September Canvas by Gun Brooke Page A

shell-shocked and drank more water. “I’m not sure how you could possibly find anyone as grumpy and aloof as me attractive.”
    “Eclectic taste in women?” Faythe suggested whimsically and laughed as Deanna choked on her next sip. “Sorry.”
    “You’re not in the least sorry.” Deanna put her glass back on the coffee table and reached for Faythe with lightning-fast hands. Suddenly Faythe was on Deanna’s lap, with her strong arms around her waist.
    “You little minx.”
    Faythe lost what little was left of her breath. Deanna’s hands burned through her white cotton shirt, and surely she wasn’t imagining that they moved in small circles against her? Faythe’s eyes began to close, and she barely pulled herself together enough to keep from moaning in bliss.
    “Faythe.” Somehow, Deanna’s teasing voice had grown deeper and now sounded just how melted dark chocolate tasted.
    “Yes.”
    “Look at me.”
    Faythe struggled to open her eyes and gazed at Deanna, whose eyes were dark blue pools of turbulent emotion. “Looking. As I said, gorgeous.”
    “Oh.” Deanna groaned and cupped Faythe’s shoulders. “This is crazy.”
    “I just want to kiss you,” Faythe said, squinting as she focused on Deanna’s caressing hands that massaged her in the same slow circles.
    “And don’t stop. I really like your hands.”
    “You do?”
    “Yup.” Faythe moved near to kiss Deanna and frowned when she withdrew from reach.
    “That can be very dangerous,” Deanna said.
    “I’m not afraid.” Faythe smiled before she saw the stark seriousness in Deanna’s eyes. “Really, Deanna. I’m not. I just want… need to kiss you.”
    “What if it turns into something more? Something you’re bound to regret.” Deanna trembled against Faythe.
    “I’m a big girl. You don’t have to look out for me.” She was becoming uncertain even though she desired Deanna. “But maybe you’re trying to let me down easy, and I’m too dense to realize it.” The thought hadn’t occurred to Faythe until now, but that would explain some of Deanna’s reluctance.
    Smiling broadly to mask her hurt and embarrassment, Faythe began to slide back to her corner of the couch. “Well, no harm done, then.” Her constricting rib cage hurt, as did the big lump in her throat as she tried to swallow. Faythe kept her professional demeanor firmly in place. “Silly me.”
    “Stop it,” Deanna whispered huskily, and held her tight on her lap. “You must know that I’m beyond attracted to you. Your laughter, your amazing eyes, your body, and your sweetness.” Deanna buried her face against Faythe’s neck. “You don’t understand. I’m trying to protect you.”
    “Protect me? From what? From yourself?” Faythe smoothed Deanna’s hair because no matter what, she needed to keep touching her. 
    “Yes.” Deanna breathed deeply a few times. “My reputation isn’t the best in this town. You may already have heard some of the gossip. I’d be surprised if you hadn’t.”
    “Some.”
    “Ah.” Deanna nodded slowly and only the faintest slump in her shoulders betrayed that Faythe’s admission affected her. “I’m not sure what you’ve heard, but it started two years ago and the gossip is still alive and kicking, so this could backfire.”
    “Because I’m a familiar face?”
    “Trust me. This is a career stopper.” Deanna stroked Faythe’s cheek. “It was for me.”
    “Did something happen today that brought this to the surface?” Deanna gave her a startled look.
    “How could you possibly know?”
    “It’s out of character for you to open up like this, so I figured something happened.”
    Deanna studied Faythe’s face in such detail she felt a slow blush permeate her cheeks. “Yes. A former student asked to talk to me, in private, even though she knew it would get both of us into trouble if anyone found out.”
    “So, I take it this student was part of the original ‘sin’ that started the gossip in the first