Page 71 of Guarded Deputy

“I’m glad I ran into you actually. I have a question about one of your students.” I make up the lie so we can turn around and Lizzy can make her escape without raising any questions.

“Of course.” Ellen looks at me attentively, and I wrack my brain for anything I could possibly ask the woman.

“Are Gina’s parents divorced?”

Ellen narrows her eyes slightly and then nods. “They are. Is everything okay? Is there something we need to discuss? We can get together after school to talk about it.” Her hand clutches my arm, and I keep my professional smile in place while stepping back.

“Everything is great. I must’ve confused her for someone else. I want to make sure I touch up on all the home situations during my lessons. Thank you.” I walk away, hoping Lizzy didn’t witness that and get the wrong idea.

When it’s finally lunch break, I head out of school today, needing some fresh air. I haven’t seen Lizzy again, and I know keeping my distance at work is the best option. There may not be any set rules about dating, but we don’t need to get rumors started or have a kid catch us making out.

I drive out of the school parking lot toward the sub shop to grab something to eat. When I see a coffee shop on this side of town, I smile, formulating a plan. I eat quickly and head to the coffee shop, grabbing a caramel Frappuccino like Lizzy ordered the day we were at the concert. If anything, I hope it gives her an afternoon pick-me-up and makes her smile.

Back at school, I sneak into Lizzy’s classroom since they should be at recess. I drop the cup on her desk, then get an idea. Grabbing a permanent marker from her pencil holder, I scribble, “You’re my cup of coffee” and leave before I get caught leaving love notes.

Love notes. Me. When the hell did I become this guy? I blame the hypnotizing blue eyes and full lips that taste sweeter than caramel.

I step out of the classroom and run into Andrea, who raises her eyebrows and tilts her head with an accusing grin.

“I was dropping something off for Walker,” I lie.

“I’m sure.” Her smile widens. “This can be our little secret.” She pats my arm as she walks by, and I stare at her dumbfounded.

Andrea is Lizzy’s friend so I doubt she’ll go off spreading rumors about me being in her classroom. Normally I wouldn’t care if someone talked about me, but this involves Lizzy, and I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable in her place of work.

Lizzy turns me into a mess when I’m used to being in control and stoic. I was able to remain that way when we first met, but the more I saw her, the more my armor chipped away until it crumbled. She’s dynamite, and I have no chance against her.

I look out the office window and see Lizzy in the playground with her class. The kids run around, playing tag and catch. Lizzy sits on the edge of the play set and laughs with some of her students. She’s a natural with kids.

One of the girls grabs her arm and tries to pull her to her feet, but Lizzy shakes her head. The others cheer her on, nodding their heads. I smile, waiting to see what she does. When she stands, the girls high-five each other.

Lizzy stands on the platform she was sitting on and holds on to the monkey bar. I hide my smile with my hand and stare on. She looks around, biting her lip. What is she looking for?

Then, she tucks her dress skirt between her legs, and I chuckle. The secretary looks at me with raised eyebrows.

“Sorry, just a note a student left me. Kids. They’re funny, right?”

“They are,” she says.

I look back out the window and watch in time for Lizzy to move through the monkey bars with impressive endurance. When she reaches the end, she drops her hands and her skirt balloons around her as she lands on her feet. A sliver of pink shows but nothing more. Instantly, her hands cover her skirt, and she looks around with wide eyes.

I guffaw, slapping the desk.

“Are you okay?” The secretary is looking at me, her nose scrunched up.

“Yup.” I press my lips together as another chuckle passes through me, and I put my head down to avoid the secretary’s judgmental gaze.

When I glance up again, I don’t see Lizzy’s class anymore, so she must be getting back to class now, and I wish I could see her reaction when she finds the Frappuccino.

Chapter 21

Lizzy

Myfaceheats,andI hope I didn’t flash any of my students when my skirt went up as I hopped from the monkey bars. I should really start wearing biker shorts under my dresses when I wear them for work. It would lead to less situations where I’m wondering if anyone became acquainted with the color of my underwear.

Thankfully, none of my students mentioned anything so I should be in the clear.

“Line up,” I call out, standing by the wall in the playground.