Millie
I’D HEARD THE STRAIN IN Jackson’s voice when he called after talking to Kayla, and as much as I wanted to rush over there and be a comfort to them both, I knew it would probably have the opposite effect, so instead, I stayed home with an aching heart.
Luckily, we’d all exchanged numbers with Ty, Rob, Rebecca, and Jan, so I’d been able to get a hold of Ty to find out when would be the best time, if any, to drop in and bring a surprise for Jackson.
I’d made a pineapple upside down cake, which Ty and Rob had agreed was Jackson’s favorite, and was going to bring it by his classroom, along with a hug and maybe a quick kiss, to let him know I was thinking about him and was there if he needed anything.
Ty had assured me that there weren’t any rules against visitors, and Jackson wouldn’t get in trouble with the principal, or anyone else, if I stopped in.
I felt a little weird dropping in while he was at work, but our schedules were so busy, and I didn’t feel right dropping by his house yet, so I figured this was my best bet. And, I promised myself I wouldn’t get in the way or stay too long.
So, I told Ty, “Thanks,” when he let me in and led me down to Jackson’s class.
“No problem,” Ty was saying. “I have a free period right now, and have some time before I have to set up for volleyball in the gym.” We made a couple turns and I worried I wouldn’t be able to find my way back out. “That was a dope party the other night.”
“I’m glad you had fun,” I said with a smile, hoping I didn’t look too fussy in my blue floral dress with my hair pulled back in a tail. Dru had scoffed at me when I’d shown up to work wearing it, and had just rolled her eyes when I said I was dropping something off for Jackson really quick.
“Okay, so he’s right in here. You can hold off until the bell rings if you want, or sneak in the back, totally up to you.”
“Thanks, Ty.”
“Anytime,” he said with a grin, then jogged off down the hall.
I peered into the window of the door and saw Jackson standing at the front of the class. He looked adorable in his jeans and V-neck sweater, his glasses slightly askew and his hair messy like he’d been running his hands through it. He was currently lecturing and using his hands, a lot.
I let my eyes wander around the room, taking in the books lining shelves, the posters of movies that had been adapted from books and plays, and the way all of the kids’ attention was rapt on their teacher.
These were teenaged kids. And, they weren’t talking or texting, they were actually listening as he spoke.
I placed my hand on the knob and turned it gently, quietly, then pushed the door open just enough for me to hear what Jackson was saying.
“I know this is different than the books and plays we’ve read so far, but I assure you, it’s not less romantic, angsty, or complicated than the others. Little Women is a classic for many reasons and people love it, and sometimes hate it, in profound and very personal ways. We’re going to do this one a few Chapters at a time, then discuss. Well, sometimes discuss, other times, write . . .” This earned him a small groan, but the students were smiling when they did it. “We’ll read through Chapter Five, which will introduce us to most of the major characters in the book, and discuss initial thoughts, feelings, and maybe even start a little bracket on how you all think things will go. At the end of the book, the winner will win some Little Women fandom items.”
Some of the guys snorted at that, although, looking around the room, I realized the class was at least seventy-five percent girls. Which could be because of the subject matter, and not the handsome teacher at the head of the class.
I giggled at the thought, imagining how much I would have mooned over a teacher like Jackson Heeler as a young girl. Shoot, he made me swoon now, I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like if I had raging hormones.
I looked back at Jackson, his dimples showing as his passion for his work shone through, and I knew that I’d officially fallen in the deep end.
Jackson was everything I’d ever wanted in a man, and more. He was the nuts on a sundae, the whipped cream on pecan pie, the salt on the salted caramel cupcake.
Jackson was the ingredient that turned a normal dish into something extraordinary, and I am in love with him.
The bell rang in the middle of my epiphany, startling me and causing my heart to jump.
I moved out of the way as kids starting barreling out of Jackson’s classroom, and when the coast was clear, I slipped inside.
His back was to me as he organized something on his desk, so I cleared my throat and smiled as he turned.
Jackson’s face lit with pleasure when he saw me.
“Hey, this is a nice surprise,” he said as he met me in the middle of the room.
“Good,” I said shyly, suddenly feeling just like one of those teenaged girls I’d just passed. “I wanted to check in on you and bring you this.”
I lifted the bag containing his cake, then put my arms around him and added, “And, this.”
“This is nice,” Jackson murmured, hugging me back. He gave really good hugs, and I found I’d happily stand like this forever.
Of course, maybe that’s my lovesick heart talking.
“What’s in the bag?” Jackson asked when he reluctantly pulled back.
“Pineapple upside down cake. I have it on good authority that it’s your favorite.”
“It is,” he said, his eyes lighting up. Then he looked at me mischievously and asked, “I don’t have to share, do I?”
I laughed. “Not if you don’t want to.”
I swayed toward him and tilted my head back, and Jackson answered my request by giving me a soft, sweet kiss.
“I know you have class, and I have to get back to work, but I needed to check in on you,” I admitted softly.
“I’m glad you did,” Jackson assured me as he brushed a wayward hair off my cheek. “Seeing you always makes me happy.”
“Good,” I said with a grin, then started walking backwards toward the door. “I’ll let you get back to it.”
Jackson nodded, and I floated out the door and down the halls of the school.