Page 47 of The Heartbreaker

“Your glass,” he said when I hadn’t uttered a word or moved.

“Oh … right.” I cleared my throat and handed it off to him and walked toward the back of the living room to turn toward the front entrance. But first, I looked over my shoulder to say, “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around the school, Ridge.”

Another smile came over his mouth. This one was even sexier than before. “You sure will.”

ELEVEN

Ridge

From: Addison Lark

Bcc: Ridge Cole

Subject: First week update!

To the parents and guardians of my first-grade class:

Since we’re nearing the end of the first week, I wanted to send a quick update to let you all know that your children have done a wonderful job of adjusting to my classroom. For the first five days, I’ve focused on the transition. I’ve paid particularly close attention to behavior—in the classroom and hallways, during lunch and recess. I’ve also gone over the materials we’re going to use this year and their locations so the students feel comfortable and know where everything is. They’ve learned about the importance of a community, how they can help others and set boundaries—both personal and educational. Each student has also set a goal they would like to achieve and placed that goal on the star board so they can work throughout the year on achieving it. They were very enthusiastic aboutsetting their own goal and to hear they’ll be able to take home their star if their goal is achieved. My goal, as their teacher, is to make sure each of their goals is met.

I hope, throughout the school year, to continue sending you weekly emails to keep you abreast of what they’re learning, studying, and accomplishing.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I’m happy to discuss things in further detail or set up a parent-teacher conference if any concerns arise.

Sincerely,

Addison Lark

First-Grade Teacher

From: Ridge Cole

To: Addison Lark

Subject: Re: First week update!

Addison,

Daisy comes home from school every day with the biggest smile on her face. You’ve made me one happy father.

—Ridge

From: Addison Lark

To: Ridge Cole

Subject: Re: First week update!

Mr. Cole,

Thank you for letting me know. I’m happy to hear she’s enjoying herself so much.

Next week, we’ll be starting homework assignments, so I’ll be asking parents to monitor their child’s progress and ensure the homework is completed before the next school day. I hope you’re able to enforce a policy at home that would encourage Daisy to complete these tasks.

Sincerely,

Addison

First-Grade Teacher