This Time for Real Read Online Free PDF Page A

had no choice.
    â€œWhat are you doing here? And what kind of game are you playing?” Malik asked, once the doors had closed.
    Peyton’s brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”
    â€œI wasn’t good enough for you to talk to, let alone spend time with, but now you come into my center acting like you’re here to help people?” Malik’s voice rose slightly.
    â€œIt’s not an act,” Peyton replied sternly. “I had no idea you were director when I picked this establishment. I wanted to volunteer as I’d done in Ohio, and give my students some practical experience. That’s it, nothing more. You’re just angry because I turned down your offer to show me around New York.”
    â€œAnd the only reason you turned me down was because you were attracted to me,” Malik replied with a smile.
    Was it that obvious? Peyton wondered. “I am not,” she lied.
    â€œI think you’re scared.” Malik came towards her until he was inches away from her face. He watched her takea step back. He was so close, he could smell the exotic scent of her perfume. “Scared of going after what you want, scared of dating someone different than your norm, scared of dating outside the box.”
    She didn’t like that he’d hit the nail on the head, and yelled, “How dare you!” She realized just how loud she was, when several of her students turned and stared at her through the glass, so she lowered her voice. “You don’t even know me.”
    â€œWhat I know is that I will not play a game of cat-and-mouse with you, so consider your services no longer needed.” He turned on his heel and began walking away, even though he desperately wanted to pull the scared little professor into his arms and kiss her senseless.
    He didn’t get the opportunity because Theresa came storming towards him. “Malik Williams, what’s going on here? I heard loud voices.”
    â€œYou can’t fire me. I’m volunteering!” Peyton stomped her foot.
    Malik turned around. He hated that even her pouty face was so damn sexy. “ I am the final word at this center, Ms. Sawyer,” Malik yelled over his shoulder before sauntering past Theresa into his office and shutting the door behind him.
    â€œHe can’t fire me, can he?” Peyton asked, turning to Theresa. “I mean, I’m here to help. I want to help and be here with my students.”
    â€œHe is the director,” Theresa said, shrugging, even though inside she was dying to laugh aloud. Everything had worked better than she’d hoped. Peyton had ruffled Malik’s feathers again, which meant he found her more intriguing than the other women in his life. “But I can talk to him if you’re serious.” Theresa stared back atPeyton. Did this woman have the fortitude to handle a man as strong and bullheaded as Malik?
    â€œOf course, I’m serious. I believe in helping the community,” Peyton replied. “I can give you several references at other centers, shelters and hospitals where I’ve volunteered.”
    Theresa smiled. “Once he calms down, I’ll talk to him. Just fill out the paperwork, and by the time you come back I’ll have it all worked out.”
    â€œThank you.” Peyton squeezed Theresa’s hand. “You’re a lifesaver.” She went back inside to finish listening to the information session, while Theresa thought about how she would continue to stoke the flame.
    Â 
    â€œMalik, you’re being unreasonable.” Theresa barged into his office several minutes later. He was sitting with his mentor, Andrew Webster, the former director of the community center.
    â€œAndrew, it’s so good to see you, sweetheart.” Theresa came forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “When did you arrive?”
    â€œA few moments ago,” Andrew returned. Even at sixty-five, Andrew looked as healthy