Her Imaginary Husband (Contemporary Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page A

have to memorize all their names quickly or run the risk of them playing tricks on her. She managed not to slaughter any of the pronunciation except for the Czech boy, whose twelve-letter surname contained one vowel, and the Tongan girl whose name was determined to counterbalance that. The kid in glasses was named Robert—not Rob, Robbie or Bob— Robert . Nikki suspected he’d been home schooled for a few years because he talked like an adult and looked as fashion-conscious as a termite. She finished calling roll with no evidence of stowaways, and clipped the relevant sheets to the hook outside the door. The attendance aide was just rounding the corner. She gave him a thumbs-up and shut the door.
    “Now, where was I?”
    Stupor. Yawns.
    “It’s early, isn’t it?”
    A few nods and groans. Two kids already had their heads down, trying to sleep.
    Nikki clapped her hands. “Well, let’s wake up, shall we? Anyone up for a jog?” That woke them up. “We’ll run laps around the room until we’re awake. How does that sound?”
    “I’m in!” called a wiry girl with a huge, black, messy bun and perfect olive skin. She was on her feet and trotting down the aisle in a second.
    Nikki had not expected anyone to take her up on the idea, but the girl jogged around the perimeter, and within seconds, the class was chanting, “Sam-mi! Sam-mi! Sam-mi!” Nikki took a mental note: Okay, that was Samantha. I don’t think I’ll forget her name any time soon.
    After three laps, Sammi made her way back to her seat as everyone clapped and fist pumped. Laughing, Nikki lifted both arms. “Woohoo!”
    “Is everything all right in here?” boomed an adult male voice.
    Nikki froze. Officer Ross stood at the door, arms folded across his chest. His surprised look made everyone laugh.
    “Ah, yeah. We’re good,” said Nikki, dusting her jacket shoulders off as if her fists had been raised for that very purpose.
    “We’re awake now!” cheered Sammi.
    Ross tossed a chin at Nikki, but addressed the class. “Is your teacher behaving? Is she doing all right?”
    “She’s doing great!” shouted a few voices.
    Ross cocked an eyebrow at Nikki. “Well, carry on, then.”
     
    
     
    “How was your first day?”
    “Hi, Mom.” Nikki closed her eyes and massaged the bridge of her nose.
    “I’m so proud of you, Baby! All grown up and teaching elementary school.”
    “High school, Ma.” Nikki flopped back on her pillow, wearied instantly by her mother’s call. The laundry would have to wait.
    “Yes, well it should have been elementary school because everyone knows men are intimidated by women who know too much, and high school teachers know too much.”
    Like you should be giving me advice on how not to be intimidating. “It’ll be my little secret, Ma. If people ask what I do for a living, I’ll tell them I’m still at Main Street Market.”
    “Don’t sass your mother.”
    Meriwether chose that moment to jump onto the bed from the nightstand, startling Nikki into a yelp.
    “What was that?” Ma’s voice sent a frosty mist through the receiver.
    “Nothing, Ma. Meriwether just surprised me.”
    “That cat!” Nikki could envision her mother’s sneer. “You’re going to end up the crazy cat lady, Nikki.”
    “Ma, one cat does not a crazy cat lady make. I need a starter kit of at least four or five.”
    “Don’t sass your mother.”
    Nikki grabbed her pillow and, holding her phone at arm’s length, screamed into the pink satin. She returned the phone to her ear. With a honeyed voice, she said, “Sorry, Ma. I just really like Meriwether. She keeps me company.” Ooops!
    “You wouldn’t need a cat for company if you’d get yourself a man. Aren’t there any men at that school of yours? Something nice and manly? A football coach or something?”
    “Actually…”
    Ma’s voiced pitched higher with excitement. “Really? Is he married? How developed is his pension?”
    “Is that a euphemism, Ma?”
    “Don’t