Dangerous (Bad Boys of Voyageur Bay #3)

Chapter 27

27

Katy/Katherine

“ K aty.” Sasha stopped in front of me, her gaze locked onto our joined hands before she yanked it up to face us with a large smile on her face. “I’m guessing your ride home from the dance was fruitful. Very, very fruitful.

Was there a maximum number of times that you could roll your eyes in a day, because if there was, I had a feeling I was going to hit that number today. Fruitful? I mean, who uses that outside of that weird Christian sect where the women gave birth to lots of children.

Not knowing what to say, I was grateful when Ethan jumped in. “I guess my dance moves were incredible because after the dance, I was finally able to talk her into making things official.”

“So, it’s true, you’ve been dating each other since before school started, but were keeping it on the down low.”

Where was I living and what year was this? First fruitful and now down low. What was happening? Had me getting a boyfriend—a fake one at that—broken the time-space continuum? It was the only explanation for how weird Sasha was acting.

“I’m happy for you,” Deena told me quietly as her twin continued to press Ethan for details about our relationship.

“Thanks. It’s all so new that I’m not fully comfortable with it yet.” I hoped that by telling her that, if I didn’t act like a real girlfriend, she’d be able to quell any new rumours that would start.

“I can imagine since he’s your first.”

Sasha’s eyes widened. In her outside quiet voice, which was only slightly quieter than a yell, she said, “You two had sex!”

“What? No. That’s not what she meant.” But no matter what I said, the redness of my face made them all believe I was lying. But the worst part was that Peter, who must have left late with Liam, was walking towards the school and heard Sasha. He stumbled to a stop. A look of horrific pain crossed his face before he wiped it away. When he met my gaze, I tried to tell him it was all a misunderstanding. He nodded and I was able to take my first full breath since Sasha yelled that out. Holy crap. I’d only been fake dating for less than an hour and I was already wiped out. How was I ever going to survive this?

Ethan pulled me towards the school. I don’t know if he realized that I needed to escape or if he just wanted to get inside before anything else could happen, but I was grateful either way. He walked me to my locker where I quickly gathered my things for my morning classes. “Let me walk you to home room. Then I’ll head to mine.”

I nodded. Homeroom would be good. Mr. Taylor was usually in early, but my classmates didn’t arrive until right before the bell so I should have some peace and quiet. At the door to my class, he pulled me to him, wrapping me up in a hug before pressing his lips to my face, nearly hitting my lips.

“Lunch?”

I nodded, unable to speak. As soon as he left, I collapsed into my seat.

“Are you okay?” Mr. Taylor sat in the seat belonging to the desk in front of mine.

“Just a little overwhelmed.”

“I see. Anything to do with the kiss you received from Ethan?” He raised an eyebrow. “Not that it’s any of my business, really, but since it’s going to be all over the rumour mill before class ends, you might as well spill the real story.”

I stared at him, trying to make up my mind as to what I could or should say.

“Plus, I really don’t want whatever this is to come between you and baking. I’ve gotten used to my ration od treats.” He winked and that more than anything broke the ball of tension within me as I laughed.

“Don’t worry. Nothing can come between me and the kitchen. It tends to be the way I relieve my stress.”

He rubbed his hands together. “Oh goody. From the looks of things, I’m going to be swimming in baking. Guess I’m going to be increasing my gym visits.” I must have looked better because he stood up. “You know, there’s still ten minutes before the bell. That should be enough time for some Liam cuddles. And if it’s not, I’d already know you’re here so you could always just bring your books with you and head off to first period.”

His suggestion sounded like a great idea. Even I didn’t get to talk to Peter to ensure he knew I hadn’t slept with Ethan, cuddling Liam would calm me down. Decision made, I stood, picking up my books. “Thanks, Mr. Taylor. You’re a fabulous teacher.”

“You don’t have to flatter me; you’re already getting top grades in my class. But thank you. Now scoot before your classmates start arriving.”

I followed his suggestion and headed to the daycare, walking fast so that I could avoid hearing anything or running into anyone. Once I was through the doors, I stopped and leaned against the wall as I caught my breath.

“Katy? Are you okay?” Peter placed his hand on my heaving shoulder.

I met Peter’s worried gaze and instantly my body relaxed, allowing me to breathe deeply. I stood up straight, so I was closer to him, not wanting anyone to overhear. “I didn’t have sex with him. Deena was talking about Ethan being my first boyfriend, but Sasha only caught the part about him being my fist and ran with it.”

“I know that Katy-bear. Is that what was bothering you? Were you worried about what I thought?”

“That and the fact that everyone else now thinks I did which will only make the rumours worse. But Mr. Taylor realized I needed some space to calm down and suggested I come get some Liam cuddles.”

“I never thought I’d be jealous of my own son, but I am.” He leaned in a little more until his lips brushed my ear. “I wish I could be the one to cuddle you right now. Having you in my arms in heaven.”

Thankfully, the wall was still behind me, holding me up because my knees went week with his declaration. I wanted that too. I wanted to be surrounded by him, Jason, and Jarrod. It was only with them that I felt completely safe. So why again was I denying myself?

“Peter. There you are. I’m glad you haven’t left yet. I wanted to ask you about Saturday night.”

Oh right. That’s why I’m not with him, with them. There were always too many women who came between us. Too many women that he chose over me.

Peter stepped away from me and spun to face Missy. Every muscle on his body was tight. “What about Saturday night? I don’t have any plans with you.”

The coldness in his voice had me shivering.

“Well, yes, but I’d hoped we could meet up somewhere.”

“And I’ve told you that I don’t cheat. So, stop trying to get me to go out with you. I’m not interested. And the next time you do, I’ll go to Mrs. Knight and tell her about your continued sexual harassment. I don’t think you’d be keeping your job if I did that.” He spun around to face me. “Go get your Liam cuddles in. He’ll be happy to see you. Maybe you could spend a little time with him this evening?”

Since I wasn’t working and since Peter had stood up to Missy instead of making plans with her like he would have in the past, I nodded. “I think I can do that. And Peter”—Missy’s mouth sucked in like she’d eaten a bag of sour candies all at once when I called him by his first name, but I didn’t care—“thank you.”

He reached out and squeezed my shoulder—the only acceptable touch while at school. “Anytime.”

He nodded at Missy before he stalked off back into the school.

“And what are you doing here?” Missy cocked her hip as she stared down her nose at me.

I brushed past her, placing my school supplies on the long counter before letting myself into the back. “Doing what Peter told me to do. I’m spending a little time with Liam.”

Susan walked out of the backroom, carrying Liam. “Ahh, Katy, it’s nice to see you again. Liam’s a little grumpy this morning so I’m glad you’re here. You have the magic touch with him.”

From the moment he heard my name, he lifted his head up off her shoulder and started to look for me, making me smile. “I’m over here, Liam. Want to come visit with me for a bit? Maybe we can read some books. Would you like that Little Man?”

He pushed away from Susan, trying to jump into my arms as he babbled away. At his excited chatter and joy at seeing me, everything else fled. They were right. This was exactly what I needed, and I was going to enjoy every minute of it until he went down for his morning nap even if it meant that I missed class. Spending time with him and helping my mental health were more important. And I was sure that Peter, Susan, and even Mr. Taylor would back me up on that if anyone complained.