the headboard and switched on a lamp. Shit! “It’s eight at night?”
“Yeah, I thought for sure you’d call by now.”
“I was planning to.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“We were outside all day. I was sore so I took a bath. And must have zonked on the bed.”
“Hmm.” His voice dropped to a sexy grumble. “If you were here, I could give you a massage.”
“You always used to after a game. It was wonderful.”
“Close your eyes.”
“What?”
“Close your eyes and slide down on the pillow.”
“Diego…”
“Come on. Don’t be embarrassed. It’s me.”
What the hell? She slid down and turned over.
