“Shit! Sorry.” Marissa tried to act as a human shield, but she was about five inches too short to accomplish the mission. “Goddamn it, Blake. Didn’t I tell you to stay in the living room?”

  Blake put his hands on Marissa’s shoulders to keep her from bouncing so he could see around her. “Are you two . . . is he? I fucking knew it!” He pointed an accusing finger at Liese. He turned to Ryder, then back to her before his angry glare settled on Marissa. “Did you know about this?”

  Marissa was unapologetic. “Of course. She’s my best friend.”

  Blake wrinkled his nose. To Ryder’s credit, his only reaction was to move closer to Liese, draping his arm over her shoulder to draw her tight against him.

  “I hope you aren’t going to make this an issue.” His tone made it sound more like a threat than the appeal it might have been had Liese been the one to speak first.

  “Issue?” Blake scowled and rubbed the back of his neck as he focused on his feet. “I don’t even—” He stopped and took a deep breath. He looked more hurt than angry as he met Liese’s terrified gaze. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”

  “I think the answer to that question is rather obvious,” Ryder replied.

  “I’m not talking to you, so you can just shut it, Whitehall.” Blake raised a hand in Ryder’s direction but didn’t look away from Liese as he continued. “I wouldn’t have judged you.”

  Liese quirked a brow.

  “Okay, fine, maybe I would have judged you a little, but only because it’s Whitehall.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Ryder asked.

  “You need to get over what happened in high school,” Blake said. “It’s been twenty years. Every damn person in the building knows you hate me.” When Ryder went to cut him off, Blake shut him down. “I don’t have the warm fuzzies for you either, but I’m not about to cause Liese more problems than she already has. If she wants to be with you, that’s her prerogative.”

  “Blake—” Liese interrupted.

  He pointed a finger at her. “Oh, no. No way. I’m not done yet, and I’m pretty sure I’m not going to get another chance like this ever again.” He took a breath before he continued his tirade. “And just so you know, Principal Whitehall, I’ve noticed the way you are with her. And I doubt I’m alone. If you decide to screw her over or hurt her in any way, I won’t have any qualms about dragging your name through the dirt.”

  “Don’t make empty threats, Stone. It’s beneath you.”

  “Oh, it’s not a threat, it’s a promise,” Blake sneered. “You think it won’t reflect poorly on you if your relationship goes public? Hard not to question someone’s ethics if they’re taking advantage of a new, young staff member, isn’t it?”

  “And you’d drag Liese down along with me? How caring of you. Liese’s well-being is my top priority right now, unlike yours.” He gestured between Blake and Marissa.

  Liese noticed Marissa wasn’t wearing any lipstick—which never happened—and Blake’s mouth was a more pronounced shade of pink than usual. Marissa’s top was also a wrinkled mess. Clearly, they’d been a tad preoccupied.

  Ryder hugged Liese to him and stroked her hair. “Liese has had an inordinately difficult evening. The last thing she needs is to be held hostage on her front porch, listening to you spew your hypocritical bullshit at me. If you’d like to continue this conversation tomorrow, please feel free to stop by my office. Otherwise, get the fuck out of the way so Liese can get inside her own house. If you weren’t so busy shooting off your mouth, you’d notice she’s damn well freezing.”

  Liese had curled into Ryder, as much to protect herself from the verbal sparring as to keep warm. But her teeth chattered as the wind blew through her skirt.

  “Shit. I’m an asshole.”

  “Well, that’s one thing we agree on,” Ryder shot back as he moved past Blake and Marissa. They pasted themselves against the wall to give Liese and Ryder room to pass.

  Once inside, Ryder led her to the living room and settled her on the couch. He wrapped her in the nearest blanket, kneeling on the floor to tuck the flannel beneath her feet. Marissa and Blake crammed in the doorway.

  “Can we get a minute of privacy, please?” Ryder snapped.

  “Right. Sure, sorry.” Marissa tugged on Blake’s sleeve. They bumped into each other as they backed away, shuffling down the hall toward the kitchen.

