Free Will's Rockie Way by Peggy Hunter Page A

the kids,” Blake supplied.
    Will was fresh out of stunts. He had no idea what to do next.
    Blake continued. “Best thing you can do is ignore her.”
    Will kept his gaze on the students on the beach. “Thanks for the advice, buddy,” he said. “I’m sure you’ll understand if I don’t take it.”
    Blake sat up straight. “I’m not kidding, Will,” he said. “If you want to screw her one more time before we all go home, the best thing to do is ignore her. It’ll bug the shit out of her and she’ll come after you.”
    “Sure she will,” Will said sarcastically. “Do me a favor and keep your advice to yourself.”
    “I’m just saying is all,” Blade said. “Drives Joanne nuts when I ignore her.”
    As Will watched the kids on the beach, his eyes narrowed. Blake was a shithead but he might be on to something. God knew, he’d run out of ideas.
    Would it hurt to try Blake’s suggestion? What the fuck did he have to lose? If it didn’t work by midnight, there was nothing to stop him from going with his own instincts and forcing Rockie to listen to him.
    Will looked at Blake. He continued to pick bits of potato chips out of his chest hair and shove them into his mouth.
    Okay. Best to set the deadline a little earlier. If Rockie didn’t react by ten that evening, he’d go after her.

Chapter 10
    “See?” Joanne said. “We got here unscathed.”
    Roxanne glanced at Joanne as they walked out to the beach. “I know you think I’m crazy,” she said. “But I know Will. The second I let my guard down—”
    “He’ll attack,” Joanne cut in. “Yeah, yeah, you’re a goddess and Will can’t help himself.”
    The sarcastic words stung. “I never said I’m a goddess,” Roxanne replied. “I just don’t want to be cornered.”
    Joanne shook her head impatiently. “If you’re so damn scared he’ll fuck you the second you’re alone with him, all you have to do is make sure you stick with the rest of us.”
    Anger bubbled in Roxanne’s chest. “Why are you suddenly turning on me?”
    “Why?” Joanne glanced at her. “Because you’re not the only one trying to figure things out. Do you see me wallowing and whimpering? No, I’m willing to forgive my husband for what he did,” she said. “Will’s a nice guy and you had him in the palm of your hand. He never lied to you and you know it. Yet you continue to hold out on him.” She waved her hand. “Sorry, can’t feel sorry for you. I think you’re being a drama queen.”
    Joanne disappeared into the throng of people on the beach while Roxanne sputtered, trying to come up with a reply.
    Drama queen? Roxanne sniffed indigently. It was clear Joanne didn’t fully understand Will Sheridan. Nor what he was capable of doing.
    Roxanne gazed around the crowded beach. It occurred to her that if she intended to get home tomorrow morning unscathed—well at the very least, no more scathed than she’d already been—she’d simply have to do it herself. Joanne had been her only ally. Without Joanne, Roxanne was quite alone.
    “Ms. Way?”
    Roxanne turned to look at Suzanne Sharp, one of her students. “Hi, Suzie,” she said pleasantly.
    “I’ve been looking for you,” Suzie said.
    “Well, you found me,” Roxanne said with a smile she hoped looked confident. “What can I do for you?”
    “We’re taking on the boys in beach volleyball. Would you mind keeping score?”
    This time Roxanne’s smile was genuine. Safety in numbers. “You bet,” she said. “Lead the way.”
    * * * *
    Roxanne knew she should be relieved. For the past several hours, she’d only caught glimpses of Will and even then, never once made eye contact with him.
    Sure, she’d made certain she was never alone but she expected Will would at least try to lure her away. Instead, he kept his distance. At dinner, he sat several tables away. Roxanne had to crane her neck to see him over the crowd in the dining room.
    And now, as they geared up for karaoke to celebrate the final