Burning for Love: Los Angeles Armstrongs 2 (The Armstrongs Book 8) Read online

  “Really? You don’t think…?”

  “See, that’s your problem. Stop overthinking and have fun. Go with the flow for once. It might be your only chance.”

  Roxie sighed. “I guess…I mean that would be an adventure, right?”

  “There you go. What’s more adventurous than a handsome guy who wants to have a little fun while on vacation?”

  “He’s not on vacation; he came here for research work.”

  “Don’t get all holier than thou with me, girlfriend. You’re both far away from home and that’s kind of like a vacation. So, figure out a way to spend some time with him.”

  “You sound like it’s a done deal.” Roxie had always admired the straight-forward ways of her friend. Out of her mouth it sounded like the easiest and most normal thing in the world to hook up with a guy for a vacation fling.

  “Well, isn’t it? Do know when you’re going to see him again?” Charlene asked.

  “Actually, he’s coming to parent career day this week.”

  “See? Don’t worry about it. If it works out – fine. If it doesn’t – fine as well.” Charlene giggled. “Speaking of school, how is that going?”

  “It’s different, but fun. Ecuador is an amazing place, at least, what I’ve seen of it so far. The kids are pretty much kids, but dealing with older teenagers is a lot different than the little kiddos I normally teach. But most of them are very respectful, so it’s all good.”

  “I told you it was time to do something different. You’ve settled for boring long enough. Have you already made plans for summer vacation? Explore and play tourist?”

  “I want to, but haven’t quite figured out where and how to go yet. It’s not so easy in a foreign country.”

  “Adventure is never easy. But…hey…why don’t you ask your hot guy to make a suggestion…or to take you somewhere? Kill two birds with one stone. I’m sure there are some stunning but very…remote locations to explore.”

  Roxie blushed as she thought about the suggestion for a moment and in the silence she heard Charlene stifle a yawn.

  “It’s an idea worth considering. And I should let you get some sleep. Say hi to Evan.”

  “I will. Hopefully, my hot guy waiting for me in bed hasn’t fallen asleep yet,” Charlene added with a laugh.

  “Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight.”

  Roxie turned off the lamp beside the bed and closed her eyes. But sleep was still elusive. Charlene’s ideas had merit. Roxie deserved some carefree time. I can have fun with Drake and still take a break from a serious relationship.

  She lay there for long moments before the exhaustion of the day won out and she fell into a deep sleep, filled with dreams of Drake.

  Chapter 5

  Drake woke up with a smile on his lips and thoughts of Roxie floating through his head. He heard noises and ventured into the dining room where Carlos and his three children sat eating breakfast. An older woman, the maid, hustled around serving everyone fresh juice and cheese tortillas.

  “Buenos días Don Drake. Que quiere desyunar?” she greeted him with a smile.

  Drake wracked his brain for an appropriate answer and settled for a smile and a nod. Carlos gestured for him to sit at the table and translated the words of the maid. “Gloria asked what you want for breakfast.”

  “Oh.” Drake looked around. He was still stunned at how everyone here had several employees as if a full staff was the most natural thing in the world. Apparently he was expected to sit at the table and let the maid serve him breakfast as if in a restaurant. “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

  “Eso. Por favor,” Drake said and pointed to Carlos’ plate while nodding at Gloria.

  The corpulent woman gave him a gap-toothed smile and disappeared into the kitchen.

  Carlos’ oldest son, Javier, looked at Drake and then gave him a solemn stare as he carefully formed his words. “Good morning, Mister Armstrong.”

  Drake gave the young man a smile. “Good job with your English there, Javier.”

  “Thank you. Miss Ellison is a very good teacher.”

  “Yes, I can hear that.” The thought of Roxie sent a peculiar feeling to his heart. He focused on the little boy to chase away the unwelcome sensations.

  Javier beamed, so proud of himself for his accomplishment thus far. “You come to my school?”

  “Yes.”

