My heart squeezes. Poor guy. Probably an old injury. Maybe even a bad hip. These chairs can be torture for adults.
I move on, but my mind lingers.
Kolya.
Even his name’s strong and unusual, distinguishing him from the others in an almost exotic way. Russian, maybe. I run through a mental list of my students, but none of them have Russian surnames.
As I slide a handout into another parent’s hand, I realize he didn’t provide a last name. Even more mysterious. I wonder if he goes by a mononym, like Beyoncé or Usher.
Immediately, I bristle on his behalf. No way. Kolya’s not like that.
Not that I’d know, given that I met him all of ten minutes ago.
I feel like I do, though.
I picture the stack of romance novels on my nightstand, the ones with dark, brooding heroes who wield danger as part of their allure. With his imposing physique, unreadable stare, and bad-boy energy, Kolya could’ve stepped straight out of those pages. He’d make a perfect grumpy duke or billionaire dragon shifter?—
I interrupt my thoughts mid-fantasy and force myself to focus on Mrs. Whitman’s question about reading groups. “Yes, absolutely.” I hope I’ve given her the right answer. “We’ll monitor and adjust reading levels as we go to ensure we meet every child’s needs.”
The night rolls on with the outline of the curriculum, a review of classroom rules, a conversation about volunteer opportunities, and more. I play my part as the enthusiastic, nurturing teacher who recognizes the special qualities in every kid.
But like a moon trapped by a planet’s gravity, my attention constantly drifts toward Kolya’s corner of the room. I create excuses to pass by him, cataloguing every flicker of expression that breaks through his stony mask.
Though I still can’t figure out which child belongs to him. Perhaps he’s a relative or godparent. A close friend of the family, even.
When I demonstrate the morning dance routine toThe Wheels on the Bus, I swear the corner of his mouth twitches. Not quite a smile but close. The almost-reaction shoots a ridiculous flutter through my chest.
As the evening winds down and parents start to gather their bags and children, I wait by the door to offer high-fives and heartfelt goodbyes. “Don’t forget about your art folders,” I call after the Johnson twins. “We need those back tomorrow.”
My mouth goes dry because suddenlyhe’sswallowing the doorway. Up close, with those broad shoulders and eyes so dark they seem to absorb all the light, he’s even more imposing.
“Thank you, Miss Chloe. Tonight was most…informative.”
My heart stutters. “My pleasure. Can I expect to see you again soon?” Crap! Way too eager. I clear my throat. “Chaperoning a field trip, maybe?”
In true book hero fashion, Kolya quirks one dark brow. “I’m not much of a chaperone. Last time, one kid never came back.”
“Oh, you’re such a joker.” Laughing, I pat his stone-like bicep.
“First time anyone’s accused me of that.” His gaze falls to where my hand still grips his suit sleeve.
I immediately release him. “Oops, sorry. I’ll just go ahead and give you your arm back now. You might need it later.”
He stares.
My cheeks could not possibly get any hotter. “Well, have a great night, Kolya. Even without the field trip, I hope to see you and…”
He watches with marked interest as my flush travels to my neck, clearly waiting for me to speak the name of his child.
Finally, he offers a single, decisive nod. Then he’s gone, leaving an echo of his presence and a crisp, expensive, musky scent behind.
A pulse of heat swims through me as I watch him leave.
After he rounds the corner, I shuffle back inside.
Without him, even though a few stragglers still mill about, the classroom shrinks. Soon, I’m waving goodbye to the last parent, collecting stray papers, and stacking chairs. The entire time, my mind replays every glance and rewinds the few words Kolya spoke, searching for meaning that doesn’t exist.
After reviewing the class roster and not connecting Kolya to any child, I finish tidying up and walk to my car. Unease prickles my spine, and I check over my shoulder. The cool evening air does nothing to settle me.
