Page 28 of Substitute for Love

She stopped and looked over at him. “Sorry for what?”

“For acting like a kid when I should have acted like a teacher. It’s my fault Lila got hurt.”

Avery held up a book for Gabe to look at and he shook his head no at the book cover. “I think the reason the students like you is because they feel like they can relate to you.” She put the book back on the shelf.

“Oh, so you’re saying I’m more like a teenager than an adult?” He leaned forward in his chair and cocked his head to one side.

Avery rolled her eyes. “You really want me to answer that?” she asked.

Gabe grinned, then glanced up at the book spines again, realizing he had totally lost his place. He brought his finger up and backtracked. “These are all starting to look the same.” Clearly he couldn’t focus on the books because he was distractedby Avery. He stole another glance at her, who held up another book for him to inspect, this one with a large pyramid and an orange sunset behind it.

“Ah ha!” he yelled, then covered his mouth. “That’s it,” he whispered. He moved the stack of books from his lap to the floor.

Avery moved to stand, so Gabe quickly got up, held out his hand and helped her up, their eyes locking for a few seconds. She held out the book to him.

“Thanks,” he said as he slowly took it, their fingers touching. He could barely stand the heat between them, at least on his side. Gabe gulped. He picked up the stack of books from off the floor and placed them on a rolling car that said “Return Books Here.” They started walking toward the stairway.

“The thing is,” he said, “I always resisted growing up. I didn’t have the best childhood. I was left on my own a lot, and I guess I try to act in a way that makes people like me.”

Avery was silent for a few seconds as she walked. “Interesting perspective. I think I must be the opposite. I had to grow up early. My dad wasn’t around a lot before he left.”

A librarian helped Gabe get a library card and check out the book. Then they headed toward the exit.

“So, what’s the book for?” she asked.

“Class tomorrow.”

“You? Plan ahead? Look who's growing up.” She elbowed him playfully.

Gabe smiled at her mild flirting, and his insides melted. “History was kind of my major in college. So I gotta show them I know what I’m talking about.”

He held the door for her as she walked by, the smell of jasmine emanating from her hair. Gosh, he loved jasmine. A desert flower in Phoenix and Egypt. They walked side-by-sideon the sidewalk toward her car. If only the sidewalk was longer, or Avery had parked further away.

How to extend the time with her?

“So, do you think you’ll sub tomorrow?”

“Yes,” she said. “There’s an opening in the school library.”

“Oh, look at you,” he said. “More experience to add to your resume.”

She looked down and smiled, the sun catching her hair and face, highlighting the way her skin glowed and the softness of her lips. He wanted to freeze this moment. To be honest, he wanted to grab her hand, but resisted.

Finally, they reached her car. Gabe waited as she opened the door.

“Thanks for helping me find the book.” Gabe held it up.

“Anytime. Well, see you tomorrow.” She turned, got in her car, and he waved until she was out of sight.

Chapter 10: Avery

Thursday, August 28, 3:30 PM

Avery pulled out of the library parking lot, sneaking a peak of Gabe in the rearview.

Dang it, Gabe. Why do you have to be so charming?

She had been upset with him after leaving PE the day before and helping the student to the office. But then running into him today at the library changed everything. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stay mad at Gabe for very long. Bumping into him was a surprise. A good surprise. She enjoyed helping him find his book, he had apologized for what happened during PE, plus he opened up about himself.

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