Loving Liam (Cloverleaf #1)

by Gloria Herrmann

  ***

  Snow had formed into hardened, sparkling white mounds overnight, which the early-morning plows had shoved to the sides of the roads in dirty, black piles. Rachel was not impressed with the ugly sight as she drove to the school, but it wasn’t going to dampen her mood. Today, she was feeling more confident and self-assured. She’d opted for pants again, this time deep mocha slacks paired with a soft, cream-colored, cashmere sweater. Finding she had extra time this morning, because her alarm had actually gone off at the correct time, she put a little more effort into her makeup and hair. Still, she wasn’t sure why she fussed with her appearance today. She had no plans to engage in any type of personal relationship, let alone with one of the teachers. Maybe the talk with Chelsea the night before had left her feeling a little insecure. Either way, she felt great now, and after locating a parking spot near the front of the school, she got out of her car and walked inside with a sense of purpose and high hopes for the day.

  ***

  Liam

  While driving to work, Liam drummed his fingers on the steering wheel in time with the song that shouted from the radio. Feeling well rested and ready for the day, he noticed a group of Canadian geese flying in formation in the pink sky as the early-morning sun feathered its soft colors across the horizon. He pulled into the partially full parking lot of the school and zoomed toward his usual spot, only to find a silver BMW obnoxiously parked in it. Worse, the car was straddling two parking spots, making it virtually impossible for anyone to park next to it.

  He circled around the lot to another location farther away from the doors, feeling the same irritation he’d experienced when she’d cut him off that morning at Herrick’s. Now how would his mother explain this one, he wondered. Mary would probably say too much snow was covering the paint on the asphalt, and the poor lady couldn’t decide which spot to take. Liam grunted as he got out of his truck.

  “Good morning, Liam,” Karen called as he stomped into the lobby.

  “Morning,” he answered when he rounded the counter to check his mailbox.

  “Oh, did we wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? You don’t seem your usual chipper self,” Karen commented as she punched holes in several documents she had stacked in front of her.

  “I’m fine. Someone just parked in my space this morning.” He tried to hide his irritation.

  It wasn’t as though he owned the spot, but the teachers all sort of knew where everyone liked to park, and not taking someone else’s spot was an unspoken rule.

  “Oh, I see. Well, dear, it isn’t like she knew.” Karen had apparently guessed the culprit’s identity.

  “I know. It’s just that a couple days ago, I went to have breakfast with Daniel and Patrick at Herrick’s, and she pulled into the spot I was waiting for. Now, today, she hogs two whole spots,” he complained as he went through his mail.

  “Well, would you like me to ask Rachel to move?” Karen offered as the woman in question strolled past.

  “Good morning. Move what?” Rachel asked firmly with a tight, professional smile.

  Liam looked at her, noticing the softness of the cashmere sweater against her tan skin.

  “Nothing,” he replied as he gathered his papers before heading toward the teachers’ lounge next door.

  ***

  Rachel

  “Wow.” Rachel lifted her brows and frowned at Karen.

  “Oh, well, it seems you parked in Liam’s spot. The teachers sort of have this thing, where they each kind of know where the other likes to park. A lot of it is based on seniority,” Karen explained carefully.

  “Well, I’d be happy to move my car if he has such an issue with it,” Rachel offered, not understanding why Liam would make such a huge deal out of a parking spot. It wasn’t as though he had no others to choose from. Back in Newport Beach, at her old school, they were given assigned parking, but usually a parent or someone else would snag the spot, so the system didn’t do a whole lot of good.

  “He’s fine. Liam likes things to go on as they always have. He isn’t the biggest fan of change. But once he has his coffee, he will be right as rain, so don’t you worry about him,” Karen soothed as she reached for another stack of papers.

  Rachel smiled. There wasn’t a whole lot she could say to that. Maybe he was just a creature of habit. Perhaps that would explain his annoyance with her suggestions yesterday.

