Page 61 of Promises We Meant to Keep

“But he doesn’t like it,” Elia countered. “And with the weather coming up, there’s a strong chance that we’re going to have to cancel the event entirely. I don’t want to risk the safety of the students simply to be at a Speech meet.”

“Oh, I hear you on that. I’ve been thinking that too, but I also just don’t want to admit that’s a possibility. I’m loving being involved in Speech again. I think wherever I end up next that I’ll have to make sure I’m involved in something like it.”

Elia hummed and nodded. “You haven’t lost your touch in twenty years, have you?”

Kamryn smiled, her cheeks heating from the compliment. “I did also want to say thank you for the other night.”

“You’ve already done that.” Elia lowered her voice to just above a whisper, and again, she was glancing toward the door like someone was going to walk in on them. Was she that worried about it? Kamryn wanted to respect that if she was. They hadn’t talked about what they were going to tell people aside from talking to the board—which they hadn’t really put specifics on yet.

And if things kept going the way they were now…well, Kamryn was going to want to talk to the board as soon as possible.

“I know I did,” Kamryn agreed, staying put when she would have much rather moved in closer. “But I just wanted to make sure that you heard me. I also wanted to ask if you were going to apply for the Head of School position, now that it’s official that Miller won’t be returning.”

“Ah.” Elia sighed heavily. “I don’t know.”

“Have you thought about it?” Kamryn was so curious. She was still debating herself whether or not to apply for the permanent position. Everything had seemed to calm down slightly now, and so she might still have a chance at actually being hired for it. Still, there was a worry in the back of her mind that because of her relationship with Elia, she was going to lose out on that. Or that she shouldn’t even try. If for once she should put her personal life before the professional.

Hadn’t Lauren always accused her of not doing that?

“I have thought about it.” Elia crossed her legs, putting the weight of her entire body onto one heel as she rocked back slightly. “But I’m not sure that I’ve decided yet.”

“Will you let me know when you do?” Kamryn bit the inside of her cheek. That would be telling, wouldn’t it? That Elia actually trusted her.

“Will you let me know?” Elia raised an eyebrow at her. “Even if I do apply, I know they won’t hire me.”

“They might.”

“Kam…” Elia shook her head. “They won’t.”

“Will you ever tell me why you believe that?”

“Maybe someday,” Elia answered, standing up. “Until then, you’ll just have to keep guessing.” Elia smiled briefly before she stepped in close, taking Kamryn’s hands in hers and pressing their mouths together.

The unexpected change from before when Elia had seemed so worried about someone seeing them was stark. Kamryn melted into the embrace, curling her hand around the back of Elia’s neck and pulling her closer as their tongues teased each other. Kamryn eventually pulled away, instantly regretting the loss of touch and contact.

“You did really well at the meeting today, by the way,” Elia whispered, sliding her hands around Kamryn’s back and pecking her lips again. “They should hire you for the full-time position.”

“Are you ready for me to continue being your boss?”

Again, there was that entertained and satisfied hum that Elia managed to do. It said so much and so little at the same time. Kamryn kissed her again, cupping her cheek and holding Elia close. Couldn’t every day be like this? It was so warm here, so comfortable, and just damn easy. It would be a sad day when Kamryn couldn’t just pop by and meet up with Elia for sweet moments like this or tender conversations together.

“I think I’d be fairly satisfied if you were my boss,” Elia said, sliding her hands down Kamryn’s arms and taking a step back. “And everyone knows that it’s always good to satisfy the Chair of English. She’s a cranky one.”

Kamryn snorted. “Some might say she’s a bit icy.”

“Oh, definitely that.” Elia slid into the chair at her desk, turning it toward her computer. “Keep the door open on your way out. I have office hours for the next ten minutes before class.”

“Right.” Kamryn smiled to herself as she put her hand on the doorknob. “We should take a walk in the snow later.”

“Snow?”

“Yeah.” Kamryn winked. “Looks like it’ll be gorgeous when the sun goes down.”

“And freezing,” Elia responded.

“Perfect time to snuggle up with someone you like a lot.” Kamryn laughed as she stepped out into the hallway. The look of shock on Elia’s face had been exactly what she was going for. For some reason, it was never going to disappoint Kamryn to surprise her. She could do it for the rest of her life.

twenty-two

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