Scream For me

DAPHNE

“So you’re going to make me ask?” Xana stares at me, a piece of lettuce dangling from her fork. “How was the Bahamas?”

I shrug nonchalantly. “It was fun, good. Lots of sun and sand. How was the lake?”

“Seriously? That’s all you’re going to give me?”

“I don’t know what else you expect me to say.”

“Oh, I dunno, maybe elaborate on what it was like to fly on a private jet, stay on a private yacht, and lunch at The Four Fucking Seasons?”

I laugh at how dramatic she’s being. “Well, yeah, that was unparalleled. Makes me sad that I can’t vacation like that all the time. Nothing like when we went to Panama City Beach in college with eight other girls and split a single hotel room and lived off ramen and liquor for four days.” I gag just thinking about it.

“I know what you’re trying to do.” “Tell me about the lake.” I smile.

“It was good. Ryan’s parents were hilarious. His dad brought a ukulele and got tipsy and sang. Embarrassed Ryan but made me laugh. Now, will you please tell me if anything more happened between you two? I’m not going to let it go.”

I’m not trying to be coy. I debated on if I even wanted to talk about it since I have no idea what it even is.

“Okay, fine, but don’t freak out.” She lets out a high-pitched squeak of excitement. “I mean it. We might have kissed again and did a little more.”

“A little more or a lot more?”

“A lot more.”

“Oh my God.” Her mouth falls open. “Tell me everything. How was it?”

“It was good, like good. Toe-curling, fireworks, I-finallyunderstand-what-the-big-deal-is good.” I feel a little awkward sharing this, for as close as we are, I’ve never been open about my sex life, maybe because it wasn’t as exciting as I wanted it to be in the past and I was ashamed. I felt guilty for wanting a more exciting sex life with Carson.

“Did you?”

“Yeah, so many times.” We both burst into laughter.

“So what does this mean for you guys? Are you like a thing now?”

I shake my head, swallowing a bite of my pasta salad. “I don’t think so. I mean, maybe? But there’s no label or anything and I’m not going to ask him for one. I’m pretty sure it’s just a fling.”

“Yeah, but do you want to be… flung?”

“Yeah, why not? You told me I needed to get back out there and have fun, not worry about a relationship and all that, so that’s what I’m doing.” I smile, shoving another bite of food into my mouth.

I want more with Weston, who wouldn’t? It felt good to be able to open up and talk to him about my past, but I am a little worried about how things turned so quickly with that conversation. He apologized that night and I accepted it, but we didn’t discuss it further. As much as he might not want to accept it or even agree, I do understand the pain of losing your other half and the fear that comes with moving on. Maybe he hasn’t moved on; maybe I haven’t either. Maybe we’re just losing ourselves in each other instead of facing that reality.

“Well, if that’s all it is and that’s all you want, then get it, girl, but if you want more and he can’t offer that, I’d say get out before the feelings get too deep. Otherwise, I hope he flings you to the fucking moon and back.”

“YOU LOOK GOOD BENT OVER A DESK.”

I whip my head around to look over my shoulder, Weston standing in my classroom looking drop-dead drool-worthy and sexy. He’s wearing my favorite combo on him, black pants with a black Oxford, two buttons undone, his sleeves rolled up, exposing his forearms.

“What are you doing here?” I smile. “Your mom already picked up Daisy.” I’m finishing up my day after all my students have left, reaching across my desk for my purse.

“You know what would make it even better?” He approaches me, his hands sliding over my ass to grab my waist. “If your panties were around your ankles.” He presses himself against me.

“Not in my classroom, Mr. Vaughn.” I spin around and push against his chest unsuccessfully.

“Mmm, you know what that does to me when you call me that, Miss Flowers.” His hands reach up to tilt my head as his lips caress mine.

“People can see, you know,” I say against his lips, but it doesn’t stop him.

“Just shut the fuck up and let me kiss you.” He growls the words into my mouth, his tongue snaking inside to lay claim. I feel his length harden against me, pulling a small moan from my throat.

“If Mr. Fein sees, I would get fired,” I say, finally putting some space between us.

“You think he’d fire you if it was me kissing you?” He flashes an arrogant grin. “Come on now, baby, you know that man would let you get away with anything if it involved me.”

“True or not, I don’t want to push the limits and find out.”

“Oh, by the way, don’t think I forgot about your payment for the Bahamas trip.”

“Payment? Feels a little awkward taking money after the things we did on that trip.” I blush and he steps toward me again.

“Mmm, or maybe it’s a new kink unlocked”-his hand comes up to cup my breast-“roleplaying that I get to pay you for services rendered.”

“Very funny.” I laugh, readjusting my blouse just as a woman’s voice interrupts us.

“Weston? I thought that was you.”

A look of almost panic flashes across his eyes before he slowly turns around to face her. “Hello, Natalie.”

Natalie? I step around him to take in the tall, willowy blonde with bright blue eyes and a perfectly full cherry pout standing in the doorway of my classroom. Her overly perky breasts almost fall out of her top, and her mile-long legs are adorned with expensive-looking heels.

“Where’s Daisy?”

“My mother picked her up already. I was just speaking with her teacher,Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Miss Flowers.”

“Daphne, a pleasure to meet you.” I smile, jutting my hand out toward her.

“Natalie Penner, pleasure,” she says in a throaty voice. “My ex already picked up the boys but as usual, he screwed up and forgot Mason’s backpack so I had to grab it after work.” She holds it up. “Speaking of work, darling”-she reaches out and grabs Weston’s arm-“I wanted to discuss some concerns that Nile has regarding the deal. Let’s grab dinner this week and discuss. I want to go into these negotiations with a clear outline of expectations for both of us.”

“Sure, call my admin and she’ll get you put on my calendar,” he says, stepping back out of her grasp.

“Your admin?” She looks almost offended, then quickly replaces her expression with another sultry smile. “Nonsense, darling. I’ll text you.” She gives him a flirty wave before spinning on her heel and walking out of my classroom.

“So that’s Natalie?” I give him a questioning look.

“What?” He grabs for my waist again. “What’s that look for?”

“Seems like you guys have some serious stuff to discuss.” I hold up my hands in front of my chest, making him laugh.

“Come to dinner with me tonight.”

“I can’t.” I rest my hands against his chest. “I have a happy hour with some of my coworkers.”

He looks down at me, pausing. “Will Preston be there?”

“Yes, probably.” He releases me, stepping back. “Is that a problem?”

“Where are you going? Will you be out late?”

“O’Malley’s over on Racine and I don’t know. I guess it depends if I’m having a good time or not. Everything okay?”

His eyes darken and he rubs his hand against the scruff on his jaw like he’s contemplating what to say. He steps closer to me. “Have fun tonight.” He plants a brief kiss on my lips and walks out.

“Hey.” Preston’s voice snaps me out of my fog. “You’re coming tonight, right?” He’s leaning halfway through the door.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be there.” I smile.

“Good.” He slaps the doorway, winking at me. “See you later.”

“See ya,” I call after him, turning my attention back to cleaning up my desk before heading home to change.