  Drake nodded, a nervous tickle in the back of his throat. It was quite silly to be nervous about speaking to a room full of ten-year old students. Normally he wouldn’t mind, but Spanish speaking students? And then there was the enticing young teacher he wanted to impress. The tickle increased.

  The maid brought him a cup of coffee, cheese tortillas and juice.

  “Gracias,” he murmured and took a big gulp of coffee. He grimaced and immediately added a generous portion of sugar and cream. How can a coffee producing country drink this awful swill?

  The juice though was delicious. Sweet, tangy, and citrusy, with a bright yellow-greenish color.

  “What is this?” he asked.

  “We call it Naranjilla, ‘little orange’,” Carlos answered. “It’s an exotic fruit that isn’t exported and I believe it doesn’t even have a proper English translation. It’s Javier’s favorite fruit juice. Gloria prepares it fresh, because if you don’t drink it right away, it oxides quickly and takes on an ugly brown color.”

  Drake listened to the chatter around the table until Carlos spoke up and all three kids jumped from the table. Drake looked at his friend with a question mark in his eyes.

  “I told them to hurry and get their school bags, or they’ll miss their bus.” Carlos laughed. At those words, Anita came bustling into the dining room, hugging her kids on the way out and kissing her husband.

  “Good morning, Drake. Did you sleep okay in the guest room?” she inquired as she accepted a to-go cup of coffee from Gloria’s hands.

  “I slept very well; thank you for asking.”

  “You two boys have fun at the school today.” Anita gave him a small nod and rushed out the door.

  Drake raised a brow and looked at Carlos. “The presentation is today?”

  “Yes, but what are you worried about? You give lectures all the time. I’m the one who should be nervous. I don’t normally have to give speeches.”

  “I’m just nervous because I don’t normally give presentations to kids that aren’t old enough to drive yet and whose primary language I struggle to understand.”

  “Don’t worry. Just focus on the pretty teacher standing in the back of the classroom.” Carlos chuckled as if he knew.

  Drake looked at his friend for a full minute before he shook his head and emptied his plate.

  “I’m not interested in the attractive teacher. I came here to study the volcanoes.” He looked thoughtful and then asked, “What was her name again?”

  Carlos barked out a laugh. “Don’t give me that. I saw your face last night. Miss Roxanne Ellison got to you. I bet you dreamt of her all night long.”

  “No, I didn’t.” Drake shook his head in denial but knew his posture gave him away. His body had been wound tight with desire ever since he’d laid eyes on the woman.

  Carlos rolled his eyes. “You should go get ready, my friend. We have to leave for the school in half an hour. You wouldn’t want to leave anyone…waiting.”

  “No problem.”

  Drake ignored the taunt and pushed his now empty plate away, picked up his coffee and scooted his chair back. Back in his room, he took a quick shower and shaved, before slipping on a pair of khaki colored pants and a white button-down shirt. He left the first two buttons undone, rolled the sleeves up to just below his elbows, and slipped a brown leather belt through the belt loops. Brown leather shoes, and an olive green lightweight vest completed his attire.

  His wavy hair was just a little too long, and it brushed the collar of his shirt. He’d ask Carlos to recommend a hair salon. Or maybe Roxie preferred the slightly rugged appearance the long
er hair gave him? A knock on his bedroom door announced Carlos was ready to leave.

  “Be right there.”

  Drake grabbed his case and pulled out a folder containing some impressive shots of erupting volcanoes. He’d taken most of the shots himself over the last few years, and they never ceased to impress his audiences whenever he lectured about volcanoes. A group of ten-year old students would be equally impressed.

  As he joined Carlos outside the house, Drake couldn’t contain the little shiver of excitement the thought of seeing Roxie again sparked inside his chest. It rifled through him. No matter what he told his brain, his body couldn’t wait to get another glimpse of Roxie.

  Chapter 6

  Drake breathed a sigh of relief as Carlos finally pulled up in front of Javier’s school. The traffic had been unreal, worse than Los Angeles during rush hour, and even less civil. It had been an eye-opener, and had taken them almost an hour to drive a few miles.

