Page 38 of Dangerous

“I’m happy for you,” Deena told me quietly as her twin continued to press Ethan for details about our relationship.

“Thanks. It’s all so new that I’m not fully comfortable with it yet.” I hoped that by telling her that, if I didn’t act like a real girlfriend, she’d be able to quell any new rumours that would start.

“I can imagine since he’s your first.”

Sasha’s eyes widened. In her outside quiet voice, which was only slightly quieter than a yell, she said, “You two had sex!”

“What? No. That’s not what she meant.” But no matter what I said, the redness of my face made them all believe I was lying. But the worst part was that Peter, who must have left late with Liam, was walking towards the school and heard Sasha. He stumbled to a stop. A look of horrific pain crossed his face before he wiped it away. When he met my gaze, I tried to tell him it was all a misunderstanding. He nodded and I was able to take my first full breath since Sasha yelled that out. Holy crap. I’d only been fake dating for less than an hour and I was already wiped out. How was I ever going to survive this?

Ethan pulled me towards the school. I don’t know if he realized that I needed to escape or if he just wanted to get inside before anything else could happen, but I was grateful either way. He walked me to my locker where I quickly gathered my things for my morning classes. “Let me walk you to home room. Then I’ll head to mine.”

I nodded. Homeroom would be good. Mr. Taylor was usually in early, but my classmates didn’t arrive until right before the bell so I should have some peace and quiet. At the door to my class, he pulled me to him, wrapping me up in a hug before pressing his lips to my face, nearly hitting my lips.

“Lunch?”

I nodded, unable to speak. As soon as he left, I collapsed into my seat.

“Are you okay?” Mr. Taylor sat in the seat belonging to the desk in front of mine.

“Just a little overwhelmed.”

“I see. Anything to do with the kiss you received from Ethan?” He raised an eyebrow. “Not that it’s any of my business, really, but since it’s going to be all over the rumour mill before class ends, you might as well spill the real story.”

I stared at him, trying to make up my mind as to what I could or should say.

“Plus, I really don’t want whatever this is to come between you and baking. I’ve gotten used to my ration od treats.” He winked and that more than anything broke the ball of tension within me as I laughed.

“Don’t worry. Nothing can come between me and the kitchen. It tends to be the way I relieve my stress.”

He rubbed his hands together. “Oh goody. From the looks of things, I’m going to be swimming in baking. Guess I’m going to be increasing my gym visits.” I must have looked better because he stood up. “You know, there’s still ten minutes before the bell. That should be enough time for some Liam cuddles. And if it’s not, I’d already know you’re here so you could always just bring your books with you and head off to first period.”

His suggestion sounded like a great idea. Even I didn’t get to talk to Peter to ensure he knew I hadn’t slept with Ethan, cuddling Liam would calm me down. Decision made, I stood, picking up my books. “Thanks, Mr. Taylor. You’re a fabulous teacher.”

“You don’t have to flatter me; you’re already getting top grades in my class. But thank you. Now scoot before your classmates start arriving.”

I followed his suggestion and headed to the daycare, walking fast so that I could avoid hearing anything or running into anyone. Once I was through the doors, I stopped and leaned against the wall as I caught my breath.

“Katy? Are you okay?” Peter placed his hand on my heaving shoulder.

I met Peter’s worried gaze and instantly my body relaxed, allowing me to breathe deeply. I stood up straight, so I was closer to him, not wanting anyone to overhear. “I didn’t have sex with him. Deena was talking about Ethan being my first boyfriend, but Sasha only caught the part about him being my fist and ran with it.”

“I know that Katy-bear. Is that what was bothering you? Were you worried about what I thought?”

“That and the fact that everyone else now thinks I did which will only make the rumours worse. But Mr. Taylor realized I needed some space to calm down and suggested I come get some Liam cuddles.”

“I never thought I’d be jealous of my own son, but I am.” He leaned in a little more until his lips brushed my ear. “I wish I could be the one to cuddle you right now. Having you in my arms in heaven.”

Thankfully, the wall was still behind me, holding me up because my knees went week with his declaration. I wanted that too. I wanted to be surrounded by him, Jason, and Jarrod. It was only with them that I felt completely safe. So why again was I denying myself?

“Peter. There you are. I’m glad you haven’t left yet. I wanted to ask you about Saturday night.”

Oh right. That’s why I’m not with him, with them. There were always too many women who came between us. Too many women that he chose over me.

Peter stepped away from me and spun to face Missy. Every muscle on his body was tight. “What about Saturday night? I don’t have any plans with you.”

The coldness in his voice had me shivering.

“Well, yes, but I’d hoped we could meet up somewhere.”

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