  “This isn’t good.” Liese huddled deeper into the couch. The chill of the wind seemed to have settled in her bones. Even cocooned in the blanket she was cold.

  “Everything will be fine. It’s been a difficult night, and Stone’s an insensitive bastard.” Ryder fiddled with the blanket as he spoke. Liese couldn’t tell if he was trying to placate her or if he truly believed what he said.

  “But what if what Blake says is true? What if other people have noticed how we are when we’re around each other? What if someone knows? Maybe I need to transfer schools—” Panic spiraled, and the dread she kept tamped down surfaced in the face of so much stress.

  “Stop.” Ryder placed a finger gently against her lips. “He was trying to wind me up, and he didn’t take into consideration the effect it might have on you. We are very careful, are we not?”

  “I’m not so sure about that.” Liese dropped her voice until it was barely above a whisper. “Think about it, Ryder. We had sex in your office in the middle of the day with Betty sitting right outside. What if I was too loud? What if she heard me and told someone else—like Harvey? And what about the rehearsal? A student could have seen us together. What if people are just waiting for us to make one more stupid mistake so they can expose us?”

  Ryder sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Liese, I promise you, no one heard a thing. Betty listens to talk radio all day long, and she’s more absorbed in her nails than what happens in my office. And you were very responsible during the rehearsal. More so than me, I’m afraid. I shall take future cues from you. But no students saw us that day, I can promise you that.” He lowered his voice and leaned in close, his lips at her ear. “Besides, you certainly can be quiet when it’s necessary.”

  “Don’t,” Liese said, pushing him away. “It’s not funny, and you’re trying to distract me.”

  “You need a distraction.” He rested his palm over her hand, which pressed against his chest, holding him at bay.

  “Not this kind. This is why we have problems right now. We can’t even have a normal relationship, Ryder. I can’t tell any of my friends about you, except the one who lives out of town. How long can we keep doing this?”

  “Have you changed your mind about making this work?”

  “No.” Her voice caught. The thought of losing him scared her, but the thought of damaging her career frightened her as well.

  “You’re certain?”

  “No. Yes. I don’t know. I want to be with you, but it’s complicated.” Liese closed her eyes, pausing before she voiced the concern weighing heavily on her. “We’ll end up resenting each other if our careers are put in jeopardy because of this.”

  Ryder swallowed audibly, and Liese looked up from her lap to find his head bowed. He wrapped her hand in his. “You’ve had a very stressful evening. I know you have a lot on your mind, and I’m asking you not to make any rash decisions, at least not tonight. You need to focus on you. This Sean thing is finally under control. It’s going to be okay.”

  “I’m just overwhelmed.” Liese ran her fingers through his hair. She wanted him to stay, but she needed him to go. An emotional battle waged inside her, and she didn’t think she could hold it together much longer. Once the first soldier fell, the rest would follow in domino effect. Tears threatened to break her composure. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

  “Liese.” He touched her chin, lifting her head gently. “I wanted to wait, but in light of recent events—”

  Liese’s stomach dropped. He looked serious—too serious. “Ryder . . .”

  “There’s a superintendent position at the public school board in Montgomery County.” He stopped and waited for a reaction. When she remained silent, he continued, “If I applied and got the job, it could make things easier.”

  “I’m sorry, what?”

  “It would be a good thing. We wouldn’t be working in the same building anymore.”

  “But wouldn’t you have to move?” Montgomery was farther south. The prospect of a long-distance relationship did not ease the choked feeling that overtook her.

  Ryder shook his head. “It would be reasonable to commute.” He smoothed her cheek. “We would be free to pursue this relationship without fear of backlash.”

  “Which would be a good thing.” Liese echoed his earlier statement.

  “It’s definitely an option to consider.” Ryder gave her a tentative smile and kissed her cheek. “We can talk about this later. You’ve had enough thrown at you tonight without tossing this into the mix.”

