Page 72 of Control Freak

I wanted more, of course, but I was trying to be patient and take it as it came. This man spent years avoiding more than the most perfunctory touch. That couldn’t change overnight. But tell that to the butterflies in my stomach and the heat of arousal that shot through me at the idea of getting more physical with him.

I’d never yearned for someone so dang much.

“Mr. Blum?” Principal Sheffield broke into my thoughts. “I hope the pay isn’t a deal-breaker. We could pay more for a full-time teacher, but without your license…”

“No, I know. School budgets are always so tight. I’m honestly just so happy to get back into the classroom.”

A little girl of about nine raced down the hall ahead of us.

“Stacy, slow down!” Principal Sheffield called in warning.

Stacy skidded to a stop and shot us a desperate look. “I need the bathroom!”

“Well, go on, but be careful,” Sheffield said.

Stacy took off at a fast walk, and Parker nodded in her direction. “I better get Ms. Thomas to check on her. Stacy’s been having a few accidents lately.”

“Poor thing,” Principal Sheffield said with a frown creasing her forehead. “It might be time to talk to her mother.”

“Her parents divorced last month,” Parker told me. “I imagine it’s been tough.”

“Is she your student, then?”

“No, but I know every kid in this place. It’s a small school.” He gave me a quick wave, walking backward down the hall. “Take the job and help us out! I’ll call you later.”

Damn. I’d known all my students and most of my grade level, but every kid in the building just wasn’t possible at my old school. Riverton really would be a different experience. I liked the idea of knowing every student who passed through the walls, of watching them grow and change as they passed from grade to grade. I bet a lot fewer kids fell through the cracks, overlooked or underserved in a place like this.

I’d done a lot of good in the St. Louis schools. I’d prided myself on seeing the children who needed the extra attention or encouragement. But I could only do so much once they were no longer in my class.

Here, I could ensure my students continued to succeed.

Not that you’ll have any students of your own. Not as a substitute…

“Well, what’s the verdict?” Sheffield asked. “Can you help us out?”

I nodded slowly. “Yeah. I’ll take the job. I don’t know how long I can stay without better pay and benefits, but I’d love to work with students while I’m here.”

“You could always get licensed in Nebraska,” Sheffield said. “We’d be able to offer you something more appropriate.”

“I’m thinking about it.”

“Can I ask what made you leave St. Louis?”

Damn. I’d almost made it through without that sticky question. I tried to stick close to the truth.

“I had a messy breakup, and there were some problems with harassment. The administration wasn’t thrilled about my boyfriend in the first place, so…”

“Say no more,” she said, lifting her hands. “Here at Riverton, we support our queer educators.” She clucked. “Parker Reid is one of our best. I can’t imagine judging him for his choice of partner.” She leaned in, smiling a little. “Though it’s tough to judgeanyonefor going for that hunky Simon Prentiss. They were both college football stars, you know.”

I’d heard something about that from Emory. “I guess you lucked out that they landed here.”

“We sure did,” she said, looking a little dreamy-eyed. After a big sigh, she shook it off. “Anyway, if you get that license, I’d love to talk about a more permanent position with a salary more commensurate with your skills.”

“I appreciate that.”

It was probably wrong to let her assume Jimmie was the reason I got fired, but then again, he kind of was? I’d never have been working as a camboy if not for his crew of petty criminals targeting me. I’d taken hit after hit with him. This seemed likethe universe’s way of giving me a break. And honestly, if it meant I could stay in Riverton for more than a few weeks, I’d take it.

“I don’t think they’ll give me a reference,” I told her.