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But then he’d gone and left me to Simeon and my fucked-up life. I grunted. I wasn’t going to think about him anymore.

Liar.

Chapter five

Danny

I was late, and because I didn’t have my damn phone, I couldn't call anyone. Shane had promised to take me to work this morning after mom had called him on Saturday, but he hadn’t turned up—big surprise—and Mom was already at work herself. By the time I'd walked to the bus and then flagged a cab that got me to school, the bell had to have rung thirty minutes ago. I raced into school, only to be met by the principal’s secretary Gloria O’Leery, who I knew hated me. The feeling was mutual. “Principal Sanchez would like to see you immediately, Mr. Jacobson.”

I swallowed and clutched my bag tighter. This was it. I knew I was going to get fired. Rick Sanchez was a good guy, but Miss Anderson had done nothing but complain about me, and thanks to my useless car, this was the third time I’d been late, even if the previous times I’d at least managed to arrive before the kids. Coupled with the fact that I had a black eye from Friday, I absolutely knew I was done for.

I followed Gloria to the principal's office, trying to control my breathing. My head still throbbed from yesterday's accident, and the black eye had bloomed spectacularly overnight. I looked like I'd been in a bar fight rather than a car accident.

"Danny, come in," Principal Sanchez said, his expression unreadable as I entered his office. I noticed Miss Anderson sitting primly in one of the chairs, her lips pursed in that permanent disapproving expression she seemed to reserve just for me.

"I'm sorry I'm late," I began, the words tumbling out. "My car got totaled on Friday, and my brother was supposed to—"

Rick held up a hand. "Please, sit down."

I sank into the chair, clutching my bag like a lifeline. This was it. I was about to join the ranks of the unemployed. Mom would be devastated.

"Miss Anderson has brought some concerns to my attention," Rick began carefully.

"I'm sure she has," I muttered before I could stop myself.

Miss Anderson's nostrils flared. "Your attitude is precisely the problem, Mr. Jacobson. That and your chronic tardiness, your inability to maintain classroom discipline, and your insistence on undermining my authority with the children."

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Rick spoke first.

"Danny, what happened to your face?"

"Car accident," I said, touching the bruise gingerly. "Yesterday afternoon.” He opened his mouth, probably to ask how I could be so irresponsible, when there was another knock at the door and a flustered Gloria poked her head around it.

“I’m sorry, Principal Sanchez, but there’s a gentleman from Colton Construction here. Says he has pertinent information regarding Mr. Jacobson’s accident and tardiness.” She sent me a disapproving stare, but I was too stunned to react. Phoenix? Phoenix was here? But that was impossible. He’d never leave Em when he was in heat.

But then she opened the door wider—much wider—and Bayer strode in. My heart stuttered in my chest as Bayer filled the doorway, his massive frame making Principal Sanchez's office suddenly seem tiny. He was dressed in a dark gray button-down shirt that strained across his broad shoulders and jeans that hugged his thick thighs. He looked...intimidating, professional. And absolutely devastating.

"Mr. Olsen," Principal Sanchez said, standing to shake Bayer's hand. "I wasn't expecting anyone from Colton Construction today."

Bayer's gaze found mine immediately, his dark eyes taking in my bruised face with a flash of something primal before he schooled his expression. "I apologize for the interruption, but I felt it was important to explain the circumstances of Mr. Jacobson's accident yesterday."

Miss Anderson made a small huffing sound. "I don't see how that's relevant to—"

"Danny was assisting us with a community outreach project when the accident occurred," Bayer interrupted smoothly. His deep voice had that natural authority that made everyone in the room straighten slightly.

I stared at him, completely lost. What was he doing? What community outreach program?

"I wasn't aware Danny had a second job," Principal Sanchez said cautiously.

“It’s a voluntary position. He helps coordinate the charitable construction projects we undertake, and while the road conditions were hazardous due to the rain, he knew how important the new playground and community center is for the underprivileged children in our community."

I stared at him, completely bewildered.

"He suffered a concussion," Bayer continued, "and our medical staff recommended he take at least forty-eight hours off. Unfortunately, his phone was destroyed in the crash, which is why he was unable to contact the school, but being the consummate professional he is, he didn’t want to leave Miss Anderson without help, or yourself without an explanation."

Rick Sanchez's expression softened as he looked at me with new interest. "I had no idea you were involved in community work, Danny."

Before I could stammer out a response, Bayer placed a sleek new phone on the desk. "Your replacement phone, as promised. The construction company’s insurance covers personal property damaged during volunteer work."