Jack’s expression turned sheepish. “I’ve got a really good metabolism, but don’t tell any of my students that, or I’d never live to hear the end of it.”
Emily leaned against the counter, her lips lifting into the barest hint of a smile. “I’m pretty sure that’s the kind of thing you should brag about.”
Jack shook his head, a lock of hair falling over his right eye. “Not with this group of students. It’s very hard to impress them. I should know. I’ve tried.”
Emily paused. “Well, you could always tell them you own a motorcycle.”
Jack threw his head back and laughed. “That’ll be the day. I did use to own one in college, but I think that’s too long ago to count. It’s actually why I’m here. I’m hoping to win some of them over with the power of sugar.”
Emily’s stomach filled with butterflies when he smiled at her again.
Together, they both took a step to the side, and she draped an arm over her stomach while he studied the pastries behind the glass display. Meanwhile, Emily tried everything within her power not to stare at him. But when he crouched and shifted closer to the glass, Emily found it almost impossible to resist.
There was something disarming and vulnerable about the high school English teacher—something she hadn’t expected.
It made her incredibly nervous, like she was a teenager in high school all over again. Jack gave her butterflies and madeher want to fluff her hair up in a mirror. He also made her smile and sigh to herself.
What was the matter with her that she couldn’t be flattered when a handsome man paid attention to her?
Why couldn’t she stop feeling guilty that she liked it?
Yet, the longer she stood there, waiting for Jack to make up his mind, the worse she felt about the whole thing. It felt like Trevor was watching over her shoulder the whole time and frowning in disapproval.
You’re being ridiculous. Jack is just being nice. Besides, the two of you are in support group together, so the least you can do is be civil to each other.
Neither the dip in her stomach nor the erratic racing of her heart should matter.
Nor would they if Emily had her way.
By the time Jack settled on a varied selection of custard-filled croissants, blueberry muffins, and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, Emily had all but convinced herself it was in her head. Carefully, she used her gloves and tongs to pick up the desserts and organize them in a large box. Jack’s gaze stayed on her the entire time, as if she was the most interesting thing in the world.
Get a grip, Emily. He’s just here to pick up something sweet and leave. You’re reading too much into it because outside of the family and the occasional repairman, you haven’t really spoken to another guy in years.
Jack’s smile lit up his whole face. “Thanks. I really think this will ease the news about their test.”
Emily darted back behind the counter and punched in a few numbers. “Test?”
“The surprise test,” Jack replied with a quick look over his shoulders. “I just hope no one here overheard me.”
The cash register beeped, and the drawer slid open. “I don’t know how I feel about my treats being used to cushion the blowof something so evil. How do you know they’re not going to associate them with tests?”
Jack’s lips twitched. “Even if they do, it won’t be for long. Your baked goods are enough to make anyone reconsider.”
Color crept up Emily’s cheeks as she took the money from his outstretched hand and placed it in the drawer. When she handed him his change, their fingers brushed, and shivers raced up her spine. Hastily, Emily withdrew her hand and lowered her gaze.
“If this backfires, I’m going to deny I was ever involved,” Emily joked breathlessly. “I’ve got a reputation to protect.”
Jack carried the box with both hands and walked backward. “Of course. I expect nothing less than to be thrown under the bus.”
“Do you want me to get the door for you?”
Jack used one hand to hold the box and the other to grope behind his back until his fingers closed around the knob. With one last smile in her direction, he touched two fingers to his brows in a half salute. Then, he was gone, leaving Emily with the same strange feeling in the center of her stomach. Over the next few hours, she did everything within her power to push it away.
Until it was time for everyone’s one-hour lunch break, and Emily crept back into her office. The sight of the piles of paper and folders strewn all over her desk was enough to chase away the last of her good feelings.
Sighing heavily, Emily sat down behind her desk and started moving some things around. As soon as her phone rang, with Lily’s name flashing across the screen, she was all too happy to abandon her attempts at structure.
“Hey.”
