Out of Left Field
Chapter Three
Scarlett ambled down the empty sidewalk, the sun beating down on her. It was a quiet Saturday morning, too early for the residents to descend upon the small town and she couldn’t be happier. Scarlett had had the worst fortnight of school. Between her cousins, the Falcon’s and Mister Baker she wondered how she’d survived. Then again she did what she always did – pretend everything was fine. Pretend that she never played on the baseball team and pretend that she didn’t have wicked dreams about her teacher. Scarlett hadn’t expected the dreams to get worse but they had.
Every night she’d dreamt about having Mister Baker’s roughened hands gliding over her heated flesh, his sinfully sexy mouth on her pussy and his cock – oh lord had she dreamt about him slamming home with one hard thrust after another. It was wrong to have those dreams, she knew that but she just couldn’t help herself.
Scarlett found herself looking through the window of a small store that had intricate silver necklaces and bangles on display. Every item was beautiful but only one thing caught her eye, a delicate silver necklace that had a small baseball glove hanging from the chain and one lone pearl as the ball. It was lovely and Scarlett wanted that for herself as a keepsake for all the times her and her daddy had spent out in the field. With one last look at the necklace Scarlett continued until she reached one of her favorite stores. The only store that was open at this early hour.
‘DeeAnn Mae’s Pie Shop’
The store sign always made Scarlett chuckle. She could fair see her second eldest cousins face scowl at the sign. DeeAnn’s hatred to being centre of attention was why it always made her laugh, just like it always had even when she was a little girl and her parents brought her here for vacation. The bell rang loudly as she pushed the door open. The store was small in comparison to a café but anyone who wanted pie and coffee came to this shop and Scarlett was no different.
The robust woman with the same dark brown hair as herself and the same brown eyes smiled as she saw Scarlett, moments before she waltz around the counter and engulfed her in a hearty hug.
“Aunt Mae!” Scarlett managed to gasp out before she was thrust at arm’s length. “Lord I thought for sure y’all was tryin’ to suffocate me.” Scarlett laughed as she looked at her momma’s eldest sister.
“Now, now shug,” Aunt Mae chuckled. “Y’all know your momma wouldn’t take too kindly to that.” She continued as she ushered Scarlett into a window seat. “Now you just sit tight whilst I fix you a plate.” Aunt Mae smiled before disappearing through the archway and into the kitchen.
This was what Scarlett liked, no matter how many times she saw her Aunt’s they all greeted her as if they hadn’t seen her in an age and no matter how many times Scarlett tried to say she only wanted coffee they never listened forcing her plates filled with different pies, cakes, bun and biscuits. And one thing Scarlett knew was that if she didn’t practice she would be the size of a healthy bull in no time.
Scarlett heard the bell chime and glanced out of the corner of her eye to see Zack stroll in, looking mighty fine with his tattoos on display in a simple white t-shirt but she also couldn’t help notice that his limp was more pronounced than what it had been and watching him now made her want to make sure he was okay.
“Mornin’ Mister Baker.” Scarlett called from her seat by the window. Zack was startled but the moment that those piercing green eyes landed on her Scarlett wasn’t sure whether he was in pain or annoyed. And she couldn’t help but think that it was all her fault.
“Morning Miss Reed.” Zack greeted as he limped over to her and Scarlett felt her face turn crimson at his intense gaze. Scarlett gestured to the empty seat opposite. With a scowl that Scarlett was certain was aimed at her he begrudgingly eased himself down onto the empty seat.
Scarlett couldn’t help but smile a big, warm smile. She was elated that he’d joined her as she was more than certain he wouldn’t want to be near her. Like at school, she was certain Zack couldn’t wait for her to leave his classroom mainly because as the bell rang he let out a loud, relieved sigh. But despite that Zack’s presence was infectious and she found herself wanting to be around him. It was such a shame the same couldn’t be said for Zack.
Zack looked around the quaint little store. The walls were a rich oak wood and the counter was a gleaming white marble and there were a few small round tables scattered around and every one of them held a single red rose in a thin glass vase in the middle of the table. There were no menus but behind the counter there was a blackboard that told patrons of the day’s specials. It was a nice little store and it was the only pie/coffee house on Main Street.
