Page 21 of Peaks and Promises

He didn’t respond. Just kept his eyes on the floor.

“He hasn’t reported any bullying,” Mr. Ross said. “And he punched another student in the face in the middle of the playground. We can’t ignore that. School policy is a three-day suspension.”

I tried not to let my dismay show. What was I going to do about work? I hoped Mindy would be around and willing to watch him for a full day.

“All right. Let’s go.”

I stood and Nate shuffled along behind me. I didn’t know whether to be angry, frustrated, or heartbroken.

Mostly heartbroken.

After turning in the visitor badge, I led Nate outside to my car. He didn’t say a word. Just continued to shuffle along behind me with his head hanging, barely picking up his feet.

He got in the passenger side. As I opened the driver’s-side door, the hair on my arms and the back of my neck stood up. I felt like I was being watched.

I didn’t hear anything—no motorcycle engines at least. Just the hum of regular traffic as cars passed the school. Slowly, I turned to glance over my shoulder.

It felt as if my heart stopped dead in my chest. I was being watched. But not by Buzz and Hammer. It was worse.

Axel.

CHAPTER 6

Summer

My ex straddled a motorcycle parked in an empty lot across the street. I hadn’t seen him in years, but there was no mistaking him. He had the same shaggy dark hair and he’d grown out a patchy beard. It didn’t suit him. Mismatched tattoos snaked around both arms. One of the black rectangles covered my name. He’d tattooed Summer on his forearm after our first date.

At the time, I’d been too young and stupid to see that for the red flag it was.

Axel swung his leg off the bike, straightened his vest, and started walking across the street.

I tossed my keys onto the driver’s seat. “Do you know how to turn on the car?”

“Yeah,” Nate said. “Why?”

“Shut the door, turn on the AC so you don’t die of heatstroke, and lock the doors.”

“What’s wrong?” Nate asked.

“Just do it. And don’t get out. No matter what.”

“Mom, you’re freaking me out.”

“I know. It’ll be fine. Just stay inside.” My eyes locked on Axel as he strode toward me, and I shut the driver’s-side door. “Lock it.”

I heard the door locks engage and walked forward to keep Axel as far away from my son as possible.

“What are you doing here?” I called out.

His grin was more of a leer, and he kept coming. “Look at you. Hot as ever.”

I crossed my arms. “Don’t come any closer.”

He stopped and licked his lips. “Come on, Sum Sum. Is that any way to treat your baby daddy?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be locked up?”

“I’m out. Did my time.” He spread his arms. “Did you miss me?”