Page 96 of Love Lessons

He was still angry, though. Daddy tried to hold him, but he had to get up to pace and rant.

I figured out why they’re changing the program. And it’s total bullshit. It’s not about regulations or funding or supporting the students or anything even remotely legitimate. The superintendent has a daughter who’s deaf and he’s raising her completely oralist. Which is totally fine, you know? I mean, it would be nice if he gave his daughter a choice or wanted her to learn two languages, but whatever. Maybe she’ll learn to sign when she gets older like Ash did or maybe not, but it’s cool for her parents to make that decision with her.

The shitty part is that apparently she’s getting teased at school, and instead of educating the teachers about how to handle it, the superintendent wants all of the Deaf kids integrated into the mainstream programs across the district. He thinks it would normalize things, but it would probably just subject them all to the same bullying and unprepared teachers. Not to mention that he thinks that being stuck in mainstream classes without sufficient interpreters would help them, and I quote, “have a normal childhood experience” and “learn skills for success in adulthood.”

Daddy looked livid, which was gratifying since he hadn’t gotten any real support from his principal or Mrs. Eaves yesterday. And his fucking principal had known the whole time!

So what’s your plan? Daddy finally asked.

Nothing. There is no plan. It’s May and the budget’s already been set. School’s out in five weeks. I should have figured this out in December when I heard about it, but I thought my principal would do something and by the time I realized what was going on it was too late.

Daddy squinted his eyes. I don’t know much about school districts, but I remember my parents fighting to get my IEP implemented every year. It’s the responsibility of the district, so you should have the parents raising hell. They could even threaten to sue. People make millions from school districts over stuff like this when it doesn’t get it fixed.

Do you think that’s realistic? I’ve already had some of the parents complain to the principal.

My parents threatened to sue every year. Our district didn’t have a program like yours, so they had to provide me with a one-on-one interpreter. I’d call the local newspapers, too, and get the kids and parents to write public letters. The superintendent’s not going to close your program if it means he might lose his position.

I could lose my job over this.

Daddy raised his eyebrows meaningfully.

OK, I could lose my job and not get a referral for the next job.

True. Or you could make a difference for the children that you care about and keep doing a job that you love. Honestly, Daddy looked him over, I’m surprised that my Danger Boy didn’t try anything like this already.

Landon felt his cheeks warming. I’m only dangerous when you’re around. The rest of the time I kind of follow the rules. I don’t usually like getting in trouble.

Daddy laughed. I think you’ve been trying to break the rules for a long time. You just needed permission and someone to keep you in line when you did.

Maybe, he reluctantly agreed. But that sounded true, too.

I can already see that you’re getting nervous and excited about getting started on this.

Landon nodded and started toward his computer. Daddy snagged his hand and pulled him back into his lap. Not so fast. You need to eat, and I promised you a reward. We’ll work on this together this evening, but not until you’ve had a break.

Landon didn’t see how that was possible. He was planning all of the things he wanted to say and who he would write to first and…

Then Daddy was kissing him. Slow and gentle, taking over all his senses. His thoughts stuttered, then floated away. Daddy still kept kissing him, until his breathing got heavy and his arteries were flowing with liquid gold.

Daddy finally drew back, then pressed their lips together for a final kiss.

I’m not going to let you work too much, he insisted with another sweet kiss. Do I have your attention now?

Yes, Daddy! Do I get my reward?

Daddy’s eyes shone. Yep. Go get your shoes and jacket. We’re going out.

Landon drew back. What?

You thought your reward was going to be in the bedroom? Dustin’s eyes sparkled as he teased.

Well, I would have been happy with the couch, too. Or the floor… Landon put on his signature seductive look, even though he was pretty sure it didn’t work on Daddy. Or at least it didn’t work until Daddy wanted it to. He kind of liked that, though.

Shoes. Coat.

Landon decided to give it one last try. I’m really hard, though…

Daddy immediately ran a hand over his jeans, his palm massaging over the zipper and his fingertips slipping into the hole in the denim at the top of his thigh. Daddy’s eyes burned with desire and Landon arched back, chasing the electrifying pleasure of Daddy’s touch.