I caressed his face. “And I never will. Every moment we spend together, my out-of-sync heart finds just a bit more rhythm with yours. When you hurt, I hurt.”
“No one’s ever made me feel like this.”
“Like how, darling?”
Felix looked down. “Loved. I mean—really loved. From the inside out.”
I tilted his chin up again and kissed him until he was breathless.
Chapter Fourteen
11 Days Until Christmas
“I RANa sea salt and lavender bath for him. He’s relaxing right now.”
“I told you those baths were legit,” Scarlet answered. “So… unpaid leave?”
I sat on the edge of Felix’s bed, legs crossed as I spoke with Scarlet. “Yeah. My friend Stephen wants to look into the allegations, and it’s very sweet of him, but I’m not really expecting to glean anything from it. I just don’t know how I’m going to tell Felix and not have him lose it again.”
“Well,” Scarlet said. “This Crass—”
“Cass.”
“Casshas messed with the wrong best friend; that’s sure as hell the truth.”
I smiled, but it was kind of a sad feeling. “What’re you going to do, Scarlet? Hold him down and tattoo ‘I eat shit’ on his forehead? Kick him with your stilettos on? Pierce his nipples while he’s sleeping?”
“Child’s play.”
“I don’t need you going to jail, okay? Enough has happened.”
“And you think I’m going to stand idly by as they drag your name through the mud? As if. That district hit the lotto with you, Bowen. I’m not saying this because I’m fucking obligated, okay? You’re a good guy. A great, talented, passionate teacher. As long as I’m breathing, no one is going to ruin your career before it even has a chance to start.”
“Want to get married?” I asked.
“Screw you, I’m being serious here!”
“So am I.”
“Dumb Boy.”
“Dumb Girl.”
“I’ve got to go. I’ll call you again in a little while,” Scarlet said.
“Oh. Uhm, okay.”
“Be strong. We’re going to right this.” She said goodbye and hung up.
I tossed my phone to the side and flopped backward on the mattress. I was exhausted and feeling like I’d been run through the ringer a few times.
“Bowen?”
I raised my head enough to see Alan peering into the room. I hoisted myself back up. “What’s up?”
“Can I talk to you?”
“I’m sure you can, but will you?”
