Page 69 of That’s My Orc, Tusk Off

The curriculum was fine. Willa and I had built something good together.

Willa.

I stared at my hands.

The scribe would arrive in two days.

The front door opened. I looked up as Willa appeared in the doorway. She stopped when she saw me, a container in her hands.

“You’re here early,” she said.

“I have to deal with this thing,” I said, gesturing vaguely at the tablet and papers spread out everywhere. No order. I’d lost it when I read the letter.

Her gaze moved over my face and lingered.

I must look how I felt: worn out, half-functional, holding myself together with structure that wasn’t working anymore.

She stepped into the room and set a container full of cookies on the table. “I made more cookies.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“You’re right.” She pushed the container toward me. “But you enjoy them, and I figured you’d appreciate reinforcements. I actually came in early to check on Fred. But if you’re working, I could make you some tea before I leave.”

“I’m not thirsty but thank you.” I wasn’t hungry, either. Not even for cookies.

She sat down beside me, close enough that her leg brushed mine under the table.

The contact sent heat up my spine.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“I am.”

“Traig.”

Her rich brown eyes grabbed onto mine, hers soft with concern.

“It’s the school visit,” I said. “I need to complete the final details. The families will expect everything to be ready.”

It wasn’t a lie. The school visit did need work.

She studied me for another moment, then nodded and reached for my tablet. “Can I look?”

Her fingers brushed mine as she took it. The touch lingered, loaded with everything I couldn’t say.

She scrolled through the curriculum document, making small sounds of approval as she read. Her shoulder pressed against my arm. Her sweet scent surrounded me.

“This is really good,” she said. “The children are going to love this.”

I wanted to tell her.

I should tell her, especially after holding back Rue’s potential adoption.

But how did I explain that my entire life here was hanging on something I couldn’t control? Asking her to be my mate felt like asking her to solve a problem instead of choosing her because I wanted her.

She handed the tablet back. “You should go home and sleep.”

“I already did.”