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Paxton seemed totally stunned to see me, just as I was stunned to see her. I thought I saw a smile start to form at the corners of her mouth, but then it pulled into a frown. She headed my way, and I had the urge to cover my balls when I saw a dark look in her eyes. Her last words to me—that she would cut off my dick and shove it down my throat—flashed through my mind.
I grinned and that seemed to make her even angrier.
“What are you doing here?” she asked in a low voice.
“I’m here because—”
She grabbed my arm, digging her nails into my skin, and pulled me into a large supply closet. With a look of pure anger, she shoved her finger into my chest. “How dare you show up here. You have got some nerve, Steed Parker. You’re lucky I’m not holding scissors or I’d make good on my threat.”
I swallowed hard and tried to take a step away, but bumped into something.
“Get out of my classroom.”
“Hey, wait one second, Paxton. I didn’t even know—”
She shook her head. “Don’t make a scene. There are people we went to high school with out there, Steed. I’m begging you to please leave.”
Yes. That’s who that was.
“Manny Patterson. That’s who that was.” I said snapping my fingers when the realization hit me.
Opening the door, Paxton stepped out and softly said, “Please leave.” Her voice broke, causing my chest to tighten. My eyes searched the room. A few people were staring so I quickly stepped out of the supply closet with Paxton following me out. “I don’t know why you’re here, but please leave. I can’t do this. This is my job, Steed. Please.”
Before I had a chance to explain, Chloe ran up to me. “Daddy! Daddy! Come look at my desk. It’s so pretty!”
I bent down and smiled. “I’ll be right there, pumpkin. I’m talking to an old friend.”
Chloe glanced up and gasped. “You’re beautiful. Are you a princess?”
I watched Paxton’s anger melt. She gazed lovingly at Chloe even though I could see the hurt all over her face. “No, sweetheart. I’m Ms. Monroe, the teacher.”
My heart dropped as Paxton confirmed what I had already known.
My eyes swung over to my mother. She was smiling at us. She knew. She fucking knew.
Fuck. My. Life.
“Daddy! Did you hear that? Your friend is my kindergarten teacher!” Her arms wrapped around my neck as I stood. My entire world came to a stop as I watched Paxton’s eyes fill with tears.
Damn it. Fucking hell this is not how I wanted to tell Paxton about Chloe.
“Daddy?” she asked as her voice shook. Chloe turned to face her.
“We moved here from Oregon. It rains there all the time. Daddy said I can have my very own goat and ride a cow!”
Paxton stared at Chloe for the longest time. My heart was pounding so hard in my chest I was sure everyone in the room could hear it. The memory of Paxton’s cries filled my head so loudly I wanted to cover my ears and run until I couldn’t hear anything. Couldn’t feel anything.
Like I did ten years ago.
Finally, Paxton let out a small chuckle. “It does rain a lot in Oregon. And a goat? How exciting is that? Chloe, why don’t you head on over to your desk. There’s a surprise in it for you.”
I set Chloe on the ground and watched as Paxton bent down to my daughter. She studied her face and blinked back tears. “I’m so happy you’re here, Chloe. I can’t wait to get to know you. Welcome to Oak Springs.”
With a huge grin, Chloe wrapped her arms around Paxton’s neck. “Oh, thank you Ms. Monroe! I’m going to go find my surprise.”
Jetting toward her desk, I glanced down to Paxton who was still bent down. Her hand covered her mouth as she tried to keep her emotions in. She stood slowly and faced me.
“I’m so sorry, Paxton. I had no idea you were the teacher. I’d have come and talked to you first had I known. I’d never just spring this on you. I hope you know that.”
Her chin trembled before she lifted it higher and cleared her throat. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to talk with the other parents. Please … um … take a look around the classroom. Up at my um … the um … my desk there are a few examples of what we’ll be working on the first week of school. There’s also a supply list so please pick that up before you leave.”
She paused for a moment before she regained her composure. “Feel free to sign up for volunteering or have your wife. It’s much appreciated.”
I took a step closer to her. “Paxton. There is no—”
She shook her head and a devastated expression moved across her face. It felt like someone had punched me in the gut. “Stop. Please don’t. I can’t do this right now. I can’t.”