Zack hadn’t planned on coming into the store, in fact even though it was early morning and he’d been resting his leg all night it was pounding with pain and all he wanted was to find the nearest drugs store before wallowing once again. But the moment he noticed Scarlett sitting by herself he just couldn’t help himself. Of course he knew it was wrong, he was thirteen years her senior and her teacher. But he was also a man – albeit not a whole man – but a man who wanted to bathe in her sensual flowery scent and who didn’t think too much about how wrong his reactions to her were.
Zack was surprised that she’d greeted him this morning, especially with the way he’d treated her over the last couple of weeks. Like when she’d handed in her essay on Prevention of Injury, he’d no more than glanced at it before throwing it back at her and demanding that she do better. Or when his senior baseball team was practicing and he’d seen her watching her cousins with pride, Zack had almost acted like a rabid pit bull, shouting and cussing at her until she left with tears in her eyes. That was only a few days ago and Zack had felt like shit, so much so that he tracked down a bar and almost began drinking himself into oblivion. But however unorthodox his feelings towards Scarlett were he didn’t go into that bar for one simple reason – he never wanted her to see him like that – like the drunk he used to be.
“What’s –“ Scarlett’s sentence was cut short when Aunt Mae returned with a platter of freshly baked pies with various fillings and a large mug of coffee.
“Here you are shug.” Aunt Mae beamed moments before noticing Zack. “Oh my how rude.” She gasps making Scarlett roll her eyes and laugh. “Where are my manners? What would you like, darlin’?” Aunt Mae rushed out as she became flustered. A rarity in itself but like all southern women they prided themselves on being the finest hostess and with Aunt Mae missing Zack’s arrival she became flustered.
Zack looked at Scarlett for a second with wide eyes before she rescued him from Aunt Mae. And lord knows he needs rescuing.
“Aunt Mae this is Zack – the Yankee.” She clarified as she knew he’d been the talk of the town. “We’ll just have another coffee please.” Scarlett smiled at her Aunt as she bustled back into the kitchen.
“Whoa!” Zack breathed as he turned back to Scarlett. “Is that really your Aunt or is it like a Southern thing?” Scarlett laughed loudly throwing her head back. And Zack enjoyed hearing her cute laugh.
“No, she really is my Aunt.” Scarlett managed to breathe out in between snorts of dying laughter. “So what brings you to Darla Mae’s?” She asked as her delicate hands wrapped themselves around the coffee mug. But Zack tried his damn hardest not to picture those hands wrapping around something else.
“Coffee.” Zack answered whilst his large tattooed hand reached for the piece of cherry pie. Scarlett without thinking slapped his hand away. Zack slowly looked at her, his eyes wide and his mouth agape.
“Did you just slap me?” he asked in utter disbelief.
“My pie.” Scarlett shrugged and muttered into the mug of coffee moments before she took a sip.
Scarlett couldn’t believe that she slapped him and she knew she was blushing. Scarlett expected him to begin shouting, she expected him to scowl at her like he had done almost constantly over the last few weeks. But when Zack’s laugh rung out loudly through the small store she couldn’t help her own laughter spill out.
Scarlett didn’t know how long they had sat eating pie, drinking coffee and talking. Talking about everything from why she moved to Sunnyville to exactly how many Aunts’ she had in the small town. Scarlett thought that she was talking about herself too much, thought that he was bored but every time she asked him questions he didn’t answer directly but ended up flipping her question back at her. She didn’t mind too much but she did want to know him better, especially since her body had no shame in reacting to his presence and the slightest touch of his hand against hers as they both reached for the last piece of pie. His fingers brushed lightly against hers in an innocent touch and Scarlett’s belly muscles clenched and her pulse spiked moments before she felt the heat creeping up her throat before settling on her cheeks. Lord did she feel pathetic.
