Page 67 of The Headmaster’s Rule

I pride myself on being optimistic, always seeing the silver lining, but when I haven’t heard from Theo by the end of the school day, I can’t muster a single hopeful thought.

I really am the naive little girl he thinks I am, aren’t I? A few late nights working with him, and I’ve somehow convinced myself we’re falling for each other. But he’s my boss. A handsome, powerful man who could have any woman he wants. Why would he choose me?

God, I’m not only naive, I’m straight up delusional.

I stuff my things into my tote bag with shaking hands, desperate to escape. The moments we shared last night replay in my head, the look on his face when I told him I liked his glasses, the sweet way he asked if he could kiss me, the feel of his hand, so gentle on my back as I explained my sketch for the fundraiser.

Shit, the sketch. He asked to see that today, and I completely forgot. I contemplate sneaking off anyway, but that would be unprofessional. Then again, sleeping with him was relatively unprofessional as well, so…

No. Even if he doesn’t want to see me, I refuse to let him stop me from caring about my work. From doing what’s best for these kids.

With a sigh, I set my bags down, retrieving the sketch. I’ll drop it on Margaret’s desk and slip away. I can handle that.

Margaret glances up as I approach, a hint of a smile on her face. “Nora,” she says. Wow, that almost sounded like warmth.

“I, uh—” I fumble for my words, thrown by Margaret’s unusually friendly demeanor. “I just need to drop this off for Th—” Shit. No. “Headmaster Wright. Could you pass it on, please?” I hold out the sketch, but Margaret hesitates.

“Why don’t you pass it on yourself?” Her gaze flicks past me, along the hall, then comes back as she lowers her voice, almost imperceptibly. “I’m sure he’d like to see you.”

I falter. I’m not so sure, if I’m honest, and also—what does she know? Has he told her? Why is she being so nice?

“Uh—” I clear my throat, about to politely decline, when the door to Headmaster Wright’s office opens. His gaze collides with mine from under low brows, and my heart catapults into my throat.

God, he’s somehow even more handsome today. Those electric blue eyes. The sharp line of his jaw, shadowed by silver whiskers. That suit. Maybe it’s because last night I saw him come undone for the first time, and now I know what’s underneath that buttoned-up exterior.

I scan his face for any signs of happiness at seeing me, but nothing.

“Miss Hart, may I have a word in my office?” he asks, his tone as professional and composed as usual.

I swallow, forcing myself to step inside, and he closes the door behind me. I try to hide the tremble in my hands as I set the sketch on his desk, but when I turn back to find his gaze meandering over me, I nearly knock his nameplate to the floor. Anxiety needles my stomach, and I still can’t read his expression.

Finally, he releases a long, shaky breath, and crosses to me. “I’m so glad you’re here. What took you so long?”

I laugh awkwardly, folding my arms across my chest. “What?”

“I asked you to come find me when you got to school.”

“What? No, you didn’t.”

His brow dips as he studies me. “Yes. I left a note on your counter.”

A note? I don’t remember seeing anything, but then I was flustered this morning. And there was that stack of paper I knocked off the counter…

Shit.

Realization dawns in Theo’s eyes. “You didn’t get my note?”

I shake my head, feeling stupid. “I didn’t see it.”

“So, you woke up alone and thought I’d left without saying goodbye?”

A sheepish laugh slips out of me. “Well… yes.”

He hesitates for the briefest second, then his hand comes to my cheek, tender, before he pulls me into his arms, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“I’m so sorry. I would have said something earlier if I’d known.”

Confusion tugs at me as I remember the faculty meeting. I don’t want to ask, to appear needy, but I have to know.