Spencer nudged the toe of her shoe with his to get her attention and quietly said, “I didn’t take you for the sadistic type, baby.”
She choked on her bite of guacamole salad and then giggled because she knew what he was referring to. “Me? Sadistic? Never.” She wanted to fall over laughing but contained her playfulness because of their audience.
“You knew I was coming to see you today when you put on that catsuit.”
The thought had filled her with pleasure as she’d slipped it on that morning before putting on her conservative black skirt and the lightweight leopard-print blouse. The lace edge of the catsuit peeked up over the neckline of the top. “It was on the cool side this morning and I needed an extra layer underneath. And yes, I put it on because I knew you were coming, Spencer.”
“I like it. We’ve made another adjustment in the work schedule and I’ll be home with Heath tonight. Will you come over and model it for us?”
Warmth filled her. “If you’d like.” She bit her lip as she imagined it while poking at her food.
“I know that look. You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” he murmured as he leaned closer. “It’s making me hot, too.”
She glanced around her as her cheeks filled with heat and then nodded at him. “I’ll bring the kitty ears and the tail with me. Rowr.”
Spencer choked on his sweet tea.
“Maizy?”
She looked up and groaned inwardly as Chaz Edwards stood beside her at the end of the lunch table. “Chaz, I think you know my fiancé, Spencer Ketchum.”
Chaz turned his close-set eyes on Spencer and squinted. “We’ve met?”
Because she knew him well, Maizy noted the slight smile on Spencer’s lips as he rose from his chair, towering over Chaz, and held out his hand. His smile didn’t reach his eyes as he said, “On a regular basis at the Twisted Bull, Mr. Edwards.”
Chaz gulped and nodded. “Right. Good to see you again, Ketchum.” Chaz did a double take and turned to Maizy. “Your fiancé?”
Spencer’s eyelids flickered for a split second before he spoke. “You say that as though it surprises you, Edwards. I was fortunate Maizy said yes when I asked her. Any man would be lucky to have her.”
Chaz smirked and Maizy froze, knowing what was coming next. “I just hope her hobby doesn’t get in the way of your relationship, like it did with—”
“Actually, her hobby is one of the things I love about her. I’m not threatened by her leisurely pursuits in the least, Edwards. I think your loss was my gain. Good to see you outside of the nightclub.” Spencer took his seat again, subtle dismissal evident in his slightly raised eyebrow as he gazed at Chaz.
With a curt smile, Chaz looked at Maizy. “Congratulations, Maizy. I wish you both the best.” There was no sincerity in his tone but she appreciated that he knew when to back off as he walked away. Chaz was the kind of man who liked to have the last word but she didn’t think he looked very satisfied as he slunk away.
She reached out and stroked Spencer’s hand, and when he looked at her, she whispered, “Thank you.”
He grinned at her and winked. “His loss, my gain.”
After lunch, Maizy was walking her students in an orderly row back to the classroom when Mrs. Dumphrey suddenly appeared from around the corner. In an imperious voice, she said, “Miss Owen, would you please come to the staff meeting room during your conference period?”
Pausing for a moment, Maizy nodded her head and smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”
“See you then, Miss Owen,” Mrs. Dumphrey said with a firm nod and walked away.
Maizy got her class moving again and took slow deep breaths and released them, trying to slow her rapid heart rate. Is this it? She thought about calling the bears but there was no point if she didn’t know what Mrs. Dumphrey wanted to say. Besides, she told herself, she was a big girl and she could handle whatever happened.
By the time two thirty rolled around and her volunteer took the class to physical education, she was a nervous wreck. She straightened her attire and made the short walk down the hall to the staff meeting room. As if it was setting the mood on cue, the wind howled outside and rain suddenly began falling in a torrent against the building.
When she walked in, Mrs. Dumphrey was already seated at the head of the conference table. Next to Mrs. Dumphrey sat Mr. Ambrose. The principal tugged at his bow tie as they made eye contact. There was sweat on his brow and he looked agitated. She didn’t see judgment in his eyes but her heart still lurched. Mrs. Dumphrey said, “Please take a seat, Miss Owen.”