Zack smiled as he felt gooseflesh breakout over his skin from the simple touch. He wanted to brush his fingertips across her flushed cheek just to see if it was as hot as it looked, but the curious gaze from her Aunt stopped him from doing so. And just like that he remembered that he was her teacher and that they shouldn’t be sat here sharing pie, but the selfish part of his brain reared up and he found himself wanting to spend more time with her.
“Want to get out of here?” Zack asked as he reached for his wallet.
He didn’t want to admit that his heart was beating hard against his ribcage, like someone playing the bongo drums from the simple question – but it was. And how could it not? It was the first time since the accident and since Gena left that he was asking a girl to spend more time with him for no other reason than she wanted to. And before the darker part of his mind reared its ugly head, relief flooded his system as he caught Scarlett nodding shyly before grabbing her purse. Zack threw a couple of bills on the table before rushing to open the store door for Scarlett, making her blush again much to his delight.
“Would you like a lift home Scarlett?” Zack asked as they strolled down Main Street breaking the silence that they had fallen into.
“If you’ve nothin’ better to do.” Scarlett spoke quietly. “Would y’all like to go the creek?” she continued just as quietly whilst playing with her fingers. Zack smiled at her shyness as they walked towards his newly acquired truck.
The drive was slow and silent for the most part until she began directing him through winding dirt tracks. Scarlett wanted to ask him about his limp but she also didn’t want to upset him. She couldn’t help but wonder if he’d been in some sort of road traffic accident, after all his driving was on the cautious side. Or was he born that way? Scarlett didn’t know. But what she did know was that she wanted to find out.
“Zack,” she spoke timidly into the quietness. Zack glanced at her before returning his eyes to the road; she took that as a signal to continue. “Were you in a car accident?” The moment the words were out of her mouth Scarlett wished she hadn’t asked and wished that she could take them back.
Zack’s eyes became hard and cold and his face turned into a mask of anger and pain. Scarlett shied away from him. She expected him to begin shouting, expected him to spin the truck around and head on home but he didn’t. Instead he continued up the winding dirt road with plumes of dust swirling around the truck’s cab. She heard him grind his teeth together and saw his knuckles turn white from his grip on the steering wheel and Scarlett couldn’t stand the silence that stretched out between them and most importantly couldn’t stand to see the pain on his face.
“I’m sorry.” Scarlett’s voice was soft and her eyes were downcast.
“It’s alright.” Zack replied after long moments of silence. He’d regained his composure, reined in the anger and bitterness he felt every time someone mentioned his bum leg. “But I’d rather not talk about it.” With that he smiled at Scarlett and even more so when she reached a shaking hand towards his thigh before gently rubbing small circles through his Wranglers.
It was his bad leg and the last thing Scarlett wanted to do was inflict physical pain on the one man who she had begun to care about a lot more than she should.
The moment they reached the creek Zack slammed his foot on the break and cut the engine. He had to create some space between himself and Scarlett before he gripped the back of her neck and smashed their lips together. He jumped out of the truck without a second thought, until he felt the suction loosen. He couldn’t believe that he’d forgotten, he never had in the past ten years but just one morning with the delectable Scarlett and he was thinking that he was a real man.
Cussing like a sailor as his leg gave way making him lose his balance. It happened quickly, one minute his tattooed fingers were scrambling for purchase and the next he was in a crumpled heap clutching his throbbing thigh. Pain surged through his limb and tears pricked his eyes. He didn’t want Scarlett to see his weakness nor did he want her to see him adjust himself. It was more embarrassment than he could endure at the moment. But it was too late she was knelt at the side of him, reaching for him.
“Get away from me!” Zack snapped as he yanked his arm out of her grasp.
Scarlett was shocked at his outburst and a little hurt but she was also angry that he’d yelled and pushed her away, again. And Zack was about to see just how cranky she could get. Scarlett gripped his arm tightly once again but before Zack could yank it away or say anything she was in his face, nose to nose.
“Now y’all listen up,” she spoke fiercely quiet. “I don’t care if you don’t want my help; I don’t care if you’re embarrassed but never push me away like that again. Got that Yankee?” she continued before scooting back a little.
