So why does a little chill shimmy all up and down my spine? I'll honor him with more than my presence.

I turn toward his classroom, extremely happy that I shaved my legs and wore a very, very short skirt today.

328.

Lawler Definitely Notices Not only that, but he doesn't hide the fact that he's noticing.

His eyes fall to the source of my swishing stockings, stay there until he closes the door behind me.

How's the paper coming?

Hope I was able to help.

I turn and he's very close behind me. In fact, we're just about nose to nose, I smile my most vampish smile. "You've helped me more than you know."

His turn to smile, revealing perfect white teeth.

How so?

God, he smells good. I so want to get lost in him. "You treat me with respect. Not many teachers do that for their students. Power trips, I guess."

You deserve my respect.

Not many students do.

329.

I must be totally schizoid. As much as I like having his respect, I wonder what it would take to earn his disrespect. My eyes tell him that. My lips say, "Thank you."

Welcome. So I was wondering if you have plans for tonight.

Plans? Holy shit! Stay cool, Raeanne. Leave the drool where it belongs--inside your mouth. But wait. Do I have plans? Answer: "Not really."

I realize it's Halloween and you might be busy.

"No!" Easy now. Don't want to look like you're undateable or something. "I mean I really haven't got anything definite planned." Breathe in. Breathe out.

I.

was hoping you might be able to come over to my place and..

330.

Yes, Yes, and...?

Okay, I know he doesn't dare say what I want him to, but what he does say surprises me.

answer my door for an hour or so. I have an appointment **

and don't want to leave the house empty with all the little tricksters running around. I know it's late **

notice, an imposition, but you were the first person who came to mind.

A deep breath brings several positives to mind. One: I'll have my foot, quite literally, **

in his door. Two: He probably doesn't have a girlfriend, unless **

she happens to be his appointment.

Three: what might happen after he gets back from his appointment.

Four: I was on his mind.

What can I do but agree?

331.

He Gives Me Directions To his house, which isn't far from mine.

Need a ride?

A ride would be nice, considering it is chilly **

outside, but I don't think I should chance it. Oh yeah, **

just think about explaining that one to dear old Dad.

I shake my head. "Maybe a ride home. What time **

do you want me?" I am queen of double entendre.

Lawler shows his dimples.

My haircut is at six.

Can you get there around quarter to? I should only **

be gone a little over an hour, so you won't be tied up all night.

Okay, vamp, ramp it up.

"How about half the night?"

332.

The Rest of the Day Crawls along even slower than the first half did. Lawler got my "tied up" joke and even gifted me with an easygoing laugh.

I'm pretty sure he's got more than an abbreviated house-sitting job in mind. Wonder if he wants what I do--to wrap ourselves up in each other, make love until we cry with pleasure. Pain. Both. More.

But to go there, I need to catch a buzz, which presents a problem.

It's one thing to ask Mick for bud, then "reward" him after. But to get my head, then ask him to drop me at Lawler's? He would not appreciate that at all.

Eek! Have I backed myself into a corner? No Mick, no bud.

No Ty, no better buzz, and he's much more difficult to manipulate.

Dopeless sex? That could not feel good.

Could it?

333.

Kaeleigh The Bus Seems Slower Than usual today, and that's okay by me. Sitting here, listening to everyone joke and laugh about being too old for trick- or-treating but doing it anyway, because hey, it's free candy.

Okay, it's lame, but not as lame as going home to cry because Ian is going out of town this weekend, at a family reunion.

No treats for me. Looks like it's going to be tricks, starting with Hannah, who's knee-deep in conversation with Daddy when I finally get home. The topic seems to be caterers, and it's all I can do to be courteous as I pass.

I mean, if she sat any closer, she'd be in Daddy's lap. And it is Mom's kitchen. Even if Mom's never in it.

One thing I know. Nothing good can come of this "friendship."

334.

But Daddy's Attention Is drawn to the petite blonde, and so away from me. Yay.

I do have to go to work, but only for a couple of hours, setting **

up the codgers' Halloween bash.

Did I just think "codgers"? Where **

in hell did that word come from? Some deep, dark, mean **

recess of my brain? Some long- forgotten conversation? Some **

past-life dictionary? Sheesh. Just think if I didn't like those people!

Anyway, it will be easy enough to get out the door, not that it isn't **

usually, but usually Daddy isn't even home yet. What's so special **

about today? Planning Mom's party? The simple chance to get **

together with Hannah? Oops.

Answered my own question.

335.

I Slip Off My Shoes Slide down the hall in my stocking feet, evoking a memory of Raeanne and me when we were little, playing champion ice-skaters. Wow. I don't go there often anymore. Most of my childhood memories bloat with pain.