Page 60 of Cowboy Bear's Hope

“Did I mention how good you look, Avery? Every day this week, you’ve arrived on time, no complaining about your car, and girl, you are practically glowing,” Casey remarked during our morning coffee break.

We were sneaking it in the back of the gym, avoiding a certain assistant principal who seemed to be extra attentive this week.

“Oh stahp,” I said with an exaggerated eye roll.

“Seriously, what’s your secret? And does it have anything to do with that super huge, super-hot guy who’s been picking you up after work?”

“Dante? Yeah, I would have to say it has everything to do with him,” I confessed, and grinned.

“I knew it! Where did you even find him?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’m from the city. I only moved up here to take care of my Gramps, and it was like culture shock. I mean who even knew they had cowboys in New Jersey?”

“Oh, well, yeah. We got ‘em, for sure.” I giggled.

“Do tell. I mean, I was that little girl who used to read books and dreamed of having puppies, ponies, and unicorns, which somehow turned into wolves and dragons, too. But anyway, I wanna know more about the cowboy stuff. Does he wear that sexy AF hat all the time?” Casey wagged her eyebrows up and down and I almost choked on the sip I’d just taken.

“I hope you mean does he wear that hat when he’s working, cause I am not talking about smexy times with you,” I said, but the fact was she had me pegged. Or rather, Dante sure as hell did.

And yes, I got him to wear a hat once or twice in bed.

And another time against the wall.

“Judging from the fact your face is now two shades of crimson, I think I’m right about the hat,” she said, eyeing me conspiratorially.

Lucky guess.

Normally, this was stuff I’d confide to Penny, but since she was being all Miss Judgy Pants, I was currently down a best friend.

Sure, the initial sting from our disagreement had faded, but I wasn’t ready to forgive her just yet. Soon. But not just yet.

Anyway, Casey was sweet and a good work friend.

“Nope. My lips are sealed about me and Dante. What about you? Seeing anyone?”

“Me? Nah. Okay, if you aren’t going to let me live vicariously through you, let’s change the subject,” Casey said and nodded.

“Oh, I almost forgot. How’s Rosie doing in Miss Dembeck’s class? I heard after yesterday’s minor squabble they’re bringing that little boy’s parents in this morning,” Casey said, and I frowned.

My pulse started to race as I processed what Casey was saying. Fear for Rosie was at the forefront of all my other emotions.

“What squabble? And what parents?” I asked as I started to walk towards the gym doors.

I had my cell phone in my hand and was already texting Dante before I knew what was happening. Something felt wrong. My chest was so tight it was hard to breathe.

“Dammit. I knew assistant creep didn’t tell you! Apparently, Rosie had an altercation with a classmate, and Mr. Dryden said he was going to alert you and the other parents about the issue. I just assumed the meeting was for later,” Casey said, sorrow and sympathy clear in her tone.

“Rosalie!” I yelled and moved faster.

She was being led from the principal’s office and to a private room used primarily to conduct interviews.

She was too far away to hear me, but the woman leading her to the room stilled for a moment then ushered Rosie inside.

What the actual fuck?

Fury filled me, but as I reached for the doors, my boss grabbed my arm.

---