She knew that she’d shocked Zack but he had to know that he’d hurt her feelings. It hurt more than it actually should have considering how long she’d known Zack but there’s just something about him that makes her feel complete when she’s with him.
Like he’d ever want a little girl like you? He could have any woman he wants, so why would he pick you?
“What do I need to do?” she asked once she’d calmed down.
Long moments passed and Scarlett was sure he wasn’t going to answer her. But Scarlett couldn’t leave him at the creek alone and even though she was beginning to get cramp in her calves from squatting. She didn’t change her position; she would just have to endure it until Zack answered her.
“You’re going to sit here all night, aren’t you?” Zack muttered like a sullen teenager which made Scarlett chuckle. Zack caught the nod and the laugh. Is she laughing at me? he thought. Wouldn’t be the first time.He just wanted this to be over, for him to drive her home and for her to leave him but most of all for her to stop laughing at him. “Sticks are in the trunk.” He muttered again throwing the keys at her.
Scarlet was confused. She didn’t understand why he needed sticks nor did she understand why he wouldn’t let her help him off of the floor. With a heavy sigh Scarlett pulled the metal crutches from the trunk before handing them to him. But as she went to help him, Zack’s words stopped her in her tracks.
“Scarlett don’t, okay.” His voice was ice cold. “Just don’t, you’ve done enough for one day.” Tears pricked at Scarlett’s eyes, not from his words but from the cold, blank stare he gave her. “Go away!” Zack yelled the last part making her flinch.
Zack thought she would leave him but she didn’t. She just looked at him with her watery brown eyes and he felt horrible for speaking to her that way. But never before had he been this embarrassed, this ashamed of himself. He wasn’t being fair to Scarlett, she deserved so much better than him.
“I’m not goin’ to leave y’all alone.” Scarlett spoke after the silence stretched out between them. “So y’all just let me help.” And with that Scarlett’s fingers reached for the button and zipper of his Wranglers with steely determination.
Before Zack could protest, before he could try and scramble away she had his pants open and past his hips, exposing him to her. Exposing the one thing he’s ashamed of. He felt the blood whooshing through his veins painfully, felt his pulse spike and pound in his ears and felt tears prick his eyes. But as long as he was going to endure her seeing him like this, he would not let her see him cry like a fucking baby.
The moment Scarlett exposed the light blue, hip high toweling sock her breath escaped her in a gasp. She knew what it was, knew the reason for him wearing it and understood perfectly why he’d tried to push her away and not just today but every time she tried to get close to him – it all made perfect sense. And the moment she made eye contact with Zack and saw the vulnerability he freely expressed Scarlett’s heart melted.
As she launched herself at him and circled her arms around his neck she forgot that he was thirteen years older than her and forgot that he was her teacher. It took Zack a few moments to respond. Then one large hand gently cupped her cheek and the other gripped her hip. They didn’t break eye contact. Scarlett pressed her chest to his until their mouths were a breath apart. Scarlett brushed her lips against his, a fleeting touch of flesh. The second pass was more leisurely. The third she’d intended on leaving her mouth pressed to his just to see if he’d kiss back but Zack beat her to it.
He snaked his tongue out and swiped once across the seam of her lips. She gasped and his sinfully wicked tongue delved into her mouth. Zack angled her head for better access and then his tongue was exploring the deepest, darkest parts of her mouth, twining his tongue with hers and sliding his lips against hers. Zack’s hand seared across the small of Scarlett’s exposed back moments before he pulled her closer, mashing their pelvises together. He’d forgotten about the throbbing pain in his thigh as he felt the heat from her denim covered sex against the dark exposed boxer shorts. Lust swept up from his tight balls and his erection sought out for the warm, wet cavern that was Scarlett’s pussy. But he had to stop, had to pull away from this kiss before he lost all of his senses and before he stripped her bare ass naked.
“Scarlett.” He groaned as he pulled her succulent mouth away from his. Their harsh breaths mingling as he dropped his forehead against hers. “We can’t do this.”
“Why?” she whispered. “Didn’t y’all like it?” she asked, her voice unsure.
“More than I should of, Scar.” Zack uncoiled her arms from his neck and gently sat her beside him before righting his prosthetic limb. “I should really get you home.”
