Free My Instructor by Esther Banks

manages to cling to the edges of our circle,” Steffi said scathingly.
    “ Now do you understand our dislike of her?” Tiffany asked.
    “ I’m beginning to see things more clearly now,” he answered.
    “ Glad to hear it. Forewarned can save my hide,” Tiffany smiled.
    Aaron grinned. He watched his brother talking to Marisa. He seemed to be drawn to her. If he wasn’t he would have made his exit long before now. Aaron had a feeling that Marisa could be good for Jack. Jack was divorced with full custody of his nine-year-old daughter, Kylie. Kylie was a great kid and would fall in love Marisa instantly. But it was Jack that he was more concerned about. It had been six years since his divorce, and he hadn’t ventured out to date. His sole focus had been on raising Kylie. But at thirty-one years of age, it was time for him to think of his own needs. Kylie was a smart kid and she would understand his need for a partner. And Marisa could be good for him and Kylie if only Jack would let her. Tiffany looked at Marisa and Jack. Jack was every bit a hottie as Aaron. He was about an inch taller than Aaron with dark blond hair and the familial green eyes. Only his eyes were a lighter shade of green. He was muscular and toned. Fitness obviously ran in the Jacob family. He and Marisa were physically well matched. Marisa was in great shape and was the perfect height for Jack. Hopefully, they had more in common than just the physical similarities. Tiffany clasped his hand.
    “Penny for your thoughts,” Tiffany said softly.
    Aaron turned to look at her and noticed that Steffi had left the porch.
    “They’re worth more but I’ll tell you anyway,” he smiled wanly. “I was thinking about Jack and Marisa. Marisa would be a good match for him.”
    “ You know them both so you can judge better than I. But Marisa looks happy,” Tiffany said.
    “ So does Jack. Maybe that’s a sign that good things will come to them,” Aaron mused.
    “ I hope so. Marisa deserves some good fortune and I’m sure Jack does too,” she said gently.
    “ Jack needs a safe haven. Someone he can open up to; who will listen without judging. I’m hoping that Marisa is that person,” Aaron said.
    Tiffany could hear in his voice the love that he had for his brother. It gave her a glimpse into his soul, and she liked what she saw. Aaron was caring and kind. He loved his family. And they came first with him. She realized that she wanted to be a part of that circle. She wanted to be his family. She squeezed his hand, and he raised their clasped hands to kiss hers. They sat there on the porch for a long time. Taking in the antics of the party goers and chatting to whoever came onto the porch. Tiffany thought they gave the impression of an old married couple. And she knew in her heart that was exactly what she wanted with Aaron.
     
    *****
     
    Tiffany sat behind Aaron on the Jet Ski as it soared through the water. She encircled his waist tightly and laughed as the water sprayed into her face. She looked over to her right and saw Marisa riding with Jack. And Tucker and Steffi were to her left. Jack and Marisa were driving close to her and Aaron. Tiffany held out her hand to Marisa, who grinned and clasped it tightly. It wasn’t long before the guys looked at each other, nodded and grinned.
    “You better hold on,” Aaron yelled.
    All three of them gunned their motors and took off racing. Marisa and Tiffany's hands separated as they held on to the man in front of them. They zoomed across the lake. They could hear cheering from the people on the shore. Eventually, Tucker fell back and it was brother against brother. Tiffany could see that they shared a long rivalry, and neither brother was about to give in to the other. Finally, Jack was able to maneuver about a foot in front of Aaron. Jack was declared the winner much to Aaron’s chagrin.
    “Maybe next time, little brother. But I doubt it,” Jack teased as they docked the powerful machines.
    “ You know