Page 20 of Wintertime Heat (Holiday 1)

“Dad and I bought the whole box from a bakery on the way to school this morning.”

I swallowed, a difficult feat.

Oh, I definitely know this bakery.

I found myself curious as to why Mr. Tanner would buy his son goods from cheap, local bakeries, when he could just as well afford the best of places.

Was he a miser?

That couldn’t be the case because the muffins he sent me were quite expensive.

The man was a conundrum.

“Oh,” My eyes widen, and I lean down to bring out the huge Tupperware box that had been under my desk, “I saved you all these treats from my own class party!”

I open the lid and Aaron’s clear blue eyes hold delight and awe at the assortment of food. I hand him a makeshift bib, “Go ahead. It’s all yours. Today, we’ll have our own little party.”

Before Aaron could dig in though, the sound of footsteps had both of us looking up. I hastily pick up the small child and deposit him on the floor, before the door opens and I hear a familiar voice, “Miss Johnson!”

Collin appears in the doorway, looking a little flustered.

He appears startled at the sight of Aaron eyeing him warily from behind me.

“I didn’t know you were busy. I’m sorry.”

I wave my hand, “No, Aaron’s father picks him up late, so I just keep an eye on him. He’s just having a snack.”

“Oh.” Collin blinks at him, “Uh, carry on then.”

Aaron eyes me for permission as if I was the only higher authority that he recognized, and I gesture with my chin. However, instead of taking the Tupperware to a seat, he stands next to me, eyeing Collin, as he chews on a piece of beef jerky.

It was almost as if he was standing guard over me.

If that was not the cutest thing I had ever seen, I don’t know what was.

I tuck my cheek in my tongue to prevent the laughter from spilling out, and watch Collin as he fixes his eyes on me.

He looks a little nervous and I wonder at that.

“Is there anything I can help you with, Mr. Davis?” I ask, keeping my tone polite.

“Um, yeah. You can call me Collin, uh, Miss Johnson.”

I blink.

Well, this was sudden.

“Well, alright, Colli-“

My eyes flew to the man standing behind my boss, in the doorway, wearing an unfathomable expression on his face.

“Hello, Abby.”

Chapter 8

“Mr. Tanner!” Collin’s face froze in shock at the sight of the man.

I nod at my frequent classroom visitor, “Mr. Tanner.”

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