That alone was a blessing.
Of course, everything had turned awkward when the twin saw me naked, screwing his brother, and I ran off without knowing anything about my stranger except his first name.
It was for the best. To never see him again. It was a one night stand. It was safer to keep it that way.
I needed to focus on my new life and job. I couldn’t wait to stand in a classroom again.
Be me again.
My phone rang as I stepped out of the shower. I wrapped a towel around my body and walked out of my bathroom. The cool air felt chilly on my wet skin. Despite the sun, this was still Oregon. I wasn’t used to the weather here yet; it was a far stretch from California.
I picked up the phone. It was Katrina.
“Hey, you naughty, naughty girl,” she said. “How’s it going?”
I chuckled. “Great. I…was getting dressed.”
“Puking yet?”
“Nope, I’m good. Super excited.”
“Good to hear that. The first day is always rough, but remember it’s the first day of the year for everybody. So don’t let the kids see you sweat.”
“I won’t,” I said. I really wasn’t nervous. I loved being a teacher, and inside the classroom I was a completely different person. Assertive. Comfortable. Happy. It was where I belonged.
“Okay. You sound so…prepared. I guess I was all worked up for nothing.”
“I can be a little nervous for the sake of your maternal instincts if you want.”
“Nah, don’t worry about it. You’re a grown ass woman. You don’t need my overprotective blah blah blah, whatever you call that in your Psychology course. But thank you for offering.”
I ruffled my wet hair, moving toward the mirror. “Any time. What time are you leaving?”
“In a couple of hours.”
“You sure you can’t stay for a day or two?” I’d have loved to have one friendly face to hang out with while I got used to this new town.
“I wish. But hubs has already lost it with the kids. I have to rescue them.” She laughed. “Halloween is only two months away, though. I’m visiting again then.”
“Halloween? Why on Halloween?”
“Oh, Forest Grove throws the meanest Halloween parties every year. The best in all Oregon and Washington combined. I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” she paused. “Okay, hubs is on the other line. I got to go. Knock ‘em dead today.”
“I will.” I ended the call and went to find my blow dryer when I saw some discoloration on my neck. Did Alec do that?
Studying the little marks on my neck, I guessed it was from those little bites. Perfect. A hickie on my first day at school.
I removed the towel to check for any more bruises. It was a routine check for me years ago until I stopped examining my body. What had been the point of finding if I had new bruises or trying to hide or heal them? I’d have gotten more anyway.
Some yellowish spots were on my hips and butt. They were definitely from Alec’s pressure. Evidence I didn’t dream our quick adventure.
I smiled, ready for whatever other adventures this fresh start had for me.
CHAPTER 7
BELLE
The day was bright and beautiful as I drove to the campus. I grabbed my bag and hurried to get to Professor Pattison’s office, the Psychology Head of Department. He was Katrina’s acquaintance; the one who gave me the job. He knew all about Declan and was so supportive that he promised me a co-teacher for the first half of the semester until I regained my speed and found a TA.
