Page 11 of Wanting You

“Knock, knock!” Principal Kincaid called out when they reached the classroom at the end of a short hallway. He was smiling and, if anything, looked almost giddy that they were here to talk to this Donovan woman.

Whatever.

Stepping around his new boss, Tanner stepped into the room and looked around. Was she even in here? “Um…”

“Principal Kincaid! Hi!”

That’s when Tanner spotted her on a small stepladder in the corner of the room. She was petite and a little nondescript, in his opinion—almost like she blended into her surroundings. But when she climbed down and walked toward them, he had a moment where he thought he’d seen her before. Of course it was possible that they’d passed each other on the street, but…

“Chloe! The room is already coming to life!” the principal exclaimed. “And look at that border! You did that yourself, didn’t you?”

She blushed as she nodded and Tanner took a moment to look a little closer at said border and had to admit that she definitely had some artistic talent. So did he. And if this was the level she was bringing, he knew he could match it.

Hell, I can surpass it…

“Chloe Donovan, I’d like to introduce you to Tanner Westyn. Tanner’s going to be teaching our new kindergarten class!”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Tanner quickly said, holding out his hand to her. He gave her an amiable smile and watched as she just stared at him for a long moment. “Um…?”

“Oh, sorry,” she blurted out before shaking his hand. “It’s nice to meet you too.” Then she turned her attention back to Principal Kincaid. “I heard that Kimberly Fairmont took another teaching position. We had been talking to each other online and making plans for our classrooms until a few weeks ago. Ultimately, we were going to try to keep a common theme between the two so the students had a sense of familiarity when we got together for different projects.”

“That sounds wonderful!” Kincaid gushed, and Tanner had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. “I’m sure you and Tanner can find some time to get together and talk about all that. We realize he hasn’t had as much planning time, so any help you can give him would be greatly appreciated.”

Chloe looked over at him and smiled. “I’m more than happy to help you with your room. I made extras of most of my decorations in case Kimberly had wanted to use them. You’re more than welcome to…”

“Thanks,” he interrupted. “But I have some ideas of my own that I’d like to implement. I’m sure what you’re going to do in here will be awesome, but I’d really like to put my own stamp on my classroom.”

You could have heard a pin drop in the room, but Tanner wasn’t the least bit deterred, so he continued.

“I appreciate the offer, but this is going to be my first classroom and I’ve been working on my own themes.”

Her smile faded slightly. “I completely understand, Mr. Westyn. And if you have any questions about the curriculum or the best way to organize your room…”

“Thanks,” he said firmly but with a smile before facing the principal. “Am I in the room next door?”

To his credit, Principal Kincaid looked mildly uncomfortable, but kept whatever opinions he had to himself before nodding. “Yes. Why don’t we go on over and check it out?” Then he looked over at Chloe. “We’re going to have a faculty meeting on Thursday, Chloe. I’m sure you got the email. But I was wondering if maybe you could pick up some refreshments from Books & Beans?”

“I can definitely do that,” she assured him. “I’ll get a wonderful variety so that…”

“You know what?” Tanner interjected. “Why don’t you let me pick up the refreshments? As the new guy, maybe it will help break the ice a bit. You know, show a bit of goodwill toward my new coworkers!”

“Um…”

“My sister-in-law owns Books & Beans, and my sister is the baker there,” Chloe told him, her tone going a bit frosty. “I’ve been bringing the refreshments from there since it opened, so…”

He shrugged. “Doesn’t mean it has to all be on you. I can just as easily go in and pick some muffins and cookies up. I’m just trying to be part of the team.”

Now she was looking at him with open hostility.

“Tanner, we appreciate the offer,” Principal Kincaid gently said. “But maybe you can bring refreshments another time.”

“Or maybe I can pick up something from somewhere else? Or perhaps bake something from scratch at home?” he suggested. “Either way, I’ve got this covered.” He smiled at Chloe before taking a step toward the door. “And my room is…?”

“Chloe, why don’t you stop by my office before you leave today?” the principal asked quietly, but Tanner still heard. Undoubtedly, they were going to discuss her stepping aside on this one and letting the new guy have a shot at winning some favor with everyone.

When they stepped out of her classroom and went to the room before it, Tanner was…

Horrified.

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