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“Payment? Feels a little awkward taking money after the things we did on that trip.” I blush and he steps toward me again.
“Mmm, or maybe it’s a new kink unlocked”—his hand comes up to cup my breast—“roleplaying that I get to pay you for services rendered.”
“Very funny.” I laugh, readjusting my blouse just as a woman’s voice interrupts us.
“Weston? I thought that was you.”
A look of almost panic flashes across his eyes before he slowly turns around to face her. “Hello, Natalie.”
Natalie?I step around him to take in the tall, willowy blonde with bright-blue eyes and a perfectly full cherry pout standing in the doorway of my classroom. Her overly perky breasts almost fall out of her top, her mile-long legs adorned with expensive-looking heels.
“Where’s Daisy?”
“My mother picked her up already. I was just speaking with her teacher, Miss Flowers.”
“Daphne, pleasure to meet you.” I smile, jutting my hand out toward her.
“Natalie Penner, pleasure,” she says in a throaty voice. “My ex already picked up the boys but as usual, he screwed up and forgot Mason’s backpack so I had to grab it after work.” She holds it up. “Speaking of work, darling”—she reaches out and grabs Weston’s arm—“I wanted to discuss some concerns that Nile has regarding the deal. Let’s grab dinner this week and discuss. I want to go into these negotiations with a clear outline of expectations for both of us.”
“Sure, call my admin and she’ll get you put on my calendar,” he says, stepping back out of her grasp.
“Your admin?” She looks almost offended, then quickly replaces her expression with another sultry smile. “Nonsense, darling. I’ll text you.” She gives him a flirty wave before spinning on her heel and walking out of my classroom.
“Sothat’sNatalie?” I give him a questioning look.
“What?” He grabs for my waist again. “What’s that look for?”
“Seems like you guys have some serious stuff to discuss.” I hold up my hands in front of my chest, making him laugh.
“Come to dinner with me tonight.”
“I can’t.” I rest my hands against his chest. “I have a happy hour with some of my coworkers.”
He looks down at me, pausing. “Will Preston be there?”
“Yes, probably.” He releases me, stepping back. “Is that a problem?”
“Where are you going? Will you be out late?”
“O’Malley’s over on Racine and I don’t know. I guess it depends if I’m having a good time or not. Everything okay?”
His eyes darken and he rubs his hand against the scruff on his jaw like he’s contemplating what to say. He steps closer to me. “Have fun tonight.” He plants a brief kiss on my lips and walks out.
“Hey.” Preston’s voice snaps me out of my fog. “You’re coming tonight, right?” He’s leaning halfway through the door.
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be there.” I smile.
“Good.” He slaps the doorway, winking at me. “See you later.”
“See ya,” I call after him, turning my attention back to cleaning up my desk before heading home to change.
I pull my hair back into a high ponytail, slicking on some red gloss and adding a small black wing of eyeliner. My hips sway as I sing to Taylor Swift blaring over my phone speaker. Maybe it’s the way Weston Vaughn looks at me or maybe it’s knowing that a man like him wants me, but I’m feeling empowered tonight. I sort through my closet, finding a black fitted turtleneck dress with long sleeves. I pull it on, shimmying it over my hips before looking at myself in the mirror.
“Not too bad.” The dress is tight, hugging my curves and hitting me about mid-thigh. It’s definitely a lot different than my typical school dress. I’ve had it shoved in my closet for a while. I never had a reason to wear it because I never went out anywhere. Sometimes Xana and I have a glass of wine here or there, but I didn’t have coworkers who wanted to have happy hours and I was far too lost in my grief to join them even if they did.
I grab my thigh-high black suede boots to pull the outfit together. They’re flat so they bring an edgy, casual look to the outfit. I sling my purse over my arm and make my way to the train to head to the bar.
“You look like you got a tan.” Bridgette, the third-grade teacher, looks at my exposed thigh.
