When I look up, startled out of my thoughts, there is a smirk on his lips which tell me that he has seen the flash of desire on my face.

* * *

I blush so hard, “Sorry, I was distracted.”

* * *

Before Steven could say anything, Aaron chimes in, “Miss Abby, how will you carry all this to your car?”

* * *

He was gesturing toward the posters that the students had handed in. I wanted to spend the weekend grading them.

* * *

I blink, “Uh, I guess I’ll carry them.”

* * *

“We can help, can’t we, Dad?”

* * *

Steven walks over and picks up a bunch of the rolled chart papers, “Let’s go then.”

* * *

I fidget awkwardly, “Thank you.”

* * *

The walk to the car was short, but when I see the way Steven eyes my car, I feel a twinge of annoyance, “Can you not do that?”

* * *

“Do what?” He asks, innocently.

* * *

I put my hands on my hips, using a mild tone for Aaron’s benefit, “Look at my car as if it’s a piece of junk.”

* * *

“I can’t help it if it is.” He shrugs.

* * *

I wanted to say something, but the last thing I wanted was for Aaron to witness an argument.

* * *

“Is that smoke?” The child in question, asks.

* * *

“What?!” I dump the posters on the spot and race around the car to see the engine emitting small amounts of smoke.

* * *