My face heats. “They’ve been great.” More than great, but I’m too embarrassed to go into details. He’s learned all the bestways to wind me up, and I swear our target practice has turned into foreplay at this point. He loves standing right behind me while I aim. He says it’s to practice while distracted, but I know he just likes pressing his dick against my ass.
“Girl! You promised you would spill!”
I groan. “One glass of wine is not enough to handle this conversation.”
Gia pouts. “How about just one little tidbit. Then I promise I’ll drop it.”
Biting my lip, I look at my two friends, who are practically salivating at the thought of juicy details about my sex life. “Fine. I have two words for you.”
“Two?” Gwen whines. “That won’t be enough.”
“Trust me. It will be.” I pause for dramatic effect. “He’s pierced.”
My face flames while the two of them squeal.
“Holy. Shit. I never would’ve guessed.” Gwen fans her face.
“Goddamn, girl.” Gia pretends to bow. “You won, friend.”
We spend the rest of the night being silly, and the whole time, I don’t have a single thought about my shitty ex. He doesn’t get to ruin my life anymore.
I won’t let him.
CHAPTER 37
Knox
Ishoot Farrah an amused smirk.
She narrows her eyes and points at the ladder I carried into her classroom. I follow her silent directive instead of giving her shit for how ridiculous this is.
Across the ceiling, I continue to hang her handmade paper chains. They’re a riot of color, not limited to the main six of the rainbow. I can’t begin to guess where she found paper in this many different shades.
Last year, she had a rainbow theme that made me want to throw up. Now, I’m helping her create an artificial field of wildflowers that makes my eyes water. She’s certifiable, but I can’t deny that her students will love learning in an environment that feels this warm and welcoming.
She told me I was to blame for this. I guess bringing her that bouquet of wildflowers was all it took for the idea to take root.
When I finally get the last of the chains hung up, I lean against the top of my ladder. “Would you like me to make any adjustments while I’m up here, Your Highness?”
Farrah sticks her tongue out at me before running a criticaleye across my handiwork. “That looks perfect, honey. Thank you.”
Warmth spread through my belly at the endearment. I’ve always hated cutesy pet names, but when it comes out of her mouth, all I want to do is kiss her.
I get off the ladder and take in everything she’s accomplished. The paper chains create a canopy effect, swooping across the room in long loops. The walls and bulletin boards are covered in a multitude of flower decorations. It’s clear she’s sending the message that our differences are what make us special, and when we work together, those differences can create something even more beautiful.
This time last year, I’d have scoffed at the hippie bullshit and said something shitty about how our differences are why people get bullied.
Now I just pull her into my arms and kiss her on her button nose. She believes in the messaging, and I can’t say that her students don’t deserve someone who will believe in them just as wholeheartedly.
“I finished the flowers!” Finn calls out from his spot at Farrah’s group table. We walk over to him to find the surface covered in handmade flowers for each of Farrah’s students. Farrah taught him how to fold a piece of paper into a tulip shape. She’d done several already, and Finn offered to finish the rest of them for her so she could work on the rest of her room.
“Those look wonderful, Finn. Thank you.” Farrah beams.
The three of us work together to get them pinned to her board. Farrah is going to put each student’s picture on a flower to use for a number of things throughout the year. Finn had one that looked like a cloud, and I still have it tucked away with the rest of his school stuff from last year.
It’s dark by the time we’re headed out to the truck. I’ve got my ladder over my shoulder, ignoring the way it pinchesme as I carry it outside. Farrah helps Finn into the backseat while I load up our stuff.
“Knox.” Farrah’s tone has me whirling around to find her, my heart thudding in anticipation. She’s staring across the parking lot toward the tree line on the edge of the school’s property. A figure stands in the shadows, too far away to see them clearly.
