Winnie slowed to a bounce in place while waiting at the crossing. Her curls frizzed into little wings on either side of her head, and one of her socks had betrayed her ankle completely.
“She looks like she was raised by wolves,” I muttered.
Austin grinned. “Nah. She’s free-spirited. There’s a difference.”
We made it just as the bell rang—one long, shrill note that felt like a judgment.
The teacher at the door smiled as we approached. “Oh, Winnie! Good morning, sweetheart. Cutting it close today, huh?”
Before I could respond, Winnie pointed. “This is Austin. He’s taking me to school now.”
The teacher—Ms. Evelyn, young, pretty, and exactly the kind of woman who probably drank water regularly and had time to exfoliate—turned her attention to Austin like a sunflower following the sun. Her smile widened. “Nice to meet you. Are you new to Star Harbor?”
I cleared my throat. “Austin’s our neighbor. He’ll be helping with school drop-offs this week—” I threw a glance at him.
“And pickups,” he added smoothly, offering a handshake that somehow looked casual and confident at the same time.
Ms. Evelyn took it, a bit too eagerly if you asked me. “That’s wonderful. Winnie’s such a delight.”
Winnie beamed. “I had sprinkles for breakfast!”
I set my shoulders. “She had real breakfast too,” I added quickly.
Austin gave her a wink. “Only the best for our girl.”
I didn’t miss the look Ms. Evelyn gave me after that—curious, maybe a little surprised. And why wouldn’t she be? I looked like a woman hanging on by a thread, and he looked like a walking Pinterest board of hot husband material.
She probably thought we were together. And worse—she probably thought I wasn’t good enough for him.
Which, objectively speaking, wasn’t completely inaccurate.
We said goodbye to Winnie, who launched herself through the classroom door without a backward glance.
We walked in silence for a few steps, the air already warming with early sun. My shoulder brushed his once. Not on purpose, but I didn’t move away.
He didn’t either.
After a while, he said, “So. Just to clarify. I’m not your employee, right?”
I huffed a laugh. “Please. I’m not even sure I can afford you.”
He looked over at me, a lazy smile tugging at his mouth. “Then I guess we’ll have to negotiate my rate.”
Those playful words did something to me I didn’t want to examine. I swallowed hard and looked away. “You’re really good with her.”
His tone was quiet. “She’s a good kid. Fun.”
I fought a smile. “She likes you.”
“Yeah,” he said. “She makes it easy.”
We stepped up onto the porch. I hesitated at the door. “Do you want to come in? For coffee?”
He nodded once. “Sure.”
The kitchen was still a mess, but I didn’t bother apologizing. He didn’t seem to notice.
I poured the coffee this time and handed him a mug. He leaned against the counter, eyes scanning the space like he was already memorizing it.
