He lifts an eyebrow. “So this is an ulterior motive-free treat?”
“More like an apology treat.” I wring my hands as I blurt out what I want to say before I lose my nerve. “I never should’ve expected you to believe me when I told you I didn’t steal the ring. You don’t know me. You have no reason to trust me. And with the way I’ve acted the last month and a half, I don’t know why you’d ever trust me. I’ve behaved totally out of character from the moment I met you. I went through a lot with my divorce, and that’s not an excuse but it’s the only way I can explain why I behaved the way I did. So, I’m sorry.”
His head tilts to the side. “Your ex did a number on you, didn’t he?”
I look down at my shoes. “He did, but I think I did more of a number on myself than anything. I just want to leave everything behind me now and start fresh.”
Jaxon rises from his chair and walks toward me. I crane my neck to look in his eyes as he advances. His intense gaze commands my attention.
I’m confused by what he’s doing until he extends his hand. “Hi. I’m Jaxon. It’s nice to meet you.”
I bite my lip to keep from laughing as I slip my hand in his. The same goosebumps that shot up my arm the night we met make their reappearance. “Raegan. Nice to meet you too.”
“I look forward to working with you this school year.”
“Likewise.”
He’s still shaking my hand when Beth appears at his door. “Knock, knock.”
“Look, it’s my favorite secretary in the whole world.”
Beth rolls her eyes. “Nice try. I’m your only secretary.”
I pull my hand out of Jaxon’s grasp and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Hey, Beth.”
“Hi, my sweets.” She surveys my outfit. “You look amazing. Is that hot bod from those kickboxing classes? Because I’ll sign up tonight if it’ll mean I get to look like you.”
I laugh and shake my head. “I also run every day after work.”
“Ah, hell. Forget that.” She places a paper on Jaxon’s desk. “Here’s the tutoring information. You should e-mail the staff today to get a head start on things.”
“Thanks, Beth. I’ll get right on that.” Jaxon returns to his chair and powers up his computer.
“Becca and I tutor every year,” I say. “Let me know if you need any help with the schedule.”
His eyebrows lift. “You want to take point on this?”
“Oh, no. I was just saying I could help you if you have any questions. I wasn’t trying to take over.”
“It’s my job as principal to delegate. I’d rest easy knowing you were the one running the program.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Okay.”
“Great.” He leans over the desk and hands me the paper Beth had given him. “Here’s the information you need to get started. Once you know which teachers are on board, e-mail me their names so I can get them board approved as soon as possible. You’ll be getting paid extra for doing the planning, of course.”
“Thank you so much. I’ll get started right away.” I all but skip out of his office and down the kindergarten hallway.
In Becca’s classroom, I dangle the paper in front of her face. “Lookie what I got.”
She skims it and her shoulders slump. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to tutor this year.”
“Why the hell not? We’ve always done it together.”
“With William walking and Mia getting potty trained, I can’t spend any more time away from home.”
“It’s only a few hours a week. Can’t Jared hold down the fort? It’s good money.”
She sighs. “Jared isn’t willing to do any fort holding of any kind.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
She shakes her head. “Not here.”
“Why don’t I babysit this weekend? You guys can have a much-needed date night and spend time together without the kids.”
Her eyes well. “Is it bad that I don’t want to spend time with him?”
I drop onto the chair next to her and put my arm around her shoulders. “Maybe you guys need to talk. You can’t go on like this forever.”
“I appreciate the offer, Rae.”
“Well then why don’t you take the kids and come by my place. My mom would love to see the kids. We can have dinner and watch movies in our pajamas.”
Becca’s face lights up. “I’d love that.”
I pull her into a hug before standing. “I’m going to see if Michelle wants to tutor. It’s no fun without a buddy.”
“That’s a good idea. I’m sure she needs the money being a new teacher and all.”
I recruit Michelle for tutoring, and make it back to my classroom just in time for the kids to arrive from recess.
