Masked Hearts

By Evelyn Aster

Romance with a side of handcrafted coffee is the specialty of the Holiday Cafe.

Sienna, a kindergarten teacher, takes her coffee sans the romance since being dumped at her wedding rehearsal dinner.

Mark, a rich single dad with a kid in Sienna's class, is finally ready for new love two years after his divorce.

A chance meeting away from school at the Holiday Cafe over Halloween Toil and Trouble Lattes leads to nights of sex and black satin. Unwilling to give her heart to anyone, Sienna refuses his gifts and offers of romantic dates. As the relationship intensifies Sienna realizes she's not only putting her heart at risk, but her career as well. On Halloween she'll find out if her job is a casualty of their fiery affair and if Mark can unmask her heart forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evelyn Aster
• Release date: Oct 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311866615

Evelyn Aster

Evelyn Aster writes romance for grown-ass women. She loves heroines who make mistakes and have real problems just like her. Mostly, she lives, writes, drinks coffee and eats chocolate in Albuquerque, NM. She's managed to avoid being a meth dealer so far.

Book preview

1 | Toil and Trouble Extra Cinnamon

Sienna drove into the parking spot and stopped just before her tire hit the sidewalk. Her mind was a tornado of parents, students and other teachers vying for her attention at the end of the week. Even the cute pumpkin lights decorating the awning of the Holiday Cafe with their faint glow battling the dusk failed to calm her. She stepped out of her car and closed the door. The blur in her mind finally paused when her gaze fell on a witch and bubbling cauldron drawn on the door with window paints. The caption read, Taste our Toil and Trouble Latte. Ahhh. Despite the name, the thought of the latte yanked her out of the school whirlwind and settled her spirit. She'd been waiting all week for this moment.

She opened the door, expecting the aroma of coffee to wrap her in bliss, but instead desire fired through her.

Mark Townsend stood at the counter—the most sought after single dad at the school. When class lists came out at the beginning of the year, the other kindergarten teachers had swarmed her and rattled off his stats as soon as they saw she had his youngest child Tyler: millionaire, architect, thirty-eight, divorced, great butt. She hadn't thought much of the other teachers' excitement. Just twenty-eight herself, she'd always dated men much closer to her own age, and never anyone corporate. But when he'd strolled into her classroom the first day of school with his pride in his son and casual confidence, she'd known she was in trouble.

Seeing him now at her favorite cafe gave her a moment to admire him without little ones tugging at her hand for attention. In the city of Albuquerque, where business casual meant clean jeans and a t-shirt without swear words, he wore a suit every day like a CEO in New York. His short hair was mostly black, but the streaks of gray above his ears served as a distinguished match to his gray eyes. And his frame-- Wait till you see him on jog-a-thon day, is what all the teachers said.

She shook her head: teacher-parent time. Tyler had had a problem at school that day, and Mark's ex-wife had run off before she could discuss it.

Sienna took a deep breath, brushed off her Friday jeans and orange and black blouse and hoped she didn't have stray graham cracker crumbs invisible to herself but obvious to the world.

Oh my God! called the barista named Chloe from the cash register. Serendipity has finally happened!

Chloe waved like crazy for Sienna to come up to the cash register, and Mark turned around. His smile and piercing eyes made Sienna forget what she needed to talk to him about. Hello, Mr. Townsend, she said as she arrived at the cash register. The school environment of noise and crayon wax always helped suppress her yearnings, but in a cafe of steaming drinks and mingling couples, she had no defense against his presence—her insides tightened, and her mind wandered to how his lips would feel on the sensitive spot just below her earlobe.

Chloe spoke up before he greeted her and before her thoughts became X-rated. You mean you already know each other? She'd dyed her short, spiky hair jet black at the beginning of October and wore spider rings on most of her fingers.

He held eye contact with Sienna as he spoke. Please, call me Mark. Damn, his gaze made professionalism impossible. To her relief, he turned to Chloe. She's my son's kindergarten teacher.

