Concealed Hearts (Hometown Jasper #4) - Nicky James Page 0,97
have to go back to BC next week. I have two classes to teach, and I’ve done only minimal prep for them. I never thought I’d say this, but I don’t want to leave.” His attention drifted from the dark window to my face.
“I don’t want you to go either, but you’ll come back, won’t you?”
“You know I will. As often as I can.”
I glanced toward the living room. I couldn’t see the boys, but I could hear their movie. “And what if I took in a homeless teenager? How would you feel about that?”
“It wouldn’t change anything, Windsor.”
I leaned across the table and joined our mouths, savoring the fast vanishing moments we had left before summer ended. “Why did it take so long to get our heads out of our asses?”
“I wish I knew.”
Chapter Twenty-one
Tomi
I drove Grant home after the movie ended. Felix seemed happier. He smiled more and was chatting with Windsor when I left. By the time I returned, Felix had gone to bed, and the house was dark. I found Windsor in his bedroom, sitting on the edge of his bed.
“You look deep in thought.”
He glanced up and waved me forward.
I wedged myself between his legs, and he wrapped his arms around me, chin resting on my stomach as he peered up with warm hazel eyes. “I pitched the idea to Felix. He seemed excited about it. It’s the first time I’ve seen the kid truly relax.”
“And you? How are you feeling?”
“Closeted bachelor one day to an out and proud deputy dad to a seventeen-year-old castaway the next. I need to catch my breath. This old brain is taking time to process it all.”
I brushed my knuckles along his jaw, enjoying the rasp of his scruff. “I was thinking. I don’t want to get your hopes up or mine, but I’m going to swing by the high school tomorrow. They should have staff in since school goes back soon. Everyone should be preparing their curriculum. Who is the principal?”
“Nadine Kilimanjaro.”
“I want to talk with her and see if they have a position available or an upcoming opening I could apply for.”
Windsor flinched, his hands grasping my waist as he sat straighter. “Don’t toy with me. Are you serious?”
“Why not? The university won’t ever be able to give me what I want. I’ve considered teaching at a high school level a lot lately. Why not here? Like I said, don’t get your hopes up. They might have nothing, but I was also going to push for a program to help kids like Grant and Felix. LGBT awareness. I think it could help staff on-premises as well. Maybe I’m not the right person to take something like that on, especially considering all the problems I’ve caused, but I owe this community, and I want to do something positive so kids don’t end up like me. Lost and scared and confused.” I sighed and shrugged. “Is it a stupid idea?”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea. I know Nadine. I can put a word in for you.”
“I’m not sure a reference from my boyfriend is considered professional.”
Windsor laughed and pulled me down on top of him. “You’re a part of Jasper, Tomi. She’d be stupid to turn you away.”
“It’s more about having a job available. I’m plenty qualified.”
“I hope this works.”
“And if it does?”
He kissed me, long and lovingly, hiking me higher so he could have better access to my mouth. “Then you’ll come home for good.”
“Any chance you’ll take in a homeless physicist too?”
He laughed and rolled us so he was on top, framing my face with his arms. “Absolutely.”
There were no more words. There was a whole lot of kissing and getting naked, then there was a whole lot of frotting and touching. Windsor reached blindly for the bedside table where we’d stashed the condoms and lube the night before.
He tossed the bottle beside us and tore the condom open with his teeth. “FYI. I want to be done with these. I’ll get tested again, but it’s done regularly for work. I can show you my last results. I haven’t been with anyone since Alan.”
“I’ll go tomorrow.”
There was nothing more to be said.
With a teenager under the same roof, we took pains to stay quiet. Windsor was a thorough lover who liked taking his time. It was never a race to the end. He worshiped every moment and reminded me many times how much he loved me.
* * *
The following day, I left the house early with Windsor