Page 57 of The Headmaster’s Rule

I choke on my drink. “I thought you were kidding.”

“I mean, I kind of was.” She laughs. “But also? I could see the change in him once you two started working together. It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out.”

“You’re my friend, though, Jules. I should have told you I was falling for him.”

She shrugs. “I see why you didn’t. It’s against the rules to want the boss.” Her lips form a thin line. “I’m so fucking sick of all the rules. All the… wait.” She turns to me squarely, expression serious. “Did you just say you’re falling for him?”

I nod, feeling suddenly vulnerable. The words slipped out by accident, but they’re true. I’m falling hard for Theo Wright, and would give anything to have him feel the same way.

Even if there’s so much at stake.

Just the thought of him has me itching to check my phone again. I can’t help it, I steal a glance, hoping against hope that he might have texted, but nothing.

I’m pathetic.

“Dad does everything by the book,” Juliana says, watching me. “This will be hard for him.” She laughs humorlessly. “It also explains why he’s storming around in a mood.”

I emit a somber laugh, hoping we can change the subject, but Juliana is already sliding off her stool.

“I should go. I promise your secret is safe with me.”

“Thanks.”

She pulls me in for a hug, then releases me, smiling slyly.

“He’ll sort his shit out soon.”

I laugh, but it rings hollow, and I’m too afraid to let myself hope.

Instead, I go home, make coffee, and throw myself into work.

CHAPTER 20

Theo

Iwork until late in an attempt to take my mind off the moment I shared with Eleanor in the supply closet, but it’s pointless. I can’t shake the feel of her silky skin under my hands, the way her mouth opened so readily for me, hot, wet, eager.

We were almost caught by my daughter, of all people.

I shove the front door to my cottage closed, sliding off my jacket, removing my vest, and rolling back my sleeves.

I want to touch you.

Eleanor’s heated words ring through my head, but I push them away, pouring a large glass of whiskey and sinking into the leather sofa in my living room without turning on a lamp. The darkness hides my shame as I hold the glass in my hand, not taking a sip.

This is on me. I’m the one who kissed her in the parking lot, who followed her into that supply closet. I made the first move, and on school property, for Christ’s sake. If an employee of mine behaved this way, I’d dismiss them instantly.

I should be better than this.

But, God, I’m only human.

I keep thinking about the way she defended me so fiercely when I told her about last year’s fundraiser. Danny and Juliana have told me to give myself a break, but not like that. Not like it hurt them to hear me blame myself. Not like they knew, deep in their bones, that it wasn’t my fault.

The problem is, I want to believe her, to believe I could take a step back, loosen my grip just a little. To find a way to be happy.

To fall for someone as bright and sweet and lovely as Eleanor.

And that’s a very dangerous thing to want.