Burned Page 2

  * * *

  Rhys couldn’t tear his gaze away from her Sadie’s luscious backside. Damn. Sadie Flowers gave him another reason why he loved America. They didn’t have asses like that in Wales. He’d noticed her the moment she sat down in class, well actually he’d noticed her knees. The skirt she wore had ridden up when she sat down revealing the cutest dimpled knees he’d ever seen. Yes, it was weird to be fixated on such an ordinary part of the body, but hers were particularly appealing, not to mention she was pretty cute with rich dark brown tinted skin that looked as smooth as silk.

  She seemed to be a bit older than the average student in his class, not that he didn’t get a few of those on occasion. It was just that none had ever caught his interest the way she had. During his lecture, his gaze would stray to where she’d sat and he noticed the way she chewed her bottom lip and twirled one of her chunky braids as she wrote in her notebook. She was so damn adorable. But she was his student and any thoughts he may have had in the direction of approaching her as anything other than a professor would have been unethical, but hell if he wasn’t attracted to her.

  He hadn’t been so interested in a woman like this since his ex-wife. He’d dated around and had even considered committing to a couple of them but he’d eventually lost interest. With this woman, he knew that wouldn’t happen. He couldn’t put his finger on why. She wasn’t the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, but she was quite pretty. There was something about her, an inner glow that attracted him. Whatever it was, Rhys had intended to wait for the end of the semester to get to know her better.

  She’d been in such a hurry to get out of his class that she’d left behind her notebook. Wanting to find clues about his mystery lady, he’d kept the book instead of returning it to lost and found. Unfortunately, he didn’t learn her identity but he did get a peek into her personality through her poetry. She’d known pain—been burned by love. Someone had hurt her and strangely it hurt him knowing that she’d suffered.

  He’d held on to that notebook holding on to the hope he’d see her again when she didn’t return to class. Luck was with him to see her sitting outside the English building on his way to his car.

  “Sadie.” He liked the sound of the name on his tongue. Now that he knew she worked for the University, he’d find her again. And the next time he wouldn’t allow her to run away so easily.

  Chapter Two

  Sadie glanced at her watch for the fifth time. It was so like Lily to be late. The family joked that Lily’s internal clock was permanently set fifteen minutes late. On the verge of pulling out her cell phone, she caught sight of her errant sister striding toward the table looking elegant as usual in a pair of black slacks and matching silk top. Her hair which was usually worn around her shoulders was pulled back in a relaxed bun. It suited her.

  Sadie couldn’t remember a time when her sister didn’t look anything less than immaculate. Lily dropped a kiss on Sadie’s cheek before taking her seat. “Hey, little sis, sorry I’m late, but I was at work later than I anticipated. Everyone is running around the office like headless chickens because the new boss is coming to town next week.”

  “No worries. I’ve already ordered you a glass of wine and a shrimp cocktail for starters.”

  “Thanks, hon. I’m absolutely famished.” Lily lifted the menu and casually perused the items.

  “You seem pretty calm about the merger. Are you worried about your job? There’ve been so many layoffs lately.”

  Lily shrugged. “If I lose my job, there’s really nothing I can do about it. Thankfully my savings will last a while if I’m in need of another one.” She placed the menu down and smiled revealing deep dimples. “But enough about work; I want to know what’s going on with you. We haven’t seen each other in nearly two months. How is it that now we live closer to each other, I see less of you?”

  “We’ve both been busy lately, you with handling the major changes at your job and me getting over the busy registration season. Plus I’m taking a class—creative writing. I like it a lot.”

  “And how’s that going?”

  “Pretty good, actually. I’ve written a few short stories and I’ve found I like it as much as writing poetry.”

  “You’ve always had a way with words. I wondered why you didn’t pursue writing more seriously.”

  Sadie shrugged. “I never thought I’d be good at it. It’s a hobby at best and I’m having fun with it.”

  “But you loved storytelling. I remember when you were little and you’d make up these elaborate fairytales for Thorn. They made him so happy.”

  A brief smile touched her lips as she remembered their brother Thorn who’d passed away five years ago. She still missed him, his smile, his laugh and his capacity to love without conditions. “Thorn was easy to please.”

  “You certainly had my attention too. You have the potential to be as good as any other author out there. You wouldn’t believe some of the crap I’ve read recently.”

  “You’re being kind. I’m just a dabbler at best.”

  Lily shook her head. “That’s where you’re wrong. I think your biggest problem is self-confidence. You let that woman get into your head and it really messed you up.”

  Sadie sighed. “That woman happens to be your mother too and yes, she’s said some hurtful things, but this last year I’ve gotten a chance to know me and what I’m worth as a person. Her words can no longer touch me. Maybe you, Rose and Daisy should learn to let go too.”

  Lily pursed her lips. “Don’t get started on that again. You most of all should resent the hell out of how she used you when you could have gone to college and gotten from under her thumb.”

  “I don’t regret my time with Thorn. Besides, if I hadn’t stayed behind, who would have taken care of him? If I could have, I would have taken him with me and moved out of state, but she wouldn’t let me. Mom didn’t want to relinquish custody of him because she would have lost the disability check she received on his behalf.”

