Her Imaginary Husband (Contemporary Romance) by Lia London

out of a lesson.” Behind her, Robert and Sammi nodded vigorously.
    Nikki shrugged at the idea. “Could be. But I didn’t let them off the hook. We talked—”
    “I have never seen anyone so irresponsible in all my life. You completely disrupted my lesson plans for today by taking over an unqualified discussion that I was supposed to do today! ”
    “Can’t you just show the DVD today?” offered Gayle. Ms. Nyman’s response was another string of insults.
    Nikki, however, had closed her eyes and fists in an effort to contain her indignation. Gayle was about to speak again when Nikki looked up. “Let’s pretend for a moment that I am not an idiot, and that you are not a witch—despite all evidence to the contrary right now.” Robert and Sammi gasped as she continued. “I did not see the DVD. I acted as quickly and professionally as I could, and I did, in fact, have a very lively lesson with the kids about the Declaration. You see, I graduated with highest honors in both English and history, so I am qualified.”
    Ms. Nyman gaped, and Robert suppressed a laugh badly.
    “I’m truly sorry that I messed up your lesson plans,” said Nikki. “But rest assured that I won’t trouble you again. You can get someone else to cover for you while you visit the superintendent next time.”
    Robert broke into a coughing fit and lurched for the door. Gayle covered her face with both hands, her ears shining red on either side. Ms. Nyman shuddered with silent rage and stormed out.
    Gayle collapsed backwards exhaling as if she’d held her breath throughout the entire exchange. “I don’t know how you just kept yourself from using stronger language. ‘Witch’ was too kind.”
    “Well, given that I’d just prayed for help restraining myself…”
    Gayle wiped the corner of her eyes. “That’s a powerful deity you have there,” she smiled. “Hey, it’s okay.” She stood and put a consoling hand on Nikki’s shoulder. “That woman throws a tirade like that at least once a week. You’re the first one who cut her back down. Good for you.”
    “So much for faculty spirit,” Nikki said grimly.
    “Go take a breather outside. You’ve got several minutes before the bell.”
    “Good idea,” said Nikki, standing to go. “I appreciate you so much, Gayle.”
    “The feeling’s mutual,” said Gayle.
    Nikki smiled weakly and headed towards the back door where the least student traffic buzzed. Outside, she sat heavily on the top step and buried her eyes in her knuckles.
    “What? No hello?”
    “Hello, Officer,” said Nikki without looking up. “Any homicides today?”
    “Nope. It’s been slow.”
    “It may pick up. If you find a beautiful blonde stuffed into the back dumpster, you might want to run my prints.”
    Ross sat beside her, resting his elbows on his knees. “Student, or staff?”
    “Staff,” she said, running the back of her hand across her nose.
    “Not my jurisdiction.”
    Nikki stared at him. “What? How is that not your job?”
    He didn’t move, but held her gaze for a long moment. Finally, he cleared his throat. “You’re kind of gullible, aren’t you?”
    “Gaaah!” She back-handed him on his arm, and his wide grin returned.
    “I’m going to guess it was either Nyman or Lingsley.”
    “I don’t know Lingsley.”
    “Ah,” he said, slapping his hands together as if cleaning them of dust. “Well, if it’s Nyman, I’ll help you dispose of the body. I’ve got some cement blocks in my car.”
    Nikki’s eyes brimmed with tears, yet she laughed. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”
    The warning bell sounded, and Ross stood up. “Come on. School’s starting in five minutes. Knock ’em dead.” He took her hand and helped her to her feet. “Well, not literally, of course.”
    “Can I bruise ’em up a bit?”
    “Internal injuries only. Internal injuries.” He opened the door and shooed her in.
     
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    “I’m warning you guys before we even start—I’m having a bad