“No problem, sir.” She should’ve been reassured by his jovial tone and unhurried movements. Nothing about his demeanor suggested he was in any way disappointed with her performance—not that she’d been on her new job for long. However, the unsettled feeling in the pit of her stomach notched up a few degrees as they shook hands.
Maybe it was because of the gold pinky ring he had on today. Or the pale lavender dress shirt he was wearing, which happened to be a color her ex was fond of. Or maybe it was something else entirely.
She took a seat in the chair he ushered her into, glad to have an excuse to break eye contact with him.
But not for long.
Instead of returning to the chair behind his desk, he hiked a hip on the edge, facing her. “I prefer to make my expectations of new employees clear on day one. It avoids the potential for misunderstandings down the road.”
Unsure how to take his ambiguous opening statement, she bit her lower lip and watched him expectantly.
“I appreciate you notifying the school district about your job as a nanny this summer.” The way he cleared his throat sounded like he was doing it for emphasis—not for allergies or sinus congestion. “You appear to have followed all proper procedures for engaging in additional employment outside your teaching contract.”
Appear to have?His choice of words felt like a lead-in to an accusation, making her tense all over again. “Absolutely, sir.” The process had entailed filling out a few forms, and she’d received the authorization back pretty quickly. She hoped he didn’t intend to quibble that she’d technically begun her nanny position a few days ahead of the district’s rubber stamp of approval.
His gaze dropped to the diamond solitaire on her left hand and turned calculating. “Your engagement to Owen Tolliver, on the other hand, makes your situation a little more…unique.”
She bit down harder on her lip, bracing herself.
“Congratulations, by the way.” The corners of Dr. House’s eyes crinkled at her, though the piercing glint in his eyes didn’t change. “What I’m about to say in no way diminishes how happy the administrative staff is for you and Mr. Tolliver. The Heart Lake School District backs its employees and their families—no sunlight between us.”
No sunlight between us.
Her insides grew cold. It wasn’t just the unique turn ofphrase he’d used, or that it was a phrase her ex had also enjoyed using. It was the same pause he’d given before uttering it. The same cadence in which he’d delivered it. The same faint smile. The same lofty hand gesture.
There was no more denying it. The two men were connected somehow.
Her throat turned dry, making her long for a drink of water. “Thank you, sir.” She inclined her head to accept his congratulations, hearing the unspokenbutthat was coming.
“To avoid any perception of favoritism or unfairness in the classroom, most schools avoid having teachers teach their own children. Our district is no exception to that well-established norm.” His tone was brisk and matter-of-fact. “For this reason, I’m transferring the Tolliver twins into the other kindergarten classroom. That is all. No need to look so alarmed, Miss Garrett. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
Despite the reassurances he tacked on at the end, his announcement made her wince. “I didn’t realize there was more than one kindergarten class, sir.” Although she respected his decision, Ryder and Cooper were going to be wildly disappointed to find out she was no longer their schoolteacher.
“There wasn’t at the time of your initial interview.” He pursed his lips. “There is now. I was able to bring another kindergarten teacher on board at the eleventh hour.”
“Oh, wow!” Questions flooded her. Had the enrollment numbers truly justified hiring another teacher? Would the school budget be able to absorb an additional salary?
Dr. House’s expression lost some of its warmth. “Do you disagree with how I’m handling the situation, Miss Garrett?”
“Not at all, sir.” It was a fair ruling. No question aboutit. “It’s just that the twins knew I was going to be their teacher, and they were very excited about it. Owen and I will need to break the news to them about their transfer to another classroom as gently as possible.” She drew a deep breath. “And we will. We are fully invested in their education and want their first year of school to be the best experience possible.”
Dr. House nodded blandly. “I can tell you care a great deal about the well-being of these boys. On that, we are the same.”
We are the same.
It was another feel-good phrase her ex had enjoyed tossing around like confetti. Hearing Dr. House say it sent an electric jolt of dread through her. It was starting to feel like he was toying with her—the way a feral cat might toy with a captive mouse.
“I have enjoyed getting to know the Tolliver twins, sir.” She focused on her breathing to control her rising panic.Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. “I hope the other teacher enjoys working with them just as much as I have. Ryder and Cooper are bright, inquisitive children. Eager to learn and quick to pick up new skills.”
“I’m sure she will.” He stood and moved behind his desk once again. “Since we now have more than one kindergarten class, your class size will be smaller—approximately half its original size. To justify the expense of two salaries instead of one, both of you will take on additional responsibilities.”
Uh-oh.Halle’s inner radar waved a red flag. She could only hope whatever he had in mind wouldn’t cut too heavily into her lesson-planning time. Regardless of the number of students in her classroom, she would spend thesame amount of time preparing each lesson. The only thing she would spend less time on was grading.
Gavin House’s sooty gaze met hers. “Relax, Miss Garrett. I think you’ll find my forthcoming proposal right down your alley. On your resume, you stated you’re proficient in web design and website management.”
“Yes.” She’d studied web design for her elective coursework while earning her teaching degree.
“The district devotes an entire webpage to the elementary school.” He turned his computer screen around so she could view the website he’d pulled up. “I’d like you to maintain it.”
