Page 20 of Bless My Heart

“So, what time are Lexi and Caroline coming over?”

“Probably around six.” I nod. I feel her eyes on me but don’t turn to look at her because I don’t want to scare her off. I know she doesn’t want to want me, but I’m hoping eventually she won’t be able to stop herself. Just like that first night.

CHAPTER NINE

HAZEL

A knock sounds on my front door, startling me. I’ve completely lost track of time while reading through my teaching material for the week.

Wes watched a football game and then took a nap on the couch. I spent entirely too much time staring at him while he was sleeping. He looked so peaceful, and it gave me a chance to really study him. The messy blond hair falling in his face. The sharpness of his jaw. Those lips. I remember how those lips felt on mine, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want him to kiss me again.

He looks perfect. Too perfect to be spending the day sitting on my couch. I wonder what it would be like to date someone like Wes. Would he take me out? Would he hold my hand? Would we spend all night in bed?

“Do you want me to get that?” Wes asks me, walking out of the kitchen and pulling me from my daze.

“Oh. Yes, please.”

“You ok?” I realized I was biting down hard on my bottom lip just thinking about him. I’m sure I left teeth marks.

“Yeah. Yep, I’m fine.” I rub my lip a little when he turns away.

He opens the door for my best friends, who barrel in like two balls of excitement. I texted them earlier to let them know Wes would be here, so I expected them to be on their best behavior. Unfortunately, their best behavior often means acting like fools, but I guess that’s why I love them so much.

“Wes! So good to see you again,” Caroline says, giving him a quick hug.

“You too, Caroline,” Wes responds politely. “Lexi, it’s been a while. How are you?” He talks like a perfect gentleman. I feel a pull in my lower belly just watching this exchange. I mean, is there anything wrong with this man? Oh yeah, he’s almost ten years younger than me, and he’s my student.

I’ve got to remember he isn’t mine to admire like this.

“Doing well, Wes. Thanks for asking.” My two best friends smile at him before sitting with me on the couch. Wes goes back into the kitchen to work on dinner, I’m assuming.

“Hey, Haze. How are you feeling?” Caroline asks.

“Good. Better. I’ve been eating little snacks throughout the day like you suggested. It helps with the nausea.”

“Good, good. And when is your ultrasound?”

“Next Friday afternoon.” Wes peaks his head out from the kitchen.

“Can I go to that?” he asks.

I guess I hadn’t thought to tell him about that. “Oh, yeah. Sure.” He nods his head and goes back into the kitchen.

Caroline elbows me gently in the side and mouths, “Wow.”

I mouth back, “I know, right?” I don’t think any of us really thought Wes would be so chill and attentive about this, but here he is, and here we are.

The girls tell me about their week, and Caroline updates us on her sweet kids. Before long, Wes tells us that dinner is ready. It smells so freaking good, and I’m starving.

We sit down at the dining room table with the pasta, the sauce, and the garlic bread all laid out. We all look at each other, a little surprised. I’ll be honest, I thought Wes would boil pasta and throw on a jar of pre-made sauce. But it looks like he made his own sauce. Color me impressed.

Lexi and Caroline sit down and leave the seat next to me open for Wes. I glower at them, but they both just smile. I know what they’re trying to do.

“Wes, this looks so good,” Lexi tells him as he takes his seat. His leg is close enough to me that our thighs are just barely touching, but it’s enough. It’s enough to feel that spark I feel every time he touches me.

“It does look good. Thank you for cooking for us,” I tell him. He looks over at me with a cute little side smile, and I can see a hint of a dimple.

“Of course,” he responds like this is no big deal. We all dig in, and I’m more impressed when I find out that the food tastes even better than it looks. This baby has been making me crave Italian food, so they will be very satisfied with the boat load of spaghetti I’m about to consume.