Charade

Chapter Two

TILTING HIS HEAD BACK, Tyler exhaled slowly, then tried to relax. It was unbelievable how much her answer meant to him. She was staying.

He didn’t understand his own reaction, or hers, for that matter. He only knew he needed to get closer to her. She’d stood there in the doorway earlier, looking feminine, yet so unsure. Unlike the other women in the room, she hadn’t flaunted her assets; she hadn’t even seemed aware of them, despite the provocative harem costume that left her more bare than not. Even now, she seemed so vulnerable, so wary.

He leaned down, inhaling her fragrance, then touched his open palm to her soft belly. She jerked and pulled away.

He was surprised by her reaction, and forced himself to go perfectly still. He squeezed her shoulders again. “Shh. I’m not going to hurt you.” She remained strangely quiet, her body trembling, and then it hit him just how innocent she truly was. Suddenly, it made sense—the way she’d reacted to his interest. She was wary, and with good reason. He felt confusion first, then the unfamiliar stirring of protectiveness. He didn’t want to frighten her, didn’t want her to be uncomfortable with him. He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her carefully.

“I would never hurt you.”

Her hands came up to clasp his arms where they crossed her chest, giving him her silent trust.

His chest squeezed tight. It was remarkable how she affected him. Smiling, he rubbed his chin against her temple, then turned her to face him.

He cupped her jaw, tilting her chin toward him. He could see the scant light reflected in her wide eyes. Slowly, tentatively, he bent and put his lips to hers. It wasn’t a devouring kiss, but tender and sweet. She seemed unsure of where to put her hands, then laid them lightly on his chest.

He groaned quietly, tugging her closer. “Open your mouth,” he urged, continuing to nibble at her lips.

She did, gasping, and he teased her, stroking her mouth, licking carefully at her lips, touching her tongue with his own.

After a few moments, he pulled back. Her fingers had curled tight against him, and she was panting softly. Instinctively, he pressed his arousal, full and hard, against her belly. She seemed stunned by his blatant need, and he relished her reaction to it, watching her eyes slowly close. Nothing had ever made him feel so wild or urgent, so alive with sensation, as her innocent acceptance.

Her mask was in the way and he touched his fingers to it. Instantly, she jerked back, her hand coming up to cover her mouth.

His muscles grew taut. “I didn’t...” Tyler hesitated, then shook his head. “I’m sorry. I just...it seems so...right.”

She shook her head. “You can’t take off my mask.”

His eyebrows shot up.

“I don’t want you to know...who I am.”

He stepped closer to her, feeling the heat build under his skin. She was the most fascinating woman he’d ever met. He tried to get her to look at him, but she turned away. It was unbelievably erotic, a woman appearing so demure, but wearing such an enticing costume. He touched her chin, bringing her face back toward him. “What do you want?”

Swallowing hard, she whispered, “You. This.” And she leaned toward him.

Tyler caught his breath, and then he was kissing her again. He stroked his tongue deep in her mouth, drawing her closer, feeling his urgency swell. He was no longer thinking of his own consuming desire, not entirely. Now he was driven by a need to give her everything she asked for, everything she could possibly hope for. He didn’t want her to regret trusting him.

He didn’t want her to regret anything.

When he lifted his head, she was breathless and trembling, her small hands clasping his shirt in a death grip. Moving slowly, he touched the buttons on her skimpy jacket, for the moment ignoring her mask. “A mystery lady.”

His words were deep and husky and she trembled as he undid the first button. As soon as it slid free, he raised his gaze to her face, judging her reaction.

She flattened her hands on the wall beside her hips, but she didn’t protest. Tyler smiled, then looked down to watch the slow unveiling of her breasts.

The second button was undone, and still he didn’t touch her in any other way. He was only using one hand, being careful not to startle her. The third button was straining at the material. With one finger, he traced her cleavage, over the swell of each breast, then up her throat. He looked at her lips, then traced the fullness of her mouth, pressing slightly to glide over the inside of her bottom lip.

Her lips parted and she instinctively curled her tongue around the tip of his finger. His eyes closed and he drew a slow, painful breath. When he looked at her again, she was watching him cautiously, her eyes dark in the dim shadows. He leaned forward and kissed her very gently, tenderly, his lips moving over her chin, to her collarbone, then her breasts.

The third button held, and Tyler found her nipple through the cloth. She moaned. Even through the material he could feel the heat of her body as he drew upon her, his teeth carefully nipping.

