Page 61 of Teacher of the Year

“Um, I came to see you. Please don’t leave me alone. But speaking of sleep, where am I sleeping?” I ask with a sheepish grin.

“Well, the house only has two bedrooms. I intended to give you my bed and take the couch, but when Illona asked me where you were sleeping, and I told her my plan, she asked, ‘Daddy, your bed is so big. Why can’t Marvin sleep with you?’”

Illona, wading near the ducks, looks at us with her huge, gorgeous smile, and we both wave to her.

“Really?”

“Yup. I told her I’d be amenable to the idea, if you were, and she smiled. She clearly knows…” And he doesn’t need to say more.

I squeeze his hand, and he returns the gesture.

“I really want to kiss you right now,” he says.

His eyes bore into me and his desire to close the gap between our lips becomes palpable.

“Later. We have all night. Let’s go feed the ducks.”

Back at the rental, I’m surprised at the modesty of the place. I mean, it’s still massive compared to my apartment, but compared to what Olan and Illona are used to, it’s quaint. The first floor has one great room with an unassuming kitchen and a living room with a leather sofa. There’s a half bathroom off the back of the room near the stairs. On the second floor, two bedrooms lie on either side, with the bathroom in the middle. Way more my style in size and decor, I instantly feel comfortable.

We spend the evening cooking, eating tacos, and playing Uno until the sun has almost set. Olan peers at his watch, and Illona groans. “Not yet. Please. We’re on vacation, and Marvin’s here.”

“Princess, you were up before six this morning. It’s time for bed.”

“How about I come up and read you a story?” I offer.

“Yes!” She bolts up the stairs, and the water rushes from the faucet.

“You don’t have to,” Olan says.

“I know. I want to.”

Once Illona’s had her story, a drink, a hug from me, a check under the bed for monsters, another drink, and a kiss from Olan, we head downstairs for the sofa and hopefully some snuggle time.

Chapter20

We sit on the worn sofa and Olan immediately pats his lap.

“Lie down,” he beckons.

I place my head on his lap, and his hands – assertive, but tender – begin massaging my head and playing with my hair. There’s no television and the quiet welcomes our conversation.

“This has been one of the best days I’ve had in a long time,” I mutter with my eyes shut.

“I love it out here. Having you here only makes it better.”

I take one of his hands, kiss the top of his palm, and gently return it to my head. Lying here, the weight of my head on his lap, I’m supported by Olan in a way I haven’t felt in a very long time. Maybe ever.

“Imagine being able to live here, year-round?” I ponder.

“There’s a small but active full-time community, but I’m not sure about the school.”

“The island has a small school, but it’s part of the mainland district.”

“Interesting, food for thought. I mean, living here would be amazing.”

“Amazing, yes, just, well, not realistic for most,” I say, reminded of the thirty-two dollars currently in my checking account.

We chat and cuddle on the sofa until the fire’s last embers begin to smoke, and it’s finally time to head to the bedroom. Olan takes my hand, pulling me off the couch, my legs leaving small indentations in the soft leather. He tugs me up the stairs, and my heart swells. We stop by Illona’s room, her door open a few inches, and he peeks in without dropping my hand. He winks at me as he shuts her door completely. My stomach flips, and I tighten my fingers around his palm. This man, such a loving father, adores his child. And why that turns me on so much feels like a mystery I can’t quite crack.

---