Page 32 of Faking it with the Billionaire
Okay, not exactly what I was going for. He looks pissed, but I’m slightly concerned that look is at me and not at the culprit, the man standing across from him.
Aleksandra smacks her husband’s arm. “It’s kind of sweet. Don’t be such a dick,” she says to him.
“Her mother,” Antonio says and huffs. “You abandoned your kid for years. That’s really noble of you. Showing up now, when Kyler Greyson is wildly famous.”
“You think I’m famous?” Kyler grins, trying to defuse the situation. “Do you want an autograph? I don’t have any jerseys with me, but I’ll bet there’s a marker somewhere around, and I can sign your arm. I’ll even give you permission to get it tattooed forever.”
I cover my lips with my hand, trying not to chuckle too loudly.
“Let’s get on with the conference,” Antonio grumbles, stalking for the headmaster’s office. He drags his wife alongside him, and they walk on ahead of us the last twenty or so feet to the main office.
Kyler pulls me back a little, keeping us farther away from Antonio and Aleksandra. He leans against me, his arm brushing mine as he whispers into my ear, “That was quite a bomb you just dropped. Her mother?” His tongue darts out to the side of his mouth as he stares at me, his jaw tight.
“I had to think on my feet,” I say.
“We’ll talk more after we’re done,” he says, his arm wrapping around my waist as he accompanies me into the main office.
Bristol is seated by the door, legs swinging nervously as she wrings her hands together. Beside her is a little boy scowling in her direction, Liam Moretti. I recognize him from pickup after school. The boy seems a bit feral, although I’m not sure if that’s as much from the dirt on his clothes from recess and a little that’s stained his cheek.
“Can we go home?” Bristol asks the moment she sees her father.
“No, we’re having a conference with the headmaster,” Kyler says, reminding her, although I doubt she needs reminding. It seems more likely that she’s trying to get out of it. I can’t say that I blame her. I’d be doing the same thing.
“Bummer,” she grumbles under her breath.
The headmaster’s door swings open just as we arrive. “I’d like to speak with the parents first,” he says sharply.
Bristol’s eyes widen, and she glances at me for help. This isn’t my expertise, getting her out of that kind of trouble.
“Behave,” Kyler warns his daughter before heading into the headmaster’s office. He glances back at me as I stall at the entrance. It’s not really my place to attend, and isn’t it better if I’m at Bristol’s side watching over her? “Come on, you’re her mother,” he says under his breath, tugging my hand and practically dragging me into the conference.
Crap.
Well, I did that one to myself.
“Have a seat,” the headmaster says and gestures to the three chairs in the room. It’s obvious that he had two extra seats brought in, likely for this very meeting.
“Sit,” Kyler commands, nodding for me to take a seat.
“You take it,” I whisper. It wasn’t like I planned on being in the room, and I can do a better job of keeping Kyler safe if I’m standing and on high alert. As it is, I don’t like having my back to the door. I give his hand a firm squeeze, silently trying to tell him I want him to sit without making a fuss over the situation.
His gaze tightens, and then he nods, sitting in the chair. I stand behind him, one hand on his shoulder. He’s tall, and even while seated, he is enormous.
There’s an air to him, and when he walks into the room, everyone takes notice. I thought it was because he was a famous hockey player, but the more I come to know Kyler, the more I think it’s just him.
He’s magnetic.
“I thought we were only bringing in parents to this meeting,” the headmaster says, and although he’s talking about me, he’s staring at Kyler disapprovingly.
Antonio clears his throat. “Turns out she’s the kid’s mother.” The way he says it puts me on the defensive.
“Oh,” the headmaster says, his brow knit, and he gives a nod. “Then I suppose it’s good for her to be here. Perhaps being in Bristol’s life again will help give her a positive female role model.”
I want to slap the guy, but instead, I dig my fingernails into my hand, the pain biting me from using my sharp tongue.
“How have the children been since the last incident several weeks ago?” Aleksandra asks. “Liam’s teacher hasn’t mentioned any further incidents between the kids.”
“Their teacher will be joining us shortly,” the headmaster says. “But I would like a united front among the parents. It’s important that the children see the parents getting along, which might help alleviate some of the problems.”