  “You should have told us what was going on and we would have stepped in. We thought….”Lily reached across the table and took her hand. “I wish you would have put us in the picture, but that’s really no excuse. I should have checked in more and supported you. I wasn’t mature enough to put aside my differences with Jackie--”

  “Mom. Say it. It won’t kill you.”

  Lily rolled her eyes and continued on as if Sadie hadn’t said anything. “That woman was never a mother to me nor does she deserve the title. But I’m not laying all the blame at her feet. I haven’t been a good sister. I should have been there for you and Thorn, we all should have.”

  Sadie squeezed the hand holding hers. “You’ve been a great sister. Don’t beat yourself up over it. I didn’t contact you three because I knew you’d drop everything and come running. That isn’t what I wanted. You were all doing so well in your careers, doing what you loved. How could I take that away from you?”

  “So instead you took the entire burden on your shoulders. That doesn’t exactly make me feel any better.”

  “Stop it. Things worked out the way they should have. Thorn is in a better place where he’s no longer in pain. You’re head of your department now, Rose is probably one of the most recognizable faces in the world and Daisy is getting paid to argue.” Sadie laughed. “Remember when we were kids she used to have mock trials where she’d be the prosecutor and defense attorney and one of us had to play the criminal?”

  Lily laughed. “Yep. Now she gets paid the big bucks to be annoying.”

  Sadie grinned. “You’re too much, girl.”

  “Well, it’s true. Surviving the Jackie Flowers experience has made us all head cases. You’re a better person than me, for keeping in contact with her.”

  Sadie shrugged. “Like I said, she’s still our mother. And to be quite honest, I feel sorry for her more than anything. She’s a lonely bitter woman who was used to getting everything because of her looks. Now they’re going away, she has nothing. Dad and Thorn are dea
d, you, Rose and Daisy won’t even talk to her. I honestly don’t think she even has any real friends. I mean, there’s a few ladies she gossips with, but the way she talks behind their backs makes me think she doesn’t care for them very much. She’s to be pitied.”

  “I wish I could be as charitable as you. You have a big heart, hon.”

  “I realized it takes too much energy to hate anyone. I don’t even hate Terrell or Jordan for what they’ve done. We simply weren’t meant to be. Terrell called me by the way.”

  Lily released Sadie’s hand and crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “Tell me you’re not talking to that dickhead again.”

  “I said, I don’t hate him, not that I’m stupid. I’ve learned my lesson on that front. I don’t know what he wants and I don’t intend on calling him back to find out.”

  “How did he get your number?”

  “Mom gave it to him.”

  Lily rolled her eyes. “Figures. She won’t stop until everyone is as miserable as her.”

  Sadie groaned. “Let’s not start that up again. As for Terrell, I should have known better than to get involved with him in the first place. He must have seen sucker written on my forehead from the beginning. I mean why else would a guy who looked like him want anything permanent with me?”

  “Would you not get on that tangent again? You’re gorgeous, sweet, and you have the biggest heart of anyone I know.”

  “You have to say that because we’re sisters.”

  “I never say anything I don’t mean. And I’ll give it to you that Terrell is a good looking man, but I pegged him for being a tool from the very beginning. I just wish it hadn’t taken so long for you to figure that out or find out the way you did.”

  “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

  “You seemed so happy, I didn’t have the heart. Besides, I’m not sure if you would have listened. You didn’t listen when I told you about Jordan so I figured you’d eventually see through Terrell’s bullshit. He had you wrapped around his finger so tightly, I was scared if I did say something it would cause a rift between us. Daisy and Rose felt the same way.”

  How crushing it was to find out that everyone had seen through Terrell’s smile and bedroom eyes while she’d had her head in the clouds. “I must have looked pretty stupid.”

  “No one knew he was still sleeping with his child’s mother but he talked down to you and you seemed to jump whenever he called your name. I wanted to throw up whenever I saw you two together.”

  “I didn’t realize how much I’d sacrificed for him until it was over. But you know how I am. I’m very cautious with my heart and when I give it, I love so hard and deep. Terrell said all the right things, did all the right things. There was a sweet side of him he hid when everyone else was around. That’s what I fell in love with.”

  “And he took advantage of your kindness and loyalty because he’s an asshole, not because he’s a good-looking guy. Don’t judge all men based on what one idiot did to you. Well, two if you count Jordan but I don’t count that overgrown mama’s boy as a man.”

  Sadie’s response was stalled by the appearance of their server bringing their starters. Once their orders were placed, she briefly contemplated what her sister had said. Even though Jordan had hurt her what she’d felt for Terrell was much deeper. It wasn’t that she was basing her entire opinion about gorgeous men on her experience with Terrell. She’d dealt with it most of her life. The only time drop dead gorgeous guys wanted anything to do with her was because they were using her for something: either for the answers to a quiz, a tutor or to get closer to one of her sisters. It was enough for anyone to develop a complex.

  Nope. She’d definitely learned her lesson and when she gave her heart again, it would be to a man in her own league….without children. The having no kids part was just as important. Terrell’s betrayal had hurt doubly because Sadie had developed feelings for his child. She’d been prepared to raise Malia as her own and not being in that little girl’s life fucking hurt. No more hotties, and no more baby mama drama. And definitely no Rhys Edwards.

