Page 8 of Thinking It Over

“She did. He ended up having to sell his car, as the stench was apparently impossible to get out.” He shrugged, looking pleased with himself. “I should be sorry, but to be honest, Penny’s exploding diarrhea did wonders in helping me move on and back off.”

I mirrored his smile. “Well, in that case, I’m especially pleased she shared the message loud and clear.”

We continued on with small talk that had us both smiling and both talking and sharing easily. It was only when I heard a clatter of plates that I looked around and realized the café had got busy. “I’m so sorry,” I said, standing up, “I have to get back to work.”

Austin nodded his understanding. “No problem. I didn’t realize how much time had passed. I have to go get Penny too. She was supposed to be with him till tomorrow, but apparently, he has better plans.” He cleared his throat and stood. “It was good talking and getting to know you better.” He reached out his hand, and I took it,giving it a friendly shake. “What time do you get off work?”

“I have just a couple more hours.”

“And you said you’re not doing anything, right?”

I shook my head. “Other than doing some more prep for my first day on Monday.”

“Of course, yes. Well, if you need anything, feel free to get in touch. Barb gave you my cell, right?”

“Yes, thanks.”

“Okay then,” he said, pushing in his chair and then heading toward the exit. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow?”

My heart hammered in my chest. Every single look and word thrown my way screamed flirtation. “Maybe,” I said, giving a small smile as he left, and then I went to assist Jenna.

FOUR

AUSTIN

Being older,more experienced, and saddled with so much responsibility meant I was a man who listened to my gut. It also meant I wasn’t a fool. Maybe for someone else, finding Jasper at school on Sunday and supporting him with getting prepared, then actively seeking him out today at the end of the school day to ensure he’d survived would have had alarms ringing.

But not me.

It wasbecauseI was older, more experienced,andwrangled so much responsibility that I knew myself so well. Understood the odds. I especially understood the reality of what could so easily be lost. It was all of those reasons that urged me to get to know the man better when my heart continued to beat double-time at the sight of Jasper, and when I inhaled his cologne, and especially when his eyes lit up with eagerness from making a mark in young people’s lives.

It would be easy to become jaded after the implosion of my previous relationship, and quite possibly, I had begun to get that way. That was until the moment Jasper, dark-haired and brimming with a lightness hard to look away from, had entered my office and most definitely caught my interest.

“You’re still here and not packed up to make your escape,” I said from the open doorway of what was now his classroom. Jasper jerked his head in my direction, his smile quick and sending my heart into overdrive. “I’ll take that as a good day.”

He stood from his desk and rounded it. “I’m exhausted and exhilarated and will definitely be back tomorrow.” He leaned back against his wooden desk, appearing completely at ease in the space. “It’s so good to be back in the classroom. I can’t even begin to thank you for giving me the opportunity.”

I lifted my hand and gestured lightly, following it with “Please, there’s no need. You were absolutely the best teacher for the job. I think we’re lucky to have you here.” I stepped further into the classroom. “Have you arranged with Lizzie to put time aside to go over the assignment pieces?” Fortunately, Lizzie Snow, the head of the English department, was as organized as she wasenergetic. She also had a solid fifteen years of teaching under her belt, and I was so lucky she’d applied for a position at the school just a year after I became principal.

“Yes, we grabbed five minutes today and have spoken to Gareth to organize cover for us on Friday so we can spend the afternoon going over everything. She’s been great.”

“Excellent. And you’re okay until then?” I still remembered how crazy joining a new school could be, especially as a young teacher.

“Absolutely. And Lizzie has made the system super clear, so I know the chain of command should I need anything.”

My stomach dipped a little at that. I’d like nothing more than to support Jasper, but I also knew the reality of following protocol was the only way to go. Plus, it wasn’t like I didn’t have a million tasks to get done during my day. “That’s good.” I nodded and then glanced toward his desk, which held his bag. “Are you heading out soon?” Yes, I was unashamedly fishing for his next move, trying to work out if there was an appropriate way for me to spend more time with the man and get to know who Jasper was out of the classroom.

Jasper glanced back at his bag before turning his gaze to the clock on the wall. “I plan to in about thirty minutes.” His eyes remained connected to mine as hespoke, and while there wasn’t as much intensity burning in his gaze, I was convinced there was interest.

As a gay man, especially in my profession, I had to be careful about how I approached men. Not only in the sense of trying my hardest to make sure I didn’t hit on someone straight but also that I wasn’t misreading signs.

It meant I had to be vigilant and careful, and also as honest as possible to ensure there was no confusion. Not that I hooked up very often. I hadn’t really had the desire since my split. But there was nothing about my reaction to Jasper that screamed a simple hookup. He was far too interesting for that.

“How about you?” he asked, pulling me away from wondering what to say next.

“About the same,” I said. “I have to get home to Penny. She’ll be going stir-crazy.”

He tilted his head, a frown falling into place. “Is she by herself all day?”

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