The last button opened, and he covered each breast with a warm palm, cradling her lush weight, shaping her with his hands. He pressed her breasts together and nuzzled her cleavage before moving his mouth to a nipple, licking and plucking with his lips, then finally taking her inside, suckling strongly. A sound of raw hunger escaped her, and he felt the impact of that small sound deep in his belly.

Her fingers sank into his hair, pulling him away. But he didn’t leave her. Instead, he slipped to his knees, his mouth against her ribs. Closing his eyes and locking his arms around her hips, he rubbed his face against her skin, breathing in her heated scent, tasting her.

He savored her, taking his time to explore each facet of his senses; touch and taste and smell. And sight. He enjoyed looking at her; he enjoyed her pleasure and her surprise as he found a particularly sensitive spot.

His hands cupped her buttocks, startling her. Then slowly, he removed her slippers, his fingers lingering on her slim ankles. His palms coasted up her calves, over her thighs, and to her buttocks again, squeezing and cuddling. Then his fingers hooked in the waistband of her harem pants and, still watching her, he started sliding them down.

Tyler saw her embarrassment, and he leaned forward, kissing her navel, dipping his tongue teasingly inside. He wanted to reassure her, wanted her to understand how unique this was for him. But at the moment, words escaped him.

She stepped out of the pants as he directed, then remained silent while he looked his fill.

Oh God, what she did to him.

Gazing at her from his position on his knees, he had to call upon all his restraint to keep from rushing her. He wasn’t himself. Feelings he hadn’t known existed washed over him in hot, insistent waves.

The small jacket hung from her shoulders, serving more as ornamentation than covering since her breasts were freed. The shadowy room only enhanced her curves and made the moment more intimate. He could see the darkness of her nipples, her navel, the soft feminine curls between her thighs. He lightly brushed his fingers over her, finding her wet and hot. He delved deeper, stroking her, his breaths coming fast and low.

She gasped, and her hand clasped his wrist.

He turned his palm so he was holding hers, then took her other hand also, pinning her arms gently to her sides. He leaned forward, and this time it was his tongue that stroked her. She reacted immediately, pulling away, staring at him in appalled fascination.

Again, he felt that possessiveness, that need to protect her.

Tyler came slowly to his feet, his face flushed, his chest rising and falling quickly. He kept his tone gentle and quiet. “What’s wrong?”

Her voice emerged as a dry croak. “It’s...you can’t.”

Since he now understood her innocence, Tyler didn’t press her. But he wanted her to realize the depth of her own allure. “I understand, but honey, I want to kiss you there. I want to kiss you everywhere.” He held her eyes, refusing to let her look away, then added in a husky whisper, “You taste like a woman should, very sweet and sexy.”

She shivered, then pressed her right hand over his chest, near where his heart was thundering. He covered her hand with his own, then began unbuttoning his shirt. He felt her nails as she flexed her fingers into his flesh. He’d never had a woman watch him with such intent curiosity. His body reacted to her interest, tightening and swelling. His gaze never left her face.

He removed his trousers quickly, hearing her low, fast breathing. He found a condom in his wallet, then tossed his pants aside. He laid the protection on the table.

When he turned to her again, he saw her uncertainty, and pulled her close, relishing the feel of her naked skin. Kissing her throat and shoulder, his hands curved around her body, his fingers splayed warm and firm on her sensitive belly.

He was patient and gently persuasive, but he was also very aroused. Deliberately, he nestled his fullness against her buttocks. He needed her to know the effect she had on him.

He kissed her for a few moments, and when he finally slid his fingers down her belly and into the soft curls between her legs, she didn’t draw away. His fingers delved deeper, and she moaned.

His heart thundered at the small sound. “That’s it. Relax, sweetheart.” He slid a finger inside her, and she quivered, letting out a short cry. “You’re wet,” he said, softly stroking her, bringing his other hand up to hold a heavy breast, idly plying the nipple with his thumb. She leaned back on him, gasping, and he smiled.

She clutched at his hard thighs, her fingers biting deep into his muscles. Her legs stiffened, and soft, hungry sounds escaped her throat.

Close to losing what was left of his control, Tyler lifted her into his arms and carried her quickly to the narrow couch. He laid her down, coming over her and pulling her close.

She moaned as his mouth closed over her nipple, then moaned again when he smoothed his hand over her soft belly and into her feminine curls. His fingers stroked, dipped, plucked lightly, making her squirm. He lowered his mouth to her nipple and toyed with it, teasing her with his tongue and teeth.

