Page 82 of Love Takes Home

“Then don’t play.”

I give him my best teacher look. It’s like a mom look but with a bigger range. “You do understand I’m the music teacher, right?”

“I understand that. But it’s for one or two days, Ginny, and it keeps you safe. Besides, no way does anyone care today. It’salmost fall break, and I’ve heard you say that kids check out after Tuesday leading to a break.”

He’s not wrong, but I don’t want to admit it.

“Do you think Roger is okay with Aubrey being part of the plan?” I ask, changing the subject.

“I think Aubrey wasn’t going to not be part of the plan, and her dad gave in.” He grins at me. “Can’t think of someone who’s stubborn like that with their dad, can you?”

I flip him off, which earns me a full Joker laugh. Yes, it’s a thing. A thing of beauty. And one we don’t get to see very often.

“Look, you don’t have to wear the watch all the time,” he brings the topic back around. “And you, Aubrey, and your other friends will all be safer because of it. So can you try? For now? For me?”

“I’ll try.”

“You could always stick to the piano today.”

“And you could always stick to just your hand for the rest of time,” I offer in response.

“I feel like I’m in a three-way relationship—you, me, and your cello.”

“You are.” I grin at him, no remorse in my answer.

“Well, if that’s the case, you could play your cello for me tonight if you want.”

I look at him, my cheeks heating. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“Think you liked it, too.”

Again, he’s not wrong, but I’m not going to admit it.

“I need to go in.” I sigh, looking at the front of the school.

“Have a good day. Be safe.” He leans over and gives me a quick but heated kiss.

I hear some of the kids laughing outside as he pulls back, a wicked smile on his face.

“You’re so bad.” I shake my head at him.

“Part of my charm.” He shrugs his shoulders, looking so carefree.

This Joker I want around more often. Don’t get me wrong, broody Joker, and intimidating Joker, and sarcastic Joker, and, and…I love them all. But carefree and happy Joker? Nothing better.

I walk into the building without stopping at the office like I normally do and head straight to my classroom. Part of me is afraid that I’m gonna run into Keith on the way, but logically I know he should be in the cafeteria right now. When I get to my classroom, I’m greeted by both Aubrey and Quinn.

Quinn breathes a sigh of relief when she sees me.

“I’m fine,” I promise her.

“I know you are. I just worry.”

“I appreciate your worry,” I tell her. “You okay this morning?” I turn to Aubrey.

“Fine. Dad’s losing his sh—tuff.”

I lean in close. “My dad would lose his shit, too, if he knew what was going on.” I share a smile with her before turning back to Quinn. “You aren’t on babysitting duty until later.”

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