Page 88 of The Heartbreaker

“We’ve gone over Daisy’s reading skills, her listening and comprehension,” Addison said, her hands now beneath the table. “We’ve discussed the curriculum we’ve covered so far in math, social studies, and science. In addition to her overall behavior within the classroom, the hallway, lunchroom, and recess.” She looked from Jana to me and back to Jana. “Now, it’s time for you to ask me any questions. I’m happy to answer anything.” Her teeth resumed their chewing, this time targeting the corner of her top lip.

Jana glanced at me and then said, “Admittedly, I’ve been working out of state since Daisy started school, but Ridge has mentioned to me that he’s extremely impressed with what he’s seen from her so far, along with the homework you’ve assigned and how much stronger she’s gotten in reading in such a short time.”

“I appreciate that.” Addison smiled. “She’s one of the most enjoyable students I have in my class.”

Daisy’s progress was something Jana and I discussed often. I had no doubt it was due to Addison being a rock-star teacher. And even though my attention had faded in and out during this conversation, one thing was certain: Addison’s presentation had been impressive as hell.

“Not to get personal,” Jana said to her, “and maybe Daisy has brought this up during class—I don’t know—but Ridge and I are co-parenting our daughter in separate homes. With all the back and forth, I just want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to further her education.” Jana pushed down on the topof her floppy hat and then ran her hand down her bare arm as though she were trying to warm herself up.

At one point, I would have done that for her, the heat of my hands always changing the temperature of her skin.

I wasn’t missing that role. I was acknowledging how much had changed because, now, it was Addison’s skin that I craved.

“Are there any books you suggest we read?” Jana continued. “Ones that could guide us on how to navigate our situation? I would love some tips on how to successfully balance home life and education when a child is just starting school and bouncing between Mom’s house and Dad’s house.”

“We don’t want Daisy to feel affected in any way,” I offered. “And so far, I think we’ve done a great job with the transition between our two homes. But school is an obstacle we don’t know much about, and we just want to make sure she continues to excel.”

“Of course.” Addison nodded. “For what it’s worth, there are other students in my class who are in a similar situation as Daisy—and I’m only saying that so you don’t feel like you’re the only ones. I’m happy to provide a list of books that I think could help. Books that I’ve read, so I feel comfortable passing them along, given their gentle but effective approach. I’ll be sure to email you that list by the morning.” Addison moved her hands back up to the table, playing with one of the rings on her finger. “I do want to say, Daisy is one of the most grounded students I have. I can tell she had an extremely strong foundation coming in, and she’s already performing in the top percentage of the class—socially and academically.”

“She’s been a social butterfly from the moment she could speak, hasn’t she?” Jana said to me. “We certainly know who she got that from.” She eyed me with a grin.

I chuckled. “It wasn’t from me.”

While I stared at Jana, I could feel Addison’s eyes on me.

But despite her being tempting as hell, I made a conscious effort not to look at her.

Jana was worried about how to navigate between our homes, and at the moment, I was far more concerned with not giving Addison any amount of attention that would set off a Jana alarm.

“Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?” Addison asked.

“I think we’ve covered it all,” I said to Jana.

Jana nodded. “Yes, I agree.”

Jana and I stood, and she reached across the table to shake Addison’s hand.

Addison immediately reacted, clasping Jana’s fingers. “It was great to meet you. I’ll be in touch with the book suggestions.”

“Thank you,” Jana said.

I took her hand as soon as she released Jana, and I said, “It was great talking with you, Miss Lark.”

“Likewise,” Addison replied, her voice more formal than casual.

The moment her fingers dropped from mine, I held out my arm, signaling for Jana to walk out first, and as we made our way through the classroom, I took a peek at Addison from over my shoulder. She’d left the table we had sat at, and she was standing by her desk, holding a bottle of water that she hadn’t sipped from yet.

Her eyes were locked with mine.

And even though I only got a few seconds to gaze at her, I could see the mask melting from her face, and I scored a smile before I turned the corner and joined Jana in the hallway.

“I feel good about that meeting,” she said as we made our way toward the exit.

“I agree.”

“Do you have any concerns about her age?”

“Her age?” I tried to keep my voice low and unemotional.