"Miss Rissa, look at my drawing," piped up little Timmy, waving a crayon-filled paper.
"Wow, great job." I knelt to admire the colorful scribbles. "You used so many bright colors. I love it."
Yes, this was where I needed to be. Not reliving a passionate encounter, no matter how much it made my heart race. I straightened up with renewed determination as more kids filed in, their excitement infectious. Today would be a great day, focused on what mattered most—them.
As we settled onto the rug for story time, I pulled out the book I'd selected. A charming tale about friendlywoodland creatures in Cades Cove. I opened the first page, showing them the illustration.
"Once upon a time, in a dense green forest, there lived a fuzzy bunny named Benny..."
But my mind kept wandering as I read aloud, describing Benny Bunny's adventures. Memories of last night flashed through my thoughts unbidden. The undeniable pull between us.
I blinked hard, trying to refocus. Found myself glancing toward the window as if I might catch a glimpse of him. Was Nathan thinking about our encounter, too? Remembering the intensity, the passion? Wondering what it all meant?
"...and Benny Bunny hopped through the tall grass, looking for… looking for..." Where was I?
A small hand tugged at my sleeve. "Miss Rissa?"
"Yes, Sophie?" I turned to her, grateful for the interruption.
She peered up at me. "You stoppedreading the story."
"Oh, I did? I'm so sorry, sweetie. I must have lost my place for a second there." I tried to laugh it off as my cheeks warmed.
Sophie tilted her head. "That's okay. My daddy says that happens to people when they're in love."
I nearly choked. The book slipped out of my hands and dropped onto my lap. "He does? Really?"
She nodded solemnly. "Uh-huh. Miss Rissa, are you in love?"
Oh, geez. Now my whole face was flushing red. "No, no. Of course not, Sophie. I just got distracted for a moment. Let's keep reading and find out what happens to Benny Bunny, okay?"
"Okay." She settled back, but I caught her humming softly, like she didn't quite believe me.
I turned the page and continued the story, determined to pay attention. Trying desperately to ignore the wild pounding of my traitorous heart.
No. I was absolutely not in love with Nathan Gallagher. It was just a moment of weakness. A lapse in judgement. It didn't mean anything, right?
Later on, in the teacher's lounge, I stabbed listlessly at my salad, the lettuce wilting under my fork. I couldn't seem to muster up an appetite. Not when my mind kept replaying last night on a loop.
"You okay?"
I blinked, head snapping up to find Max watching me, brow furrowed.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Just tired." I forced a smile.
Max smirked knowingly. "Tired or distracted?"
I scoffed, heat prickling up my neck. "Don't you have some multiplication to teach or something?"
He held up his hands in mock surrender, laughing. "All right, all right. I can take a hint."
He let it drop, thankfully. I didn't have the energy to deflect any more questions. Not when I could barely make sense of my spiraling thoughts.
My phone buzzed, making me jump. I fumbled for it, grateful for the distraction. Until I saw Tavi's name on the screen.
We need to get together.
I bit my lip. Making friends here sounded really nice. Especially shifter friends.
