“Class, I’ll be right here in the hallway. Please take this time to draw me a photo of your favorite animal.” I leave the door cracked and step into the hallway. “I hope this isn’t weird.”
“What?”
“Me teaching your son.”
“Gus isn’t my son.”
“He’s not?”
“Nope. He’s my sister’s kid. She’s going through some stuff. Listen, about Gus, his father passed away a few months ago.”
“I’m so sorry. Is he having a rough time coping?”
“You’ve got a little.” His thumb brushes over my chin.
My face grows hotter and redder.
Chapter 5
Jagger
“You doing okay? Any sign of you know who?”
“Nope. All good.” Patience keeps blushing and it’s fucking adorable.
“What’s that app called you used?”
“I can’t remember.” I know she’s lying by the way her gaze shifts to the left.
“You have my number.”
“Mhmm.”
I drop my hand from her chin. “Donuts?”
“I didn’t have breakfast.”
“Most important meal of the day.”
“Uh huh, and what did you have?”
“Got up at five and made bacon, scrambled eggs, and pancakes for the boy.” Her stomach gurgles at my words and I chuckle. “You hungry? I can bring you something?”
“You’re sweet, but I’ll make it to lunch.”
“You sure? Have you seen what they serve these kids?”
“No.”
“Babe. I’ll see you at what eleven thirty?”
“Eleven, but you don’t have to.”
“I want to.” Jesus. What am I doing? I’m making lunch dates with Gus’s teacher. Fucking hell. I said I wasn’t volunteering for this detail. “You have any dietary restrictions?”
“No.” A yell erupts from the classroom. “I gotta go.”
“All right. See you then.” I wink and Patience’s face gets all red again.