Read Underneath It All (Storm Series) for Free Online Page B

black paper. In her meager stash of stuff, she’d even found googly eyes, which had elicited a giggle from the children as they shook their ladybugs and watched the eyes move. Simple things that brought her students so much joy were the reason she’d gotten into teaching in the first place, and she smiled at the memory, though at the time, her eyes had misted over.
    “What’s so funny?”
    Her head snapped up. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
    He pointed toward her face. “You were grinning. I asked what was funny.”
    “Oh. Nothing.” Alaina’s face warmed as she thought about his reaction to her tearing up about something so small. He’d probably think it was stupid.
    “Come on,” he cajoled. “Share with the class.”
    Rolling her eyes and knowing instinctively he wouldn’t leave the matter alone, she said, “I was remembering how tickled the kids were to have googly eyes for their ladybugs today. They kept shaking the poor things so the eyes would move.”
    He cocked his head, crossing him arms in front of his chest. “You really love teaching, don’t you?”
    Trying not to squirm under his scrutiny, she said, “Yeah. I really do. It’s the only thing I ever wanted to be. And the teachers here are amazing. They’re an inspiration to me every day.”
    “Can I ask you a question?”
    “Of course.”
    Rob turned to fully face her . “Why do you teach in the inner city? Is it just what you said before, or is there more to it? Surely you could get a job with another district.”
    “ I could, but these kids need me.”
    “Pretty selfless.”
    She shrugged. “Maybe so, but if not me, who?”
    He resumed sweeping. “I brought my checkbook. I thought it might be easier if you told me how much you need rather than have me guess again and be too low.”
    “I-I can’t do that. Whatever you want to give is fine.” The last thing she wanted was to come off as greedy. He’d already done so much.
    “I want to give you what you need,” he said so slowly she feared he’d lose patience and rescind the offer if she didn’t decide soon.
    How much could I possibly ask for? Ugh, why does this have to be so hard?
    “Um, can you maybe do another five thousand?” She winced as she said the number.
    Rob chuckled and those laugh lines she’d noticed the day before crinkled the corners of his eyes. They lent character to his admittedly gorgeous face, making his expressions even more attractive and interesting. “Ah, that’s what I thought you’d say, though I applaud you for not making the number ridiculously small. We’ll make it ten then.”
    “What? I didn’t —”
    As he bent to write the check, he smiled. “I knew you’d never ask for what you actually needed, so I decided to double or triple whatever the number you gave me.”
    Her hand flew to her mouth and tears welled in her eyes yet again. “Thank you.”
    Rob speared her with a look. “Before I fill in the amount, are you sure this is enough?”
    “Oh God, more than. I mean, a need is always lurking, but this will help so, so much.” Her stomach was tied in knots at how generous Rob was. She’d never be able to thank him enough.
    “All right then.” With a flourish, he finished writing then tore off the check. “Here you go.” Looking around, he asked, “Do you need more help?”
    “No, no. You surely have better things to do with your time than cleaning up after these guys.”
    “Not really. Sad, but true.” He shrugged, but the movement didn’t look casual.
    Stepping forward, she threw her arms around him , and he froze. Alaina immediately backed away and stammered, “I apologize. I shouldn’t have done that. I was just—I’m overwhelmed. By all of this.”
    “I was surprised , but don’t mistake that for something else.” This time he advanced and pulled her into the wide circle of his powerful arms. He breathed in deeply. “Oh Alaina, you smell so good.”
    She leaned back and looked at him. “I do?” God, he’s