Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
“It’s safe to say we’ll be putting the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign up.”
I squeeze my thighs together. “Probably going to have to answer to a few noise complaints.”
“Good thing I’m a skilled firefighter. All the heat we’re going to create—”
“Okay, that was corny. You just ruined it for me—”
I squeal as he snakes his arm around me and pulls me into him. “Be ready and waiting when I get home, honey, because I plan on doing a lot of ruining.” This time, he makes a bold move and kisses me quick and hard on the lips. I sway as he releases me. His low chuckle sends another buzzing sensation between my legs. I look around to make sure we haven’t created an audience, and he jumps onto the truck, waving as they pull away.
How the hell am I going to make it through the school day knowing what’s to come? Eeek! My phone buzzes in my back pocket, and I smile. I knew Ben wouldn’t wait more than five minutes before calling me. I look down. Unknown number. My smile fades. This is the second one this morning. These calls are getting out of hand. How he got this number is beyond me. I answer it. “I know it’s you, Christopher. One more call and I’m calling my lawyer—”
The call disconnects.
“Everything all right?”
I twist to my right to see Mary. “Morning. Yeah. Wrong number. Hey—excited about the book fair today. Let me know if you need an extra set of hands. I’d love to help while my kiddos are at lunch.”
“Makayla, honestly, you’ve been such a blessing to this school. I’ve been meaning to ask you all week, but I didn’t want to push since you just returned. How would you feel about staying on? The kindergarten teacher you’re filling in for has decided not to come back.”
“As in full-time?”
“Yes. The kids love you, and so do we. You can have some time to think about—”
“I would love to!” She startles as I wrap my arms around her. “Thank you.” The thought of saying goodbye to these kids has been weighing on me. I’ve fallen in love with each and every one of them. And the school is fantastic. Having a full-time job, with benefits and a steady paycheck. . . I can save up for my own place. Or maybe even a place with Ben in the future. Gah! The future! I pull back. “Thank you. I’d be honored to come on board.”
Her smile is radiant. “That’s great news. Everyone is going to be over the moon.” The bell rings, and children start hustling through the hallways. “We’ll talk more later.” She walks off, and I head toward my classroom. Reaching back for my phone, I shoot off a quick text.
Me: I have some news I want to share with—
I pause to open my classroom door and see Christine, the office secretary, standing by my desk. “Hey?” Then I notice the large vase of flowers in her hands.
“These came for you this morning. Thought I would drop them off before the office got busy.” It’s almost impossible to contain my giddiness. “I’m going to assume they’re from the local fire department?”
“And why would you say that?” I ask, taking the bouquet from her.
“Never in my entire time living in this town have I seen such dedication to getting one of our staff members to work.”
I flutter my lashes. “Just the community coming together to help each other out,” I reply. My hands become twitchy. I can’t wait any longer to open the card. Then again, it probably says something dirty. How silly is it that I miss him so much, and it hasn’t even been ten minutes? This whole love thing is a rollercoaster.
I reach for the card and unfold the decorated paper. My brain stutters for a moment as my eyes still on the words. A coldness washes over me, and my smile drops.
“What does it say?”
My shock morphs into anger. I try not to bring attention to it, so I slowly fold the card and slide it into my purse. “Nothing. Thanks for dropping these off.”
“Oh, yeah. Sure. See ya!”
I hold my smile stiff until she leaves. When the door shuts, I almost throw the vase across the room. I refrain, slamming it on my desk instead. How dare he?
I wish I never took him back. But my fragile heart and mind wanted to live in a fantasy where bad never happened and the good could still be good. I wanted so much to believe things would change. I was living in this alternate universe because I didn’t want to admit that my marriage was a failure. I fell for the begging and pleading the first time and found myself apologizing for not being enough. His unfaithfulness made me feel unworthy of myself. It took everything in me to find the strength and self-esteem to walk away. I deserved better.