Read Ask Mariah for Free Online Page B

her mind, wrestling with the girls, his tie crooked, his hair ruffled, his eyes shocked at the sight of her.
    "Mama -- I mean Joanna," Lily said, "do you want us to clean up now?"
    Joanna looked at the clock, suddenly realizing the bell had rung.
    "Good idea." She stood up and helped the other children in her class prepare for departure. Her first day of teaching had gone well. Aside from putting several children to sleep during her recitation of Emily Dickinson, she'd done okay. And she had been surprised at how much she'd enjoyed it. She'd always felt awkward with the college kids, never feeling all that secure or confident in herself.
    Here she was definitely in charge, and the kids were so loving, she couldn't help but connect with them. They hugged her before recess. They showed her their pictures and shared their excitement. They fought over who would get to sit in her lap during story time.
    She had never felt so loved, and even though she'd spent more time tying shoelaces than teaching numbers, she felt good about the day.
    The twins helped her put the chairs on the tables as various children were picked up by their parents. Michael Ashton was the last to arrive, and he had another man with him.
    "Uncle Tony!" the girls said in unison, running over to the other man.
    Uncle Tony had a shadowy beard, windblown hair, and a smile guaranteed to charm. Despite Tony's obvious good looks, Joanna still felt drawn to Michael. Maybe it was Michael's eyes, so blue, so light in contrast to his dark hair. Maybe it was his broad chest, his confident stance. Maybe she had been alone too long.
    "Hi midgets," Tony said, receiving a smacking kiss from each of the girls. "I brought you candy."
    Joanna smiled at the girls' pleasure. She turned to Michael to tell him about their day. Once again the intensity of his gaze caught her off guard. He seemed as shocked to see her now as he had been that morning.
    "Mr. Ashton," she said slowly.
    "Yes?" He sounded distracted.
    "Are you all right?"
    "No. No, I don't think so. All morning I told myself it was my imagination." He turned to his friend. "Tony, I want you to meet Miss -- "
    "Joanna," she said.
    Tony stepped forward. His smile faded as he looked at her. Joanna put a hand to her temple, pressing hard against her threatening headache. She didn't think she could stand much more emotion. She'd used up all her energy and patience with the children.
    "Wow." Tony took in a deep breath. "You weren't kidding, Michael. She looks just like Angie."
    Joanna abruptly turned around. She was beginning to feel like a bug under a microscope. She walked over to her desk and began organizing her papers.
    After a moment Michael joined her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."
    "Well, you did," she said shortly, unwilling to admit that her discomfort had more to do with attraction than dislike.
    "Joanna." Michael's voice came out low and husky, making her name sound like a caress.
    She raised her head, and his gaze drifted across her face, as if he were memorizing each line. Comparing her to his wife, probably. There was far too much intimacy in his look for two strangers to share.
    She cleared her throat. "Perhaps the girls should have another teacher. I'm not sure it's good for them to be with me every day."
    Lily and Rose immediately disagreed with the plan. "No! No!" they cried, abandoning their uncle Tony for Joanna. They threw their arms around her waist, holding on with stubborn determination.
    "Girls, it's okay," Joanna said, trying to ease their distress. "The other teachers are good."
    "We want you," they chorused.
    Michael put a hand on each of their heads, bringing him into even closer proximity to Joanna. His expression was clearly troubled as he looked into her eyes. "I don't think the girls will stay with another teacher."
    "But is this good for them?"
    "They've had a lot of counseling since their mother died. Time seems to be the only answer. If they stay in school, I think