Olivia raised her hand. “I’ll build the database.”
“I’ll help.” Vaughn lifted a hand also. “Since we’re both on campus, it’ll be easier for us to work together.”
“Great.” Peyton made a note on her meeting agenda. “Catering and location arrangements?”
Stan volunteered. “I know the people at the center.”
“I’ll help Stan.” CeCe volunteered so quickly Darius wondered whether she wanted to work with Stan or whether she just didn’t want to be stuck with either Ethel or Simon. If it was the latter, he couldn’t blame her.
Peyton wrote that down. “That leaves the entertainment and program assignment to Ethel and Simon.”
Ethel gasped. “I don’t want to work with Simon.”
Simon looked smug. “Don’t worry, Ethel. I won’t show you up too badly.”
The group agreed to meet again the following Thursday, then they wished each other a good evening.
Within minutes, Darius found himself alone with Peyton. “You run a tight meeting.”
She tucked her meeting notes into her project folder. “Thank you. It comes from being a teacher. If students sniff out any weakness, chaos will ensue.”
“Your solution to keep my parents from arguing was brilliant. Thank you.”
“Not bad for spur of the moment.” She gathered her purse, then led him from the room.
Darius fell into step beside her as they walked down the hall toward the rear entrance. “I wanted to ask you something.” He winced at his lame opening.
“What?”
“You enjoyed the Sequoia–Heritage football game.”
“It was a lot of fun.” Peyton’s grin brought back fond memories for Darius.
He forged ahead. “Noah’s championship play-off game is tomorrow night in Canton. Would you like to go? I think you’ll enjoy this game even more. It pits the two best teams in each state division against each other. There’s a lot on the line.”
Peyton gave him a teasing smile. “Are you asking me out on another date?”
Darius slid her a look. “I guess I am.”
Peyton stopped to face him. “You guess? You’re not sure?”
“No, I’m sure. I’m asking you out on another date.”
“So soon? We just had a date last night.”
“Is it too soon?” Darius settled his right hand on her waist. Peyton always made him feel like a high school freshman.
“No, I guess it’s not too soon.”
“You guess? You’re not sure?” Darius gave her a taunting look. “Maybe this will help you decide.”
Darius lowered his head and covered her mouth with his. His lips moved on hers, caressing, tasting, drinking in her sweetness. Peyton’s body melted into his—or maybe it was the other way around. He groaned deep in his throat and pulled her closer. His heart beat against his chest. His breathing grew ragged. Darius’s hands moved from the small of Peyton’s back to the curve of her hips. He pressed her against his fullness. Peyton gasped into his mouth. Darius’s blood sang with the sound. His groin swelled . . . and that’s when he remembered where he was. Darius stepped back, holding on to Peyton so they could both keep their balance.
Darius cleared his throat. “Are you sure now?”
Peyton’s laughter wobbled. “I’d love to go with you to the state play-offs. Thank you.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up at four. The game starts at seven.”