And with that he gingerly got back onto his feet and into the truck, throwing his crutches onto the back seat whilst Scarlett slowly eased herself into the truck.
Every night she’d dreamt about having Mister Baker’s roughened hands gliding over her heated flesh, his sinfully sexy mouth on her pussy and his cock – oh lord had she dreamt about him slamming home with one hard thrust after another. It was wrong to have those dreams, she knew that but she just couldn’t help herself.
Scarlett found herself looking through the window of a small store that had intricate silver necklaces and bangles on display. Every item was beautiful but only one thing caught her eye, a delicate silver necklace that had a small baseball glove hanging from the chain and one lone pearl as the ball. It was lovely and Scarlett wanted that for herself as a keepsake for all the times her and her daddy had spent out in the field. With one last look at the necklace Scarlett continued until she reached one of her favorite stores. The only store that was open at this early hour.
‘DeeAnn Mae’s Pie Shop’
The store sign always made Scarlett chuckle. She could fair see her second eldest cousins face scowl at the sign. DeeAnn’s hatred to being centre of attention was why it always made her laugh, just like it always had even when she was a little girl and her parents brought her here for vacation. The bell rang loudly as she pushed the door open. The store was small in comparison to a café but anyone who wanted pie and coffee came to this shop and Scarlett was no different.
The robust woman with the same dark brown hair as herself and the same brown eyes smiled as she saw Scarlett, moments before she waltz around the counter and engulfed her in a hearty hug.
“Aunt Mae!” Scarlett managed to gasp out before she was thrust at arm’s length. “Lord I thought for sure y’all was tryin’ to suffocate me.” Scarlett laughed as she looked at her momma’s eldest sister.
“Now, now shug,” Aunt Mae chuckled. “Y’all know your momma wouldn’t take too kindly to that.” She continued as she ushered Scarlett into a window seat. “Now you just sit tight whilst I fix you a plate.” Aunt Mae smiled before disappearing through the archway and into the kitchen.
This was what Scarlett liked, no matter how many times she saw her Aunt’s they all greeted her as if they hadn’t seen her in an age and no matter how many times Scarlett tried to say she only wanted coffee they never listened forcing her plates filled with different pies, cakes, bun and biscuits. And one thing Scarlett knew was that if she didn’t practice she would be the size of a healthy bull in no time.
Scarlett heard the bell chime and glanced out of the corner of her eye to see Zack stroll in, looking mighty fine with his tattoos on display in a simple white t-shirt but she also couldn’t help notice that his limp was more pronounced than what it had been and watching him now made her want to make sure he was okay.
“Mornin’ Mister Baker.” Scarlett called from her seat by the window. Zack was startled but the moment that those piercing green eyes landed on her Scarlett wasn’t sure whether he was in pain or annoyed. And she couldn’t help but think that it was all her fault.
“Morning Miss Reed.” Zack greeted as he limped over to her and Scarlett felt her face turn crimson at his intense gaze. Scarlett gestured to the empty seat opposite. With a scowl that Scarlett was certain was aimed at her he begrudgingly eased himself down onto the empty seat.
Scarlett couldn’t help but smile a big, warm smile. She was elated that he’d joined her as she was more than certain he wouldn’t want to be near her. Like at school, she was certain Zack couldn’t wait for her to leave his classroom mainly because as the bell rang he let out a loud, relieved sigh. But despite that Zack’s presence was infectious and she found herself wanting to be around him. It was such a shame the same couldn’t be said for Zack.
Zack looked around the quaint little store. The walls were a rich oak wood and the counter was a gleaming white marble and there were a few small round tables scattered around and every one of them held a single red rose in a thin glass vase in the middle of the table. There were no menus but behind the counter there was a blackboard that told patrons of the day’s specials. It was a nice little store and it was the only pie/coffee house on Main Street.