  After that first encounter she believed it would be the last she saw of him, but to her surprise, he’d come by her office today to ask her out for lunch. What could he possibly want from her? Not that it mattered. He was off limits.

  “A penny for them,” Lily broke into her silent musings.

  Sadie shook her head to rid herself of the memories. “Huh?”

  “What were you just thinking about? I lost you for a minute.”

  “Nothing really, it’s just…” Should she tell her sister about Rhys?

  “It’s just what?”

  Sadie took a long sip from her water glass before answering. “There’s this guy at my job, a professor. He returned my poetry notebook I’d left in his classroom. I’d gone to his lecture by mistake but apparently, he remembered me. He came by my office today and asked me out.”

  “And what was your answer?”

  “No, of course. He’s….gorgeous for lack of a better word.”

  “And you turned him down, why?”

  “He’s also white.”

  Lily shrugged. “You make it sound like that should be a deal breaker. It doesn’t matter the color as long as he’s a good man. I never thought stuff like that mattered to you.”

  “It doesn’t, it’s just….he seems like the kind of guy who’d have a willowy blond or an exotic redhead on his arm. He works in a different department than I do so I can’t quite figure out what his angle is yet.”

  “Did it ever occur to you that he wants to get to know you better? That he’s interested in you as a woman?”

  Sadie snorted. “I doubt it. You should see this guy. I can’t even think of a description to adequately describe him because he’s so…wow.”

  Lily grinned. “He must be something else.”

  “I’ll say. But like I said, he’s not for me. He’ll probably lose interest within the next few days as soon as a tall leggy blonde walks his way. I don’t want to talk about this anymore, it’s pointless because nothing will come from it.” Even though the words had come out of her mouth, it still hurt her to say them. That a practical stranger could provoke these feelings within her only reinforced her resolve.

  “I’ll drop it if that’s what you want but for someone who claims to have moved on with their life, you have an awful lot of hang-ups.”

  * * *

  Rhys ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. Damn if that woman hadn’t gotten under his skin. He couldn’t stop thinking about her, that voluptuous frame her warm smile, the way her eyes lit up when she was pleased about something and her cute giggle.

  After the first time they’d talked, it had taken him a few days to gather up his courage to seek her out again. He might have left well enough alone since she’d seemed to be in a hurry to get away from him, but for one brief moment, a certain look had flashed in her eyes. She was attracted to him, and it was for that look he’d clung to hope.

  He’d peeked into her office and had seen she was on the phone. A smile had curved her sensually full lips to reveal a slight gap in the middle of her two front teeth. Rhys thought it was utterly enchanting. And then a twinge of jealousy shot through him. Who was on the other end of the line that had put that adorable grin on her face? He felt like a creep for eavesdropping but relief hit him when he realized she was talking to a woman. That relief, however, didn’t last when she’d turned him down flat. He politely took no for an answer that time around but he’d ask again. Something told him Sadie Flowers was definitely worth pursuing.

  She wasn’t the type he normally dated. For some reason, he seemed to attract model type women who were more into themselves and material possessions like his ex-wife than in building meaningful relationships. Or women who were as his daughter called them, bimbos. Was it some kind of vibe he sent out or was there a big neon sign over his head that read women with narcissistic tendencies and gold diggers welcome? He’d given up on dating for a
while to focus on his job and being a good father. And he knew if he ever did start dating again, it would be to a woman who he not only found attractive but was warm and genuine. He sensed that in Sadie.

  She would be his friend, the perfect companion, lover and she’d be good to his daughter. He hoped the two of them would get along. God, he hoped so because he believed he’d finally found his dream woman.

  Chapter Three

  The third time had to be a charm. He felt in his pocket for his lucky coin and breathed a sigh of relief to find it still nestled in the corner. Surely, she couldn’t turn him down now. Rhys waited outside of the English building. Sadie’s class should be getting out soon and when it did, he’d be waiting. Hopefully, she wouldn’t think he was some kind of psycho stalker.

  Rhys questioned what the hell he was doing. He’d never pursued a woman this actively before but there was something about Sadie that told him not to give up. He glanced at his watch in anticipation. Her class should have gotten out a few minutes ago. What was taking her so long?

  Panic struck him. What if she’d skipped class today? Damn, he hadn’t considered that. Taking a seat on the bench he shifted nervously. After another fifteen minutes passed, he was just about to lose hope when he spotted her. He stood with a smile tugging the corners of his mouth.

  She looked absolutely stunning. Dressed simply in a pair of dark high-waisted trousers with a wide belt and a pink top that clung to her full breasts, she took his breath away. Her braided hair was pulled into a messy bun that rested at the nape of her neck and she wore hoop earrings that framed her face. She didn’t wear too much makeup which he liked. In all her simplicity he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her.

  Rhys knew the exact second when she realized he was watching her when she halted in her tracks. He walked toward her, tempted to pull her into his arms and press his mouth against the lips that had been haunting his dreams for days. “Sadie…”