Page 27 of Rule Him (School of Seduction 1)

“Have a good time you two and we’ll pick you up at eleven. We want to be there for the final celebration.” It was a tradition at our school for the parents’ to watch the final dance of the night.

My mother embarrassed us further by proceeding to take several photos of us together.

I took Malachi’s arm, and he opened the door of the limousine that was taking us back to school. Once I was inside, he closed the door and walked around to the other side, climbing in beside me. Then we were on our way.

“I’m so sorry about my parents,” I told him.

“Hey, I didn’t think that was too bad. After what happened with Julian, I was expecting my hands to be placed in cuffs for the evening. Hell, I’d have done that if you were my daughter. You look beautiful by the way.”

“Thanks,” I told him. “What do you mean about Julian? I never told anyone what happened.”

“I was friends with him.” Malachi sighed. “When he left so abruptly I told him he owed me an explanation. Don’t worry; I won’t tell anyone. He was a dick, and he knows it. For what it’s worth he apologized. He’s seeing a specialist right now about what happened because his parents felt he was in danger of an alcohol dependency or of attacking another woman if he carried on.”

“My parents don’t know what he did.”

“Well, maybe you should tell them, although I can’t see his parents and your parents getting together any time soon. I’m sure your mom would want to know what happened to you.”

“I guess.” I sighed. “What about his baseball and future political career?”

“Who knows. It’s best he gets himself ironed out and takes it from there.”

“Thanks for telling me what’s happening with him, and for respecting I want to keep things private.”

“No problem.” He said. “Now please tell me we’re going to dance the night away and make this the best prom ever.”

I high-fived him. “You betcha.”

We walked into the school and straight to the cloakroom. My heart caught in my chest as I saw Parker. He was dressed in a black and white tux and looked oh so handsome. He was busy helping others check in jackets and shawls. I handed him my shawl and he’d still not noticed I was there until I spoke, “If you could hold this for me until later,” I told him. He stopped suddenly and looked up at me.

“Miss. Appleton. You look very lovely this evening, and Mr. Hudson, you, my man, look very smart. He touched my hand, stroking it as he moved the shawl away from me. “Have a great time you two.”

“Thanks,” I replied, and I walked away, adding an extra shimmy to my step on his behalf.

As we walked into the decorated cafeteria, there was a photo area where we posed for the customary official photos. Everyone exclaimed over others’ outfits. It was so strange because we were celebrating the end of school and our new career paths and future lives. It was kinda happy and sad at the same time. I’d spent years with some of these people, and after high school, I might never see them again.

We walked to the dancefloor and danced the night away, only stopping for quick refreshment breaks. Then it was time to announce the Prom King and Queen and our evening was made when Larissa and Jeff were crowned. Larissa squealed so high; I was surprised all the glass in the building hadn’t shattered. They walked on the stage and sat in the specially created thrones and then last year’s Prom King and Queen had crowned them both.

Despite the fact I wasn’t able to spend the evening with my true love I’d had the most amazing time.

“Hey, Candy,” Malachi whispered in my ear. “Would you mind if I had a couple of dances with Shannon?” I turned and looked at the willowy brunette hovering nearby. I recognized a potential hook-up when I saw one. I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thanks for everything. The night has been amazing, but you go and spend the last part of the evening with Shannon. Our parents will be here soon to suck the joy out of the end of the celebration.”

Malachi laughed, and after giving me a hug, he went off with Shannon.

I looked around. I figured there couldn’t be a need for too many people in the coat check right now. I took out my phone and sent a text to Parker.

Candy: Your classroom in 5?

A few seconds later my phone beeped.

Parker: I’m on my way.

I pushed open the classroom door, and then I locked it behind me. The moonlight lit him up, and he looked like some movie star to me. I walked up to him, and he ran a hand down my face.

“You look so beautiful tonight.”

“You look so handsome.”

“You look far too beautiful for me to touch. I shouldn’t risk messing up your appearance.”

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