Page 8 of Hex Appeal

Oh, that was not helping her hair situation at all.

They reached for the tangled chains simultaneously.This time when their fingers met, the bracelet practically purred, detaching from his watch chain with a happy little chime that sounded suspiciously like the first few notes of a wedding march.

"Thank you."Ceries clutched the bracelet, trying to ignore how it was still sending appreciative sparkles in his direction."Should we start the orientation?"

"Yes.Of course."He moved behind his desk, putting blessed distance between them.His voice shifted into Principal Mode as he went over the bell schedule and rotating hall and cafeteria duties."This afternoon all the teachers will share their curriculum in case there are questions from students once the semester starts.Speaking of that, I'd like to go over the school's philosophy on defensive magic instruction."

Her spine straightened.This was what she'd been hired for—to modernize their approach to protective spells.She'd prepared extensive research on why students needed practical experience with defensive magic, not just theory.

"I've actually developed several proposals for enhancing the defensive curriculum," she said, her enthusiasm momentarily overriding her awkwardness.

"I remember."

The words hung between them, loaded with unspoken meaning.How much he remembered exactly was an open question, given the amount of cherry bombs involved, but the slight flush at his collar suggested it was quite a bit.

"Right," she sighed.

"We maintain very strict safety protocols here," he said, that perfect eyebrow arching again."Any changes to the defensive magic curriculum require extensive review."

"Of course.But students need real-world applications, not just theoretical knowledge.Especially with defensive magic."

"Theory provides essential foundations—"

"Theory won't help them in an actual dangerous situation," she interrupted, then bit her lip.This was exactly how their debate had started at the pub.

His tie tightened slightly, as if remembering how that debate had ended."While I appreciate your enthusiasm, we have these protocols for a reason."

"Because that's how it's always been done?"The words slipped out before she could stop them.

"Because safety comes first."His voice had that same passionate intensity she remembered from last night, minus the cherry bomb influence."We cannot risk—"

A knock interrupted them.Diana poked her head in, eyebrows rising at the magical tension crackling between them.The air practically hummed with it.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Mr.Thorncraft wanted to remind you that he'll be bringing some guests to tour the school."

"Of course he is," Mal sighed.

Ceries looked at him curiously, but he didn't elaborate.After Diana closed the door, he stood from his desk.

"I have some things to take care of.Diana can give you a tour of the school and show you to your classroom.You can decorate it as you wish."

"Thank you," she said, standing.

"I'm open to discussing your ideas further," he said formally."Though I should warn you, this school has very firm policies about certain controversial spells."

"Good thing I have thoroughly documented research then."

"I'm sure you do."His mouth quirked slightly."You were very thorough in presenting your arguments last night."

Professional.She was a professional educator with innovative ideas about defensive magic.She absolutely was not thinking about how passionate he got when debating magical theory.Or how that passion translated to other activities.

"I'm looking forward to working with you," she managed, heading for the door before her hair could betray any more memories.

"Ms.Frostwind?"His voice stopped her."About last night's...theoretical discussions..."

"We'll keep it purely academic from now on," she said quickly.

"Of course."But there was a warmth in his eyes that made her toes curl in remembrance.

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