Page 102 of Learn Your Lesson

I wondered if mine had sent Chloe to me.

And I hoped she could feel my intention as I returned her gaze, as I let my eyes travel the length of her, knowing her skin was turning that lovely shade of red I loved so much even though it was too dark to see it.

I wanted her to melt from the heat in my stare.

I longed for her to let me show her what I could never say with words.

There was only one way I knew how to do exactly that.

I was ready for another lesson.

Tonight.

Not For Long

Chloe

Once I flopped down on the bed in my hotel room, I found it nearly impossible to move again.

Exhaustion washed over me like it never had before, humming in every bone and muscle of my body. My legs and feet ached, my eyelids were too heavy to peel open. I barely had the energy to text the cat sitter and watch the adorable videos she had sent of my three rascals getting into trouble like always.

And yet, I wore the biggest smile.

There were no words for what an amazing day it had been.

And while Will had almost made me burst into tears with what he did for me at the boutique, what replayed in my mind most were images of Ava. I smiled wider and wider as I remembered her squeals of laughter, how she ran to each character we found to fill her autograph book, the way her eyes grew round and mesmerized in each show and on every single ride, how she threw her arms up andscreamed — fearlessly — on every rollercoaster she was tall enough to ride.

It was the most perfect day, one I knew she’d never forget.

I’d sent a few pictures throughout the day to the group text with my mom and grandmother. They hadn’t met Ava yet, but I hoped one day they would. I also hoped they’d see from the pictures that I was doing my job, that I was safe, that Will wasn’t a threat the way they thought he was.

Grandma commented on how adorable Ava was, and Mom said she liked my princess look — though I didn’t miss her pursed lips when she said it. Maybe the fact that they hadn’t dressed me specifically like any of the Disney princesses made a slight difference, but she still didn’t look thrilled.

They both begged me to come visit soon before the call ended, which I promised I would.

I groaned when my phone pinged, thinking it was them and hoping like hell they wouldn’t ask if I had time for a phone call. But when I looked at my phone, a tired smile crept over my face at the text from Maven.

Maven:I just saw a photo of Will Perry on Instagram.

Livia:… okay?

Maven:AT DISNEY WORLD

Maven:WITH HIS DAUGHTER

Maven:AND HIS CHEF

Maven:AND HIS NANNY *wide eyes emoji*

Livia:Daddy P at Disney World?! This can only be the work of a certain teacher we know.

Grace:I love y’all, but it’s not even six AM where I am. Muting you until I’m a human later today and I’ll catch up. *kiss emoji*

I chuckled, typing out my response.

Me:Believe it or not — this was his idea.

Maven:My jaw is on the floor. Did he have fun?