In honour of March 14th, commonly known as Pi day, this week’s snippet involves (a) a maths teacher (Robert) and (b) some food (although not pie, I’m afraid!)

Here, near the start of Caught!, posh boy Robert and his down-to-earth friend/colleague Rose are sitting down to a takeaway. Robert, our narrator, speaks first:

“Is it supposed to be this oily?”

“Come on, it’s not that bad. Takeaways are always greasy. That’s part of the attraction.” She emptied out half the container of rice onto her plate and the rest onto mine.

“It is?”

“Well, yeah. Knowing you’re being a bit naughty is always fun. And hang on, are you telling me you’ve never had a takeaway before?”

My shoulders tensed. “Um, no? Why would I want to tell you something like that?”

“Oh my God. You haven’t, have you? What, did Nanny always cook your dinners right up until you left home?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I muttered, my cheeks burning. “I didn’t have a nanny.” Au pairs were an entirely different thing.

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Caught! – #1 in The Shamwell Tales

Bow ties are cool . . . but secrets, not so much

Shamwell Tales, Book 1

Behind Robert Emeny’s cheerfully eccentric exterior lies a young heart battered and bruised by his past. He’s taken a job in a village primary school to make a fresh start, and love isn’t part of his plans. But then he’s knocked for six—literally—by a chance encounter with the uncle of two of his pupils.

Sean Grant works in pest control, lives on a council estate, and rides a motorbike. Robert is an ex–public schoolboy from a posh family who drives a classic car. On the face of it, they shouldn’t have anything in common. Yet Robert can’t resist Sean’s roguish grin, and passion sparks between them even after an excruciatingly embarrassing first date.

Too bad the past Robert’s hiding from is about to come looking for him. His increasingly ludicrous efforts to keep his secrets are pushing Sean away—but telling the truth could make Sean leave him for good.

Available in ebook and paperback: Amazon | Riptide