Page 50 of Educating Arrogant Mr. Hunter

“Did you have a nice weekend?” he asked, laying a trap with his words.

I placed my hands in my lap so I didn’t fidget and called upon the acting skills drilled into me by my stepmother. “I did. Thank you so much for asking. How was yours, Principal Olsen?”

His thin lips pressed together. “Don’t act coy with me.”

My brow furrowed in pretend confusion. “I’m not sure what you’re insinuating, Mr. Olsen, but if you have something to ask me, please come right out with it.”

His face turned an unhealthy shade of red and purple. “Are you dating a parent of one of your students? I have received messages from several parents suggesting this to be true.”

Likely it was a parent or two, and I could think of which ones it might be, with Virginia London being at the top of that list. I barked out a laugh, surprised he had that part completely wrong, but also grateful. He didn’t know anything. “Absolutely not.”

He tapped his fingertips together. “Then tell me what you were doing at the Hunters’ residence Friday night.”

“What you asked me to do,” I said, needling him with my half-answer. I really didn’t like him.

“Ms. Winter…” His tone of warning let me know not to push him too far.

“Sir, you asked me to plan the Winter Festival. Mr. Hunter is theonlyperson who has volunteered to help. Friday was a night that worked for both of us. Yes, I was at his house.”

His eyes narrowed.

“Along with ten girls from my class, and if you’d like me to speak with individual parents, I’m happy to do so. We weren’t alone together, and I don’t appreciate you insinuating something is happening between me and a parent when in reality, I’m cleaning up a messyoumade. I have no help, a difficult deadline, and my job hanging over my head.” I worked hard to keep my voice low and steady, knowing the insinuation about his affair could either help keep him in line or get me fired on the spot.

He drew in a sharp breath. “Watch your tone with me, Ms. Winter.”

I held my tongue, waiting for him to speak again.

He shooed me away with his hands. “Fine. Go back to class. Just know I’m keeping my eye on you.”

I nodded and quickly exited his office.

Once I’d gotten down the hall and turned the corner, I texted Ruby.

Wren

Finished. Surprised he didn’t fire me.

Ruby

Did he know?

Wren

He knew I was at Beckett’s, but that’s it. Apparently, parents were concerned.

Ruby

What? That’s ridiculous. Why would they care what you did on your own time?

Wren

Probably because they thought if I was in a relationship with Beckett, I’d show favoritism to his daughter.

Ruby

That’s stupid. Anyone who knows you wouldn't believe you’d do that.

Wren

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