Page 43 of Rejected Pretend Mate

I sat down on the couch and pulled her close into my lap. I felt her rest her forehead against my chest and inhaled her scent.

I would keep her safe even if my life depended on it. I kissed the top of her head, knowing she was my entire life now.

Chapter 17 - April

"God, it's nice outside for early March," Wendy said as she leaned back, looking up at the sky. The wind blew, and her hair fluttered with it. I couldn't help but smile, wondering if I would ever be that carefree.

"Agreed," Ashley said, pulling her hair into a pony. She looked just as carefree as Wendy did. They looked so happy.

I glanced across the yard at the kids. Poppy, Ivy, and Zayden were sitting together, blowing bubbles and giggling in a group. Micheal had a motorized vehicle that he was moving around. He was a smart kid, just telling her moments ago how he built it with Miles.

"So, are you still enjoying your job?" Laura asked, placing her phone down as she reseated herself on the bench. "I heard about the fire and how you helped clear the kids out. Nicely done."

"I am," I said, nodding my head. "It's been really enjoyable, actually. Minus the fire, of course. I get along with the other staff, and I've been able to keep up with everything."

Now that I had been at the school for a little over a month, I found myself really enjoying the work. I enjoyed talking with the students and the teachers. I found myself looking forward to going back to work the next day.

Wendy leaned forward. "Have you heard more about what you're going to do when Deb gets back to work? The girls were telling me about the opening at the middle school."

I nodded my head. "I was told that the middle school opening was going to be next year. So, I applied, and Rebecca told me it looked pretty good."

"Oh my god, really?" Laura squealed. "The bitch is finally leaving? Oh, I could celebrate!"

I laughed, nodding my head. "She is. I'll have to figure out something else to do until then, but yeah. If they pick me, I'll be there next year. I'm pretty excited about it."

"That's great, congratulations," Wendy said, reaching across the table and giving my hands a squeeze. "It's nice to see you fitting in so well."

I blushed. The truth was, I felt like I was fitting in more. I was getting to know the students and their parents. I was learning more about Honeyville and how it became what it was. I heard more and more each day, which made me realize I never wanted to leave. This place was starting to feel like home.

The pack was ruled with softness and grace, yet Ayden was rough when he needed to be. And Wendy stood beside him with just as much confidence. But they got help from all the guys. They each pitched in where they were needed and did it without complaint.

I looked at Gina. "How are you feeling today?"

"Good," she said, rubbing her belly. "Extremely hormonal. I've been picking fights often, but nothing that Lucas doesn't handle." She smiled, looking down at her stomach. "I'm grateful. I can't wait to meet them."

I chuckled, and Riley snorted. "Same."

I looked over my shoulder toward the guys standing by the grill. Ayden was cooking steaks while the guys were all standing around him. I looked at Weslie, taking in his clean look. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a loose white shirt. His hair was slightly curly from his shower.

My mind went back half an hour. He walked past me in the hallway, and my mouth watered at the sight of him. He had a six-pack, and water trailed down his chest toward his hairline. His jeans weren't fully buttoned, so I could see his boxers. It was imprinted in my mind.

I quickly shook my head.

"What do you think, April?"

I looked back at the girls and realized I hadn't been listening, and they asked a question. "What?"

Wendy smirked. "Was someone oggling their spouse?"

I felt my face grow hot. "No. I was just thinking about something."

"Liar," Ashley said with a laugh. "You were staring at him. I know that face. We all know that face. It's the face you make when you're thinking about sex."

My face grew red, and I quickly shook my head. "No, I was looking when the food was going to be done."

"Your face says otherwise," Riley laughed. "Don't deny it. We've all been there. I was thinking the same thing during the car ride."

I shook my head. "Oh god, Riley! I don't need that image in my head!"

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