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I clear my throat. “Lily’s mom and I are divorced.”
She scribbles down a note. “And you share custody of Lily?”
“Actually… Tina, that’s my ex-wife, she’s… Well, she’s in jail.”
June’s eyes widen at my remark. “Oh, I see. I’m sorry if these questions make you uncomfortable. Maybe we should focus on any questions you have first. The way we work around here, school rules, curriculum… Anything you want to know.”
I pull the paper I wrote my questions on from my pocket, now crumpled from being stuffed in my jeans for hours.
“Wow, you came prepared,” June says, her eyes twinkling brightly as she smiles.
“I did.”
It’s true, although nothing could’ve prepared me for meeting a mesmerizing woman like June.
Chapter Two
June
Seeing a hot, burly, tattooed guy like Benson this nervous is cute. He clearly loves his daughter very much and is mega-invested in her future, hence the nervousness.
I wish all dads were like that. Don’t get me wrong, my kindergartners all have great parents, but some fathers are focused only on their careers and nothing else. I never see them, never speak to them, and they never show up to parent-teacher conferences. I have a feeling Benson’s different and that I’ll be seeing a lot of him.
I don’t mind that at all.
As he talks about Lily and his work at The Grizzly Grove, the bar he owns with his sister, I do my best to stay focused on what he’s saying. He’s so hot that I catch my thoughts wandering more than once. He’s big and broad-shouldered, with green eyes that sparkle whenever he talks about Lily. His tousled hair and beard make me wonder if his chest is covered in hair, too, and how it would feel to glide my hands over that part of his body.
I’m tempted to ask him about his tattoos. Luckily, I stop myself and swallow the words before I say something stupid or inappropriate. I’m pretty sure no parent wants to discuss their tattoos with their daughter’s teacher while they’re talking about their child’s academic future. The last thing I want is to come across as unprofessional when I dedicate my life to being the best teacher possible.
Instead, I do what I’m good at; I reign in my thoughts, plaster on my most professional smile, and focus on the task at hand—which does not include drooling over a hot dad. It’s hard not to get lost in his dreamy eyes, but in the end, I manage just fine. I’m sure he’ll never know I’m attracted to him, and I intend to keep it that way. Getting involved with a pupil’s parent is like treading murky waters.
Half an hour later, Benson pockets his now-answered questions, and I promise him Lily has a spot on the waiting list if he wants it. Chances are great that she’ll be able to start here next August—if Little Cubs Kindergarten is the school Benson decides on.
He extends his hand. “Thanks again for meeting with me, June. And if you’re ever in the neighborhood and want a drink, feel free to drop by the bar. I’ll get you something on the house.”
“Thank you. That’s really kind of you. And if you have additional questions, you can make an appointment any time. Or email me.” I point to my professional email address printed on the information sheet I gave him earlier.
“Thanks.” He shoves his hands into his pockets, but doesn’t seem in a hurry to leave.
His gaze flicks to my mouth, and he clears his throat. “Well, I won’t keep you any longer. You’re probably anxious to get home. Bye, June.”
He turns and heads out the door, his sexy voice still ringing in my ears. Little does he know that I’m not heading home. Not that I hate my apartment, but it makes me feel lonely. I prefer spending some time at Hiker’s Haven after work, the local diner where my best friend Rosie works. The food is great, and Rosie always finds a moment to chat if it's not too busy. It beats having to eat alone.
I roll my eyes at myself as I grab my bag and lock the classroom door. I know I’m being overly dramatic about feeling lonely. I have a job that brings me joy, a great best friend, a good family… I could be doing a lot worse.
I love being independent, and I’m certainly not looking for a man to fill some hole in my life. But I must admit it would be awesome to have someone to come home to besides Oatmeal, my pet hamster. How great would it feel to snuggle against the chest of a man who adores me? A man I’d love as much as he loves me.
A man like… Benson.
I shake the thought away. I’m so not crossing that line. I’ll just drool over him from a distance. I can’t get involved with a pupil’s dad, but I doubt there are laws against fantasizing about him.
The walk to Hiker’s Haven Diner only takes fifteen minutes. I love walking as it clears my head. Also, I don’t own a car, so I don’t have a choice.
I swing the door to the diner open and make a beeline for my usual spot at the counter. Plopping my bag on the stool next to me, I settle in and watch Rosie finish jotting down the order for a couple sitting in a booth by the window.
She pockets her pen and rushes over, a warm smile spreading over her face as she greets me with a hug. “Hi, June! The usual?”
I grin. “What else?”
