Free A Better Man by Candis Terry Page B

here. Something more than just a rebellious nature, a fight with friends, or a broken he art.”
    â€œDr ugs?”
    Lucy shook her head. “I’ve had plenty of students go down that path. Nicole doesn’t show any signs of drug use. She’s just very withdr awn.”
    â€œThis is way out of my league.” He leaned back in the seat and stretched his legs as far as they could go. “I’ve never dealt with anything like this before. And she’s made it apparent that I’m not her favorite per son.”
    â€œThen who is?” She considered him through the dark framed glasses with a bug-­under-­the-­microscope intensity that did a number on his conscience. “Maybe they could h elp.”
    â€œI’m ashamed to say I have no idea. I haven’t been around much but I’ve made a vow to change that. Still, a promise for the future doesn’t change the past or what needs to be done to day.”
    â€œNo, it does n’t.”
    Jordan rarely, if ever, asked for help. He’d always been a do-­it-­yourself kind of guy. In this case he needed someone objective to show him the way. He didn’t mind learning new things or letting someone else take the lead. In fact, when it came to furthering his knowledge he was always game. Rebuilding a relationship with his sister—­his entire family, for that matter—­meant everyt hing.
    â€œI do want to see Nicole succeed,” she said. “Helping children become independent, successful adults is why I became a teac her.”
    â€œSo you’ll help me?”
    â€œI’ll help her .”
    She had a right to be hesitant about him after what he’d done to her on graduation night. “I appreciate it.”
    â€œThat remains to be seen, Mr. Kinc ade.”
    At one time in his life he’d spent hours and hours with this woman. Formality should be a thing of the past.
    â€œSince we’ve known each other for a long time and we’re going to be working together, shouldn’t you call me Jor dan?”
    The hesitation in her response kept him on edge, much like those times a teammate worked the puck down the ice and he had to wait to see if it would sail in his direction or not.
    â€œIt might be best for everyone concerned—­especially Nicole—­if we keep this on a completely professional le vel.”
    â€œThen how about around my sister you call me Mr. Kincade. And in private you call me Jor dan.”
    â€œThere won’t be any private mome nts.”
    â€œAre you sure about t hat?”
    Something flashed in her eyes before she glanced at her watch and stuffed the papers back into her bag. “I have to go.”
    â€œSo s oon?”
    â€œWhy don’t you try to speak with your sister again? In depth. Get to know her as much as possible.” She scooted out of the booth. “Try to find out what’s bothering her. Next week is spring break, but before then I’ll discuss the situation further with the school counselor and try to find a way to keep her interested in her schoolw ork.”
    â€œSounds like a plan.” He hated to let her go, but trying to get her to stay might make him look weak and whiny. And in his mind, that just didn’t com pute.
    â€œI’ll be in touch.” She slung the bag over her shoulder and headed toward the door.
    For a moment he watched her walk away, if only to get a good look at the way her straight black skirt hugged all those nice curves he’d noticed last night. On anyone else, the white Keds tennis shoes she wore would be far from sexy. But he couldn’t deny the woman’s veiled sensua lity.
    As soon as she reached the café door he tossed money to cover their bill on the table, grabbed the box of cookies, and followed her out side.
    â€œHold up.” He caught her at the curb. “You forgot the cook ies.”
    â€œYou really don’t expect me to eat all