Zack hadn’t planned on coming into the store, in fact even though it was early morning and he’d been resting his leg all night it was pounding with pain and all he wanted was to find the nearest drugs store before wallowing once again. But the moment he noticed Scarlett sitting by herself he just couldn’t help himself. Of course he knew it was wrong, he was thirteen years her senior and her teacher. But he was also a man – albeit not a whole man – but a man who wanted to bathe in her sensual flowery scent and who didn’t think too much about how wrong his reactions to her were.
Zack was surprised that she’d greeted him this morning, especially with the way he’d treated her over the last couple of weeks. Like when she’d handed in her essay on Prevention of Injury, he’d no more than glanced at it before throwing it back at her and demanding that she do better. Or when his senior baseball team was practicing and he’d seen her watching her cousins with pride, Zack had almost acted like a rabid pit bull, shouting and cussing at her until she left with tears in her eyes. That was only a few days ago and Zack had felt like shit, so much so that he tracked down a bar and almost began drinking himself into oblivion. But however unorthodox his feelings towards Scarlett were he didn’t go into that bar for one simple reason – he never wanted her to see him like that – like the drunk he used to be.
“What’s –“ Scarlett’s sentence was cut short when Aunt Mae returned with a platter of freshly baked pies with various fillings and a large mug of coffee.
“Here you are shug.” Aunt Mae beamed moments before noticing Zack. “Oh my how rude.” She gasps making Scarlett roll her eyes and laugh. “Where are my manners? What would you like, darlin’?” Aunt Mae rushed out as she became flustered. A rarity in itself but like all southern women they prided themselves on being the finest hostess and with Aunt Mae missing Zack’s arrival she became flustered.
Zack looked at Scarlett for a second with wide eyes before she rescued him from Aunt Mae. And lord knows he needs rescuing.
“Aunt Mae this is Zack – the Yankee.” She clarified as she knew he’d been the talk of the town. “We’ll just have another coffee please.” Scarlett smiled at her Aunt as she bustled back into the kitchen.
“Whoa!” Zack breathed as he turned back to Scarlett. “Is that really your Aunt or is it like a Southern thing?” Scarlett laughed loudly throwing her head back. And Zack enjoyed hearing her cute laugh.
“No, she really is my Aunt.” Scarlett managed to breathe out in between snorts of dying laughter. “So what brings you to Darla Mae’s?” She asked as her delicate hands wrapped themselves around the coffee mug. But Zack tried his damn hardest not to picture those hands wrapping around something else.
“Coffee.” Zack answered whilst his large tattooed hand reached for the piece of cherry pie. Scarlett without thinking slapped his hand away. Zack slowly looked at her, his eyes wide and his mouth agape.
“Did you just slap me?” he asked in utter disbelief.
“My pie.” Scarlett shrugged and muttered into the mug of coffee moments before she took a sip.
Scarlett couldn’t believe that she slapped him and she knew she was blushing. Scarlett expected him to begin shouting, she expected him to scowl at her like he had done almost constantly over the last few weeks. But when Zack’s laugh rung out loudly through the small store she couldn’t help her own laughter spill out.
Scarlett didn’t know how long they had sat eating pie, drinking coffee and talking. Talking about everything from why she moved to Sunnyville to exactly how many Aunts’ she had in the small town. Scarlett thought that she was talking about herself too much, thought that he was bored but every time she asked him questions he didn’t answer directly but ended up flipping her question back at her. She didn’t mind too much but she did want to know him better, especially since her body had no shame in reacting to his presence and the slightest touch of his hand against hers as they both reached for the last piece of pie. His fingers brushed lightly against hers in an innocent touch and Scarlett’s belly muscles clenched and her pulse spiked moments before she felt the heat creeping up her throat before settling on her cheeks. Lord did she feel pathetic.
Zack smiled as he felt gooseflesh breakout over his skin from the simple touch. He wanted to brush his fingertips across her flushed cheek just to see if it was as hot as it looked, but the curious gaze from her Aunt stopped him from doing so. And just like that he remembered that he was her teacher and that they shouldn’t be sat here sharing pie, but the selfish part of his brain reared up and he found himself wanting to spend more time with her.
“Want to get out of here?” Zack asked as he reached for his wallet.
