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Plastic covered the floor,and it was a good thing, considering paint droplets were in every section that a student stood. With a painter’s pole in her hands, Carla put the finishing touches on one corner of the room.

The problem was that the corner at the top was out of her reach, but with some determination, she sat the pole down, grabbed a hand brush, and then edged the latter over. Climbing up, she stretched, finally coating the wall that she couldn’t touch with the roller.

“Oh!” she wobbled, losing her balance a little as she painted.

“Be careful,” Jacob’s deep voice drummed a few feet away from her. He didn’t like the look of her position and, as a result, put his brush down to assist her.

“Whoa!” When she wobbled, she lost her footing and screamed as she went falling backward to the floor. “Oh, my God!”

Sprinting to her, Jacob caught Carla in the full curve of his arms. “I got you.”

Her descent didn’t knock him off his feet; instead, he stood firm and tall, gazing at her wide eyes.

Quickly rejoicing, Carla tossed her arms around his neck.

“Oh, my God, Jacob! Thank you so much!” She kissed his lips before she had a chance to think about it, and whistles and giggles sprang from the students around them.

“Oh, shoot.” Carla covered her mouth, and Jacob laughed.

“It’s too late for that. Are you trying to give these kids a show or what?” His baritone grooved.

Hiding her face in his chest, embarrassed, Carla’s smile lingered.

“Ms. Jones, is Jacob your boyfriend?” Sicily asked.

Carla snapped her head up, and Jacob rested her slowly on her feet.

“Um.” Carla glanced at Jacob, and he offered her no assistance. Glancing back at Sicily, Carla folded her arms. “Mind ya business.”

The students laughed.

“That would be a yes,” Carrie said.

“Because we all know when you avoid a question, it means yes,” Jared added. He put his hand up to give Jacob some dap. “My man.”

Carla swatted at Jared’s hand. “Put your hand down, boy.”

“What?” He shrugged. “I’m right, ain’t I?”

“I’ll tell you what you are, getting on my nerves. Now get back to that paintbrush.”

The students laughed and went back to what they were doing. Glancing up at Jacob, Carla whispered, “You could’ve helped a sista out.”

He winked. “I could’ve.” He whistled and strolled away.

* * *

The day progressed into evening,and by five p.m., the students were wiped out.

“I am so exhausted. Please don’t tell me we have to come back and do more tomorrow?” Samantha fussed.

“You signed up for this, remember?” Carla added.

“Yeah, because of her.” She pointed to Carrie.

“Next time, think before you follow.”

Samantha huffed. “Look at my nails.”