His Errant Educator (Willamette Wives Book 3) by Maggie Ryan Read Free Book Online Page B

her attitude wouldn't have been so poor."
    "Well, that's what I really wanted to talk to you about. How did you, Richard, and James find women who allow you to… well, you know?"
    "Lift their skirts, bare their little behinds and spank them soundly?" Wyatt's words, so blatantly offered, had Agatha forgetting she was pretending to still be asleep, and slapping her hand over her mouth when she realized she had gasped quite loudly. Suddenly realizing that her husband's words had sounded far clearer and quite closer than others he'd uttered earlier, she turned to dive back into bed but before she could, she gave a very loud squeal when the door was pulled open.
    Flustered, she said the only thing that came to mind. "Wyatt, you scared me!"
    "I'm sure I surprised you," he countered, his tone indicating that he wasn't the least bit concerned about his choice of a far different word.
    Deciding that it would be best to continue to pretend she'd just awakened, she scolded, "Why didn't you tell me we had company? What must Roger think of our hospitality?" Unable to meet her husband's gaze, she gave him the widest berth she could as she scurried into the living area. "Would you like some coffee, Roger? Better yet, I'm just about to start supper. Why don't you join us?"
    "That's not necessary," Roger said, already rising to his feet. "I just came by to thank you for the loan of your dress, even though I should have asked permission first…"
    "No, no, don't be silly. Of course you are welcome to whatever we have. How is Teresa?"
    Hearing Wyatt chuckle, she made the mistake of glancing towards him, feeling her face heat, knowing that he was very well aware that she'd been eavesdropping.
    "I'm glad you asked," Wyatt said. "We were just discussing the fact that she seems to be having a great deal of difficulty accepting any responsibility for today's trouble."
    "Oh? Um… perhaps she's just, um, embarrassed?"
    "Or, most likely, she knows that such childish behavior, compounded by the refusal to accept any blame, should have earned her a red rear. Wouldn't you agree, sweetheart?" Wyatt asked.
    She was about to pretend not to understand when her eyes slid away only to land on the mantle above their fireplace. Seeing the centerpiece that Wyatt had made, she felt guilt run through her. The broken egg halves sitting on either side of a whole egg represented the fact that together, things need not remain broken—not when two people were honest, loving, and cared about their relationship. Praying that her answer wouldn't have Wyatt deciding to give Roger a far more visual demonstration of what he'd recommended, she sighed, understanding that pretending not to be aware of what the men had been discussing was futile.
    "I… yes, sir." Turning to Roger, she said, "I apologize for listening to your conversation, Roger, but please don't give up on her. I know you aren't happy with her right now, but… well, if you really care for her, don't be too quick to judge her. She obviously cares for you and it would be a shame if you just walked away. Sometimes it is very hard to admit when you are wrong and to… well, to ask for help."
    Roger didn't speak but Wyatt came to her, wrapping his arms around her and giving the top of her head a kiss. "I agree," he said, releasing her after giving her backside a pat. "Women can drive you absolutely crazy, but God knows, life would be incredibly boring without them. No matter how hard it is, no matter how much you might want to give up, I'm telling you… if you feel about Teresa even half as strongly I feel about Agatha, you'll not stop fighting for her until you take your very last breath."
    "I don't intend to give up," Roger said. "I'm just not sure how to proceed. I wasn't joshing when I said that she refuses to accept any blame. Not to mention I'm wondering if her pa wouldn't shoot me if I turned her over my knee."
    "That is a subject which will require a great deal more discussion. And, I promise, it is also