  “It’s a lot to digest.” Her head swam with the new information. Piled on top of everything else, she didn’t feel capable of processing it.

  “I can only imagine.” Ryder opened his arms, and she went into them.

  This was the kind of physical contact she needed right now: benign and comforting. She felt him bury his nose in her hair and inhale deeply. They stayed like that for a few minutes before she extracted herself. He searched her face. After a long moment, he rubbed his hands over her shoulders and kissed her chastely.

  “I should go. You need rest, and I’m sure Marissa would like to spend some time with you. I know she’s been concerned.”

  Liese snorted.

  “At least Blake’s no longer an issue.”

  “That’s one way to look at it.” Liese sighed.

  Fatigue came over her like a leaden shroud as she walked Ryder to the door. He erased some of the cold she couldn’t seem to shake with his goodbye kisses. She sensed desperation in the way he held her almost too tightly, his body taut and rigid as his lips pressed against hers.

  “Call if you need me,” he whispered.

  “I’ll be fine. I’ll talk to you in the morning.” She touched the side of his neck and felt his pulse pounding against her fingers.

  “Liese, I—” He paused, meeting her gaze with one so intense her breath faltered. A range of emotions passed through his eyes before settling on agonized regret. “Get some rest.”

  She closed the door and watched him leave through the sheer curtain. Long after his taillights had disappeared, she focused on the darkness beyond, trying to figure out what he had wanted to say.

  Eventually she made her way to the kitchen, where Blake and Marissa sat at the table, inches apart with their bodies turned into each other, holding mugs of tea. She wondered if their knees were touching under the table, and a stab of envy pierced her. They could have a normal relationship. They could be together, and no one would pass judgment on them.

  “Can I get you something?” Marissa offered, her fingernails tapping the side of her mug.

  Liese declined. “I’m going to bed. I’m exhausted.”

  “I’ll be up in a few minutes,” Marissa promised.

  “Don’t rush. Sorry about tonight, Blake. I didn’t mean to ruin the final performance.” Liese gave him a pained smile.

  “You didn’t ruin anything.”

  But Liese didn’t want to be mollified; she wanted to wallow. “G’night,” she mumbled.

  The blissful solitude of her bedroom offered the privacy she needed. She threw herself on the mattress and buried her face in her pillow. The tears came fast and hard, her body shaking with the weight of her sobs. She let the waves of uncertainty wash over her, and her tears carried her away.

  Sometime later, Marissa’s hand settled on her back. “Liese?”

  With her face still buried in her pillow, she took a couple of deep breaths. The hiccups had started, but at least she’d stopped sobbing. When her breathing calmed, Liese rolled over and sat up, hugging the pillow she’d been snotting into.

  “Did something happen with you and Ryder?”

  “No, not really.” Liese shook her head. “We haven’t broken up, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  “But something happened?”

  Liese sighed. “He’s talking about applying for a job in another county.”

  “Which means?” Marissa prompted.

  Liese explained what could happen.

  “Then why don’t you sound very happy about it?” Marissa asked.

  Liese rubbed her face. “I don’t know. Even if he did get the job—if he decides to apply—people will still talk when they find out we’re together. And they’ll already be talking about this mess tonight.”

  “So? Who gives a shit if people talk?” When Liese didn’t reply Marissa was the one who sighed. “Look, I know it’s been a hell of a day for you. I don’t think now is the time to have a philosophical conversation about the losers who are going to gossip no matter what the deal is with you and Ryder. He cares about you, and you care about him. Right now that’s all that matters. We’ll figure out the rest when the time comes.”

  “Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it,” Liese replied.

  “Can I ask you something?” Marissa said.

  “Sure.”

  “Do you love him?”

  “What?” Liese’s voice rose two octaves too many.

  “It’s a simple question. Do you love him?”

  Liese didn’t answer for a long moment. Caught up in all the other crap surrounding their relationship, she’d avoided looking too closely at her true feelings for Ryder.