Really? That's so cool, but I bet you don't know the truth about each other that I know.

The way Chloe talked always made Sienna smile. It was half teen and half yoga instructor. Sienna guessed she was around twenty-two, so it worked. Sienna asked, The truth?

I'm dying to know, said Mark, leaning on the counter with his elbow.

You are my two Toil and Trouble extra cinnamon customers. I've wanted you to meet since last October. And here you already know each other.

Sienna frowned for just a moment. She'd been engaged last October, which Chloe knew all about. She didn't dwell on it, though, because Mark raised his eyebrows and looked at Sienna as if her drink preference changed everything about her. I wouldn't have pegged you for someone who liked it so fiery, Sienna.

Arousal flared through her again, and the layer of ice she'd shielded her heart in after the broken engagement began to melt. He'd never used her first name before—she didn't even know if half the parents in her class knew her first name. She quenched the flames with an ice bucket of reality: dating a parent would be tricky, and romance was off her life list. But despite her internal admonitions, her response was flirtatious. It's a little known fact that one of the requirements for being a kindergarten teacher is to be part fire-breathing dragon. Has Tyler not mentioned it?

Mark's smile broadened, and he turned to Chloe. Add hers to my check.

With pleasure. Chloe bounced and grinned at Sienna.

Sienna blushed and said, Oh, no, Mr. Townsend. You don't need to buy my latte.

With everything you do for those kids, I should buy it for you every Friday afternoon. Is this when you usually come?

Sienna nodded. It's my reward at the end of the week—not that teaching your son is anything but a joy. Oh, god. That was pathetic.

Mark paid for the drinks, took her by the elbow and nudged her towards the pick-up counter. Even the light touch made goosebumps flare beneath her sleeve. As his hand lingered on her elbow, Sienna steadied herself by taking in the cafe. Couples sat at tables while groups of friends took up the sofas and chairs in the back of the room by a fireplace. Above them was a loft type floor where she could see people blending into the dim lighting. On the main floor, a stage took up one of the walls where they had the occasional poetry slam or indie music performance.

Mark dropped his hand and said, I'm sure teaching a classroom of five-year-olds in your amazing way is a challenge. If I did it, every day would be a round of chaos, and I'd need a Scotch instead of a latte at the end.

Sienna tried not to grin like a fangirl whose idol had just singled her out in a crowd. She forced her mind back to the problem with his son, even though the subject was about as far away from romantic coffee time happenstance as you could get. Besides, she really shouldn't date a parent.

Thanks, Mr.--

Mark. When we're back at school, I promise I'll call you Ms. Carly, but let's be on a first name basis here.

She bowed her head and felt heat rise to her face, but when she looked up, she was all business. Thanks, Mark. It's good I ran into you today because I need to talk to you about Tyler.

His demeanor changed instantly. He rolled his shoulders back, and his eyes filled with concern. Is everything okay?

Two Toil and Troubles with extra cinnamon, said Chloe, setting them on the pick-up counter.

They took their drinks, and Sienna thanked him again. It had an inch of white foam with cinnamon in the shape of a jack-o-lantern on top.

Want to sit at a table? asked Mark.

Sienna nodded and headed towards a table for two by a window. Outside the clouds had gathered to make the daylight fade away earlier than usual. The looming Sandia Mountains were already a stone gray instead of the usual mix of brown and green. Her desires settled, and she pushed on with her role as teacher. Fortunately, Mark came right back to his son and asked what was going on.

She said, It's really not a big deal, but Tyler was embarrassed, and Ms. Harmon seemed in a rush today.

He frowned at the mention of his ex-wife. Did he have an accident like yesterday?

I'm afraid so, and since Ms. Harmon left before I could tell her, I'm worried she won't bring extra clothes for him to replace the ones he changed into today. I don't expect him to have another one on Monday, but...

Mark nodded. I'll take care of it.

