Page 2 of Defending her Heart

“We’re only a few days into the school year. Time will tell.”

“As long as you don’t piss off the father, we’ll be fine.”

I bite my tongue, not taking his bait. I’ve been a teacher at Revere for five years and the only complaint I’ve ever had was when I reported a father for sexual harassment.

It wasn’t even that he was married that bothered me the most. It was that he used his title as the president of one of Boston’s largest accounting firms as a reason why I should sleepwith him. He had the balls to attempt to goad me with the jewels he could buy me.

Fucking asshole.

When he wouldn’t accept no as an answer and got handsy with me at a school fundraising event, I reported him to Chambers and the board. Most were supportive of me, but a few worried he would withdraw his hefty annual donations if we reported him.

His son continued his education with us, but he was not allowed anywhere near me.

“Grammy and Grampy!” Paisley shoves a book on the bookshelf and runs across the room into her grandmother’s arms, then into her grandfather’s.

The couple beam down at their granddaughter with pride. “Hi, sweetie pie. We’re sorry we’re late. There was an accident that had traffic backed up,” her grandfather says to me.

“I hope everyone is okay.”

“Yes. It looked like a fender bender, but you know how one little bump can stall traffic for miles. I’m Joe Humphries.” He holds out his hand to me and I shake it. “Maybe it pays to be late so we have more time to introduce ourselves. You’re usually swarmed with the craziness of afternoon pick up when we arrive.”

“Kendall Wentworth. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I hope our granddaughter is on her best behavior at school. I’m Beth.”

I shake her hand as well. “The first few weeks are always the hardest for kindergarteners. Learning to adjust to new friends, new rules, and a schedule.”

“Let me guess.” Beth puts her hands on her hips. “Little Miss Paisley claims her daddy doesn’t make her follow rules.”

I raise my brow. At least it seems I’ll have their support. “She’s mentioned it a time or two.”

Paisley lowers her chin to her chest. “I didn’t talk back and cleaned up after myself. I was putting books away when you got here.”

Joe clears his throat. “Was that before or after Miss Wentworth asked you to?” He hides his smile with the palm of his hand.

Her chin wobbles and before she can start crying, Beth pulls out a chair and sits so she’s eye-level with Paisley. “We’ve talked about this before, honey. It’s important to listen to others and follow rules, isn’t it? When you’re home with just your daddy, it’s different. But you even have rules when you come to our house. Cleaning up after yourself is important.”

“But Miss Stephanie cleans our house so Daddy doesn’t have to. It’s the same thing.”

“No, it’s not. Miss Stephanie comes once a week to clean, not to pick up.”

I’m surprised the little princess doesn’t have a live-in housekeeper. It’s nice to see she has good grandparents.

“Say thank you to your teacher, sweetheart. It’s lasagna night and I’ll need your help making garlic bread.”

“Can we make brownies too?”

“Only if you let me lick the bowl,” Joe says.

“You and Grammy can have a beater, and I’ll get the spoon.”

“Deal.” He holds out his hand to Paisley and she takes it. “We’re sorry to keep you, Miss Wentworth. If our little princess gives you a hard time, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

“I will. Thank you. Have a good weekend, Paisley.”

“Bye, Miss Wentworth. I’m sorry for talking back.”

I’m impressed with her unprompted apology. “Thank you, Paisley. I’m excited to watch you learn and grow this year.”

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