Page 4 of Substitute for Love

He laughed, a heart-warming, carefree laugh and leaned toward her, a hint of his musky aftershave reaching her nose. Her heart fluttered as she breathed in.

“Jump in with both feet,” he said. “You’ll do fine.”

Avery raised an eyebrow. “That’s your big advice? Jump in with both feet?” Easy for him to say.

Gabe grinned confidently. “Every time.”

“Hmm,” Avery tilted her head, eyeing him. “I’m more of a ‘dip a toe in and check the temperature’ kind of person.” Especially after the last few years, Avery needed to be careful.

He chuckled, shaking his head, the dark curls on his head shifting. “Nah, that’s no fun. You never know what treasures you’ll miss if you don’t just leap in.”

“Or you trigger a trap,” she countered. “And suddenly the ceiling’s collapsing on you.” That’s definitely how life felt to Avery lately.

Gabe’s blue eyes lit up. “Then you channel your inner Indiana Jones and dodge the boulder.”

Avery couldn’t help but smile at his optimism. “You really think life’s one big adventure, don’t you?”

He flashed a dimpled grin. “Isn’t it?”

She sighed, shaking her head. “We’ll see.” Avery hesitated, the pull to stay stronger than Avery wanted to admit. “Well, I’d better get back.” Avery pointed behind her with her thumb over her shoulder. “The students are probably taking over the class by now.”

Gabe nodded and winked. “They like to do that.”

She blushed and turned to walk away, smiling to herself. Dang, he was cute.

“Wait. What’s your name?” Gabe asked.

She stopped and turned back. “Avery,” she said, a sudden rush of nerves entering her throat. “Er, Miss Williams.” She hoped she didn’t look awkward. Avery had been doubting herself the past few years, and her uncertainty bled into every little decision—including becoming a substitute teacher. Avery wasn’t sure this was a good idea. But for a brief moment, with Gabe in her sights, things were looking up.

He gave her a small wave. “Good luck, Miss Williams.”

Avery gave him a small smile, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest. “Thanks. You, too.”

The classroom door closed between them and Avery slapped her hand to her forehead. “You, too?” She shook her head as she returned to her classroom as the bell rang.

Back at the teacher’s desk, she opened the binder and scanned the lesson plans, which outlined discussion points and a write-up for the book they were reading. She kept reading through them as the morning announcements blared over the loudspeaker, a run-down of sporting events, plus something about a dance this coming weekend.

Avery caught herself wishing she had another excuse to walk down to Mr. Manwaring's class. Any excuse would do, she was not picky. His goofy grin and big biceps flashed in her mind. Avery bit her lip as she smiled.

Her stomach did a somersault. Her? Wish for… No. She was done with all that. She did not trust men—or herself for that matter. She was moving on. Focusing on herself for a change.

The morning announcements were done. Time to start class. “Hi, I’m Miss Williams.” She took a deep breath. This was really happening. “Let’s take roll.” She pulled out the first period roster and started calling names.

Chapter 2: Gabe

Monday August 25, 8:00 AM

The classroom door shut behind Gabe, the clicking sound hitting his brain, signaling he needed to focus on the classroom around him. Meaning he was supposed to be working. Except his brain was elsewhere, thinking about something.

Or someone. Avery’s smile flashed in his mind, her dark hair framing her soft features.

“Are you the sub today?” A student with glasses on the front row asked.

“Is your name Mr. Manwaring?”

“You subbed in my science class last week.”

“Aren’t you the sub who thinks he’s Indiana Jones?”

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