Page 49 of At His Wife's Behest

Connor froze. “I did not.”

“You signed it when you were hired. You didn’t read it?”

“To be honest, no. I don’t know if it changes anything, but we were set up. I didn’t know it was him when I went to Italy. He didn’t know I would be there. And, once there… we shared a villa… and things happened.”

“You didn’t know who you were going to another country with?”

Connor didn’t want to bring up the agency. Hopefully that part wouldn’t end up in the media. “No.”

The principal sat back in his chair. “We’re going to have to wait and see how this plays out in the press. Once the board and parents see the news, my hands might be tied. You understand that, right?”

“I do.” He hedged. “Until then? Do I keep my job?”

“You’re a good teacher. Late, but good. Your test scores are wonderful. Your students love you. Their parents do, too. I’ve yet to have a complaint besides minor whining over inconsequential matters. While I’m not pleased to hear there’s a scandal on the horizon or your involvement with a parent, I don’t see any reason to remove you from your position. For now.”

“Thank you,” Connor murmured. “I’d miss my kids.”

“The school year’s almost over. Maybe this doesn’t come out until the summer, and it can blow over before September,ifwe’re lucky.”

“I don’t have that kind of luck,” Connor said.

“Me, either,” his boss replied.

Connor rose to leave.

“This thing with Rhodes. Is it more than a fling?”

I want it to be.“I doubt it.”

“I’d say you best decide for sure before the shit hits the fan.”

“Yeah,” Connor said, nodding. “It’s likely not going any farther.”

Even though I wish it would…

“What’s the emergency?” Emma asked, blowing into the living room.

“Come with me,” Kellan said, leading her to the study and closing the door. He pulled a photo from his pocket and handed it over, spilling the beans.

“Oh shit, babe,” Emma said. “This is all my fault. I assumed you’d be free that far away.”

“Opposition research. I was being followed. No matter how far I went, I wouldn’t have been free.”

“I’m sorry, Kel. I never wantedthisto happen. I wasn’t trying to force you out, I swear.” Tears swam in her eyes. “I just wanted you happy. I fucked that up.”

“No. You didn’t fuck up anything.”

“Why don’t we just pay the money? I’ll do it if it protects you and Mr. Q. Then you come out when you want… or you don’t.”

Kellan shook his head. “No.”

“I made the mess. Let me clean it up.”

“I’m coming out,” Kellan said.

Emma stared silently a moment. “Are you sure? You don’thaveto do that.”

“You were right all along. I can’t live like this, especially after being with Connor and knowing how it feels to be real for once.” He smiled, trailing his fingers over the images. “To walk hand-in-hand with a man and not worry who was watching or what might happen.” He smiled, lifting his gaze. “While this isn’t the way I wanted to come out, so be it. Let’s rip off the bandage and be done with the lies.”

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