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It sounds so good.

“It’ll be interesting to see how you condense the characters and set up the world within the allotted time frame,” the golden guy says, a small smile curving his mouth. It almost seems as if he’s teasing. I cannot take him seriously.

“That’s why it’s aretelling.” Michelle nearly giggles. Oh, please no. Be smarter than this, Michelle.

I squeeze her hand, and she gives me acome on, he’s cutelook.

Shaking my head, I push everyone along. Some of the newcomers are a bit braggy, but that comes with being new, huh? Young, wanting to impress.

Everyone packs up to leave, and I wait them out, knowing I will need to clean up before I leave. They’re slow going. All of the girls want to stop and flirt with the golden guy, and all of the guys want to give him a warm welcome.

Once everyone’s gone, this guy is still hovering, watching me collect muffin wrappers.

“Who are you?” I ask, and it seems to jolt him from his confident swagger. Apparently, my lack of fawning and eyelash fluttering has disarmed him.

Even so, his clear blue eyes are sparkling at me. “Orion Knight. And you’re Sofia Newman, Film Club President.”

I sigh, popping a hand on my hip. “That I am.”

He holds out his hand. “I’m your new faculty sponsor.”

I take his hand hesitantly, and when he lingers over the touch, I ignore the heat from his grip and pull mine back, shooting him a look. “Well, Professor Knight, as you can see, I’ve got this handled.”

He almost glows with acceptance of my unspoken challenge. “Afraid you won’t be getting rid of me that easily.”

4

BRAXTON

I’m just finishing breakfast with my daughter when my phone rings. Charles. It’s an easy answer.

“Hello, my friend. What can I do for you this morning?” My voice grumbles against the crumbs from my toast.

Charles laughs. “More, what I can do for you this morning, Brax. My daughter’s available as a potential babysitter. I know you’re struggling to find one for that conference in Boston you have next month.”

I lean back in my chair and smile, sipping my orange juice and sharing a pleased look with my daughter. She smiles brightly as she chews.

“If it’s your suggestion, I’d better take it. Who have you got lined up for me?”

“My daughter, Sofia, of course. She’ll need to bring Noah, but he’s so well-behaved.” He sounds as adoring as ever. An only child and only grandchild bring the sentimentality out of the man.

“You sure she’s got the time? I thought you said she was just starting her senior year.”

“She is, and she already said she’ll take the job. I’ll send you her number. She wants you to text her.”

I laugh at the incredulity in his voice, knowing how much he hates to text. “That’s fine. My daughter is eleven. I’m used to it.”

Birdie sticks her tongue out at me, but she’s smiling and clearing her plate in her next breath.

“Dish in the washer, then go brush your teeth.”

Now, my daughter rolls her eyes at me. “I know, Dad.”

I grin into the phone. “Thanks, Charles.”

“You got it. Like to be helpful when I can. Call on me this weekend for a drink.”

“Will do.” I set the phone down and finish my meal and my morning routine, which ends in dropping my baby girl off at school. She’s been struggling with her classmates, feeling alone, and I wish I could do something to help her with it.