“Okay.”
“But you can’t say the same for me, can you?”
“Niall…”
“It’s okay, I understand. It’s what everyone in town thinks.”
I shrug, because I can’t lie to him; but I don’t want to hurt him, either.
“But I’m ready to make things right.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. You don’t have anything to prove – it’s none of my business.”
He nods slowly, his lips turned up in a sad smile.
“And I don’t know what you’re expecting from me. I accept your apology, but…”
“I need that job,” he says, interrupting me.
“Oh.”
“If the offer still stands.”
“Are you doing it for her?”
“I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do.”
“Didn’t you think I was blackmailing you?”
He shakes his head. “I think it’s an opportunity.”
“Do you really think that?” I ask, doubtful.
“Absolutely.”
“Well, the offer still stands. If you want the position, and your daughter is happy to come to school, then…”
His arms are suddenly wrapped around me, his face buried into my neck.
“Thank you, Jordan. Thank you.”
I sit there, paralysed, my arms rigid at my sides. I feel his breath tickling my skin.
“You taste so good, so sweet…” he whispers, his tongue tracing my skin. “Who knows how sweet the rest of you tastes…”
I let myself go, slowly; his hands are on my arms, his eyes clear and bright.
“We should…er…” I clear my throat as he pulls away, his breath no longer on my skin. “We need to lay down some ground rules.”
“Sure, whenever you want.”
“Come and see me in my office tomorrow.”
“I’ll be there.”
“We need to sign an agreement, too.”
He looks at me, curiously.
