Page 38 of Wanting You

Is that why I’m attracted to Chloe? Because it’s convenient that we work together?

Okay, that was something he was going to have to examine a little more, too.

But…later.

Like, after they had coffee this afternoon.

For now, he needed to get his students and finish the day and the week strong. Then he could put all his attention on this new unit Chloe was talking about and figuring out what he was feeling for her and why.

It was either going to make him really happy or feel like a total jerk.

Chapter Seven

“Oh my goodness! I’m so glad you’re here! It’s like our twin telepathy is totally synced today!” Ashlynn gushed as she hugged her. Chloe had barely made it through the door of Books & Beans before her sister ran over to her. “I was going to call you, but wasn’t sure what time you were going to get out of school today.”

Pulling back, Chloe glanced around and almost sagged with relief that Tanner wasn’t there yet. “Um…what’s going on?”

Shrugging, Ashlynn smiled. “I just booked a bridal party! Like they’re going to come to the salon—all eight of them!—so we can do their hair and makeup for the wedding! How cool is that?”

“Uh…very! Yay you!”

“I stopped in here to get myself some celebratory brownies that I was going to take home and eat by myself, but now you’re here! We can totally share them and catch up!” She took Chloe’s hand and began to lead her toward the counter.

“No!” Chloe hissed. “You have to go! I’ll pay for your brownies, but you have to leave!”

“What? Why?” Frowning, she moved in close. “What’s going on with you? You’re acting weird.” Then her eyes went wide as she gasped. “Do you have a date? Are you meeting a guy here?”

Oh God…

“I don’t have a date,” she whispered. “I’m just…I’m meeting Tanner here to go over our fall unit that we start next week. I had some ideas about our classes doing some activities together and rather than stay late at the school, we decided to come here.”

Her sister’s first response was to yawn loudly.

Then roll her eyes.

“That was the most boring thing I’ve ever heard,” she said. “And what’s the big deal? You said you told him you weren’t interested, so this is just a work thing. I don’t see why I have to leave. It’s not like…”

Ashlynn’s eyes went wide again.

“Sooo…you’re secretly interested in Mr. Tanner Skier McHotty! I knew it!”

She hated the theatrics her sister used in situations like this. “If you knew it, then why are you just figuring it out?” And though she thought she was being smug, she realized too late what she had just admitted.

“You lied to me!” Ash said with a bark of laughter. “You sly thing! I can’t believe you pulled one over on me!”

“Okay, fine! I think he’s hot! He kisses so damn good and he’s a total distraction whenever I see him at school! Now can you please just go? I can’t deal with you being here watching and judging me!”

It took Ash several long moments before she sobered and nodded. “Fine. I’ll go. But not without my brownies.”

“Ugh…” Taking Ash’s hand, she dragged her over to the counter and smiled at Jade’s mom, Cora. “Ashlynn needs all the brownies,” she said firmly. “To go. Please box them up and you can add them to my order.”

“Chloe’s treating me because I booked a bridal party for the salon today!”

“Oh, how wonderful! Good for you, Ashlynn! Let me get those brownies for you!”

As soon as she walked away, Chloe noticed Tanner’s car pulling up out front. “Tanner’s here,” she murmured. “Say hello and please just take the brownies and go. I promise to call you tomorrow and tell you everything, okay?”

“Why tomorrow? Why not when you get home?”

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