Page 17 of Wicked Scandal

“It would bring in more scouts, which means more money. They will need places to stay and food to eat, thus bringing in more funds and helping improve the town's image. Plus, if these kids get scouted to major teams, it will also bring tourism here.”

I beam at him. “Exactly! Now, write that down.”

He gets to work immediately, his fingers flying over the keys like this is what he was made for. I always believed he could do it, but I think now he is starting to believe in himself too.

Once he’s finished, he sinks back in the chair, watching me anxiously as I pull the laptop close to read. This is good. Actually, it’s really good.

My hands go up in excitement, a widespread smile on my face. “This is great, Wilder. I knew you had it in you.”

A shy smile touches his lips. “Really?”

“Absolutely,” I assure him with a pat on his shoulder.

He reaches up, placing his hand over mine, and I curse the electricity that runs through me. It’s wrong and I hate the way his touch makes me feel. For just a moment, it’s as if time stands still and the only thing I see are his light brown eyes shining back at me. “I couldn't have done it without you, Mrs. Jenkins.”

I pull my hand away, averting my gaze as my face starts to feel like it’s on fire. “Of course you could have. You had it in you the entire time. You just needed a boost of confidence.”

Wilder has so many amazing qualities he doesn’t acknowledge; yet, he’s by far the hardest on himself out of any of my students.

I refocus on the article and fix a couple grammatical errors, then push the laptop back in front of him so he can read through it one more time. His lips move as he mouths the words and I find myself entranced.

The next thing I know, he’s turning in his chair to face me. “You’re amazing, Mrs. J. I don’t even know what to say, except thank you.”

The sincerity in his tone sends a rush of warmth through me. It’s such an amazing feeling when someone expresses their appreciation for you. It’s one of the reasons I love my job so much.

I raise my shoulders, caging in my neck because what I’m about to say next is wrong, yet crucial. “Say you won’t tell my husband.”

“It’ll be our little secret.” He winks and a swarm of butterflies flutter through my stomach.

Wilder stands up and pushes the top of his laptop closed. “Thank you again,” he says before leaning down and wrapping his arms around me. “This means more to me than you know.”

I gulp, hesitantly embracing his hug. “You’re welcome.”

My eyes close and I savor this moment, relishing the safety of his strong arms. I inhale the scent of his woodsy cologne as the heat of his body infiltrates mine. It’s overwhelming, yet everything I needed in this moment.

My heart hammers against his chest. This is a feeling I’ve craved for as long as I can remember.

But it’s wrong. I shouldn’t feel these things for another guy, and certainly not for my student, who is eleven years younger than me.

The door to the classroom creaks open and Wilder steps back, letting me go. I take a deep breath, putting on my mask of perfection as I stand up, ready to greet students. My stomach flips from the pain of last night's assault, and the confusing emotions running through me, and my hand covers it instantly.

Wilders eyes follow my movement and I swear I see a flash of anger. Before I can register it, he looks away and I focus on the student in the doorway.

“Good morning,” I say to Elodie as Wilder picks up his laptop from my desk. She squints, giving Wilder an odd look as if she just interrupted something.

She had to have known that was a simple hug. Nothing more, nothing less. Does she suspect it was something more? Was it? Does she know Wilder makes me feel things inside that I haven’t felt in ages? Is it written on my face that I’m crushing on my student?

Oh my gosh, Catherine, pull yourself together right this instant.

I wonder if Wilder told her he was asking me for help with the article. Maybe she knows it’s a conflict of interest and that's why she seems so puzzled. I try to breathe and ignore the churning in my gut.

Wilder flashes me another smile before finding his seat. All the while, Elodie is following behind him whispering something, only causing my paranoia to grow.

My cheeks fill with heat, pulse racing. That’s it. I have to delete that app and get him out of my head.

CHAPTER 5

WILDER

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