Page 55 of Secret Love

I wouldn’t mind teaching football players.

Henley

Is it wrong that I just growled?

I wouldn’t mind hearing that as well.

Henley

You are so fucking cute. I have so many more questions, but I know you have an early morning. Thank you for indulging me.

It was fun. Good night, Henley.

Henley

Good night, Tru.

Over the course of the next week and a half, when I’m at his house, we share private smiles and furtive glances. And then when I get home, we spend hours texting or talking on the phone. I’d feel like I’m sneaking around, but we haven’t kissed since that first day at his house.

It doesn’t mean we haven’t talked about it though.

One of his questions yesterday was:

Did you know your lips are the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted?

I didn’t know how to answer that one, but I felt his words from the top of my head to the soles of my feet and everywhere in between.

But he also asked about my thoughts on Twizzlers—we both love them—so he keeps things both steamy and light, which I appreciate.

It’s been easier than I expected with the girls too. Since I keep it all about Earl and tutoring when I’m at their house and we focus on dancing together when they’re at the studio, I don’t think they see me as any kind of threat.

Part of me feels guilty that my feelings just keep magnifying where their dad is concerned, but I’m all about them when I’mat Henley’s house. I see him when I’m there too, but I’m getting to know him more in our phone chats. It’s something just for the two of us…and it’s secretive, I guess, but I kind of love it.

I walk into my house and set Earl down. He’s been thoroughly adored over at Henley’s this afternoon and now he’s ready to curl up in a basket near the window. I grade papers for an hour or so and then stand up to stretch. My phone buzzes and I pick it up, answering on the second ring.

“Hey,” I say, smiling already.

“Remind me why you had to leave?” I can tell he’s smiling too.

“Because I'm already at your house almost as much as I'm at my house and you had things you needed to do with the girls.”

“I think you should stay for dinner again soon.”

“Maybe one of these days, but I want the girls to enjoy seeing me come through the door, not dread me being around all the time.”

“There is no part of them that dreads seeing you, trust me. They think you're the greatest thing that's ever come through these doors.”

I laugh. “I think you're exaggerating, but that’s sweet.”

“I don't exaggerate.”

“Mmhmm. The other day you and Gracie were talking about catching fish and that story kept changing—the size of the fish kept getting bigger and bigger.”

He laughs. “Fishing stories don't count! But speaking of that, you should come fishing with us sometime soon.”

“That would be fun. I haven't fished since I was a little girl and I don’t remember catching anything.”

“Well, then, let’s plan on it.”

---