He didn’t want to admit that his heart was beating hard against his ribcage, like someone playing the bongo drums from the simple question – but it was. And how could it not? It was the first time since the accident and since Gena left that he was asking a girl to spend more time with him for no other reason than she wanted to. And before the darker part of his mind reared its ugly head, relief flooded his system as he caught Scarlett nodding shyly before grabbing her purse. Zack threw a couple of bills on the table before rushing to open the store door for Scarlett, making her blush again much to his delight.
“Would you like a lift home Scarlett?” Zack asked as they strolled down Main Street breaking the silence that they had fallen into.
“If you’ve nothin’ better to do.” Scarlett spoke quietly. “Would y’all like to go the creek?” she continued just as quietly whilst playing with her fingers. Zack smiled at her shyness as they walked towards his newly acquired truck.
The drive was slow and silent for the most part until she began directing him through winding dirt tracks. Scarlett wanted to ask him about his limp but she also didn’t want to upset him. She couldn’t help but wonder if he’d been in some sort of road traffic accident, after all his driving was on the cautious side. Or was he born that way? Scarlett didn’t know. But what she did know was that she wanted to find out.
“Zack,” she spoke timidly into the quietness. Zack glanced at her before returning his eyes to the road; she took that as a signal to continue. “Were you in a car accident?” The moment the words were out of her mouth Scarlett wished she hadn’t asked and wished that she could take them back.
Zack’s eyes became hard and cold and his face turned into a mask of anger and pain. Scarlett shied away from him. She expected him to begin shouting, expected him to spin the truck around and head on home but he didn’t. Instead he continued up the winding dirt road with plumes of dust swirling around the truck’s cab. She heard him grind his teeth together and saw his knuckles turn white from his grip on the steering wheel and Scarlett couldn’t stand the silence that stretched out between them and most importantly couldn’t stand to see the pain on his face.
“I’m sorry.” Scarlett’s voice was soft and her eyes were downcast.
“It’s alright.” Zack replied after long moments of silence. He’d regained his composure, reined in the anger and bitterness he felt every time someone mentioned his bum leg. “But I’d rather not talk about it.” With that he smiled at Scarlett and even more so when she reached a shaking hand towards his thigh before gently rubbing small circles through his Wranglers.
It was his bad leg and the last thing Scarlett wanted to do was inflict physical pain on the one man who she had begun to care about a lot more than she should.
The moment they reached the creek Zack slammed his foot on the break and cut the engine. He had to create some space between himself and Scarlett before he gripped the back of her neck and smashed their lips together. He jumped out of the truck without a second thought, until he felt the suction loosen. He couldn’t believe that he’d forgotten, he never had in the past ten years but just one morning with the delectable Scarlett and he was thinking that he was a real man.
Cussing like a sailor as his leg gave way making him lose his balance. It happened quickly, one minute his tattooed fingers were scrambling for purchase and the next he was in a crumpled heap clutching his throbbing thigh. Pain surged through his limb and tears pricked his eyes. He didn’t want Scarlett to see his weakness nor did he want her to see him adjust himself. It was more embarrassment than he could endure at the moment. But it was too late she was knelt at the side of him, reaching for him.
“Get away from me!” Zack snapped as he yanked his arm out of her grasp.
Scarlett was shocked at his outburst and a little hurt but she was also angry that he’d yelled and pushed her away, again. And Zack was about to see just how cranky she could get. Scarlett gripped his arm tightly once again but before Zack could yank it away or say anything she was in his face, nose to nose.
“Now y’all listen up,” she spoke fiercely quiet. “I don’t care if you don’t want my help; I don’t care if you’re embarrassed but never push me away like that again. Got that Yankee?” she continued before scooting back a little.
She knew that she’d shocked Zack but he had to know that he’d hurt her feelings. It hurt more than it actually should have considering how long she’d known Zack but there’s just something about him that makes her feel complete when she’s with him.
Like he’d ever want a little girl like you? He could have any woman he wants, so why would he pick you?
“What do I need to do?” she asked once she’d calmed down.
