A Moment of Truth: A Complete Bonus Set (A Matter of Trust #1-2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

hope it continues. I’ve missed you.” She hugs me tightly and heads to bed.
    Returning to bed, I snuggle back between my chilly sheets. Stretching out feels so good, and I’m more relaxed than I’ve been in a long time. I’m relieved Dan gave out a fake number, but it bothers me that I care. I shouldn’t care. I can’t afford to care. Tonight was just for fun , I repeat silently.
    I settle into my pillow, but my cell beeps, indicating a message. Sitting up, I grab my phone off the nightstand and listen.
    “Hello, Claire,” says the silky English voice. “I wanted to tell you again what a good time I had tonight . . . and now you have my number in case you feel like ringing me. Um . . . anyway, I still need to properly kick your arse at pool. I’ll be organizing a rematch as soon as I can.” He snickers and hangs up.
    My head flops against the pillow, and a giddy giggle slips out. I shake my head at myself, and fall asleep trying to control an uncontrollable smile.

Chapter Three

    Other than beating Mr. Beautiful’s round, tight backside in pool, the weekend passes as any other—I grade essays and tweak lesson plans for the upcoming week.
    For better or worse, work is my life. After the Mark ordeal, I threw myself into it full force, finding its routines soothing. It gave me purpose and direction at a time when I was utterly lost. Luckily, I enjoy the work. I love being a positive influence on impressionable teen girls, plus the work is challenging and keeps my mind busy. It’s been a lifesaver of sorts.
    When Monday rolls around, I overhear the usual high-pitched chatter of my students discussing their weekends during homeroom—what shoes they bought, where they went, and who they talked to. Eavesdropping on two girls, Taylor and Mackenzie, I silently inject my own commentary as I fiddle with the papers at my desk.
    Taylor: “I went to the movies with Jonah this weekend! It was so much fun.”
    I had drinks and played pool with Dan Chase!
    Mackenzie: “Oh my God! How was it? Tell me everything!”
    Well, it was fantastic. He’s funny and down-to-earth and he’s got this smile that is just so . . . sexy.
    Taylor: “It was amazing. He held my hand at one point, and I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest!”
    Me, too. In fact, my heart is still pounding.
    Mackenzie: “Did you kiss him, too?”
    No, just a kiss on the cheek, but I have to admit, I wish we had.
    Just then a girlish giggle slips out of me and I slap my hand to my mouth. Thankfully, the bell rings with no one the wiser about my date with Mr. Beautiful.
    On Tuesday night, I sit curled up on the sofa, correcting papers, as Bridget and Camille watch TV. When I hear my phone ringing in my bedroom, I casually sprint to answer it.
    “Hello?” I ask since the caller ID no longer works. Stupid phone.
    “Hi, honey, how are you?”
    Oh Lord. It’s my mother. I really need to get this phone fixed. She calls me often enough to analyze—er, check in on me. She’s none too happy with the state of my life, and she isn’t all that subtle with her hints. I love her, but she likes to push, push, push.
    “Hi, Mom. I’m good. How are you and Dad?”
    “Just fine, honey. What’s going on? How’s work?”
    Work. Yes. The one and only safe topic. My parents are so proud of my career choice. They often gush over it being the “perfect profession for women” because all the time off makes it easier to be a mom. Not that I have any desire to be a mother, but clearly they’d like to see me as one. And even though my brothers have provided my parents with grandchildren, it’s me they want married and spawning—like, yesterday.
    “Work’s good,” I say. “We’re gearing up for the annual state exams, so it’s been pretty tough to motivate the girls. They don’t want to think about the tests—they’re all hopped up on prom plans—but other than that, things are good.”
    “Oh, I’m sure they’ll do well, honey. You’re such a