Page 122 of Guarded Deputy

“We can’t, Nate.” I widen my eyes.

He smiles slowly and leans in to kiss me. It’s slow and lazy.

“I haven’t kissed you in so long.”

I giggle and shake my head. “You’re incorrigible. You kissed me last night.”

“That’s a lifetime to me.”

I laugh at his exaggeration against his lips and tug his hair. Things have been amazing between us, and every day I surprise myself with how much more I can love this man.

It’s been a healing journey for him and his family, and I’ve been able to support him as he’s needed.

“I love hearing you laugh,” he says, breathless.

“I love you.” I kiss his lips and inch back. “But we’re at work.”

“Fine.” He sighs, feigning disappointment. “But I expect all your kisses this afternoon.”

“I thought we were going to have dinner with Brooke and Walker?” Nate asked if I wanted to have dinner with his family. We’ve spent more time together, especially now that the school year is almost over and Walker will move on to second grade.

“Before and after.” His brows waggle.

I laugh and shake my head.

“Now, enjoy your Frap. I got it ’specially for you. This time, if your students ask if your boyfriend got it for you, I expect you to say yes.”

“Yes, sir.” I salute him.

His eyes darken and he leans in. “Leave the submissive behavior for the bedroom, babe.”

My lips part, and I shiver. “With handcuffs?” I smile.

“Whatever you want, but I’ll make sure to put the key away. With your Murphy’s Luck, we’ll lose it and not be able to remove them.”

“That would be something that would happen to me.” I laugh.

Nate’s hands move down my ribs to my waist, and he leans in to kiss me one more time. When the bell rings, he sighs in annoyance.

“I guess it’s time to go to work.”

“Yup, but I’ll see you later when you come in here.”

“And for lunch.” He kisses my forehead. “I’m so happy to have you in my life, Lizzy.” I never get tired of hearing him tell me that.

“Me, too.” I hug him tightly and release him when I start to hear noise in the hallway.

Nate helps me down from the desk and fixes my dress. He winks and walks out of my room, leaving me breathless and in a daydreamy state. Grabbing the cup, I take a sip of the delicious caramel Frap and sigh happily.

“Hi, Ms. Andrews.” My students start to walk into my classroom.

“Good morning.” I say with a smile and finish writing the agenda on the board before we start class.

The day flies by, and when Nate walks in again, my smile grows. Until I see my uncle and a woman dressed in a suit enter behind him. I grow serious, wondering what’s going on.

“Who are those people?” Paul points at them.

“Paul,” I warn with a stern voice.