Maybe now everything can finally go back to normal.
Days Left Until Summer Break: 140
Jaxon
Being nice to Raegan is easier than I thought it’d be.
Since I sent her the flowers, she’s ceased fire. She still doesn’t trust me, but I can’t blame her.
I wouldn’t trust me either.
With our prank war over, I’ve been able to focus on the important things, like my job. Tonight’s the Halloween dance. Raegan, Michelle, and Chris were the only ones who volunteered to help, so we’ve been running around all afternoon to ensure everything goes smoothly.
The cafeteria looks incredible. Orange and black streamers hang from the ceiling. Chris brought a strobe light and a smoke machine. Michelle downloaded all the Halloween classics onto her iPod and hooked it up to our sound system.
Raegan hung decorations and crafts her students made. She’s currently standing on a ladder hanging a banner. We didn’t need it, but she said it would add the final touch. I don’t care. I’m holding the ladder steady, pretending not to stare up at her spectacular ass while Chris and Michelle are busy with their backs turned.
“Is it straight?” she asks.
“A little to your left. Too far. More to your right. A couple inches higher. Ah, maybe a little lower. Nope, to your left again.”
She whips her head around, a scowl twisting her face as she glares down at me. “Are you fucking with me?”
My lips curve up. “I might be.”
She lets out an exasperated sigh and slaps the banner to the wall. “I don’t care if it’s crooked. I’m getting down.”
I chuckle as I extend my hand to help her down, but she swats it away. I’m surprised she even trusted me to hold the ladder for her in the first place. We’re making progress.
“Come on, Raegan. I’m joking with you. Just trying to lighten the mood you seem to be in whenever I’m around. You’ve done a lot for this dance. I appreciate it.”
Her eyebrow arches. “Am I missing the insult hidden in there?”
“No insult. Truce, remember?”
She nods and offers me a slight smile. “Sorry. I guess you being nice to me will take some getting used to.”
My heart twinges. Why does that bother me?
“I’ll see you tonight,” she says with a wave.
I’d like to tell you I didn’t watch her hips sway as she walked away from me, but I can’t … because I did.
I need psychiatric counseling.
“No, Tommy. You can’t put your boogers in the juice bowl.”
The party is off to a great start.
The cafeteria is packed. Kids are running around and dancing to the music. Trying to wipe their snot on things. You know, fun kid stuff.
Raegan and Chris have been hanging around each other all night. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t bother me. The way she throws her head back and laughs—eyes closed, smile wide, truly laughing—twists my stomach. I could be the one making her laugh like that. Instead, she acts like a skittish cat around me. And I hate cats.
Raegan’s wearing a black dress with purple and black striped knee-high socks. Her blond hair is hidden under a black wig with a wide-b
rimmed witch’s hat on top.
Chris has on a football jersey. How original. Right now, he’s gripping her shoulder while he tells an animated story. Okay, buddy. That’s enough.
I make my way across the room, getting stopped several times by parents with questions about lunch accounts and issues outside in the pick-up loop. Principals are never off the clock.
Once I break free from a group of PTO moms, I stride over to Chris. “Hey, man. Can you do me a favor and watch the snack table? Kids are trying to sneak boogers into the punch bowl.”
Chris shudders. “Sure thing, boss.”
Raegan’s nose scrunches after he walks away. “Is it Tommy Monahan? I already spoke to him twice about that.”
“The kid’s going to give himself a nosebleed if he keeps digging in his nose like that. Happened to my brother. He was a picker.”
Raegan’s green eyes peer up me. “You have a brother?”
“I do. He’s three years younger than me.”
“Huh. I guess even Lucifer had siblings.”
I laugh. “Is that one of your names for me?”
She pretends to zip her lips. Then she smiles. “I’ve always wanted a sibling.”
“You’re an only child?”
She nods. “My mom had a hard time getting pregnant, so my parents stopped at one.”
