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Lachlan pulled to a stop in front of the school and jumped out, darting over to Imogene’s side to help her to her feet. Several students streaming into the school stopped to gawk. A few even took some photos, which I was certain would end up on their social media sites within minutes. Perhaps sooner.
But that didn’t make Lachlan act any differently than he would have had it only been us. To him, it was just background noise. Not something he paid much attention to.
“Are you going to stay back there, or do you want to ride up front with me?” he asked, pushing the front seat forward and extending his hand.
“The front. Definitely.”
I placed my hand in his and climbed out, turning toward Imogene.
“Have a good day. Remember the rules. No going anywhere you’re not supposed to, and certainly nowhere without your assigned escort.”
I stole a glimpse at the front doors where the director of the academy stood beside an intimidating man dressed in a suit whom I recognized as one of the school’s many security guards. After offering them a grateful smile, I returned my attention to Imogene.
“And I want you to text me between every class period. No matter what.”
“I’ll be fine,” she assured me with a roll of her eyes.
Then, to my surprise, she wrapped her arms around me, even though the entire school was watching. I suppose when baseball’s hottest pitcher drives you to school in his sexy muscle car, it was okay to make a few teenage faux pas, like hugging your mom.
“Love you, Mama.” She dropped her hold. “I promise to text between every class. And the tracking on my phone, watch, and tag on my backpack is enabled.”
“Good.”
It might have been overkill, but in my mind, there was no such thing. Not when it came to Imogene. While I didn’t want Nick to interfere with her ability to go to school like a normal teenager, I did have to be realistic, especially after the news Agent Curran shared last night. Being able to track her offered me some peace of mind.
She gave me one last smile before turning toward Lachlan and hugging him. “Thanks for the ride, Hale.”
“You got it, kid. Love ya.” He kissed the top of her head.
“Love ya, too.”
As if my ovaries hadn’t already exploded this morning when I walked into the kitchen to see Lachlan had made breakfast for my daughter, then packed her lunch, seeing them hug and say they loved each other… It filled me with more appreciation and respect for these two amazing people than I thought possible. More love than I should have felt, given everything going on.
But maybe that was exactly why I should have felt this way. Despite current events, we had each other. We had this love. As long as we found strength in the bond we shared, I was confident we’d get through anything.
Once Imogene disappeared through the front doors of the school, the director and security guard close on her heels, Lachlan helped me into the front seat before making his way around to the driver’s side. He was about to shift into first and lower the parking brake when I grabbed his face and brought his mouth to mine.
He stiffened, seemingly unsure what to think of me kissing him like this in front of Imogene’s school where anyone could see us.
Where anyone could take our photo and post it on social media.
While I had no problem kissing him at Skyline Park on Sunday, that was different. We were surrounded by friends. That wasn’t the case now.
But I didn’t care who saw us. Not anymore. I was done living in fear of what people would think. Done pretending to be someone I wasn’t just to be accepted.
Lachlan made me realize I was good enough as I was. And maybe I was the type of person who wanted to kiss her ridiculously sexy boyfriend in the school parking lot.
“If you don’t stop kissing me, I’m going to need to find some abandoned street so we can christen this car,” he murmured against my mouth.
I cocked my head. “You’ve never christened it?”
“Can’t say as I have.”
“Well then…” I leaned back into the seat, pulling the seat belt across my chest. “I know the perfect spot.”
