Page 32 of Teaching His Babygirl

I think about it for a second and then nod. “Okay, I can try to eat.”

Before going to the kitchen to make my meal, he comes over and covers me with the throw blanket from the back of the couch. He flicks on the TV and turns it to my favorite baking show, then leans in and kisses me softly.

My heart thumps in my chest, and for the first time, I doubt myself and if Colt and I can survive the fact that our coworkers now know that we are together. There’s no way that rumors haven’t spread like wildfire through the school after the way Colt practically carried me from the school. This is the kind of thing that gets everyone talking and speculating.

This is the exact thing I was afraid of happening. Add the extra drama surrounding Leon and his thwarted attack and it’s a recipe for judgment. I’m not sure how I feel about our relationship being brought into the open. Relief? Fear?

Look how Leon responded to knowing… He knew about our BDSM relationship. Did he tell other people? Do they know about the nature of Colt and I’s relationship? Do they think we are just dating, or do they know we are kinky?

Shame and fear burn in my belly. I don’t have time to dwell on my feelings because Colt comes back into the room with a steaming bowl of soup and a grilled cheese. My stomach growls at the smell proving that I am, in fact, starving.

“How are you feeling?” he asks after I finish my soup.

I shrug. “I’m okay. A little overwhelmed still. Nervous about what the school might be saying about me right now.”

He nods. “I talked to Judy this morning. She put out a statement to the faculty about what happened with Leon.” At the look of fear on my face, he quickly adds, “Only about his attack. There have been several people asking about our relationship, and I thought it best to be as transparent as possible.” He looks at me uncomfortably, knowing that whatever he’s about to say is going to go against my feelings on the subject. “I confirmed that we are dating. Everyone was speculating on our relationship, and it just seemed wiser to confirm it than to make up some elaborate lie.”

I nod. Having things confirmed and out in the open is a bit of a relief now that I know for sure that people know. However, it brings up those fears of judgment I’ve been stressing over ever since I realized that Colt is the principal of the school.

“No one is judging you, babygirl. Everyone is just concerned about you and if you’re okay after being attacked. I assure you, us being together isn’t even a blip on their radar.”

I let out a sigh that was practically dragged out from the tip of my toes. “I knew it was going to happen sooner or later. I just hope you’re right.”

He takes my empty bowl and plate to the kitchen and cleans them up. He comes back into the room, and I notice he’s wearing the same clothes from yesterday. “I need to run home and get a few things. Will you be okay here alone, or would you like to come with me?”

I chew on my lip, wondering if it will hurt his feelings if I tell him he can just stay at home. Everything has happened so fast, I kind of want to lock myself in my studio and ignore the outside world for the rest of the day. I don’t want to be reminded about what happened anymore, and having Colt here is a huge reminder of how my life here is about to change.

“I’ll be fine. In fact, you can stay at your house. I don’t need to be babysat.”

He frowns at me. “Are you sure? I’d feel better staying with you, babygirl.”

I know he is just concerned, but still, I bristle. “I’m fine, Colt. I just need some time alone.”

He reluctantly agrees and leaves a few minutes later, promising to come check on me in the morning. Once he’s gone, I immediately regret sending him away. Being alone with my thoughts definitely isn’t a good thing, but it’s already too late. The doubts have crept in, and pushing them out is a war I’m not strong enough to fight.

Chapter Sixteen

Colt

Despite my misgivings,I leave Darlene’s apartment without putting up a big fight. Leaving is the last thing I want to do. I can feel the emotional distance she’s trying to put between us, and I fear that this physical distance will only add to it. The last thing I want to do is suffocate her, though, so I’ll give her what she wants.

Instead of going home, I head to Thurston and the gym to work off some of the pent-up rage from what could have happened to Darlene. I spend hours running and lifting until my muscles burn and my mind is quiet save for the worry I have for my girl.

I sleep like absolute shit. Missing the warm weight of my babygirl in my arms. Wishing that we were together. Wondering if she’s okay or not. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t wake up early just so I could hurry over to see Darlene. When she opens her door, I feel like I take a breath for the first time since I left.

Darlene looks like she hasn’t slept at all. The second I lay eyes on her, I pull her into my arms. She’s stiff for a second but then sinks into my hold. She hugs me back for long minutes, and all is right in the world again.

“I missed you, beauty.”

“I missed you, too, but you didn’t have to come by this morning. I know you need to get to school.”

I scoff. “You’re more important. Besides, I planned to stay here with you today.”

She frowns. “You should go to work like it’s a normal day.”

“What? Why would I do that when you need me?” I ask, taken aback.

“Because if you’re at school, you can stop any rumors from spreading… maybe find out exactly what people know. If anyone else knows about the BDSM aspect of our relationship…” She whispers that last part and almost looks ashamed.

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