Chapter Six
Archer
“You must be a really great teacher,” I observe after having listened to yet another student stop and talk with Sage.
There have been several who have approached her today as we make our way around town. She stops and gives every single one a smile and attention, making sure they are heard and seen. The kids are excited to see her, sharing stories and asking questions about schoolwork and assignments.
I’m not sure who was looking down on me when I got blessed with this opportunity, but it’s turning out to be the best job of my life.
Not only am I getting paid a shit ton of money, but somehow I also landed in the sphere of Sage.
Getting to play her boyfriend and know her better is the best perk I never would’ve dreamed of.
You can bet your ass I’m taking every advantage of the situation.
I don’t let any opportunity pass that will allow me to touch her.
I don’t miss how she no longer tenses when I do, but melts into me as if it’s right where she belongs.
Which I’m becoming more and more certain isn’t far from the truth.
She shrugs. “I don’t know about that. I try my best to encourage them and foster their strengths.”
“Well, from what I’ve seen, you have to be one of their favorite teachers. Did you always want to be a teacher?”
She looks away as she shakes her head. “No, I wanted to join my family’s company like my brothers, but my father wouldn’t allow it because it wasn’t appropriate for a lady.
So I gave in and got a degree in something he considered suitable.
Not that it mattered, because he still disapproves of everything I do, including participating in the lumberjack show. ”
A frown pulls at my lips at her admission. “I’m sorry to hear that. It’s tough when we don’t see eye to eye with our family.”
Her eyes jump to mine. “That almost sounds like you have experience with it.”
“Unfortunately, I do. My father, the doctor, doesn’t approve of my career choice. There was no way I could be a doctor or lawyer like he wanted. A degree in forestry certainly didn’t meet his approval.”
My phone rings, and I pull it from my pocket to see the Twilight Inn flash across the screen. “Hello?”
“Mr. Fenton, this is Blair Wheeler at the Twilight Inn. I’m sorry to say I have bad news. A pipe has broken and your room is now flooded. Regrettably, I have no other rooms available.” The poor woman sniffles, sounding ready to burst into tears.
“Well, that is unfortunate. I’ll come by to get my things and find other lodging,” I rush to assure her, having no clue how I’ll manage to do so, given this was the last room available in the area when I booked.
She sniffs. “Thank you, and again, I’m so sorry for the trouble.”
“What happened?” Sage inquires with pinched brows after I disconnect the call.
“My room got flooded at the inn.”
“Oh, no.”
“Yeah, and everywhere else was booked when I got that room. Don’t suppose my girlfriend has room for me?” I grin, only half-joking.
“Oh, uh, well, I guess I do have a spare room, but I’m not sure you’d fit on the bed in there.” She blushes adorably.
She’s actually offering. My heart races at the thought. “I was just kidding,” I lie. “I’ll figure something out. I can always pitch a tent somewhere.”
Now she frowns, shaking her head. “No! You’ve been such a huge help and you’re going above and beyond with this whole fake boyfriend thing. There’s no need for you to be sleeping on the ground. I can sleep in the spare room, and you can have my bed.”
The thought of being in her space, in her bed at that, has my groin tightening. “If you’re sure. I’ve slept on the ground plenty. It’s really not a big deal.”
“No, you go get your things, and then we can meet at the bar like we were planning.”
“Alright, if you insist. Thanks Sage. I really appreciate it,” I tell her sincerely, doing my best to temper my joy at getting to stay with her.