  But now she whispered a quiet yes.

  “Then it’s worth it.”

  Liese exuded crankiness the next morning. While she’d resolved that she wanted to be with Ryder, she still didn’t know what that would look like, or how to manage her feelings. She planned to see him and then hide out in the library until the holidays arrived. Her cheeks flamed with heat every time she imagined having to answer questions about her crazy ex and what had happened at the play.

  When she entered the office, Betty sat behind her desk, examining her nails. Her eyes lit up with the kind of gleam Liese associated with gossipy teenagers when she tried to sneak past. Obviously word had gotten out. Betty beckoned her over; peeking around to ensure their conversation was not overheard. “I’m surprised you’re here today, what with last night and all . . .”

  “I’m sorry?” Liese decided to play dumb. What better way to find out what the rumor mill had churned out.

  “Well, I—” Betty looked around again, seeming more uncertain this time. “I heard the police were here.”

  “To see the play?” Liese continued to feign confusion. “One of the officers had a nephew in the performance, and you know how supportive this community is.”

  Betty frowned. She clearly didn’t like the thought of doling out inaccurate gossip. “Harvey mentioned they made an arrest.”

  “Oh. That.” Liese’s voice cracked. So much for the ruse.

  The sound of movement came from inside Ryder’s office. Harvey opened the door and stepped out, saving Liese from further interrogation. He looked a bit worse for wear as he grunted a greeting at her chest and trudged past. But his sloth-like appearance didn’t mean he’d lost his smarmy touch. He paused at Betty’s desk to make a comment that set her all atwitter. Liese barely suppressed a gag.

  “Liese, come on in.” Ryder smiled warmly at her, but he radiated tension.

  Once inside, he motioned for her to close the door. She didn’t know how to act and felt surprisingly ambivalent about being shut in his office with him alone. Every cell in her body begged her to move toward him and let him pull her into his arms. Yet she was determined to remain professional. As if he could sense her conflict, he rose from his chair, his hand passing over his tie.

  “Did you sleep well?” he asked, voice gravelly. He cleared his throat and fidgeted with the cufflink at his wrist.

  “Not really,” she admitted.

  “Me neither.” He rearranged the pens on his desk.

  Silence unfolded and stretched between them as she waited. When it became obvious she wasn’t moving from her position in front of the door, Ryder stepped around his desk. He raised a tentative hand and pushed her hair back over her shoulders. Gentle fingers skimmed the length of her arms until he reached her hands. He held them in his own and gave a soft squeeze. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

  Liese sighed, her brain fritzing out at the physical contact. Nothing and no one else existed when they were alone like this. She was fooling herself if she thought it would be easy to get over him if things didn’t work out. “A whole lot of nothing at the moment.”

  “I call you on that lie.” His sad smile eclipsed the humor in his tone.

  “I’m just tired, and I’m nervous about dealing with everyone today. Betty’s already grilled me about the police being here, and you know what that means.” Liese focused on their twined fingers. If she kept looking at him, she’d get caught up in his intensity. After her conversation with Marissa last night, there was so much more to say, but his office wasn’t the place to do that.

  “She’s fishing for details. She’s already done that with me,” Ryder said.

  “Well, she’s out there flirting with Harvey now, so who knows what she’ll get out of him.” Liese shuddered. “I feel like my personal life is on a billboard after last night.”

  “Do you want to take the day off?”

  “And postpone the inevitable?” Liese shook her head. “I’d rather deal with the Sean crap before the holidays than spend the entire break stewing about the ridiculous stories people will concoct.”

  Ryder nodded as if he understood, but his experience differed greatly from hers. He’d played the hero, calling in the police again. She was the one with the whack-a-doo ex-boyfriend.

  “And how are you feeling about the rest of last night?” he asked. “Managed to process that at all?”

  “Still overwhelmed.” Liese squeezed his hands, hoping it came across as reassuring. Her heart began to race all over again just thinking about the possibility of him switching jobs.