Sienna took a sip and shifted in her seat. She didn't want to make the next suggestion, but as a teacher she should. I think everyone knows we're getting a new kindergarten teacher soon. If Tyler's uncomfortable in my class, you'll have the opportunity to move him to the new classroom.

What? He loves your class and talks about you all the time. His mom is moving in with someone he doesn't like. I'm sure that's the cause of the problem.

A sigh of relief escaped her lips before she rolled them together. I'm sorry to hear about that.

In fact, continued Mark, probably the worst thing for him would be to remove him from your class with all the other changes going on.

I'll let the principal know when she's making up the new class list.

Thanks. Please do, said Mark as he glanced out the window. His smile flashed, and he turned back to her. So now that that's out of the way, Chloe indicated you've been a regular here since last year, but you're new to our school, aren't you?

Sienna nodded. My apartment's up here in the Heights, but I taught at one of the lower income schools for five years. It's a little strange living close to the school I teach at and running into students.

And parents, too, he said with a grin.

If they all bought me lattes, I'd be fine with that. Sienna took a sip of her drink, and the burn of the cinnamon let her know she wasn't dreaming. She was really talking to Mark after school hours. But his next question was an unfortunate punch to the gut, reminding her why she hated romance.

Why'd you leave your other school?

For whatever reason—maybe it was his steady gaze or earnest interest—Sienna's stock answer of, It was time for a change, fled her thoughts. All she could see was her ex-fiancé and team teacher leaving her in the middle of the year to teach in Argentina. She stuttered for a moment and finally got out, It was a difficult situation. I sometimes feel guilty for teaching at such a nice school when there are kids out there who need the help more.

Mark tilted his head and contemplated her. It's impossible to help everyone who needs it. Anytime you make a positive impact on a child you're helping the world, no matter what their circumstances.

His words buzzed around in her head, making her as happy as the caffeine she drank, but she kept her comment rational. Not everyone would agree with you, she said, thinking of her ex, who had to find the poorest children to take care of.

Mark leaned on the table with his elbows. Sounds like we need to discuss it more. What are you doing this weekend?

Sienna stumbled over her words with the sudden change of topic. Well, I'll be back here tomorrow to do all the paperwork for the week. It's absurd that we have to measure where each kid is in the standards all the time. I can't face the pile of papers in my apartment, so I bring them here. She stopped and saw an odd twinkle in Mark's eye like she was amusing him. She hated silence, so she forged ahead even when she should've just stopped and asked him his plans. And then Sunday I'll be going to church and singing in the choir. Sometimes I feel like I don't have a day off.

Mark gently pried her fingers off her cup and held her hands. Why don't you ditch tomorrow and go for a hike in the foothills with me?

Sienna's breath caught at the back of her throat and jammed up her words. Umm, I really shouldn't. You're Tyler's dad, and if I don't get all that documentation done, I'll lose my job.

His hands tightened around hers. I'd never want you to lose your job. Is it really a full day task, or could we hike early in the morning and leave you with the rest of the day to get it done?

Sienna knew she should just say no and leave. Her mouth even opened to say it, but different words came out. How about dinner tonight instead? I never do work on Friday nights.

It was Mark's turn to flush. He even dropped her hands as he cleared his throat. I'm sorry. I already have plans tonight.

She should've seen it coming. When she thought about it, it was a surprise his Saturday wasn’t completely booked with dates with beautiful women. Probably why he’d suggested early Saturday morning. That's okay, she gushed out to avoid the awkwardness. The teachers get together for Happy Hour on Fridays anyway, and I already told one of the Kindergarten teachers that I'd meet her there. She actually hated the Happy Hour Fridays, but it was go or be talked about, so she always went. She grabbed her drink and stood up, needing to get out of there as soon as possible.

Mark stood too and said, No, you stay. I've probably ruined your whole afternoon of quiet by making you talk about work. Any other night I would've said yes. Have fun tonight.

To Sienna's surprise, he put his hand on her waist and leaned in and kissed her cheek. Lust seared her insides. He said, I'll come by here tomorrow and see how your work is coming.

