“I know. Who could think that?”
“I have no idea. You’re so pleasant to be around.”
The game ends, and I stand, knowing I can’t linger any longer. But he’s right there, smelling and looking too damn good, his eyes on my lips. “I should go.”
“You say that a lot.”
“Because I should. I need to be smart.”
“You are smart. You’re a teacher. Maybe it’s time to trust that you know what you want.”
Except I can’t. When I trust myself, I get hurt. I fall for the wrong guy or I end up getting my heart broken by someone who just wants to get off. I can’t imagine Rafe wanting something serious right now, not with being a busy single dad.
“I want to go home.” My voice has no conviction.
“Okay.” I’m surprised he gives in so easily and walks me to the door.
“That’s it. No argument?”
“You want me to argue?” His eyes are playful.
I sigh. “No. This is good. We’re friends.” This is good. “You coming to the Halloween party at school in a couple of weeks?”
His brows lift and yeah—that was lame—but I needed something to talk about. “Yeah. I think I signed up for that one. Although I have no idea what to bring.”
“What did you sign up for?”
“A treat.”
I wave him off. “That’s easy. Pick up some cupcakes or cookies.”
“I guess I can manage that.” His smile is so damn bright, pulling me back to his mouth, and I grab the door handle quickly.
“Okay. Well, I’ll see you then for sure. Unless you need me before that.” Shit. I’m awkward as fuck around him. “You know what I mean.”
He laughs as I open the door and make my way out of his apartment. “Yeah. I do. Thanks, Nolan.”
“Night.”
I can’t get my feet to move, and we just stand there, staring at each other for far too long. What is this thing between us? Why can’t I shake it?
Finally, I move my legs and leave.
I have to stay strong. I don’t want to fall for the wrong guy again. No matter how sinfully perfect he is.
* * *
I’m late, of course. I swear, I’m always running late these days, but I make it to the school in time for the end of the party, carrying two dozen orange and black cupcakes.
All attention is on me as I burst through the door. I’m worried Hailey will be embarrassed and upset, but she jumps up from her desk and runs to me. “Daddy!”
I wrap one arm around her. “Sorry I’m late, kiddo.”
She shrugs, not looking too upset as she sits back down in her small kid-sized chair, and Nolan walks to me with a confident stride. I allow myself a minute to take him in. Black dress pants and a white button-down, but it’s unbuttoned, revealing a red and blue superman costume underneath. He’s wearing black-rimmed glasses, his hair gelled. And his smile is bright as he reaches out for the cupcakes. “Mr. Scott.”
“Mr. Burke.” I’ve been staring too long. I know that. This is getting awkward, I’m sure, but there’s a weird part of me that’s missed him since the day he was at my place watching the game.
I haven’t picked up another shift at Glitter and therefore, haven’t asked him to watch Hailey. Nor have I gained the courage to ask him to hang out since then either.
“Thank you. Do you want to help pass these out, Hailey?” He looks at my daughter, who jumps up and automatically helps him, even one handed—her other still in the cast.
They leave me with one container, and I begin passing them out to the kids but am quickly joined by a blond woman with a big smile. “Here, I’ll help you out.” She takes a cupcake from the container and places it in front of a kid. “I’m Samantha Gordon. And you are?”
“Uh . . . Rafe. Hailey’s dad.”
She nods, taking another cupcake and placing it in front of a kid but not taking her eyes off me. “That’s right. I’ve seen you at pickup. It’s so great to see a dad who’s involved.”
That’s a bizarre statement, but I don’t question her. “Okay.”
She giggles and brushes her hand over my arm. “It’s wonderful. I was hoping I’d get a chance to meet you at one of these parties. The moms wonder about you all the time. You’re quite the mystery man.”
Mystery man? Me? “Umm . . .”
Unfortunately, she keeps talking. “So is there a Mrs. Rafe?”
I shake my head. “Nope. It’s just me.”
“Oh. That’s so impressive.”
I don’t know what to say to that, so I’m silent. And luckily, she only smiles at me when we finish handing out treats before the kids start playing a game. Samantha seems to have organized that part because she moves over to direct them in the game.
Nolan heads over to me, leaning back against the wall. “You and Mrs. Gordon get acquainted?”
“She’s a missus?”
He grins. “Yeah. Her husband was with her at the open house.”
“Wow.”
He only laughs, I’m sure at my expense. “So, you are . . .” He studies me, looking me up and down, a smirk playing on his lips. “A construction worker?”
I laugh, looking down at my plain tee and dirty jeans. I did put on a yellow construction hat for the party. I mean, you have to be festive, right? “Yup.”
“That’s kind of cheating, since that’s your job.” He’s calling me out, but it’s playful and my heart speeds up a little with the banter.
I chuckle and turn to face him, getting an even better look at his costume. “And you are?”
He cocks his head to the side. “Really?”
I quirk one eyebrow as I pretend to closely inspect his outfit when really, I know exactly what he’s dressed as, and it’s fucking hot. “A teacher with a Superman fetish?”
He rolls his eyes. “You know I’m Clark Kent.”
I did, but it’s fun to mess with him. “Ah, I see it now.” I shrug. “Not bad, I guess.”
I’m waiting for a witty reply. His smile is easy and flirtatious, and I’d give anything to grab the back of his neck and pull him to me. But right then, Samantha—the overly friendly mom from earlier—butts in. Literally between us. “Mr. Burke, this party was just fantastic.”
Nolan does well, giving her a polite smile and nodding. “I’m glad they’re having fun.”
She gives him the same flirtatious giggle she did me. “My Braxton talks about you nonstop. He just adores you.”
I notice the way she plays with her hair as she leans into him. It’s a little too close, if you ask me, but it’s really none of my business. “He’s a good kid.”
She preens at that. “Well, thank you. I’m going to take that as a compliment.”
Wow. She’s something, but I guess I can’t blame her for being hot for teacher, considering my personal fantasies Mr. Burke has starred in since we’ve met. Someone calls for Mrs. Desperate Mom, and she takes off.
“She’s something,” I say only loud enough for me to hear him.