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sense, but the local bar does have karaoke, a dance floor, and pool tables. The purpose is not to get drunk. I tend to hang out with my friends, and enjoy a beer, maybe two. A few of the teachers go there on the weekends, so no one would think anything of it.”
    “I didn’t mean to imply…”
    “Oh no, don’t. I didn’t take it that way, Mila.” His eyes dropped to the ground, and when he looked back up at her, it was through his lashes. “I don’t want you uncomfortable around me, and I’m attempting to build a solid case convincing you to join me one night when Deanna has Cherish again, and you don’t have stacks of schoolwork to grade.”
    “Sorry.” She glanced away, wanting to kick herself. “It’s not that.”
    “It’s okay. Relax. I promise just dinner, a beer if you’d like, and we’ll head back. In fact, Verna’s Diner is down the road. It’s a lovely night to walk, if you don’t mind.”
    Maybe that would clear her head, and she could stop putting her foot in her mouth for a few minutes.
    “I’d like that.” She picked up the tub and laptop, glancing at the bottle a second.
    He swiped it up with a grin. “Let me help.” He moved to the door and slid it open.
    Mila couldn’t help admiring how the worn jeans molded over his delicious ass. With a couple days of beard growth, and plain t-shirt, he looked rugged but inviting.
    Dangerous. I don’t need a playmate. He needs to stay my friendly neighbor.
    She took the box to her desk and came back to the kitchen where he waited.
    His eyes locked on hers as she walked back, never wavering. Her breath hitched, her brain kicking into overdrive imagining those big hands wrapped around her waist as he backed her into the counter, his lips descending on hers.
    Shutting down her wayward libido, she nodded to the front door. “You ready?”
    A slow smile spread on his lips as he nodded. “Indeed.”
     

Chapter 4
     
     
    Kyle liked Mila buttoned up, or dressed down. He especially liked the way the tank hugged her body, and how her jeans slung low, but wished the tank didn’t go past the waistband. Her hair was down, silken dark chocolate curls that brushed the top of her ass. She was tall, slender, but still had curves he wanted to explore.
    He was having trouble getting his mind back in the game as he followed her to the door.
    She paused, half-turned, and looked up the stairs. “I should go grab my sweater.”
    “Nah, it’s a laidback diner and we’re walking. You won’t be cold.”
    She turned toward him, chewing her lip as a blush colored her cheeks. “Okay. It is pretty warm.”
    Switching directions, Mila stepped outside and he followed. She locked the door.
    Then he realized why he knew the song that was playing when he stepped onto the porch. One brow arched as she turned to him.
    He had to know. “One question. Were you listening to ‘Porn Star Dancing’?”
    A single corner of her mouth lifted as she pressed a finger to her lips. “I like My Darkest Days, but don’t tell anyone.”
    He laughed. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. I happen to like them too, but why so softly?”
    “Didn’t want to disturb anyone, and this way I could hear it, but no one else could.”
    “Very considerate, but you wouldn’t have disturbed me,” he promised.
    Blushing, she looked away. “I’ll remember that, but you aren’t my only neighbor.”
    “You know, you aren’t fooling anyone, Miss Day.”
    Her brow wrinkled as they started walking. She looked over at him with the most peculiar frown. He wanted to smooth his fingers over her lips, forcing her to smile.
    “What, on earth, are you talking about?”
    He grinned. “When I’m in the weight room at the firehouse—which happens to be across from your classroom—I’ve noticed the boys drooling over you. How do you deal with that?”
    Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. “Ignore it. They’re teenagers, and you know how their hormones are.” A soft laugh escaped her