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Dan’s never given up, and once in a while he tries again, but it’s more in a joking way. “Did you get yourself a personal chauffer?” he kids, looking directly at Zeke, who is now making his way over to the passenger side after slamming the trunk shut.
“I got tired of driving myself.” I play along, batting my lashes. I turn to Zeke. “This is Zeke Cameron, the new art teacher. Zeke, this is Dan Furth. He teaches grade five and is our track and field coach.”
Dan stretches out his hand. Zeke takes it, but I notice that Dan is squeezing a little too tight and he has an odd expression. He’s clearly trying to size Zeke up. Zeke’s not having any of it and returns the favor, making Dan let go first.
“Nice to meet you, Dan. We’d like to stay and chat, but we’ve got to head home. We have some friends dropping by tonight,” Zeke says, then casually places a hand on my lower back. Dan’s eyes follow that hand, and his jaw tightens.
Dan looks at me and says, “I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.”
I’m dumbfounded. I’m not sure how to answer seeing that Zeke’s undercover and Zeke and I are really new. Like one day in!
“I—” I start.
“Jazzy and I have known each other for a while. We’re both pretty private people with our personal lives. Jasmine says you’re a good friend. Thanks for being there for her,” Zeke says politely.
“Yeah, sure. I’d better get moving myself.” Dan backs off and does a quick wave as he leaves far more quickly than normal. I would like to open the car door, but Zeke’s in the way. He’s still watching Dan when suddenly, I’m hauled into Zeke’s arms, our bodies pressed close, and his head swoops down in a very heated, hard, but brief lip lock. It’s over as quickly as it began, then he hustles me into the car, shutting my door and coming around the back to get into the driver’s seat.
Zeke moves the car onto the road before speaking up. “That guy wants in your pants,” he grits out.
“Pardon? What?” I’m taken aback, mainly by his angry tone.
“That Dan guy. He wants you.”
“He’s asked me out a couple of times. I’ve expressed that I didn’t think it would be a good idea. Repeatedly,” I tell him, hoping his jaw will unclench.
“I’ll make sure to do a background check on him as soon as we get home.”
“On Dan? That’s crazy. He’s harmless.”
He glances over at me before turning his eyes back to the road. “How do you know he’s harmless? What do you know about him?”
“Dan’s been at the school since he graduated. Everyone thinks he’s a great guy.”
“Do you know if he has any priors? An ex-wife? Financial troubles? Maybe the guy has fetishes, fantasies. It could be that he wants to do them with you, and since you’ve blown him off, he’s decided he needs to get even.” Zeke spins a tale too nutty to imagine.
“Are you trying to freak me out?”
“No. What I’m trying to do is point out that you’ve very trusting. For the most part, people are good and care about others and respect boundaries. Then you have others who don’t. We’re dealing with a person who wants to hurt you. It’s my job to make sure you stay safe. That means that I question everyone and everything. Including dapper Dan. He could be a good guy and that’s all, but if there’s something to find, I’m going to find it,” he tells me, never taking his eyes off the road. “Maybe after that kiss, he’ll take the hint and quit asking you out.”
A lump forms in my throat, and I find it hard to breathe, but I force myself to ask, “That’s why you kissed me?”
“Partly. Mainly because I like kissing you. Although, it doesn’t hurt that he was paying attention.” He must see I’m upset because he reaches over and takes my hand, finding my cold fingers and wrapping his around mine. “Look at me.” He waits until I do. “I love kissing you. It’s becoming my favorite pastime. I like you. The way you are with me, relaxed and easy to talk to. The way you are with those kids. You can tell they want to please you. The more time I spend with you, the deeper I’m falling for you. And that kiss, baby, was fucking phenomenal.”
“It was pretty great,” I quietly agree.
“Phenomenal,” he emphasizes, squeezing my hand.
“A phenomenal kiss. And so is this one.” I lean over in my seat, tugging on his arm to have him meet me halfway, and kiss his cheek.
SIX
Unknown Heir
JASMINE
Zeke wants to drop by the precinct on our way home for an update. He weaves around corners and slips down side streets and along routes I didn’t know the city had and it takes us twice as long to get there, but he’s not taking any chances on being followed.
Alex and Damian join Zeke in his office. Zeke’s doing a search on Dan, which I think is a waste of time, but he makes a good point. What do I really know about any of my colleagues? I’m so busy planning my curriculum and teaching that the only time I socialize with them is in the staff room or the occasional staff party. Most of the staff at the school are married with kids and have other priorities, and I had my two besties who I preferred to be with.
