Wind Over Marshdale Read Online Free

his name.
    â€œI thought I better come and check out the new teacher.” He winked. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing lots of each other.”
    â€œOh? And what makes you say that?” Her head was really starting to throb now.
    â€œJust a feeling,” he shrugged. “Looks like you’re all ready," he continued, pushing his frame off the desk. A couple of papers floated to the floor.
    â€œNot quite,” Rachel replied, bending to pick up the misplaced papers. “I still have a few things left to do.” She stood up and felt suddenly dizzy. She put one hand up to her head as she steadied herself against the desk with the other.
    â€œHey, are you okay?” Steve asked with real concern. He moved to Rachel’s side.
    â€œI’m fine. I just felt dizzy for a second. I probably just stood up too fast.”
    â€œAre you sure?” Steve asked as he helped her back into her chair.
    â€œWell, I do have a bit of a headache,” Rachel confessed.
    Steve seemed to have lost his macho act for the moment. “Can I get you something? A glass of water?”
    â€œNo, thanks. I’m fine. Really,” Rachel tried to smile. “I just need to get back to work now.”
    â€œWhat? What you need is to get out of here. Relax.”
    Rachel considered the advice as Steve continued to hover around her desk. She was feeling too weary to argue. “You’re probably right. I was actually planning to come in early tomorrow.” Slowly gaining her feet, she gathered up a few belongings and zipped them neatly into her book bag.
    â€œYou’re not taking work home, are you?” Steve clucked his tongue.
    â€œWell, I—”
    Steve cut her off in mid-sentence. “Here, let me at least carry that for you. You’re putting way too much pressure on yourself. It’s only kindergarten.”
    That was the last straw. She clung stubbornly to the heavy bag as Steve tried to extract it from her shoulder. “I can carry my own bag, thanks,” she said coolly.
    â€œWhoa! No need to be a martyr, too.”
    She let out a weary sigh. “Okay. Fine.” She released the bag. “Thanks,” she added a little more pleasantly as he swung the heavy bag over his shoulder with little effort. “I’ll be fine once I get outside. I wouldn’t expect you to carry it all the way home for me, though, since I am walking.” They left the classroom and Rachel locked the door behind her.
    â€œNo problem. Mrs. Beatry’s is right around the corner. It’s on my way,” Steve replied.
    Rachel frowned. Oh, great! He knew where she lived. Did this mean he would expect to walk with her every day? She might have to start ducking behind power poles in order to avoid him. The thought brought a slight smile to her lips.
    â€œGood to see you smiling,” Steve noted. “Anyone ever tell you that you have a really terrific smile?”
    Rachel kept her mouth clamped shut and her gaze straight ahead. Although they looked nothing alike, this Steve fellow was beginning to remind her of a certain someone she was trying to put out of her mind. What they did have in common, apparently, was the fact that they were full of themselves.
    They made their way down the short corridor and emerged from the building. The sun’s rays still felt very warm against her skin and Rachel inhaled deeply of the pure air.
    â€œOld Beatry’s quite the gossip,” Steve continued to banter. “You’ll have to watch it, if you know what I mean. She takes pride in knowing everybody's business. I lived there myself my first six months here. But I got sick of her keeping tabs on who was leaving my place in the mornings, if you get my drift.” He winked and shifted the book bag. “My new place is much more private.”
    â€œOh. How nice for you.”
    â€œYou're welcome to come and check it out yourself anytime.”
    That wasn’t likely to