I shook my head. “True, but Scott didn’t stand a chance of not dating you. This is me we’re talking about.”
Marissa rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Faith, you’re too hard on yourself. You’re gorgeous and kind, and anyone would be lucky to date you.”
I was short, which in the fashion world was basically a sin, plus I hadn’t always been kind, so there was at least a piece of me that was ugly and mean.
“I think Jessica has already called dibs on dating him anyway.” I looked up at the ceiling. “The way she is always talking about him, it’s obvious she is crazy about him.”
“You can’t call dibs on a person. They get to make their own choices.” Rose gave me a flat look.
“None of this matters anyway. He isn’t asking to date me, just to volunteer.” I held my hands up.
“We’ll see.” Rose gave a wicked grin.
Marissa shrugged. “Regardless, you will do anything for those kids, and like it or not, you need help, and Adam has offered.”
“True.” I scooped another bite, holding it in my mouth as it melted.
“Looks like you’re stuck.” Rose raised her eyebrows.
I leaned back and blew out a small breath.
We all knew I would put myself through a lot for my students’ happiness. Including accepting help from the hot and outgoing Adam Peters.
“So, maybe the question is how do I get over my crippling anxiety about it? I can barely form sentences around him, and I still need to apologize.” I would need to learn how to hold a conversation with him, and fast.
“Oh, I know!!” Rose clapped her hands. “Don’t they say that to get over your nerves you picture the other person in their underwear?” Rose bit her bottom lip and wiggled her eyebrows.
Heat rushed to my face, and I put my head on the table before Rose could comment on my blush.
“Oh, my gosh! ROSE, not helping!” I groaned.
Chapter Six
ADAM
Iwalked into the elementary library for the business fair meeting. I was a few minutes late, which I hated, but it couldn’t be helped at this point. Danny’s teacher was brief in her reply but said she would be happy for my help. I hoped this meeting was short. I still needed to grab a few things from my office, and I promised Danny we could get pie from Merritt’s tonight.
Among the staff sitting at the round wooden table was Jessica, rolling her pencil back and forth along the scuffed surface. The minute our eyes locked, she lit up and smiled. “Adam!” She motioned eagerly to the seat beside her.
I’d tried to talk myself into dating Jessica once, just to appease Mom. But every time I tried to get myself to feel “more” for her, I couldn’t. She was solidly placed in the friend zone. That didn’t surprise me; the thought of dating anyone made my skin itch.
I walked toward the empty chair. My eyes flicked to Ms. Lyons—I shook my head, I mean Ms. Faith. Where Jessica was demanding attention in bright neon colors and dark makeup, Ms. Faith was the opposite, avoiding eye contact and attempting todissolve into the background. Maybe that was why Ms. Faith stood out to me. She wasn’t yelling for my attention.
She was beautiful with her petite frame, hair pulled back into a messy bun, blue eyes, and quiet vibe. I knew better though. I’d seen the fire in her gaze when we were discussing Danny. She could hold her own when necessary.
I glanced in her direction, and she gave a barely perceptible nod back, but then avoided eye contact. It was obvious she was happy to avoid me. I chuckled.
“What’s funny?” Jessica asked.
“Hm?” I refocused on Jessica. “Oh, it’s nothing.”
Jessica’s forehead creased, then she cleared her throat and pivoted to face me.
“Sorry, practice ran late.” I announced to the room.
“Oh, that’s fine. The sports program does so much for this school.” Jessica reached out and laid her hand on top of mine. “Do you guys think you will make it to the state basketball championship again this year?”
Wide eyes around the table went to Jessica’s hand over mine. I gently pulled my hand out from under hers. “Hope so, and hope to actually win this year too.”
