Page 104 of The Headmaster’s Rule

My hands shake as I continue, chest taut with a maelstrom of emotion.

I shouldn’t abandon the school.

But I can’t imagine losing her.

I finish the letter, making it quick and to the point. I don’t send it, not yet. But it’s ready. Ready for when I need to.

Then I shuck the sweatpants and climb back into bed with her, heart easing as I do. She stirs, snuggling into my side, and I bury my nose in her hair.

We just have to get through the fundraiser, I tell myself. Somehow, after that, we’ll figure it out.

CHAPTER 34

Eleanor

The next week passes in a blur of final fundraiser prep, Safe Harbor planning, and late nights making love at Theo’s house before sneaking home in the early dawn hours. I still haven’t told him I love him, but he must know. He must see it on my face every time I look at him.

I want to believe he feels the same. The way he reacted when I told him I wanted this for real… It was as if he’d been holding his breath, waiting for me to say the words.

But he’s been different since we got back from the city. Not softer, as I’d hoped, but quieter. More withdrawn. Tense in a way that’s unlike before.

Like he could break at any second.

I don’t blame him. There are so many obstacles standing in our way if we want to be together. What if it’s too much?

I shake the thought from my head as I glance at my clipboard, making sure we’re still on track. It’s Friday afternoon and we’re setting up for the fundraiser on Sunday evening. Floral arrangements, linens, and banners will be organized tomorrow, along with silent auction items and raffle tables. Today, we’re focused on getting the tent up, lighting and sound checks, and student artwork installed. Danny has wrangled a handful of parent volunteers and senior students to help, and I smile as I watch them bring our vision for Harbor Lights to life.

“It’s coming along, huh?” Paige says, appearing beside me.

I cast my gaze across the lawn, over the huge event tent that’s been erected with a small stage and tables inside. String lights thread through the last stubborn leaves still clinging to the oak trees, and a parent who’s a local boatbuilder volunteered to create a temporary boardwalk across the lawn, lined with wooden lantern stands. That was Juliana’s idea. She’s created a gorgeous aesthetic for the evening, within budget, and even her father had to admit it’s good.

“It looks fantastic,” I agree.

Rowan joins us, releasing his chestnut hair, which falls in long curls threaded with gray past his shoulders. Then he twists it back into a bun, sliding a pencil behind his ear.

“The band has done its sound check,” he tells me, leaning against a tree, “and I’m working on getting the student artwork set up.”

“Thanks, Rowan.” I check that item off my clipboard, giving him a grateful smile.

He grins as he takes in the scene before us. “This is great. I don’t know why we’ve never done it at the school before.”

“Because Dad is a stickler for following the rules,” Juliana drawls as she sashays across. She flicks me a teasing smile. “At least, he used to be.”

A flash of apprehension hits me, and instinctively my gaze searches for Theo. I spot him inside the tent, deep in discussion with Danny over the schedule for Sunday. He’s back in his usual suit and tie, but he hasn’t shaved, thank God. From this distance, I can just make out the edge of tension in his jaw and his tight, controlled posture.

Our eyes meet across the tent. He smiles, but it’s the kind that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, and my heart falters. I wish I could walk over and kiss him right here, on the mouth, in front of everyone.

Will that ever be possible?

I wrench my gaze away to find the others watching me with interest. Well, Paige is. Rowan’s drifted off in deep thought like he sometimes does, and Juliana wears a sly smile, well aware that something is going on between her father and me. If only she knew how complicated it really is.

“Everything okay, Nora?” Paige asks, eyes shifting between me and Theo.

Shit.

“Uh—” Glancing at my clipboard, I search for something to say to distract from the situation, but Juliana mercifully comes to my rescue.

“Paige, I have a kid who might need to see you. Sweet, but definitely going through something.”