Page 33 of Thinking It Over

Amusement filled Jasper’s words when he said, “I’ll perhaps hold back from sharing that theory with the class when working on speech writing, if that’s okay with you?”

“Duly noted.” A quick glance at the wall clock told me I need to get back to my office and stop distracting Jasper. “Are you okay to meet me at my office when you’re ready?” I asked.

“Definitely.” Any uncertainty I had before ourconversation and when he’d first stepped into his room disappeared with the affection in that one word.

“I hope you have a great day.” Physical distance the only way to avoid the temptation of kissing him goodbye, I backed away as I spoke.

“Thanks. You too.”

His eyes remained glued to mine as I reached the door. Before I retreated, I cast him a wink, and he responded with a grin and a roll of his eyes.

There was a definite skip to my step as I strolled to my office, stopping by to see Laney in the science department to check a few things over with her. By then students filled the corridors, and I stopped to have a conversation with a few squirming groups, so it was the start of lessons when I entered my office. A moment later, Barb tapped on the door as she smiled in the open doorway.

“Morning, Barb.”

Her quirked brow told me I was being extraordinarily bright this morning, but I didn’t have it in me to hold back and play it down. The memory of my chaste kiss with Jasper remained fresh, and the promise of dinner was the first thing I’d looked forward to all week.

“Have you seen Jasper this morning?”

“Whatever do you mean, Barb?”

She shook her head at me before saying, “Your ten o’clock appointment is going to be a little late. I’ve also contacted the building contractor about the upcoming project. I’ll get back to him when I’ve organized a time next week for a sit-down.”

I nodded as she spoke, relieved the grant for the extra classroom had come through at last.

“I’ve added to your schedule time next week with a new student and his uncle. I’ve sent for his past school transcripts too.”

While it wasn’t unheard of for students to join during the year, it certainly wasn’t commonplace. But another student to the fold was positive. “Sounds good.” I shook my mouse to wake up my computer. “I want us both out on time today. Can you make that happen?” I flicked a glance her way, my gaze landing on her smirk.

“I definitely can.”

My smile was wide when I said, “Thanks.”

“Anytime.” She then added, “Within reason,” and proceeded to chuckle to herself as she headed back to her desk.

Relieved to have a productive day, I was still smiling by the time the final bell rang. Despite my busyness, it had been positive, and it also meant the day had sped by. I was in the middle of confirming an appointment when I heard soft footsteps.

Immediately I glanced up, a smile curving up whenJasper appeared in my doorway. He looked good, especially with his loose tie and messy hair. “You ready?” I confirmed the appointment, hitting Send.

“I am if you are. If you have things to do first—”

“Nope,” I said quickly as I logged off and shut my PC down. “I’m all yours.”

At my words, his eyes darted around my face. I hoped he heard the sincerity beneath the flirtation.

“I like the sound of that.”

His words surprised me while sending my heart into overdrive. They also got my ass moving faster. I stood, quickly grabbed the essentials I needed to take home, and approached Jasper. Feet planted firmly, he didn’t step aside as I paused before him, the barest of spaces between us.

“Let’s get to my place so I can tell you how much I like the sound of that too.”

The uptick of his breathing was almost enough for me to lean into him. Only my determination to stop putting him in vulnerable positions prevented me.

Rather than answering me, he nodded.

“I’ll meet you there.”

Heat lit his gaze. Then my view of his eyes was gone as he spun around and headed for the parking lot. I followed, saying a quick goodbye to Barb, whose smirk was wide.

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