  A curvy brunette sashayed toward them. Rachel knew the woman was another fourth grade teacher but struggled to remember her name.

  “Good morning,” Rachel offered politely.

  The teacher flashed a perfect set of white teeth against heavily lipstick-stained lips. “Why, hello. Rachel, right?” Her voice was high as she stepped past Rachel to get to her mailbox.

  Rachel was about to answer when the teacher cut her off. “I’m Megan Patterson, fourth grade. We spoke briefly yesterday, but I’m sure it’s hard to recall all people you must’ve met already.” Adjusting her tight tweed skirt and equally tight red sweater, she continued, “So what do you think of our little school so far?”

  Restraining her irritation, Rachel offered her a warm smile. “It’s quite nice. The students are wonderful.”

  Liam was walking past them, and Rachel watched Megan as she seem to drink him in. As Liam waved and gave her one of his sexy, lazy grins, Rachel felt a pinch of jealousy.

  “Well, I better scoot off to class. I would love to get a coffee with you sometime,” Megan said as she hurried in Liam’s direction.

  Karen huffed, “I’m sure she’s anxious to get to her classroom.”

  Realizing Megan was the same teacher whose classroom was next door to Liam’s, Rachel rolled her eyes, causing Karen to let out a little laugh.

  “Good morning, ladies,” Mr. Anderson announced loudly as he entered the room.

  “Good morning,” they replied in nervous unison, worried they had gotten caught gossiping.

  ***

  Liam

  As Liam walked to his classroom, he heard the heavy tapping of heels behind him.

  “Liam, wait up,” Megan hollered as she quickened her pace.

  “Morning, Megan,” he said as he unlocked the door to his room. He then turned around to face her, feeling a tad irritated.

  “Hey, I noticed our new little principal decided to park in your spot—well, actually two spots,” Megan commented, crossing her arms across her chest and causing her cleavage to bulge a little from her snug sweater.

  “Yeah, well, like Karen said, it’s not like she knew,” Liam replied, feeling an odd need to defend Rachel, especially from Megan.

  “So I assume she came into your class yesterday too. She sure does have a lot of plans, doesn’t she?” Her tone was rich as she inched closer to Liam’s tall body. She smelled like flowers, and he wasn’t sure if it was her perfume or shampoo. He tried not to focus on the formfitting skirt that outlined her curvy hips and rear. Megan always seemed to dress for attention, and he was having to train his eyes to avoid looking into hers. That was his best bet to keep her at bay.

  “She popped in yesterday. The kids seemed to like her, though, so that’s a good thing, I suppose,” Liam answered, trying to break away from her. But she followed him into his classroom and leaned against one of the student desks. Liam could feel her chocolate-colored eyes stalking him with desire and interest, but he ignored them as he walked to his desk and busied himself with pulling out his lesson plan.

  When Megan cleared her throat, Liam looked up to find her licking her glossy, red lips and wrapping her arms around her generous chest again. “My students are so sad Mr. Anderson will be leaving.” She pouted her full bottom lip out.

  “Yeah, it was sort of surprising, yet kind of expected, you know? He was the principal when I was a kid, so it does feel a little strange that he won’t be here. But at the same time, I’m sure he’s ready to retire,” Liam said as he stood behind his large desk, waiting for her to leave. When she didn’t take the hint, he continued, “
Well, I have some last-minute things I need to do before class starts. I’ll catch up with you later.” Instantly, he regretted his words, as they had just given her ammunition to pursue him.

  “Sure, Liam. I was thinking maybe we could go over some of my lesson plans over lunch or dinner sometime. I need a little help on some of the coursework they have outlined for the state testing,” she said with a slight flare of seduction in her voice.

  Liam swallowed. “Yeah, I better get this stuff done before my kids are here.” He tried to ignore her stare as he looked at the large clock on the opposite wall.

  “Well, I’ll leave you to it. See you a little later,” Megan said as she sauntered out of his room.

