Voyeur

Iris – The Goo Goo Dolls

“Did you know all the girls in class practically drool when you turn to write on the board? I can’t blame them. Your ass is especially nice.”

I bet you’d take the kids to a planetarium and force astronomy on them.” She smiled. “Probably have them reciting constellations before their ABCs.”

I won’t keep you from your wild life.”

“Very funny, Mom. Tell Dad I said hello.”

“Sorry, Mom. Just a fun Saturday grading papers.”

I couldn’t get enough of her.

O: I have to go. I have a star paper to work on and it’s taking all my time.

Me: What horrible person would make you write a paper on a star?

O: A real asshole. A nerdy one.

Me: Sounds amazing to me.

“How are we going to get you out of here? If someone is out there, they’ll hear the lock click and we can’t exactly come strolling out together. Especially with your sexy red lipstick smeared like it is.”

I covered my mouth only able to imagine what I looked like. He laughed at my reaction and reached in his desk, pulling out wet wipes.

“Of course, you have wet wipes on hand.”

“I have to be able to clean up any messes.”

I hid my smile, loving how much of a perfectionist he was. He unlocked the door and peeked out as I wiped at my mouth.

Oaklyn,

I had an early breakfast meeting and had to leave. You looked too beautiful sleeping and I didn’t want to wake you. I can’t thank you enough for last night.

C

“Do you want me to go?”

“What? Callum, God no.” Her vehement denial made me jerk my head up to see her shocked expression. “If nothing else, you’re at least my friend. I would never . . .” She shook her head, not finishing the thought. “I care about you. I want you to stay.”

Wanted me to stay. She cared about me and wanted me to stay. The words were so simple and yet, they seeped in through my skin and began to fill some of the damaged holes inside of me. I’d told her about my past and she hadn’t doubted me, questioned me, or looked at me differently. I felt . . . Lighter.