Page 44 of Her Forbidden Teacher

I give him a nod of thanks and then stride to the office. It feels like I’ve spent more time in Adam’s office than my own. I’m getting kind of tired of it.

When I reach the closed door of the office, the receptionist gives me a small frown before motioning for me to enter. I let loose a heavy sigh and then step inside. The first thing I notice is Mary Ellen’s perfume. It’s pungent and suffocating. I don’t know how I lived with it for those years we were together.

Adam is wearing a pinched expression, but Sheriff McMahon’s is more relaxed. Mary Ellen’s is pure smug satisfaction.

I hate her so much.

Why won’t she just leave me the hell alone already?

“Take a seat, please,” Adam says after I close the door. “We need to talk.”

I’m tense as I sit in the chair beside Mary Ellen. She shoots me a pitying look as if she feels sorry for me. I clench my teeth together, forcing myself to hear what they have to say rather than just walking out and calling my lawyer.

“It’s been brought to my attention by your ex-wife who witnessed you on two occasions being alone with one of your students.” He pauses, not meeting my gaze. “One of those times was of you walking the student from your apartment to her car.”

I guess Mary Ellen did put that together.

Fuck.

“How far you’ve fallen,” she mutters under her breath. “Honestly, I’m embarrassed for you.”

“Now if this is untrue,” Adam says, meeting my stare with his intense one, “just say the words. She doesn’t exactly have proof.”

This could easily go away. A little lie. More hiding. Is that what he and Everett did? I still don’t know how they navigated their situations. All I know is how I’ll navigate mine.

And lying is more Mary Ellen’s thing.

“I’m having a romantic relationship with Addison Monahan,” I tell the three of them. “It’s new, but it’s serious.”

Mary Ellen starts to cry as if this news breaks her heart. I ignore her because those are her fake tears. She’s used them on me enough times for me to know the difference.

Adam sighs. “Unfortunately, Mr. Langford, that violates school policy.”

“And the law!” Mary Ellen hisses, cheeks wet with crocodile tears. “I can’t believe I was married to a pedophile.”

A flash of anger burns hot through me. “She’s eighteen and none of your damn business.”

Her eyes twinkle with delight. She always loved whenever I’d lose it and get pissed. I’m normally a pretty calm guy. That is, when people aren’t fucking with me or the ones I care about.

“School policy states that if a teacher and a student are involved in a romantic relationship, it’s grounds for immediate termination. I’m so sorry, Mr. Langford.”

“Arrest him!”

I tear my gaze from Mary Ellen to look over at Sheriff McMahon. He rolls his eyes. At least I don’t think I’m going out in cuffs today.

“So, I’m fired,” I say with a heavy, resigned sigh. “Guess I’ll go then.”

Mary Ellen stands and glowers at the sheriff. “Aren’t you going to do something, Sheriff? He’s been fucking a teenager!”

I also rise to my feet with a little more force than necessary which has both Adam and the sheriff mimicking my action. I’m not going to touch my ex. I just want to get the hell out of here.

“She was always eighteen,” I spit out. “I never touched her before. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to grab my shit and go.” Then, to Mary Ellen, I shake my head. “You’ll be hearing from my attorney.”

I do just as I said I would. Collect my crap, call my attorney, and then add in an extra stop on the way home. Place a restraining order on Mary Ellen. At least that makes me feel a little better about losing my job.

Good Girl: I’m taking an Uber to your place since mine had to go to the body shop. Mindy said Coach Long told her she should tell me to make sure you’re okay. What happened?

I reply back to her as soon as I get the message.