Page 55 of Thinking It Over

I really wanted that for him too. “The right position will turn up. I’m sure of it.”

When Ian grinned, it was clear that a move wasexactly what he needed. Not often enough did I see him quite so excited about the possibility of something new. Not even when they’d opened up one of his favorite donut stores just a block away from where he lived.

“You’re exhausted, and I can see your fillings.”

“Hey,” I said, covering my mouth. “But yeah, I am. I’ll chat to you soon.”

“Will do. And don’t forget to sort out next year. You need to make plans.”

“Yes, sir. Bye.”

He waved, saying, “Bye,” before we ended the call.

I glanced at the time. Seeing it had just turned ten, I flicked off a quick text to Austin, who I’d only briefly seen for a few minutes after school as he’d had to head out to a principals’ conference. He was driving out tonight and staying in a hotel, ready for tomorrow. He’d be gone for a couple of nights, which was the longest we hadn’t seen each other for weeks now. Most nights I stayed over at his place, making sure I spent one or two at home to catch up with Mom.

Me: I hope tomorrow goes well. Miss you. X

I didn’t expect him to respond, aware he had a full-on day tomorrow. But a moment later, my phone lit up with a response.

Austin: Miss you too. Can’t wait to be home. X

A small jolt to my heart followed after reading his words. While we weren’t at the stage of moving in or anything quite that serious, he regularly referred to his place as our home when talking to me. And each time, my heart flipped over, hoping that one day, when we were ready, that would be the case.

I just needed to find out what was happening about teaching next academic year. If I didn’t have a position, the thought of going back to working in the café made my stomach sink. I loved teaching, and to give it up until something local came up again… that was no longer an option. It meant the alternative was to move away.

And while my mom was happier, content, and back to living her best life, which was one thing I didn’t have to worry so much about, there was Austin.

The thought of leaving him clenched my heart and tugged. Hard.

Tomorrow, I’d reluctantly start looking at any positions available. Hopefully, ones that were only a couple or three hours away, so at least there was a possibility of visiting on weekends. As I closed my eyes, an ache tore through me. I shouldn’t get ahead of myself, but life had taught me that shitty things happened to good people all the time.

Austin’s frowndipped low as I stepped into his office after knocking on his door. He stood, concerned. “You have an appointment to see me?” Worry laced his voice, and I immediately realized he would have freaked out a little at seeing my name.

I smiled, trying my hardest to make it genuine to ease the concern radiating off him. “I do, but it’s honestly nothing to worry about.”

There was a slight shift in his shoulders as he relaxed a little, but he wasn’t quite at ease.

“Can I quickly say that I missed you, kiss you, and then we do the professional stuff?” Uncertainty danced in his eyes, making me feel even worse about my decision to book in to see him this afternoon, since he only arrived back at school about an hour ago. But in my defense, I’d tried for early next week, but Barb had said the earliest was next Friday afternoon. Which, truth be told, made me nervous since we were so far in the term.

I cast a quick glance over my shoulder to make sure I’d closed the door properly before I smiled, this one lifted by the fast beating of my heart as I stepped over to him.

He flashed me a grin.

“I missed you,” I mumbled, just before I angled up topress my mouth to his. I breathed him in, my mouth slanting over his, trying to soak as much of Austin in as possible, knowing we were breaking our rules by doing this in his office during the school day.

Reluctantly, I eased back, still in his space. Half-mast eyes peered down at me, a sweet smile on his mouth. “I missed you too.” He pressed one more gentle kiss to my lips before stepping out of my embrace. Pointing to the seats I remembered sitting in the first time we met during my interview, he indicated I should sit. A wild beating of my heart led the rhythm of my feet as I stepped over and sat.

“Good trip?” I asked, stalling.

The frown that had settled a little was back as he nodded. “Yes, thanks. I can tell you about it later when we’re at home.”

I relaxed my shoulders, understanding what he was asking. “Sounds good,” I answered, and his responding relieved sigh had me pissed off at myself once again. “So, I know I’ve left it a little late, and I’m sorry about that,” I started, getting it all out in the open, “but my contract ends in just over three weeks.” When understanding registered in his eyes, some of my nerves dissipated. “And I was wondering if there was the possibility of renewal for the next academic year. That is if there’s a position available?”

It took me a moment to get a read on him, tensing me up a little more. I swallowed down the words threatening to bubble out, all too aware I was close to rambling, wanting to reassure him.

Stay professional, I reminded myself.

And so I waited for him to speak.

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