Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 173(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
“Has the school district found somewhere to put you next?” Lori asks as she takes a seat across from me.
“Going to be hard not getting to see your pretty face every day.” Trevor sits down in the chair next to mine. I give him a small smile before I answer Lori.
“No, nothing yet. I’ve applied at a few daycares. I can’t wait around for someone to get knocked up again or have an accident for them to fill me in somewhere.”
I really need to find something more permanent. This city is going to be my home for the foreseeable future. At least that’s what my handler Scottie told me. I don’t get much of a choice in the matter. I’m usually placed where they think I’ll be the safest and when they think differently, I’m moved immediately. I try not to let it get to me, but sometimes I can’t help but get tired of all of the relocating. I suppose I should just be thankful I’m still alive at this point.
“I’m sure something will come up. You’re so good with the kids that anywhere you go will be lucky to have you.” I smile at Lori’s compliment. It’s nice to have a friend that lifts your spirits up and believes in you. Especially when I’m unable to be in contact with anyone from my old life.
I finish my cake before I give a few other teachers hugs and head back toward my classroom. I get back right in time for the kids to come rushing into my room after recess.
“Is it bunny painting time?” Paige comes to stand in front of my desk. I hate to say that I have favorites, but Paige is mine. She’s adorably sweet and smart with a side of mischievousness.
“It is. Can you get the cotton balls out for me, and Sarah, can you grab the construction paper? Along with the bunnies, we’re going to make cards for Mrs. Neil. She’ll be back tomorrow,” I remind them.
“What?” Paige’s eyes go wide. “Tomorrow?”
“Yes, tomorrow. I bet she brings in pictures of her little girl.”
“But if she comes back to teach, where will you go?”
“I’m not sure yet, sweetheart.”
Her eyebrows pull together. “Will I see you tomorrow?” Her question makes me want to burst out in tears, but I somehow control myself.
“No. Mrs. Neil will be here bright and early. I’m sure she misses you.” Paige’s lips purse together, making her look even more adorable. I’m going to miss her so much.
“We’ll see,” she chirps with that mischievous smile of hers before she bounces off to get the cotton balls.
I smile at her optimism, wishing there really was something she could do. I’m glad I won’t be here tomorrow to see the disappointment on her face.
Chapter Three
Bear
“I can’t believe you let Johnny put you down as the guardian of his br—“
My fist slams into Gene’s jaw before he can get the last letters out. “Don’t call her that,” I say gruffly.
“What the hell?” My sparring partner shakes his head to clear out the fuzziness inflicted by the blow. He brings a wrapped fist to his chin to test the integrity. “What was that for?”
“She’s not a brat.” As Gene and the trainers stare at me in surprise, I fiddle with the tape at my wrist. The punch was uncharacteristic. Unlike a lot of guys, I’m known for my cool head in the ring. Trash talk never riles me up. You could hurl insults about my dick size, my mom’s bedroom habits, the numbers in my bank account, but nothing gets through, much to the irritation of my opponents. But this morning, Gene has been jawing nonstop about snot-nosed little shits that get into everything. Maybe he’s right, and this little human is going to ruin my life. Gene has three kids of his own, so he’s got more experience than me, but for some reason hearing insults about Paige fucks with my head.
“She’s not even your—“
The blow lands even before I realize I’ve swung my arm. Gene staggers back against the ropes with surprise and even a little hurt in his eyes.
“Sorry, man.” I walk over to extend a helping hand, but he flinches away. “I don’t know what’s happening, but the minute you say something bad about this girl, my body just reacts.”
“You made your point. I got it.” Gene retreats another step. He clearly doesn’t believe my apology.
I throw up my hands. “I’m done now. For real. We can go back to regular sparring.”
He shakes his head. “Nah. I’m done for the day. I’ve got to run to the grocery store for the missus.”
“Done for the day?” I gape at him. “It’s not even 10 o’clock. Is the store even open and since when do you buy groceries? You hate that shit.”
Gene stiffens. “Just trying to be a good man.” He ducks under the rope, and he’s gone before I can question him again.