Page 46 of Her Forbidden Teacher

My stomach twists at the mention of Owen. Addison mentioned to me that Owen wasn’t happy when he found out she was dating her teacher. Maybe he’ll not be as upset now that she’s no longer my student.

As we enter the conference room, I feel another wave of hostility, this time coming from Addison’s father. His glare is fierce and he makes no moves to stand to greet me. I stiffen, feeling a bit awkward, as I take my seat.

“Mr. Langford. Nice to see you again,” Owen says, voice flat. “I’ve spent the better part of the morning going over yourimpressive resume and calling your references. They all speak highly of your work ethic and productivity.”

That’s good, right?

“Thank you, sir.”

His nostrils flare. “Couldn’t help but note your age.”

And there it is.

This interview is about Addison, not the job. If it were just about the job, I’d have it in the bag by my resume alone. Realizing this is my moment to convince my girlfriend’s father I’m good enough to date her, I decide to lay it all out there.

“Listen,” I say, voice calm but firm. “I’m all in with Addison. She’s an angel who found me in a pit of despair and pulled me out. When I realized she’d been living in her own hell, I wanted to save her too. We connected through our trauma and built a bond I don’t ever see breaking. I understand I’m much older than her, but I am fully aware I have a unique, precious diamond that needs protecting. I’d marry her tomorrow if I didn’t think it made me sound desperate. I just care about her that much.”

Rhett is no longer glowering at me. He’s actually grinning. “You’re so pussy-whipped over my sister. That’s hysterical.”

Owen sighs, ignoring his son. “She’s my baby girl.”

“She’ll always be your baby girl,” I remind him. “Now you have another person on your team who will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and happy and loved.”

Owen relaxes and gives me a small smile. “I’ll hold you to your word. You can start Monday. And if you hurt my sweet girl…”

Rhett leans forward, eyes gleaming wickedly. “We’ll ruin your lifelike that.” He snaps at me with his fingers. “Welcome to the fam, bruh.”

Holy shit.

I feel like I just passed the hardest test of my life.

Epilogue

Addison - A few months later…

Everything makes me sick these days.

Like the latex balloons at Buck’s one-year birthday party. Did they need to fill a thousand balloons? I’m seriously going to vomit.

Theo, sensing my unease, pulls me away from the chaos of the party and shoots me a concerned look. “You okay, baby?”

“Not really.”

He nods as if it’s written all over my face. “We’ll take a walk and get some fresh air. Step outside. I’ll let Owen know where we went.”

I nod and make my way to the back patio since that door is closest. Abby and Rhett’s townhouse is cute, and they have a great view of the pond at Moonlit Gables. Outside, the air is fresh and crisp. My sweater is thick and warm, so it saves me from the chilly air.

Theo always knows what I need.

A few minutes later, he joins me, wrapping an arm over my shoulders.

“Your dad is worried about you,” Theo murmurs.

“We’ll tell them soon,” I assure him. “He’s still butt-hurt that I moved in with you after only a month dating.”

“Oh, trust me, I know. I have to work with him all day and he doesn’t hold back his feelings.”

A giggle bubbles out of me. “He’s all bark and no bite.”