  With a sigh of relief, Liam fell into his chair. Good grief, it was hard to say no to such an attractive woman, but the way she kept throwing herself at him was a huge turnoff, especially when she did it at their workplace.

  The bell rang, and students poured noisily into the classroom.

  ***

  Rachel

  Rachel spent most of the morning poring over information about her new position with Mr. Anderson and Karen. After a few hours, she was feeling as if her head were going to explode and craving a cup of coffee. Karen must have sensed her need for caffeine, because she suggested a reprieve.

  “It can be a little overwhelming, I’m sure,” Karen said as she poured some of the warm liquid into her own mug, which was emblazoned with the words World’s Best Grandma.

  Rachel wondered if she would ever have children and what her mother would be like as a grandmother. Would she be warm and loving, as Karen appeared to be, or would she continue being cool and distant, as she had always been with her daughter? Rachel hadn’t heard from Evelyn since she’d left for Washington. After sending her several text messages with no replies, she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed and sad that her mother wasn’t interested in her daughter’s new life here in Birch Valley.

  “Rachel, you doing okay, hon?” Karen asked softly, breaking Rachel away from her thoughts.

  “Yes, it’s just a lot to process. The school is run a tad differently than the charter school I came from. But you guys are doing an amazing job, and I really feel like I’m learning so much.”

  “You’ll be fine, and once that old goat is gone, you’ll find your way. I’m sure you might want to change some things or implement some of those new ideas I heard some of the teachers discussing.” Karen nodded happily as she savored her coffee.

  “You’re completely right, Karen. I’m so glad you’re here. I hope you don’t decide to retire anytime soon.” Rachel laughed as she filled her travel mug and added some sugar and creamer to it.

  “Well, I can’t promise I won’t retire eventually, but one thing’s for sure: everyone will know when I do. It won’t be a big secret. Speaking of which, we are thinking of throwing Mr. Anderson a retirement party. I was wondering if you’d be interested in helping me, some of the staff here, and a couple of my friends with decorating and whatnot,” Karen asked, giving her a pleading look.

  Rachel paused to consider. She wasn’t sure it would be a good idea for her to help with this man’s sendoff, considering she was his replacement. Yet at the same time, Rachel was becoming seriously stir-crazy. She had already unpacked everything at her house, and she was having a hard time finding stuff to do. She didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, but perhaps by helping out she would get to know the staff and possibly make some new friends. She had been somewhat close with her old coworkers, and they would occasionally go out for drinks or dinner to celebrate one another’s birthdays or to blow off a little steam after surviving state testing or report cards.

  “You know what Karen, that sounds like fun. I’d be very happy to help,” Rachel answered.

  “Great. I think we’re getting together tomorrow evening at Herrick’s to go over some plans. Maybe you’d like to join us for dinner?” Karen casually asked.

  “Um, yeah, that’d be nice. I’ve been wanting to try the diner out. I had a coffee there my first day in town, and it was wonderful,” she said as she lifted her own mug.

  Karen smiled. “Well, you are in for a treat, then, my dear. Their food is delicious.”

  The lunch bell rang, and the students began trickling past the room on their way to the cafeteria. Rachel had brought a small salad and some fruit from home and felt her stomach gurgle with hunger.

  “Well, duty calls,” Karen excused herself as she hurried toward two children who were about to get into a fight.

  ***

  After entering the teachers’ lounge, Rachel waited by the fridge as a teacher retrieved his lunch. “Good afternoon,” she said with a smile.

  He simply nodded as he strode past her on his way out. Rachel opened the refrigerator door and found her lunch tucked neatly in the back corner on the top shelf. When she sensed someone’s presence, she hurriedly shut the door and looked up.

  Liam was standing next to the fridge, his tall frame towering over her. Looking up to meet his emerald eyes, she nervously excused herself and quickly took a seat at one of the three tables.

  Grabbing a juice and a small cooler from the fridge, Liam then quietly took a spot at a table directly across from her.