  “Is the traffic always this bad?” Drake asked as he and Carlos exited the vehicle.

  Carlos grinned. “Worse. Today was manageable.”

  “Okay, then. So, exactly what…” Drake broke off as they stepped inside the school building and his eyes met Roxie’s as she stood at the other end of the hall, looking like an angel of English education. A pang of lust hit him square in the chest. “Is she waiting for us?”

  “Probably. We’re fifteen minutes late.” Carlos waved and walked toward her.

  “Just great.”

  Drake shook his head and followed Carlos until he stood in front of a breathtakingly beautiful Roxie. She wore her black hair down and he wondered how it would feel if he fisted his hands in her mane and tugged to force her lips to his. Stop! The inappropriate thoughts didn’t help. They just made the ache even more horrendous.

  Carlos hugged Roxie, which Drake found peculiar. Back home, this wouldn’t happen, but the Ecuadorians were a lot touchier than his people. Despite the desire to follow his friend’s example, Drake opted for a formal handshake. But the moment her soft palm touched his, he had to take a step back. This was her workplace, after all.

  “The kids are excited to hear about your careers and I have to warn you, they have a ton of questions,” Roxie said.

  “Drake here is an expert at answering questions. Right?” Carlos nodded at him and laughed when he saw the discomfort on Drake’s face. “Don’t worry. I’ve met some of Javier’s friends and they don’t bite. Much.”

  “They don’t bite at all. So, are you going to speak one at a time, or do the presentation together?” Roxie asked, looking from one to the other.

  “Together,” Drake said, giving Carlos a warning look.

  His friend shrugged. “Together.”

  “Very good.” Roxie stepped inside the classroom and waved them in. “Class, settle down. Our special guests have arrived. This is Javier’s dad, Carlos Sanchez and his friend from the United States, Drake Armstrong.”

  One of the kids raised his hand before they even started their presentation. Drake looked at Carlos and then Roxie, who was already walking toward the back of the classroom.

  Nodding at the young girl, he said, “Yes?”

  “Do they have volcanoes in America?”

  Drake smiled at the innocent question. “They do, but they aren’t like the ones here.”

  He and Carlos took turns talking about the different types of volcanoes, Drake in English, and Carlos translating when the kids didn’t seem to understand. The entire class listened in rapt attention, especially when Drake pulled out his pictures and started passing them around.

  Carlos explained about his job at the Ministry of Environment and how the government not only surveyed volcanoes, but also warning signs of earthquakes, landslides, and other natural disasters.

  Drake couldn’t resist sneaking glances at Roxie, who stood in the back of the room. Sometimes he caught her staring at him and then she’d blush and look away. He wondered if her thoughts were as lust-filled as his own.

  “Does anyone have any questions?” Carlos asked after the presentation. The kids bounced in their seats, barely able to contain their burning questions.

  “¿Qué se estudia en la escuela para convertirse en un vulcanólogo?”

  Drake’s head whirled. He’d understood the words school and volcanologist, but that was it.

  “I would like you to practice your English right now. You may ask your question in Spanish, but then I would like to hear it in English as well.” Roxie came to his rescue.

  Several of the students groaned, but they did comply. The young boy, who’d just asked his question, repeated it, “What study in school for volcano…logo?”

  “Volcanologist is the word. Geology, chemistry, physics, biology…everything about the Earth and science. I focused on Geology and Physics, but I also took classes in Computer Programming, Linear Algebra, and Writing.”

  Carlos translated.

  “Why writing?” one of the other students asked.

  “Part of my job is letting other people know what I’ve discovered. I do that by writing articles and research papers. Being able to communicate is the most important part of my job.”

  Another student raised a hand. “What was your favorite class in school?”

