Page 16 of Teacher's Pet

Now I’m bristling but Foster just grins. “I do, McBride. But if it’s not my business…it’s definitely hers.”

He glances over his shoulder and Rebel walks into the room, her eyes absolutely fiery. My sister doesn’t take kindly to bullies and McBride is definitely one of those.

He pales, his hand running across his face and tugging at his tie. Then he smirks. “Mayor! How lovely to see you.”

She grunts and I cough to cover my snort of laughter. She sounds exactly like my brother-in-law. I think he’s rubbing off on her.

“You know. There’s one thing I hate more than anything on this earth, McBride. And that’s bullies.”

“I-I’m not a bully,” he snarls. “I’m just trying to run a school.”

“Really? By asking my sister to clean your school’s toilets? Do any of the other teachers clean toilets? And where do you get off calling my godchild a hellion?”

I jump. I know Harley isn’t her godchild although she is close with the guys from Wildwood Construction because of Tony.

“Your godchild! I wasn’t aware of that!” Now he really looks like he’s gonna be sick.

“I think we need to talk.” Rebel turns to me and turns her back to him, winking. “I’ll talk to you later. Go have fun.”

I grab my things and eye her uncertainly. “Don’t worry. Tony’s bringing some of the board members back here right now. I won’t be alone long.”

Foster holds his hand out to me and I take it, too shocked not to. He leads me out and I see that Harley is standing there with a grin on her face as she sees my hand in her father’s.

He turns to me and searches my eyes. “Are you alright?”

I nod my head, still shocked. “I’m good.”

“Come have dinner with us, Miss Carter. Daddy put a special chicken in the crock pot this morning. It’s got everything in there. It’s sooo good,” she says, her voice bubbling over with excitement.

I glance over at Foster and he nods at me. “Yes, we’d love to have you for dinner.”

And for some reason my dirty damn mind can’t stop picturing Foster eating me like a picnic feast spread out on his bed.

I flush and dart around him, careful to keep a good distance between us, just in case I touch him and combust like a raging fire.

He follows along behind me and Harley reaches out to hold my hand. I swear I can feel his body heat hulking up behind me and my body is practically vibrating with hunger.

And it’s not for chicken in a crock pot. It’s for the big man who watches as I get in my car to follow his truck, his gray eyes locked on mine, something dark and hungry lurking in that heated gaze.

I shiver. I hope I’m not making a mistake. I know that Foster hasn’t gotten over his wife and he may never be ready.

But I’m not sure I can keep my heart as locked down as I hope. And no matter what I think…I have a feeling the future is gonna hurt.

FOSTER

She’s in my house. She’s in my house and she’s sitting at my dining room table laughing at Harley and discussing her day. Her hopes for the future. And Harley is giving her way more than she ever gives me. Grunts are generally her form of communication with me.

“Harley, it’s time for bed.” She groans and glares at me. But Tally grins and fist bumps her.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” She sighs and stands up, hugging me and then Tally.

Then she heads to her bedroom upstairs. I glance over at Tally, clearing my throat. “Can you stay for awhile?”

She seems surprised but I don’t want her to go. My body is aching for her. I don’t understand it. I sat up the other night and held my phone in my hand and I didn’t try and play all the recordings that I have saved from Karen. I only played one and when I listened to it, it was like listening to a ghost. I still felt the same sorrow but it was a small pang not the never-ending dark pit of emptiness that’s seemed to yawn out of my soul.

And I know it’s because of her. She’s wormed her way into my life and I like it. I like seeing her smile with Harley. I like seeing Harley so happy.

She nods and stands up to carry her dishes to the kitchen. I follow her with the rest of the dishes and load the dishwasher, starting it. The background noise covers my groan when she bends over to peek at something through the curtain.

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