Page 57 of Guarded Deputy

“Look at her hands. She doesn’t have a ring like my mom does.”

My students go off on a mortifying debate about my love life, arguing about whether or not I have a boyfriend, children, or am married. I clap my hands three times to settle them down.

“We’re here for class, not to discuss my personal life.” I stand, getting myself together.

Nate working at the school is not good for my heart or my job. That man is a distraction even when he isn’t standing in front of me all six-foot-one glory with defined muscles and full lips.

Chapter 16

Dear Ms. A

Ms.A,

I can’t stop thinking about you. I like that you stay in class during my lessons, but it’s sweet torture watching you focus on work instead of on me. Tell me, do you also think about our kiss like I do? Because it’s all I’ve thought about since Saturday. I shouldn’t confess this, but I’m weak when it comes to you. All my truths tumble out of me.

Mr. Hot Deputy

Mr. Hot D,

You can’t confess these things while I’m at work.

Ms. A

Lizzy,

Mr. Hot D sounds dirty, but I’m going to keep my thoughts to myself. Do my notes distract you? If so, I’m not sorry. I want you thinking about me the way I can’t stop thinking about you. What’s your favorite color?

Mr. Hot D

Mr. Hot Deputy,

Are we playing 21 questions now? My favorite color is lavender. Do you prefer sweet or savory food? And I don’t need your notes to think about you, but I kind of like this old school way of communication.

Ms. A

Lizzy,

If 21 questions is the way I get to know you, then sure, we can play. I want to know everything about you. Whether we’re playing a game or sitting somewhere together. I prefer savory food. Are you sure you’re not a cat person?

Nate

Nate,

I am offended that you question my word. I have nothing against cats except that I’m allergic, so they lose by default. Do you like living in Emerald Bay?

Lizzy

Lizzy,

Emerald Bay takes some getting used to, but someone has made the adjustment worth it. I want to see you. If we were in high school, I’d tell you to skip third period and meet me under the bleachers, but you’d probably get in trouble for missing class, huh?

Nate

Nate,

Sorry to burst your bubble, but we don’t have bleachers. And yes, I’d get in trouble. No secret make-out session is happening. Although, I’d like to see you, too. I have class all afternoon so no time for getaways.

Lizzy

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