Page 26 of The Prom

“Sorry, I um, well, just got off the phone with my girlfriend. She’s pissed that I haven’t been to see her since I started here and, well, you know how it is.”

Lies easily drip from my tongue and she sighs, disappointment rife in her eyes. “You have a girlfriend?”

“Yes, um, Sonia. We’ve been together since college.”

“I see.” She hesitates and then smiles. “But you’re not married yet.” She winks and I swear I should receive an Oscar for not revealing how disgusted I am at the thought of me and the principal.

“I’ll wait outside and maybe I can improve your evening.”

As she leaves, I wait for her to close the door before heading back into the kitchen.

As I make my way behind the counter, I’m surprised to find it empty and as the breeze rustles the drapes, a slow smile spreads across my face.

I knew I liked this girl.

Apparently, Imogen wasted no time and got the hell out of Dodge and as I come to terms with what happened here tonight, I’m surprised to discover I wouldn’t change a thing.

THIRTEEN

IMOGEN

Oh my God, I kissed my teacher. I kissed a freaking teacher, and it was the most passionate kiss of my entire life. It was nothing like kissing the usual boys. He was all man and what a difference that makes. His lips still burn on mine and my panties are drenched with the effects of it.

As soon as the principal called out, it was as if fate brought me to my senses and I wasted no time in getting the hell out of there, creeping around to the front of the house and slipping my rucksack through the slats on the balustrade.

My cap is firmly in place as I jog through the trees, my heart pounding as much as my sneakers because, for fuck’s sake, I kissed my teacher. Really kissed him. More than that, it wasn’t enough. I wanted to go further. I still do, and it certainly brings my relationship with Jesse into perspective. It is not even close to how I felt when Drake kissed me.

I reach The Elusive House and calm my breathing as I trip up the steps, noting Ali and Santi lounging on the veranda as they chug down more beer than is good for them.

“Hey, Imogen.” Santi calls out. “It appears you could use a beer.”

“Thanks.”

I wander over and sink down into the comfy chair, seizing the beer with a grateful smile.

“Good run?” Ali asks, a gleam in his eye that unnerves me a little.

“Great, thanks.”

I chug down the beer and love how the cool liquid calms the furnace inside me, and Santi grins. “Jesse was out here looking for you.”

“Was he?” I shrug. “We didn’t have plans. I thought he was out.”

“He was.” Ali frowns. “Did he say where he was going?”

“No. Then again, he never does.”

Santi nods. “He’s a closed book, for sure.”

We are interrupted as the man himself heads our way and his eyes light up when he sees me.

“Hey, babe, where have you been?”

“Jogging.” I remove my cap and run my fingers through my hair and his eyes light with sudden interest.

“I’ll help you with the sweat if you like.”

The others chuckle and I roll my eyes. “I’m good, thanks. I’m old enough to wash myself, but thanks for the offer.”

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