“You said your mom’s a nurse. What does your dad do?”
I wish I hadn’t asked because her cheerful expression fades. “He used to be a doctor.”
“Used to be?”
“He passed away.”
I rest my hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
She smiles but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “It’s okay.”
“It sucks losing someone you love. My grandfather took it pretty hard when my grandmother died. We didn’t want to put him in a nursing home, but he can’t take care of himself.”
“That’s such a tough decision. We went through the same with my grandma.”
I nod. “I feel guilty because there’s only a select few who know sign language. He has to rely on reading lips, which can be hard at times. It will mean so much to him that you’ve taken the time to learn how to communicate with him.”
“It’s sweet that you visit him so often. I’d teach my grandmother how to sign if I thought she’d remember the gestures. She seems to have taken a liking to him.” She quirks a brow. “You too.”
I grin proudly. “Old ladies love me.”
“Probably because they’re senile.”
“What happened to our truce? I gave your shoe back. You’re supposed to be nice to me.”
She chuckles. “Oh! I love this song. The kids look so adorable doing the dance.”
Without thinking, I slide my hand inside hers. “Come on. Let’s go show these kids how it’s done.”
I bite back a smile at the look of shock on Raegan’s face as I lead her onto the makeshift dance floor. I swipe the microphone off the stand at the front of the room. “Do you guys know how to do this dance?”
“Yeah!” the students shout.
“All right, Roosevelt Elementary. Let’s see your moves!”
I slide my jacket off and hang it on the microphone stand. Hannah, dressed up as Wonder Woman, runs up to me and waves.
“Hey, Hannah! That is the perfect costume for you.”
“Thanks. Can I dance with you, Mr. Waters?”
“Of course.”
She beams and claims the spot beside me. Once the chorus starts, Hannah and I begin moving to the beat. The other students crowd around us and join in.
Raegan’s standing off to the side, watching and laughing as I perfectly execute the steps.
I gesture for her to come dance.
She shakes her head.
I jut out my lower lip.
She crosses her arms.
I lean down and whisper in Hannah’s ear. “Go get Ms. Donahue to come dance with us.”
My girl Hannah uses her doe eyes and kid pout to coax Raegan onto the dance floor.
Raegan rolls her eyes at me, but she’s smirking. “You play dirty, Mr. Waters.”
Oh, Ms. Donahue, you have no idea.
The next day, I walk through the doors of the indoor pool hoping to see Raegan with her grandmother again. After doing a full sweep of the area, I’m disappointed to find she’s not here.
I spend an hour in the water with my grandfather. Halfway through, he asks me why I keep looking at the door. You’re looking for that blond beauty, aren’t you? he signs.
I neither confirm nor deny it, but I don’t need to.
Grandpa knows me too well.
He tells me about Annette’s dementia. How some days are great, while others are difficult. If you don’t see Annette in the pool for therapy, you can assume it’s a tough day, he signs.
I should’ve gone home after saying goodbye to Grandpa. I should’ve headed for the exit and gotten in my car.
But I didn’t.
Something’s telling me to look for Annette’s room. Just to check. Make sure everything’s okay.
After one of the nurses directs me to her room, I hop on the elevator and take it to the fourth floor.
I follow the numbers in the hallway until I reach 402. The door is open, but the shades are drawn shut. From where I stand, I can see Annette asleep in her bed.
She’s fine, see? Nothing to worry about.
That’s when I hear the stifled sobs.
I put one foot in front of the other, entering the room as quietly as I can.
Raegan’s in the far corner of the room, curled up in a chair. Her head hangs down, so she doesn’t notice me. Her knees are pulled up to her chest, arms hugging them close. Her hair is piled high in a messy bun. She looks so small. So sad. So alone. My heart pulls me toward her until I’m kneeling in front of her chair.
She looks at me from under wet lashes. “Jaxon. What are you doing here?”