  Carlos gestured for him to answer this question as well. Drake smiled. “Well, I liked my writing classes, but I enjoyed Physics as well. I especially liked studying Fluid Dynamics.” When he saw confused looks on the kid’s faces, he further explained, “That is how water moves through volcanoes and how it relates to things like lava flows and impacts the eruptions.” That didn’t seemed to help, but again Roxie came to his rescue and explained in simple words what he’d been talking about.

  “What kind of tools do you use?”

  “The most important tool I use is my field notebook…” Carlos said.

  “More writing?” one of the girls asked.

  “Yes, more writing. I record everything I observe. What I see, what I think it means, questions I need to answer. I carry multiple pens, pencils and markers with me, and I label and record everything.” Carlos chuckled.

  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a hand lens. “This little device is my second most important tool. It allows me to see small features in rocks when I don’t have a microscope handy.” He passed it around and then turned to Drake. “What are some of your favorite tools?”

  “I too like my notebook and hand lens, but I also rely heavily on my rock hammers because they not only help me climb, but I can use them to break up rocks to see fresh, unweathered surfaces.”

  “We also use a variety of safety equipment. Gloves, hard hats, goggles, sturdy boots, rip-resistant clothing, and we always carry a gas mask with us. Sometimes volcanoes emit toxic fumes.” Drake paused and then added one more item to his list. “And sunscreen. I’m out in the sun all day long and the last thing I want is a nasty sunburn.”

  Two of the boys whispered and Roxie came to stand behind them. “Was there a question you wanted to ask?”

  They looked at each other and then shrugged. “Not really. We just thought they’d have cooler equipment than sunscreen.”

  Drake grinned and came to a stop in front of the boys’ desks. “We do use some pretty cool equipment. I have a thermal camera that can take a picture of heat differentials. We use seismometers and tilt meters to help measure the movement of the Earth’s crust, and a whole variety of instruments designed to identify chemicals.”

  He passed one of the more robust instruments around. Then Roxie asked the next question. “How do you stay safe while you’re working on an active volcano?”

  “Always be prepared. Whether that’s by talking to others who are more familiar with the area, or studying previous reports. I never take anything for granted. I’m always careful in an area that could be dangerous. I avoid places were active vents are likely to spew out gases, steam, or even lava. I avoid unstable ground, and use my research to determine where pyroclastic flows or lava
flows might occur.”

  “And always, always, always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. If you get injured or sick, it helps to have someone looking for you. Sometimes it’s not possible to get to safety without treating yourself onsite. We always carry a first aid kit, a radio or phone, and enough food and water to last through an emergency,” Carlos added.

  “What made you decide to study volcanoes?”

  “When I was a kid about your age, I was always collecting rocks. Wherever I went, I always found a new rock to add to my collection. My parents would often take me to the Natural History Museum and while the dinosaurs were interesting, I always gravitated toward the volcano exhibits.

  “But it wasn’t until I took a field trip to Hawaii and got to see a real life lava flow that I was hooked. I knew from that moment on I was going to spend the rest of my life studying volcanoes.”

  Roxie walked to the front of the classroom. “Children, our presentation time is almost over. Thank you to Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Armstrong for visiting today and explaining their profession to us. One last question…what advice would you give any of these students if they want to study volcanoes and geology?”

  “Study hard!” Carlos said, winking at his son.

  “Take lots of math and science courses, even if you don’t think you’ll do well. You’ll need a good foundation of both. And don’t neglect your writing. Volunteer at a museum or nature center. You kids have a great example of an active volcano right here. Find out everything you can about it and then use that as a stepping stone to learn about other volcanoes.”

  “Thank you, gentlemen. Children, you are dismissed to your next class.” The students quietly gathered their belongings and filed out of the classroom, leaving Roxie, Drake, and Carlos alone.

  “Thank you again. Would you care for a tour of the school?” Roxie smiled.

  Drake and Carlos nodded.

  “Good. Follow me.” She led them through the hallways and stopped at the director’s office. The woman, a small lady in her fifties with graying hair, spoke with them briefly and reminded them about the upcoming year-end performance the students had rehearsed.