Her climax took him by surprise. It gripped her body, forcing her to arch wildly, her eyes closed, her mouth open as she gasped and gave low, throaty moans. Enthralled, Tyler watched her, feeling her pleasure and her loss of control. Seeing her shock.

And when the rushing sensations would have ended, Tyler bent to taste her, crushing down on her with renewed urgency, his hand holding her face still for his kiss. She was crying, unable to help herself, and he kissed her jaw, undone by her soft, breathy sighs.

“It’s all right now. Shh.”

She shook her head. With tears clogging her throat and reflecting in her voice, she whispered brokenly, “I’ve never...”

“Shh. I know.” His mouth skimmed hers, his eyes alight with satisfaction and possession.

He couldn’t wait any longer.

Lifting slightly away from her, he reached for the condom and slid it on. She didn’t watch him, but he didn’t think it was embarrassment now, so much as repletion. Her breasts, heaving still, showed soft and white, reflecting the scant light. Her belly still quivered. But there was a small, awed smile on her lips, a look of wonder that filled him.

Thunder clapped loudly outside, and the storm picked up tempo, mirroring his explosive emotions.

He began kissing her again, light, biting kisses that made her smile and open her eyes. His muscles were taut, straining for release. She laid her palm to his cheek.

He sat back to look at her, running his fingers through her hair. It was then he realized she was wearing a wig. The hair was too coarse, too dense to be real. The fact that she had taken such pains to conceal herself only added to her intrigue. His mystery woman.

She pulled him closer in silent demand.

He reached down and parted her with his fingers, then gently pushed inside. His groan was long and ragged. Gasping, she twisted against him, her arms tightening, her hips lifting to his. He pressed her knees wider, giving himself more access to her body, then clenched his jaw as he sank deeper. “There we go. All the way.”

She shuddered as her body adjusted to his length and thickness. It was pure fantasy, he thought, wishing he could stay like this forever. She squirmed beneath him in delicious sensation.

Tyler shuddered, pressing his hips to hers to still her movements, trying to maintain his barely leashed control, but it was too late. He reared up, his arms stiffened on either side of her, his eyes hot and probing, holding her gaze. Then he began to move.

The friction was exquisite, and she lifted her hips toward him, taking more, her legs wrapping around him. His gaze dropped to her breasts, to her tightened nipples. He was enthralled, watching her full breasts sway as each of his thrusts rocked her body.

He threw his head back, biting off a groan. His jaw was tense, his words a growled whisper. “I don’t believe this!”

He felt her tighten around him, felt the pulsing of her climax. He groaned heavily, and his body went rigid as he climaxed. Then he stilled.

His weight was now fully upon her and his heartbeat rocked his body with its uneven cadence. He stroked her idly, without thought, without even knowing what he was doing. She smelled so good, and he felt so good.

She stirred beneath him, and he obligingly raised himself to his elbows. Her mask was askew, and he smiled at the picture she made, tousled innocence, sensual lure. He didn’t want the night to end.

“Do you have to go anytime soon?”

That surprised her.

Smiling, Tyler stroked her cheek. “Will you stay with me for a while longer?”

Her smile was shaky, a bit uncertain, but it was a smile.

Laughing, feeling incredibly lighthearted, he held her tight as he turned on the couch, putting her on top of him. She came up on her elbows, her heavy breasts swaying over his chest.

“Now, this is nice.” His hands cupped her, his thumbs flicking over her soft, dusky nipples until they drew tight.

“Can you scoot up just a bit?” he growled. “I want you in my mouth.”

Her lips parted, but she complied, her breath already thickening. Tyler swept his hands down her back and spread them wide over the buttocks, pressing her close.

“I’m going to make love to you all night, honey. I want to show you all the different ways to enjoy yourself. I’m going to see to it that you’re so overwhelmed with pleasure, you won’t be able to resist seeing me again.” He said the words quietly just before he took her nipple in his mouth, licking and teasing and making her shudder. His hands moved over her bottom to the back of her thighs, then parted her legs so she was draped over him. “You’ll wake up at night and think of me touching you.” His finger slid inside her and she tensed, her hips pressing hard against him.

“I want you to think of me,” he explained, loving her with his fingers until she trembled uncontrollably, “because I know I’ll be thinking of you.”

* * *

Tyler held to his promise, exhausting both himself and Carlie with pleasure.

