Page 131 of Mine Forever

“Oh god,” I said. I could feel my cheeks growing pale. “Please, please don’t say anything! It’ll look like I went and tattled to you!”

Thomas chuckled. I blushed – the sound of his voice was so melodious, so deep that I couldn’t stay afraid for long.

“June,” Thomas said heavily. “You’re an adult. You’re not a little kid. What the hell do I care if you ‘tattle’ or not? My ex is being a nasty bitch, and she’s not going to get away with it.”

I slumped down against the seat. “I really am trying,” I said softly. “But Brett keeps acting out, and I can’t take time away from the rest of the class in order to discipline him.”

“I know.” Thomas sighed. “This is all really hard on him. I’m sure he blames me – hell, he might even blame himself.”

We lapsed into silence. “Thanks,” I said quietly. “I just don’t want you to think that I’m ignoring your son, or anything like that.”

Thomas smirked. “You’re a good teacher, June,” he said. “I know you wouldn’t do something like that.”

I shivered. “Thanks,” I said softly.

Thomas got to his feet and sighed. “I hate to rush off,” he said. “But I need to pick Brett up. You want a ride home?”

I shook my head, too embarrassed for Mr. March to see where I lived.

“No thanks,” I said softly.

Thomas grinned. “Okay, June,” he said.

I blushed. The way he said my name always made me shiver with happiness. He had such a beautiful voice. My body always responded to him. At least he didn’t ask you for a drink, I thought. Then you really would’ve made a fool of yourself.

“See you, June,” Thomas said. He winked at me and I blushed.

“Bye,” I stammered.

Thomas whistled as he walked away. I couldn’t tear my eyes off his tall, handsome silhouette. I knew it was wrong, but I wanted him so badly.

I need a distraction, I realized. I just need to find someone my own age, who won’t belittle me. Someone who doesn’t have an ex-wife and tons of baggage.

But the problem was, I didn’t want someone like that.

I wanted someone like Thomas March.

That evening, I was lying on my bed and grading papers when my phone buzzed. Angela hadn’t come home yet, and I didn’t even have to look at the caller identification to know that it was her.

“Hey,” I said. “Could you pick up a pizza on the way home? I’m starving.”

A deep masculine laugh filled my ears and my cheeks burned bright red.

“I’d bring you a pizza, but I don’t know where you live, June.”

I blushed even harder. “Mr. March! I’m so sorry!”

Thomas chuckled again. “How many times do I have to tell you – call me Thomas, June.”

I gulped and swallowed. “Okay.”

“Look, June, I was calling to ask you out to dinner on Friday night.”

I bit my lip. “Did something happen with Brett? Is everything okay?”

Thomas laughed. “Brett’s fine. He’ll be with his mother this weekend.”

“Oh,” I said quietly. “Why, then?”

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