Page 18 of The Prom

“I have put you on patrol along with myself, Miss Richardson, Mr. Ives and Mrs. Jameson.”

“Ok.” I nod as I take another bite and she licks her lower lip and whispers, “We should team up. We will work well together.”

“Sure.” I reach for my soda and lean back in my chair, regarding her through a hooded gaze that appears to only increase the desire in her eyes.

“Perhaps we should discuss our plans over dinner tonight, um, Drake.”

Fuck and double fuck. This cannot be happening. Must I really screw this woman to throw her off the scent? It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve used such tactics, but fuck me—no. Not the principal and definitely not when all I can think about is screwing my freaking student who is so off limits, its hilarious.

I chug down my soda and decide avoidance is my best course of action, and I frown.

“Sounds good, um, Angela, but I can’t make it this evening. I have a prior engagement.”

“You do?” Disappointment flares in her eyes. “May I ask what?”

Resisting the urge to tell her she fucking can’t, I shake my head. “I’m meeting with a friend who lives nearby.”

“A friend?”

Her eyes narrow and I say hastily, “Yeah, Chuck and I go way back and he doesn’t live far, so we’re catching a few beers.”

She visibly relaxes. “I see. Well, maybe tomorrow night.”

I nod and am thankfully saved by the bell as I jerk my head toward the door.

“Duty calls. Catch you later, prin–, I mean, Angela.”

I must take the record for exiting a room as I dump my tray and head out of the door, wondering how the fuck I got into this mess. If Principal Constable clocks me with Imogen later, I have a feeling the shit will really hit the fan.

NINE

IMOGEN

For some reason, I am walking on a cloud all afternoon. Lunch was nice with Jesse. It was good spending time with him out in the open with no worry about what could escalate between us. He is good company and kept me in hysterics, with tales of Rockwell and stuff that happened to him back at home. It helps that he is drop dead gorgeous and when he wants to be, effortless company.

I don’t miss the envious glances from the other girls either, and it’s a powerful aphrodisiac. Jesse Anderson is one hot guy and I should be thanking my lucky stars he picked me.

Then why aren’t you? Why do you prefer your encounters with a man who is so out of your league you will trip into oblivion if you reach for him?

The nagging voice never goes away as it reminds me how tricky my life is right now.

Cassieand I have a free period and choose to take in some sun in the yard. We sip sodas and shield our eyes from the glare while we recline on cushions laid out on the grass.

“This is nice.” She says with satisfaction, and I nod.

“It sure is.”

“So, Jesse.” Her gentle teasing causes me to smile.

“What about him?”

“He seems happier, less stressed, and I’m guessing I must thank you for that.”

“You’re welcome.”

She raises her eyes. “What about you, Imogen? I detect a spark igniting that I haven’t seen before.”

“You’re mistaken.”

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