  Rachel looked away as she forked a mouthful of salad, then sensed Liam staring at her.

  Clearing his throat, Liam broke the tension filled-silence. “So how are you liking it here?” he asked as he unwrapped his sandwich.

  Rachel looked up. The cool and relaxed way he sat there, provoking her by doing nothing at all, made her nerves tighten. “It’s been great so far,” she said, her voice quiet and unsure. She felt as though this was the start of a game of chess with each player watching and waiting, trying to size up their opponent.

  Liam smirked. “So how long have you been up here? What made you want to take a position so far away from your home and family?”

  Rachel sucked in a breath of dry air. “I came up a couple days after Christmas, actually. I know it’s quite a change in scenery for sure, but it’s lovely here, even though I’ve been mainly a shut-in, just unpacking and getting settled.” Her mouth turned sticky and dry as she rambled, and she reached for her bottle of water.

  “So why Birch Valley?” he pressed. “I mean, I’m sure you could’ve had your pick of any school, especially being from such a prestigious school and area.”

  Rachel felt as though he was getting ready to attack, so she chose her words carefully. “Why not Birch Valley? Seems like as good a place as anywhere else,” she retorted.

  Liam casually leaned back in the plastic chair. “I suppose you’re right. Just seems a little odd, a ‘large fish in a small pond’ kind of thing, you know? Obviously, you have the skills to go probably anywhere you’d like.”

  “Well, this opportunity came, and I decided it was the one I wanted.” Rachel was steaming. Why did he feel the need to question her motives for taking this job? What did it matter to him? And why did his eyes have to twinkle when he talked?

  She glanced at her watch, praying silently that the bell would ring and she could excuse herself. She refused to get up before he did. She didn’t want him to think he was going to win this battle.

  Liam swigged his juice. “So have you come up with any more ideas?” His tone was smug.

  “About that, I shouldn’t have come into your classroom and ambushed you the way I did. I now realize it was a little too soon for that. I suppose I’m anxious to get everyone on board. We have testing in a couple months, and I’d really like to see this school rise above its current standard,” Rachel answered calmly, and Liam nodded, giving her his full attention.

  She knew she had probably come off as a little abrasive yesterday, and maybe she should have waited a while before telling the staff she was going to make changes. She’d just been so excited about all her ideas that could change the school for the better. Rachel wasn’t trying to step on anyone’s toes or make them feel as though they weren’t doing a good
job, but she wanted to show she wasn’t a doormat and that she needed to be respected and taken seriously. Charting the course for change wasn’t easy, and those who did almost always faced opposition. But Rachel thrived on challenge, and as she glanced at the man across from her, she realized he might be her biggest one yet.

  Chapter Nine

  As her day came to a close, Rachel felt as though the week was steadily moving forward and she was making progress. Some of the teachers were finally warming up to her and trying to make conversation with her, and she was beginning to feel more comfortable in her new position. In fact, the only time that her newfound self-confidence wavered was when Liam was in her presence. Rachel hoped these feelings would pass. She couldn’t quite wrap her mind around why her body responded the way it did when Liam was near. She wondered if he also felt the blistering connection, the same crackle and burn that would suddenly erupt inside her. She was thankful when the final bell rang, emptying the school of its students.

  ***

  Planning to head home to change before meeting up with Karen and her friends at Herrick’s for dinner and to discuss Mr. Anderson’s retirement party, Rachel started to have second thoughts. Once inside her car, she decided to call Chelsea to get her opinion.

  Chelsea picked up on the second ring. “Hello?”

  “Chelsea, what are you up to?” Rachel asked as she pulled away from the school.

  “Nothing much. School just let out?” Chelsea sounded slightly out of breath.

  “You doing okay? You sound a bit winded.”

  “Yeah, was out for a run. It’s supposed to rain tonight, and I wanted to make sure I got one in before it started. But keep talking. I’m doing my cooldown now,” Chelsea panted.