Too stunned to say anything, she stared at him as he left the coffee shop and got into a grey sedan, his latte still steaming on the table.

2 | Happy Hour Blind Date

Mark pulled into a parking space that faced the silhouettes of the university’s adobe buildings spreading out below the starlight. He still felt the warmth of Sienna’s skin against his lips. She must think he was a lunatic. He should've just said yes to dinner with her and canceled his blind date, except it was a set up with a client's daughter.

He checked the texts on his phone to find the name of his date again. It looked familiar, but he couldn't figure out why. It didn't matter. He'd be polite but distant. A twinge of guilt pinched him as he stepped out of his car. He should go in with more of an open mind. For all he knew, Sienna never wanted to speak to him again. It'd probably be better to pursue someone who wasn't his son's teacher anyway.

But he'd wanted Sienna since the first day of school.

He walked up Central Avenue and enjoyed the eclectic neon signs that glowed in the night—a Zia symbol here, a coyote there, a sign that invited him to get his body pierced like a cactus. Though he was from Chicago, Albuquerque had enchanted him like the state motto said it would. The style and feel of the city was unique and always tugged at his appreciation of the odd.

He straightened his tie and readied his mind for the evening before him. The date would be fun. At the very least it would be practice so when he saw Sienna again he might be less of an idiot after two years of a self-enforced dating hiatus. He walked under the silver neon that said The Cellar and proceeded downstairs into a bar with jazz filling every corner.

Since it was early, the crowd was limited to a couple by the empty stage, a man at the bar and—his glance swept around to the other side—Ms. Warren sitting in a corner smiling at him. His eyes bulged. He checked his phone for the name again and saw Mia Warren. No wonder it'd sounded familiar. She was his daughter's third grade teacher.

Now he felt like a fool. Unlike with Sienna, he'd never bothered to learn her first name and always just called her Ms. Warren.

He stared at her again. Her smile had faded, but she still looked hopeful. This was going to be a disaster. He had no interest in her whatsoever.

He smoothed down his tie and gave his business smile. She beamed, and he had to admit she was beautiful. Her blonde hair cascaded below her shoulders and rested just above her breasts, the tops of which were pushed up and showed off by the plunging neckline of her blue cocktail dress. But her glamor reminded him too much of his ex. Sienna's understated beauty and quick wit excited him far more.

Ms. Warren, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you were my date tonight. I would've said something at school. He sat down, and she kept grinning.

It's okay. I wasn't for sure certain it was you that my dad set me up with. I didn't realize you were the architect for the Argentina school.

Something in her eyes put him off, but he couldn't figure out what. Yes, that was something I did when business was slow. Fortunately it got me several paid jobs.

You seem to do well enough.

He watched her gaze sweep over him, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Well, let’s just have a good laugh about this over a drink and then call it a night. We probably shouldn't date since you teach my daughter.

Forget it! That's work. This is play.

He ran his finger under his shirt collar as he listened to the words he'd planned on saying to Sienna if she had balked at dating a parent. A group of teachers making their entrance saved him from a response.

Mia! shouted a young woman who was dressed more like a trampy woo-girl than the third grade teacher he knew her to be. He looked behind her and saw half the teaching staff from Desert Eagle Elementary trickling their way.

Remembering what Sienna had said about going to a staff Happy Hour, he turned and glared at Mia. She’d known who she'd been set up with and had brought him here to show off to the staff. His disparaging glance was lost on her though as she introduced him as one of the parents from her class. We were set up on a blind date. Can you believe that? It's fate.

The woo-girl squeezed his face in her hands and said, You're just so gorgeous I could eat you up right now.

Me first, said Mia, and they both laughed. The teacher released his face and sat down at their table along with another woman. The three teachers talked like they were on some sort of communal date.