Hours later, long after midnight, he slept, still holding her close. Carlie was stunned by all that had happened, never having imagined that such complete satisfaction was possible.

Tyler lay relaxed beside her, one heavy muscled arm circling her belly, his hand splayed over her hip. He was even beautiful when he slept, she thought, when the lines of his face softened, making him look almost vulnerable.

Of course, he could never know the truth. She would be mortified if Tyler ever discovered he’d made love with his sister-in-law’s dumpy best friend. Tyler didn’t even look at women like her, let alone sleep with them.

Not that she wanted it any other way. She was dumpy by design, choosing her clothes with an eye for concealment, rather than enticement. She didn’t want a man, any man—not now, not ever.

Relationships hurt. She’d learned that lesson after her marriage failed. And she’d also learned she could rely on no one but herself. Not on the grandfather who’d raised her after her parents’ death, treating her more like a burden than a grandchild, nor on her brother, who’d made it clear she was to deal with her mistakes on her own.

But marriage had been her biggest mistake. One she wasn’t likely to forget.

She could never tell Tyler the truth, but at least she’d learned something valuable; she wasn’t frigid. Her husband had been wrong, his accusations unjust. Probably, it had just been another of his attempts to destroy her self-confidence. But now she knew the truth, and for that, if nothing else, she was glad she’d stayed with Tyler.

He shifted in his sleep, and she stilled, watching him closely, but he didn’t awaken. She leaned down and very gently kissed him on the corner of his mouth, then slipped from the couch.

By the time Tyler woke, a smile of anticipation on his face, Carlie was gone.

Chapter Three

“YOU CAN’T TELL anyone I was at the party.”

Brenda tugged Carlie through the kitchen door and then quickly shut it. “I wondered all night what happened to you. Where did you go? Why did you leave so soon? I thought for sure you were going to enjoy yourself.”

Wincing, Carlie gave Brenda an apologetic look. She had enjoyed herself, all right, just not the way Brenda had expected. She pulled out a chair at the round wooden table and slumped into it. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I’m sorry.”

“So what happened? Why did you run off?”

Hesitating, Carlie tried to decide how much to tell her friend. It wouldn’t be the whole truth, that was for certain. Somehow, the night seemed...magical, something she could tuck away and keep to herself. She couldn’t share it, not even with Brenda. But she had to tell her something....

“Brenda...I felt really foolish...in the costume. Maybe if I hadn’t been wearing something so...”

“Sexy?”

Carlie spared her friend a quick look, and saw Brenda was smiling. “Yeah, well, maybe. I just couldn’t face all those people looking like that.”

“I’m sorry I pushed, Carlie. I just wanted you to realize how attractive you are. Those damn baggy suits you wear make you look fat.” Brenda pursed her lips, then idly traced the wood grain in the table with a fingertip. “Tyler noticed you.”

Carlie felt her heartbeat race. “I... Did he say something to you?”

“He asked who you were.”

“You didn’t tell him!” Carlie nearly choked on her embarrassment, waiting for Brenda’s reply.

“No. I just told him you were a guest.” Then she patted Carlie’s arm. “Hey, calm down. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if Tyler took a liking to you. You have to admit, he’s gorgeous.”

Oh, yeah, he was gorgeous. Carlie licked her lips, then said carefully, “He, ah, approached me.”

“He did?”

“Yes.” Carlie cleared her throat, then immediately launched into her rehearsed story. “We talked for a while. In, ah, the pool house.”

When Brenda’s eyes widened, Carlie reminded her, “It was raining, remember? And we went inside to stay dry. He, well, he was attracted to me.”

“No kidding?”

Carlie hated the note of fascination in her friend’s tone. She also hated lying to her, but she didn’t see any way around it. Brenda leaned forward. “So, what happened?”

Carlie shrugged. “He didn’t recognize me.”

“Well, of course he didn’t! He’s used to seeing you looking like this!” Brenda indicated Carlie’s dark, frumpy suit. With her honey blond hair in a tight braid and a pair of glasses perched on her nose, she looked nothing like the harem girl of the night before.

“This isn’t funny, Brenda!” Carlie felt like strangling her. “And you can’t ever tell him, either. I don’t want him to know it was me he was...flirting with.”

