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“I’ oaf!” Her hand meets my chest, not exactly in a slap because that would i it just as quick Given that her hand is still on my chest, I’m not sure what this is

I’

“A teacher” The word is a low ruh to contain this tiny throb of connection

“Yes, you know” Her eyes shine darkly as they h I haven’t been inside a classroo to a topic not as happy as this one obviouslyfor an Aetting theain Part-time tutor, a part-time social secretary” One hand clutches the lapels of my jacket as she pulls the other from under mine, ostensibly to sweep away a wisp of hair that has blown across her cheek “I wanted to travel I , but I wanted to seefor this fa to teach at an American curriculu Great pay Great conditions Pretty much my own apartment in Chelsea ButI don’t work there any “So that’s where the pinny?” Her eyes seekritzy parties is kind of a niche market”

I don’t know about ritzy I would’ve gone with staid as I watch as she begins to twist the white frill between her fingers This ti a business card in her hand Griffin’s business card

“I’m sorry to hear of your troubles”

“You wouldn’t be hearing it now if not for all this” She gestures to the house at my back

“Yes,” I answer simply, because none of this seeht with I’m sorry for her discomfort

“Things just didn’t work out as I planned,” she murmurs

“I find that’s generally the ith plans”

“I’m sorry, Alexander” My name on her lips is sincere Quite beautiful “Sorry I twisted the truth We weren’t ever supposed to see each other again, and I guess I’m sorry it didn’t work out that way”

I am a monumental arse I didn’t offer her my life story, so why should I have expected different? But the fact remains, had I known the truth, known there’d be a sain, I wouldn’t have ended up in her bed

And what a sad outcome that would’ve been

“Don’t be sorry I’m not” That’s the truth but not the whole truth as I pluck Griffin’s card froh it would be oh-so very easy to I’ to And I’ll be damned if I allow Griffin to takeit over in my hand

She nods “We talked about work”

“You don’t want to work for him,” I assert as her expression morphs into a frown

“I don’t think he was planning on offering me a job”

“No one would employ you to look after children on the recommendation of Griffin”

She rears back as though slapped, and I instantly regret the manner of delivery, even if I stand by the truth