Women closer to his own age and a couple of men he recognized from the school sat at a long table nearby and stared at his group while they talked. He had to get out of there before Sienna showed up. She might misunderstand the whole situation. Even though the waitress arrived soon for their order and returned fast with their drinks, it seemed to Mark as if she took forever. He kept glancing at the door, hoping Sienna wouldn't show. Now that his Scotch was there, he'd down it and go.

Mia took his hands, drawing his attention away from the door and to her. So when’s the last time you sat at a table with so many hot women? Shelly says you never go out.

Shelly? His mouth fell open.

Yeah, we talk all the time. She's so much fun. She has the best ideas for the class Halloween party.

He could well imagine Ms. Warren and his ex getting along. Ms. Warren certainly didn't seem like the type to spend her Saturdays documenting her class's progress, and Shelly was the original party girl. He tugged at his hands, but she held them fast. He said, Better be careful not to let Shelly have too much input. She'll probably book a puppet show, a storyteller and a pony.

Exactly! It'll be awesome!

As if on queue the three teachers at the table shouted, Woo!

He had to get out of this bad spring break dream. The woman next to him said in a lower voice, Looks like someone's jealous of you, Mia.

Mark yanked his hands away and turned around to see Sienna, her fists clenched at her sides and her eyes wide in surprise.

The fire in Sienna's eyes stirred his passion. Her dark hair fell to her shoulders with a wave at the bottom instead of the ponytail she usually pulled it up in for school. Her skin had a natural tan that made her appear smooth and unblemished. Her slip of a dress fell just right on her slim figure and made him want to kiss her like a movie couple in front of everyone.

God, he was an idiot. He was sure she'd never talk to him again.

Sienna felt like a wine rack must've fallen on her when she walked into The Cellar and saw Mark holding hands across the table with Mia Warren. Her cheek burned where he'd kissed her, and rage almost made her shake. If the bastard was trying to decide which of his kids' teachers to date, he could've at least mentioned he was coming tonight.

He pulled his hands away from Mia and turned to look at her as the other third grade teachers whispered and stared. They treated their grade level like it was a sorority and rarely deigned to collaborate with other teachers. Sienna's vision blurred until a voice broke through, calling her name.

Sienna, yelled Krista from a table a few feet away from Mark's. It snapped her out of her stare, and she stalked by him, knowing she'd look ridiculous if she turned and fled.

Krista sat on a long bench against the wall. She was fortyish, with sandy hair that fell to her shoulders. Her dress was maybe five years out of fashion, but Sienna knew Krista didn't care about that. Anyway, it looked good on her. Krista scooted over and said, Wow, you clean up nice.

Thanks, said Sienna in a voice like one of her shy students. You look nice too. She sat in the space that Krista had left for her.

For an old married lady, I know, said Krista.

Here's to old married ladies, toasted one of the other kindergarten teachers. It seemed as if everyone down the long table heard her because all the teachers raised their glasses, said, Woo! took a drink and laughed.

What's the joke? asked Sienna.

You missed a big 'woo' over at the third grade table before you got here. I took it from the shocked look on your face that you saw who came with Ms. Mia.

Sienna kept her eyes straight ahead, refusing to glance over at Mark. I shouldn't be so surprised. She's gorgeous.

He looks miserable, and he keeps staring at you.

Sienna finally turned to see one of the third grade teachers draped over him getting a selfie. Yeah, poor guy, getting all that attention.

A waitress stepped up and asked for Sienna's order.

Just water please.

Water? asked Krista. You need something stronger than that!

Maybe later. But she didn't want to stay another minute. The waitress walked away, and Sienna tried to figure out what the hell was going on. The kiss at the cafe had been so weird but led her to believe he was interested in her. Mia's high-pitched laugh pierced her ears, making her head hurt. At least this time the relationship had ended before it had begun. She gritted her teeth. How long before she could leave with some semblance of dignity?

After her water arrived she noticed Mark extracting himself from the third grade teachers. He ran a hand through his hair and approached her. Suddenly, the water became the most interesting thing she'd ever seen. She heard him say, "Ms. Carly, I'm sorry to interrupt your