Brenda looked skeptical. “Ah, Carlie, don’t you think—”

Whatever Brenda was going to say was cut off by a loud voice from the living room. Seconds later, Jason and Tyler strode into the kitchen. Carlie stiffened, all her defenses jerking into place. But her face remained impassive. Almost painfully so. There was absolutely no way she would let Tyler know she was the woman he’d spent the night with. She didn’t even want to think about how mortifying that would be.

Brenda didn’t miss a beat after shooting Carlie an I’m-not-responsible-for-this look. “I thought you fellas were going fishing. What happened?”

Tyler reached Brenda first. He leaned down and lifted her from her chair, giving her a tight bear hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Brenda’s face turned pink. “What did I do to deserve that?”

Tyler’s smile was so warm and sincere, Carlie had to look away. “You invited me to your party.” Then he added softly, “Thanks.”

Jason shook his head, and Carlie had the horrifying suspicion that Tyler had confided to him what had happened. Don’t blush, don’t blush! She glanced at Jason, but he was looking at his wife.

Leaning down, he kissed Brenda, then nodded briefly to Carlie. “The fish weren’t biting and it’s damned cold out there. Besides, Tyler can’t seem to sit still today.”

Tyler pulled out a chair and straddled it, crossing his arms over the chair back. “Could I have some coffee, Bren? Then I need to talk to you.” He glanced at Carlie, and smiled. “Hi. Ah, Carlie, isn’t it?”

“Hello.” Carlie mentally applauded her calm response. She was more than a little surprised Tyler remembered her name. She prayed it was all he remembered. And then she looked at him, and despite herself, she remembered lying beside him in the pool house, remembered that magnificent body of his leaning toward her... She looked away, trying to collect her thoughts. Good looks only took a person so far, and from what she knew of Tyler, his had taken him around the block more than a few times. Last night had been a milestone in her life; to Tyler, it had probably been no more than a good time.

Carlie breathed a sigh of relief when she realized he hadn’t connected her to the party. His expression had been friendly, nothing more. Already he was ignoring her, dismissing her easily.

“I’ll have the coffee ready in just a minute.” Brenda was grinning affectionately at Tyler, obviously more than pleased to cater to him.

Tyler tapped his fingers on the table with an excess of energy. His gaze took a turn around the room, then settled on Carlie again. “So. What are you ladies up to today?”

She felt her heart flutter and color rise to her cheeks. Carlie wanted to smack herself. Enough was enough. She would not be an idiot around this man. She composed her features and met his look squarely. “We were talking about the new sports program I’m working on for the school.” She paused, then decided to elaborate. “It’s a way to help the kids who have trouble socializing. They’re not bad kids but they just aren’t sure how to conduct themselves with their peers. They need guidance and a chance to interact, with supervision. If they’re playing a sport, they’ll be getting exercise, burning off energy and learning to work together. I think the program will go over pretty good. I thought I’d try basketball first. The kids have to play together, but since it’s not really a contact sport, tussles ought to be kept to a minimum. Brenda and I were just discussing how great it is that Jason has agreed to be an instructor.”

Tyler listened, his eyes intent on Carlie’s face, watching her so closely she felt herself near to blushing again. “Sounds like you really care about these kids.”

His tone was soft, almost disbelieving, and Carlie stiffened. “Of course I do. I care very much about all my students.”

Tyler rubbed his chin, still watching her. “And you really think you can make a difference?”

Carlie leaned back in her chair, forgetting her embarrassment, forgetting last night. The gall of the man, to question her like this! With her hands in fists, she replied, “I’ll certainly do my best to. At least I’m trying to do something to help.”

Jason looked at Carlie, then Tyler. A smile appeared. “I, ah, suppose I should tell you something, Carlie. I won’t be able to help you, after all. Some things came up at the office.” His grin widened, and he shrugged. “I talked to Tyler this morning, and he agreed to do the project with you, instead.”

Carlie closed her eyes for a heartbeat, praying she hadn’t heard that. But when she opened her eyes, Tyler was still watching her, his smile now smug.

She cleared her throat and shoved her glasses needlessly up the bridge of her nose. “I don’t know, Jason.” What excuse could she use after practically challenging the man to help? “Maybe that wouldn’t be a good idea.”

It was Tyler who answered her. “Why not?”

Floundering, she racked her brain, but couldn’t come up with a valid reason. “You understand, it will be three or four nights a week? And we need someone who will set a good example for the kids. Someone patient.”

Tyler raised his eyebrow, looking affronted. “I’d be a good example. Hell, I’m a lawyer, same as Jason. I’ve been to college. I’m articulate.”