“Didn’t see you down at the pool. My grandfather said maybe Annette was having a tough day.”
Her watery gaze flicks to her grandmother. “She didn’t recognize me. She kept asking where my grandfather was. I … I didn’t have the heart to remind her that he passed away a long time ago. She was getting angry so they sedated her.”
“Does this happen often?”
“It’s getting more and more frequent. I’m afraid I’m going to lose her for good.”
I squeeze her arm. “I’m sorry, Raegan.”
She blinks. “You came up here to check on her.”
I nod, unsure of what her reaction will be. I hope she doesn’t ask why, because I don’t have an answer.
A lone tear escapes, rolling down the swell of her cheek. I brush it away with my thumb, and Raegan leans into my touch. Without thinking about it, my arms wrap around her. She heaves a sigh and rests her head on my shoulder.
We don’t talk. No witty banter. No sarcastic jabs. No flirting.
I might not know why I’m here, but I know one thing for certain: I’ll stay here and hold her for as long as she needs me to.
Days Left Until Summer Break: 139
Raegan
Something has changed.
I can’t pinpoint what it is. I can’t figure out how it happened. I just know things are different.
Jaxon didn’t know that I’d be in my grandmother’s room this past weekend. He had no reason to pop in and see if she was okay. He shouldn’t have cared.
Yet he did.
Normally I’d be embarrassed to cry in front of a man. Andrew viewed tears as a sign of weakness, and he’d get angry if I cried during a fight. I’d learned to hide my sadness and cry in solitude.
But Jaxon embraced me. Held me as I cried. And I didn’t feel ashamed.
I felt comforted.
I flip the light switch in my classroom and set my purse on my desk. A lone yellow rose stands out amongst the stacks of student work I need to grade. Picking it up, I turn over the note that’s tied to the stem.
Hope this mak
es you smile today. Xo Jax
My stomach clenches. A barrage of questions assault my mind, but I push them away as the arrival bell rings. I float around in a daze for the rest of the morning.
When my class leaves for lunch at noon, I sling my lunchbox on my shoulder. I’m halfway to the door when my classroom phone rings.
“Hello, Ms. Donahue’s room.”
Jaxon’s smooth voice filters through the speaker. “Hi.”
“Hi.”
“Have you been smiling today?”
I bite my lip. “I have. Thank you for the flower.”
“Yellow means friendship.”
“So we’ve moved up from a truce to friendship?”
“I’d like to think so.”
“I suppose you’ve earned it.”
He chuckles and I imagine what his face looks like with that perfect smile spread across it. “Have a good afternoon.”
“You too.”
Something has definitely changed.
“We’re in need of some fundraiser ideas. Parents have grown tired of the same holiday magazines selling candy and candles. Anything you guys can come up with would be greatly appreciated.”
Several hands go up around the faculty room. Kerry nudges me. “You should tell him about your idea.”
I shake my head. “It gets shot down every year.”
“It’s a good idea,” Becca whispers. “It would be so much fun. The kids would love it.”
Kerry raises her hand. “Mr. Waters? Raegan has a fantastic idea that I think you should hear. Ouch!”
I kicked her in her shin under the table.
Jaxon’s dark eyes fixate on me. “I’m all ears.”
“It’s dumb. It’ll probably cost more than we raise. No principal before you has ever liked it.”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “That sounds like a challenge to me.”
A couple of the teachers hoot and clap.
“Come on, Rae,” Chris says from the next table. “You always come up with killer ideas.”
Jaxon’s jaw ticks as he stares at Chris. He recovers quickly and returns his attention back to me.
“Well, we could have a holiday carnival. Games. Music. Cotton candy. A bounce house. Maybe some farm animals for the kids to pet?” I shrug. “The money we make from the tickets can go towards our school. We could do a raffle to get people to donate more money. Teachers or parent volunteers could run the games so we wouldn’t have to pay anyone.”
Hating the Boss Page 10
