Page 15 of My Forbidden Billionaire

Her hair is messy and unraveled. This morning, it was very neatly tied at the back of her head. It’s more than obvious that this first day at the school has taken its toll on her. But she looks lovely.

The late autumn sun is filtering through the window behind her, giving her a hazy halo. I find it hard not to stare—her massive, green eyes draw me in like the tides of the sea.

“Mr. Carlton, what can I do for you?” She’s looking at me with a curious expression, her eyes scanning my face, searching for the meaning behind my visit.

“Actually, I have a question to ask you. Just one, do you have any plans this weekend?”

Her soothing eyes are now fixed on me—as if she’s looking straight into my soul. There’s no denying the chemistry between us. It’s palpable, like electricity in the air. I can feel the blood galloping through my veins, and my own pulse beating hard and fast in my temples.

How can I possibly be this nervous?

“Mr. Carlton. I meant … can I do something for you that is school-related?” She blushes, diverting her eyes away from me, and attending to a stack of papers.

“Not at the moment,” I press on. “But I was wondering … if you’d like to go to dinner with me this Saturday?”

She looks up from the stack of papers she’s been pretending to straighten, seemingly pondering my question. “I am dedicated to making my first year at Jameson Juniper Hall the best I can possibly make it. I’m sure you understand what that means. Thank you for the invitation, but I must decline. If there isn’t anything else…?”

I swallow the disappointment, nodding slowly, still unable to take my eyes off her.

She stands up from her desk, and I’m suddenly aware of how close she is to me. I can smell her perfume and I’m enveloped in her warmth. As I turn to leave her office, she touches my arm. I freeze at the contact—the heat and electricity from her touch coursing through my body. I turn to look at her, and her eyes are fixed on mine.

“Mr. Carlton,” she says softly. “I appreciate your invitation, but I have no intention of engaging in anything that might compromise my position as a teacher at this school. I hope you understand.”

“Of course, Miss Andrews,” I reply, my voice low and sincere. “I respect your decision and your dedication to your job. I apologize if I made you feel uneasy.”

She smiles softly at me, and I can see the kindness in her eyes. “Thank you. I appreciate your understanding.” She pauses, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “But should you need to reach out to me at any point, I’m available via the school’s email.”

As I exit Josephine’s office, I am at a loss for words. Her touch on my arm still lingers, and I can still feel the warmth of her body against mine. But I understand her position, and I would never want to jeopardize her career.

“How did it go, Daddy?”

“It could have been better…”

“Well, don’t upset her. I have to see her every day, remember?”

“Yes, that’s true.”

Chapter Six

Josephine

“How was your first week at Jameson Juniper Hall?” Emmy asks.

“Yes, yes. Tell us everything!” Larisa chimes in, grabbing a slice of pizza.

My friends are over for our weekly girls’ night. I smile and take a sip of my Diet Coke, settling into the couch.

This new, small space doesn’t seem so uninviting anymore. Being here with my best friends, talking and sharing, makes the new apartment feel like home somehow.

“It’s been great, actually. The students are all so motivated and passionate about literature. It’s refreshing to be teaching in that kind of environment.”

Emmy nods, taking a slice of pizza. “That’s amazing, Jo. I’m so happy that you’re loving your new job.”

“And what about the faculty? Any interesting colleagues?” Larisa asks.

“Oh … do I have a story for you. So, on the morning of my first day, I had a run-in with the Head of Education, Ms. Abadie. She gives me a hard time for wearing navy blue—said it’s too ‘disco.’”

“Disco?” My friends squeal in unison.

---