“You’re even housebroken,” Brenda added, seeming to enjoy the situation.

He nodded. “Damn right.” Then to Carlie, “You see? I’ll be perfect for the job.”

“But...” The truth was, she simply didn’t want to work with Tyler. Not now, not after last night. “I don’t know. Have you ever worked with kids? And remember, these kids can be a little...difficult.”

Jason interrupted. “Tyler should understand them on a gut level, because he was always damned difficult, too.”

Tyler laughed. “So it’s settled. When do we start?”

Carlie stood with as much aplomb as she could muster. Tyler’s eyes drifted over her body, almost out of habit, it seemed, but there was no sign of recognition in his expression. It rankled, even while she prayed he wouldn’t make the connection. She tugged at the bottom of her tailored suit coat, smoothing it over her slacks. Then she used a tactic that had worked with many rebellious students. She deliberately looked down her nose at him. “I’ll have to let you know.”

Tyler merely nodded. “You do that.”

Brenda rushed forward to give Carlie a hug. “Give me a call later. Promise?”

“Of course. And thanks for the company, Bren. See ya’ later, Jason.” She ignored Tyler, not feeling the least bit guilty about it, and exited the room, her back stiff, her tight braid pulling at her temples. She wasn’t entirely out of the house when she heard Tyler say, “That has to be the prickliest woman I’ve ever met. I got the distinct impression she didn’t like me. Can you imagine?”

Jason’s laugh was sharp. “Unheard of, isn’t it?”

There was a shrug in his tone when Tyler replied, “There’s just no figuring some women.”

Carlie allowed the door to slam just a bit too hard behind her.

* * *

It was a very neat, utilitarian office. Carlie was surprised at how functional each piece of furniture was, with only a modicum of necessary decorations. The walls were beige, the carpet a swirling mixture of blues and creams. The sofa and two chairs were upholstered in a rough nubby fabric of a deep blue, and the wooden end tables were light oak. It was a comfortable room, without any indication of Tyler’s personal style, which she’d assumed to be rather flamboyant.

The office door opened and Tyler stepped out, accompanied by the secretary who had first greeted Carlie. His smile was warm, a natural smile that Carlie knew he bestowed on almost every female he encountered. Beyond him, she could see into his office, and noticed his desk strewn with papers and files. Suddenly, she realized how disruptive, and presumptuous, her visit was, but she also knew if she hadn’t come today, she wouldn’t have come at all. Brenda had told her he’d been asking about the harem girl from the party. He wanted to know who she was.

Carlie hoped he would eventually give up and forget about that night...but then, she also knew how badly it would hurt her if he was able to do just that.

Lately, she felt awfully confused.

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting, Carlie. I didn’t realize it was you. I’m not familiar with the name McDaniels.”

Of course, he wouldn’t be. Carlie took his hand. Very briefly. “I hope I’m not interrupting. I can see you’re busy. I just wanted to stop by and tell you I’d like to accept your offer of assistance for our new sports program.” She was rushing through her words, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. She’d spent three days stewing over what to do, and finally decided that her personal embarrassment had to take a back seat to the kids’ problems. She was the only one who knew she had reason to be embarrassed, and since no one else had agreed to help, Tyler was her only option.

“We hope to start next week, so I wanted to drop off the material I’ve put together. You might want to look it over before meeting the children.”

Tyler accepted the papers she thrust toward him, then motioned her into his office. “Come on in and have a seat.”

“I don’t want to take up too much of your time.” And she wanted to get away from him as quickly as possible.

He lifted one shoulder in an exaggerated shrug. “I needed a break, anyway.”

Carlie followed him into his office and sat on the edge of a straight-back, narrow leather chair. Tyler went behind his desk, seating himself with all the officious attitude of any good lawyer.

After skimming through the papers she’d given him, he looked at her again. “You’re very thorough.”

She blushed and she hated herself for it. “It’s just a basic overview of the children who will begin in the program. I thought it would help if you knew what kind of problem each child was having and what their backgrounds were like. The idea is that any child who collects more than three after-school detentions or in-school suspensions will have the choice of joining the team or having their misconduct shown in their grades. Of course, if they choose to join the team, they’ll have to contribute wholeheartedly and follow instructions to the letter. In other words, they’ll have to work together and get along. They’ll have to accept that rules have a purpose, and everyone has to follow them. The program had been used in several schools. So far, it’s been very promising.”