Page 30 of Faking It with My Bossy Ex

“I don’t mind messy.” His tone goes lower, making my stomach vibrate. Melting into a puddle in his arms seems dangerously appealing. A kiss would be the next logical step, right? My pulse quickens at the thought.

Stop! No more Dylan, and definitely no more moments in those toned arms… My students!

Does my inner voice have to be so loud? Taking a couple of stumbling steps backward, I touch the tip of my nose.

“Oh, thanks. Umm, I have to go.” Wow. Classy. I probably seem so unbothered, super cool.

I fight back a giddy smile, almost tripping on my way out. Graceful as ever.

I’ve made myself promises when it comes to Dylan. No more Dylan, no more of the past, but now my head and my heart are in a big disagreement.

And it doesn't help that my mind keeps drifting back to this morning. I woke up cocooned in warmth, which isn't normal because I never tuck myself in like that.

There was a blueberry muffin in a paper bag with a note signed with Dylan’s signature: D. Maybe the muffin is a part of his tactical plan to break my heart again.

Who knew my precautions were so weak they could be swayed by baked goods?

Skidding to a halt outside of study room A, I take a deep breath and step inside to find more than a dozen students, all waiting with their sketchbooks and eager expressions.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Miss Bennet.” I’m slightly out of breath and can only hope they think my cheeks are red because of the cold outside.

***

Scooping up paint brushes and pallets, I push everything into my book bag. Class was extended for more than half an hour. Everyone had so many questions. It’s rewarding to teach a class of young people so eager to learn.

My phone vibrates against the desk.

A guy’s perspective …

It's from Leo. I bite my lip in anticipation as I click on the email. It was such a quick decision, emailing Leo about Dylan. But Leo's always been my safe harbor, the one person I can trust without fear of judgment.

I read through his email, calming myself as I do.

Sounds to me like Snowfall Springs just got a lot more interesting. I can’t tell you what he meant by that, but from a guy’s perspective, maybe old feelings are resurfacing.

If he just wanted to make you uncomfortable, wouldn't he have kissed your lips? Kissing your forehead shows you he cares. I’d say he cares about what you want and how comfortable you are.

Are you sure things with this Dylan guy are done?

Leo

Dylan might care about me, but about my feelings? Impossible.

In high school, he was the playboy everyone warned me about, a reputation he wore like armor. But I wasn’t scared off like the others. I knew the real Dylan, the one he kept hidden under layers of swagger and reckless choices. Or at least I thought I did.

Turns out, I had no idea.

If he cared, he wouldn’t have dumped me. He said he was not in love with me.

What’s new in New York? Tell me something interesting. BTW, thanks for the guy’s perspective, I appreciate it.

A

Frowning, I tuck the phone back into the book bag and sling it over my shoulder. I turn and head out toward the library entrance. Dylan didn’t say if he would be sticking around until I got out or if he’d be heading back to the inn early.

It’s probably weird that I expect him to wait for me.

As I reach the lobby, my eyes land on two familiar figures looming near the door. I stop in my tracks.

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