There’s a paragraph asking for parent volunteers to help on the camp. I’ve never volunteered for anything at the school before. I was deployed when the kids were younger and missed all those early school trips. But I’m here now, and I can take a few days away from the veterans center now that we’re up and running. It’s a way to spend some time with Dana. To see her in action doing the thing she seems to love. It could deepen our connection before she finishes school and starts the next phaseof her life as a young adult. Besides, I can keep an eye on the teenage boys and make sure they’re not trying to sneak into Dana’s cabin.
The form gives an email address and says to email Brooke if you’re interested in volunteering. I wouldn’t mind spending three nights away with Brooke, too.
My mind goes back to this evening, the way she brushed up against me, the heat of her skin under my touch, her feminine scent. Three nights away with her could be dangerous, but I’ve never run from danger.
I grab my laptop and send off a quick email putting my name forward to volunteer. I hit send and sit back, telling myself it’s for Dana and not because of a certain curvy teacher.
4
BROOKE
It’s late by the time I get home after my last parent-teacher conference. I juggle my carton of Chinese takeout and my purse in one hand as I unlock the door to my rented apartment. There’s mail on the floor addressed to the last tenant, and I push it aside as I enter the house. I dump my purse on top of a box in the living room and head to the kitchen.
I slept late this morning, and the breakfast dishes are still in the sink. There’s a box in the corner labeled ‘kitchen,’ and I grab another plate out of it and a spare fork. After six months I really should unpack, but with only another six to go, it hardly seems worth it now.
As I eat my takeout straight out of the carton, I fire up my laptop and scan the job sites. There’s a new listing that wasn’t there two days ago. It’s on the coast and it’s not media studies, but I’m also qualified to teach English.
I have a quick look at the area; it’s a small town that looks like it’s seen better days. But the beach looks nice, and there’s a wilderness area close by. I do a quick look at rentals in the area.A one-bedroom is about the same as what I’m paying here. This could be a good option for next year, and a chance to live near the sea.
I save the listing to favorites. It’s a bit late to apply tonight, and I want to have a good look through the job details when I’m less tired.
In the six years since I’ve been teaching, I’ve moved five times. There was only one placement that I stayed for two years, and I was restless by the end of it. I love being on the road and discovering new places. It’s how I grew up, it’s what I’ve always known: move somewhere new, make friends quickly. I learned to be extroverted and friendly. I also learned not to get too attached to things or people.
It’s not the life for everyone, but it taught me adaptability and independence. I’m getting to see different parts of the state and meeting so many people.
I finish my dinner and have a quick check of my emails. There’s one that’s come into my school address, and my heartbeat goes up a notch at the name. Joel Norton.
I’m transported back to the classroom when I bumped against him and he took my arm. The zing of electricity that sparked between us and left the hair on my arm standing on end. His deep, gravelly voice, and the worn look of a father taking on too much.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath to steady my racing thoughts.
Instead, I remember how my breasts bumped against his hard chest and the way my nipples instantly hardened.
Damn, I’ve got a crush on one of the dads. I smile to myself. A crush is harmless, but acting on it could lead to trouble. I’m the supplementary teacher; my reputation is everything if I want a good reference for my next position. But there’s no reason I can’t admire Joel from afar.
I open my eyes and read the email. He’s volunteering for the school trip. He’s invested in his daughter; I saw that by how generally interested he was in her work.
But is it a good idea for him to come on the camp considering the way my body still tingles from his touch?
I scoop the last of the takeout from the carton and pop it into my mouth.
No other parents have volunteered, and I can’t take the group unless there’s at least one other helper.
I scan his email where he lists his military experience and competence in the outdoors. You’d think we’re staying in the wilderness and not cabins. Still, he does seem like a good fit for the trip. Pine Creek is in the mountains, in the wilderness, and while it has all the comforts of a basic camp, it would make sense to have a parent helper who was used to wild environments.
Reading about his experience does nothing to lesson my crush: a competent, attractive man who’s an engaged father. I don’t think it’s a good idea to be away at a camp with this guy for three nights. Not when he makes my skin tingle and my nipples harden. I need to be focused on the students, not wondering if he’s going to notice my hard nipples every time he accidentally touches me.
I fire back a quick email.
Thanks for volunteering. We’ve had a lot of interest from parents, and the board will review the best and most appropriate fit for the assignment.
I’ll let you know in a few weeks.
It’s a small white lie, but I’m hopeful that in the next few weeks I’ll get another volunteer. Anyone but the hot single dad whose touch I can still feel on my skin.
5
JOEL
