“Well, I’ve got business to attend to. I just thought I’d stop by and pay a visit to my favorite cousin while I was nearby.” He walks toward the door of my office but pauses and turns around. “Oh, I forgot to mention. I heard you were in the zoo last night. Interesting place to have dinner.”
I feel my own anger rise this time, but I don’t let it show on the outside. I give him a tight-lipped smile and wait for him to get out before I tear him apart.
“See you soon, cousin.” Josh winks at me before he swings the door wide open and walks out.
He’s left me standing there wondering two things. One, how the fuck did he know where I was last night, and two, does he know about Brooklyn?
Chapter Seven
BROOKLYN
I send out my end-of-the-day newsletter before I shut my computer down. I’ve been counting down the minutes until I see Dash again. I’m hoping to get home and out the door before any of the girls see me. Otherwise they’ll drag him into the apartment and I’m not really sure what will happen from there.
They tried to grill me when I got home last night, but it was late and I had to be up early. I didn't mention I would be going out again tonight. I’m sure they have plans for a full interrogation tonight. It was implied in their texts throughout the day. I sent a few lols and laughing faces but never actually said I would be there. They’re going to kill me.
“Are you Miss Tanner?” I turn toward my classroom door to see a man in a suit filling the space. I know all my students' parents and although his face isn't familiar, something about his eyes is.
“I am. Can I help you find something?”
He runs a hand through his slicked-back hair, which is too dark for the wrinkles around his eyes. I never understood why some men dye the gray out of their hair. I think it looks good on most men.
“I’m thinking about enrolling my son and I’m doing a tour of the school.”
“Oh, how old is he?” I step out from behind my desk and grab my bag so I can slip my phone inside.
“Six. I was told he’d be in your class.” He steps farther into my room and holds his hand out. “I’m Josh.”
“Brooklyn.” I take his hand and he gives it a firm shake but then holds on to it. “You’re welcome to take a look around,” I offer. All the kids are gone for the day and it’s only a few teachers at this hour.
“That’s really nice of you.” I pull my hand from his when he doesn't let it go. “But you look like you’re heading out. Want to get a coffee instead?” He leans closer to me and smirks. “Or happy hour?”
“I’m sorry. I actually have plans.” It’s not a lie, but I would never go out with a student's father. I don’t care that he’s only a potential one at this point. Plus, I think I’m taken. I could be wrong since some people date multiple people at a time, but I don’t let my mind go down that path. It’s way too early to have those thoughts.
“Maybe another time.” He winks and then walks out of my classroom before I can wrap my mind around what he just said.
Gah. What the hell was that all about? I hope he doesn't enroll his kid here. That would make it super awkward. I decide to shake it off because he might be new here and didn’t mean it like a date. Maybe he’s just looking for friends—and then I feel guilty. Oh well, there’s nothing I can do about it now.
When I get home Blair isn’t there yet and I’m safe from an interrogation. She’s always coming and going at random hours and I never know if she’ll be here or not. I scribble down a note and leave it on the small dining room table for her. If I text her to tell her I’ll be out for the night, that will lead to a million more questions.
I don’t know why I’m avoiding telling them about Dash. I think part of me doesn't want to hear about him being out on other dates with my girlfriends. I want to get to know him on my own. It might be naïve, but this is the first guy I’ve felt anything for, so I’m trusting myself on this one.
I do a once-over in the mirror and touch up my lip gloss. I didn't put much effort into how I looked last night, but tonight is different. I want him to see me as cute and maybe even sexy. He didn’t tell me where we’re going but he did say to wear comfortable shoes. I ditch my wide-leg slacks and flats for jeans and a pair of sneakers.
A knock on the door alerts me I’m out of time and I half run to the door and pull it open. We have to get out of here as fast as possible because we could run into the women he’s already been out with.
“Did you open the door without looking?” I don’t pay attention to what he’s saying because he’s as handsome in his suit as he is in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. His hair’s ruffled a bit and I’m guessing he didn't give it any attention when he changed. Maybe he was in a hurry to see me too. “You shouldn’t open doors without looking.”
“Okay.” I was in such a hurry to see him my solo focus was on changing and getting to the door.
He shakes his head at me before he grabs me and pulls me into his body. My hands rest on his chest as his mouth comes down onto mine. That’s when I forget about everything else in the world and enjoy the feel of him against me.
“Dash.” I moan his name as he pulls his mouth from mine.
“Do you always taste this good?”
“I don’t think I taste as good as mint chip,” I tease, earning a smile from him.
“You taste better. I promise.” He takes my hand. “Lock your door and let’s go.”