Long moments passed and Scarlett was sure he wasn’t going to answer her. But Scarlett couldn’t leave him at the creek alone and even though she was beginning to get cramp in her calves from squatting. She didn’t change her position; she would just have to endure it until Zack answered her.
“You’re going to sit here all night, aren’t you?” Zack muttered like a sullen teenager which made Scarlett chuckle. Zack caught the nod and the laugh. Is she laughing at me? he thought. Wouldn’t be the first time.He just wanted this to be over, for him to drive her home and for her to leave him but most of all for her to stop laughing at him. “Sticks are in the trunk.” He muttered again throwing the keys at her.
Scarlet was confused. She didn’t understand why he needed sticks nor did she understand why he wouldn’t let her help him off of the floor. With a heavy sigh Scarlett pulled the metal crutches from the trunk before handing them to him. But as she went to help him, Zack’s words stopped her in her tracks.
“Scarlett don’t, okay.” His voice was ice cold. “Just don’t, you’ve done enough for one day.” Tears pricked at Scarlett’s eyes, not from his words but from the cold, blank stare he gave her. “Go away!” Zack yelled the last part making her flinch.
Zack thought she would leave him but she didn’t. She just looked at him with her watery brown eyes and he felt horrible for speaking to her that way. But never before had he been this embarrassed, this ashamed of himself. He wasn’t being fair to Scarlett, she deserved so much better than him.
“I’m not goin’ to leave y’all alone.” Scarlett spoke after the silence stretched out between them. “So y’all just let me help.” And with that Scarlett’s fingers reached for the button and zipper of his Wranglers with steely determination.
Before Zack could protest, before he could try and scramble away she had his pants open and past his hips, exposing him to her. Exposing the one thing he’s ashamed of. He felt the blood whooshing through his veins painfully, felt his pulse spike and pound in his ears and felt tears prick his eyes. But as long as he was going to endure her seeing him like this, he would not let her see him cry like a fucking baby.
The moment Scarlett exposed the light blue, hip high toweling sock her breath escaped her in a gasp. She knew what it was, knew the reason for him wearing it and understood perfectly why he’d tried to push her away and not just today but every time she tried to get close to him – it all made perfect sense. And the moment she made eye contact with Zack and saw the vulnerability he freely expressed Scarlett’s heart melted.
As she launched herself at him and circled her arms around his neck she forgot that he was thirteen years older than her and forgot that he was her teacher. It took Zack a few moments to respond. Then one large hand gently cupped her cheek and the other gripped her hip. They didn’t break eye contact. Scarlett pressed her chest to his until their mouths were a breath apart. Scarlett brushed her lips against his, a fleeting touch of flesh. The second pass was more leisurely. The third she’d intended on leaving her mouth pressed to his just to see if he’d kiss back but Zack beat her to it.
He snaked his tongue out and swiped once across the seam of her lips. She gasped and his sinfully wicked tongue delved into her mouth. Zack angled her head for better access and then his tongue was exploring the deepest, darkest parts of her mouth, twining his tongue with hers and sliding his lips against hers. Zack’s hand seared across the small of Scarlett’s exposed back moments before he pulled her closer, mashing their pelvises together. He’d forgotten about the throbbing pain in his thigh as he felt the heat from her denim covered sex against the dark exposed boxer shorts. Lust swept up from his tight balls and his erection sought out for the warm, wet cavern that was Scarlett’s pussy. But he had to stop, had to pull away from this kiss before he lost all of his senses and before he stripped her bare ass naked.
“Scarlett.” He groaned as he pulled her succulent mouth away from his. Their harsh breaths mingling as he dropped his forehead against hers. “We can’t do this.”
“Why?” she whispered. “Didn’t y’all like it?” she asked, her voice unsure.
“More than I should of, Scar.” Zack uncoiled her arms from his neck and gently sat her beside him before righting his prosthetic limb. “I should really get you home.”
And with that he gingerly got back onto his feet and into the truck, throwing his crutches onto the back seat whilst Scarlett slowly eased herself into the truck.
I’m really sorry Harleyqn6661, there is further updates and a few more chapters over at Mibba.com.
6/23/21