Page 78 of An Irish Hope

He smiled back. “It felt like a miracle when I first saw you at the school.”

“Ditto.”

“Well, I don’t care. I’m telling the school, and Patrick, and—”

“Telling them what? That we knew each other before, and that while we’re not at school we’re spending time in each other’s company? I think you’ll find there’s no case to answer.”

“Are you sure?” she murmured.

He nodded. “I looked into it this week after you raised the same concerns last Friday.”

She relaxed.

“I’m afraid that’s not how others will see it,” Miles stated. “But I’m prepared to not say anything if you boost my latest grade.”

Her mouth fell open, and she could feel Andy stiffen with outrage. Yet still he remained calm, the only other outward sign that he wasn’t showing in the way his knee bounced under the table. Oh, he was good for her. She could learn a few things about keeping her temper.

“I think you should be very careful, Miles.”

“I should be very careful?” Miles snorted. “I think you two are the ones who should be careful.”

Had he been drinking? “How did you know we were here?”

“I followed you, then took photos while you were kissing. Because it’s good to have insurance.”

Sure was. She clutched her phone, hoping it had recorded everything appropriately. “Well, I hope you know that what you’re saying sounds like blackmail. And I have no problem explaining things to Patrick next week.”

“Neither do I,” said Andy, his voice still relaxed as ever. “In fact, I’m half tempted to call him now.” He got out his phone. “In fact, I could call him now. He won’t be pleased to get the call though, especially seeing as it’s Friday evening and he’ll feel like it’s just wasted his time. But hey if you’re that keen to talk to him, do it.” He slid the phone across the table to Miles. Then leaned forward. “But I am not going to change my grade. In fact, your attitude and behaviour, both now and in previous weeks, have only solidified the fact that this is a career I think you’re grossly unsuited for.”

“What?”

“But I’m willing to be patient, to see if you can improve. But as soon as Bryan returns I’ll be requesting the teacher mentoring returns to him. And you can have fun trying to see if he likes giving second chances as much as I do.”

Miles scowled, and maybe he was partly drunk because he murmured something incoherent, shook his head and stumbled away.

She exhaled. “Oh my gosh. I can’t believe he did that.”

“I’ve heard stories from Bryan before about some of the tricks people get up to.” His smile twisted. “At least Miles didn’t proposition me.”

Her mouth sagged. “Really?”

He winced.

“Oh!” She retrieved her phone. Checked the recording.

“You recorded that?”

She grimaced. “He was the one going on about insurance. But hey, now it looks like we have some.”

“You’re so smart.”

“I think it was God prompting me,” she admitted.

“Well, thank You God.” He sighed. “I’m sorry. This was not how I wanted tonight to go.”

“How did you want it to go?” she asked.

“Mm, more like this.” He leaned in and touched her lips with his, and soon all worries about Miles faded away as she twined her fingers in his hair and tugged him nearer.