Island Affair (Keys to Love #1)(106)

“Apology accepted. And appreciated.” He flashed her a reassuring smile. The one he used to sweet-talk his staunchest opponents in the boardroom.

Her frown deepened. Man, she was a tough cookie.

He didn’t move, didn’t change his expression. Allowed his smile to work its magic.

Then, like a soldier reporting for duty, she straightened her shoulders and gave him the barest hint of a nod. “Okay, then. You held your own fairly well today in class, up to a point. I can get you ready in time for the Christmas recital, if you don’t ditch any more of our practices.”

There it was again, the hint of a challenge. As if she still questioned his ability to hold up his end of the bargain.

Crossing his arms, Tomás gave Yazmine the once-over, intrigued, if slightly exasperated, by her conflicting signals.

Stern disciplinarian ruling her studio.

Affable teacher who charmed his daughter.

Sexy siren luring him with a single glance.

Megawatt smile on a mouth that didn’t mince words.

Why should it matter whether or not she liked him? He was long past caring what others thought. Long past high school where, as the “wetback” from the wrong side of town on scholarship at Deburg Prep, he’d felt desperate for acceptance.

Maria’s sing-song voice carried in from the lobby.

That’s why he was still here trying to charm Yazmine Fernandez. Maria’s happiness made this matter.

“Look, we don’t have to be friends. Hell, we can settle for acquaintances.”

“Mr. Garcia, I think we—”

“I’m not finished.”

Yazmine blinked at his interruption.

“Maria’s the most important person in my life. From the way you handled the class tonight, I can see why she admires you. I’m doing the best I can right now. Yeah, I’m aggravated when it’s not good enough. But I’ll do anything for my daughter, even get up on a stage and make a fool of myself. As long as she’s happy. That’s what counts. I’m pretty certain that’s one thing you and I can both agree on. Right?”

His words hung in the air, an olive branch if she chose to accept it.

After several tension-filled moments, he watched as Yazmine’s shoulders visibly relaxed. The worry lines marring her beautiful face smoothed and the tightness around her mouth eased.

Tomás waited, uncertain whether he’d get another swipe of her sharp tongue or one of her infectious smiles, calling himself all kinds of crazy for wanting the latter.

*

Ay Dios mío. Yazmine’s heart skipped. Tomás Garcia in protective Papa Bear mode, his impassioned words gruff with sincerity, presented quite a persuasive package.

Arms crossed, she eyed him, trying to gauge how much of what he said was true. How much was a good spin from a man who made his living convincing people to buy what he was selling.

She’d played the workaholic game before, gotten hurt and hurt others. It was a dangerous pastime.

“Honestly, it’s nice to hear how much you care about your daughter,” she said.

“I’m glad you approve.”

She narrowed her gaze at him, not sure whether he was teasing or patronizing her. “Look, I enjoy having Maria in my class, and I do my best to be a good teacher.”

“Like I said, based on today I’d say you’re quite successful. My daughter certainly thinks you can do no wrong.” Tomás hitched a broad shoulder in a half shrug. “How about we try this again. I can make a better first impression.”

“There’s no need. It’s fine. I respect someone who’s dedicated to his work.”

Hands on his hips, Tomás’s eyes flashed with skepticism. “I sense a ‘but’ you’re leaving out.”

Ay, the man was the epitome of hardheaded. When it came down to it, she could be too. “You really want to know?”

“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t.”

“Fine. But,” she stressed the word, “you should make sure it doesn’t leave your loved ones feeling second-rate.”

His jaw muscles tightened and Yaz swallowed back a curse. Great, she’d crossed the line. Yeah, he’d pushed, but he was also a student’s parent. She should have remembered that and thought twice before challenging him.

“Maria’s a wonderful addition to my class,” Yaz continued, a pale attempt at making amends, but she had to try. “Granted, she’s usually a lot more reserved than today, but she’s coming along fine.”

“She hasn’t dealt with our move here as well as I’d hoped.” Tomás turned to glance back toward the lobby. Yazmine followed the direction of his gaze and saw Maria sitting with another student on one of the sofas. “I’m beginning to wonder if the move was a mistake.”

Tomás Garcia as the confident ad-man she could easily deal with. His concerned-father side strummed a softer chord within her. A chord she struggled to silence. “It’s only been a few months since you arrived in Oakton. Change can be hard on a kid, no matter her age or the situation. Give it time.”

“You speaking from experience?”

She shrugged off the question. No need to spill her guts to him. To anyone.

Tomás dipped his head in a slight nod. “Time. That’s what Mrs. B keeps telling me.”