Chapter 13

CHAPTER

THIRTEEN

ALEXANDER

Tips for the first day of school flood the morning news: warnings to watch out for school buses, weather updates on what to wear, and school supplies still needed. It’s been a week since I saw her. It doesn’t take a glance at my calendar to know the timeline. I’m more aware than I’d like to admit. Thinking about her welcoming her students into her bright classroom this morning makes me smile. When the kid’s faces light up, she’ll shine bright.

Today is Tyler's first day of first grade, which means it's likely to be an overwhelming day for her overall. I should do something, but I don’t want to come on too strong. The last thing I need is to add to her stress.

Should I text to check on her? Although we never exchanged numbers, I entered hers in my phone when Jack pulled the background check.

The background check. It had holes. Holes I’m curious about. When I asked questions about her past, she always shared about someone else . She seems like an open book until I want to know about her, especially her past.

Julian’s words play on a loop in my head. I can’t be my usual direct self. But what can I do to see her again? I’ve made it through several department meetings today, and everyone is still discussing the school project. They enjoyed it so much that I’m going to add quarterly all-staff give-back days—validating why I need to expand our community outreach team.

It’s three o’clock. School should be over. I call Mr. Davis to see how the first day went. That’s a good follow-up, right?

“Mr. Decker, it’s great to hear from you. Today is a little chaotic, but that’s expected. I can’t thank you enough. It feels like a different school.” Mr. Davis sounds a little frantic. Maybe my call wasn’t the best idea. The last thing I want to do is add stress to his day too.

“I hope in a good way?”

“In the absolute best way. The food pantry is amazing. We introduced it during the open house, and the few families that attended were excited. I think the Reapers have fans for life now.”

“That isn’t why we did it, but we enjoy taking care of our community.” I’ve asked Nikki to keep some numbers from the food pantry. We’re prepared to pivot and change strategies if we need to adjust how it operates. Do other schools need a food pantry? Kids without food are not acceptable in my book.

“Well, we appreciate everything. I hope you don’t mind, but I called our local news channel to cover the excited kids getting their backpacks. I know you didn’t do it for the press, but I think letting the community know is necessary.” I knew he called them when our PR team started fielding media calls yesterday for comments. “It’ll be in the evening news cycle. I’m sorry. I know you wanted to keep it low-key, but five hundred kids going home with laptops will not stay quiet for long.”

I chuckle. He’s probably right. “I understand. I’m just sorry I couldn’t w itness the day firsthand. How are the teachers handling it all?” Especially a particular third grade teacher?

“I’ve got a great team of dedicated teachers who do this because they love their jobs. They’re good. Tired, but good.”

“That’s great to hear. What can I do for them?”

“Short of caffeine and prayers, nothing. They’re running on pure adrenaline. But I appreciate you showing concern. It means a lot to all of us.”

“It’s the least I can do. I admire the work you all do. I’ll arrange a little something for the staff tomorrow. And please, let me know if you have any other ideas. Nothing is off limits.”

I’m focused on my emails when a chat from Elaine pops up, telling me I have a visitor.

It’s at that moment I notice her. She’s sitting in the waiting area, looking everywhere but in the vicinity of my office. From my vantage point, I watch her cross her long, lean legs. She’s wearing a ruffled, flowy skirt that hits above her knee. The dark floral pattern is in contrast to her white t-shirt and denim jacket. She sure doesn’t look like any teacher I ever had. Old and haggard, my ass. Those kids don’t know what they’re talking about.

I walk out of my office and take her in. She turns her head, and those eyes catch me looking. I put my professional face on and walk toward her, totally aware I’m under Elaine’s watchful eye.

“Mr. Decker, Ms. Frankin doesn’t have an appointment but wanted to drop something off for you. I asked her to wait because I knew you’d want to thank her personally.” Elaine has a smirk on her face that lets me know this will be breakroom fodder tomorrow.

Elaine’s been my assistant since I took the General Manager role three years ago. I’m the youngest GM in the league, and Dad wanted me to start with a team I selected that would help me succeed. I would be dead in the water without Elaine. But this smirk? It makes me rethink her employment status .

“Thanks, Elaine.” I glare at her, hopeful her smirk will go away. It intensifies. Damn.

I take a few more steps closer to Dani, and her smile lights up the room. “Dani, it’s great to see you. How was your first day of school?”

She takes another step toward me and catches me off guard by hugging me. I pat her back while being overwhelmed by the nearness. I inhale, taking in the smells of a tropical island, coconut, seawater, and sunshine, and relax into her hug more than I should. Our bodies fit together, her head tucking perfectly under my chin. She’s like a puzzle piece snapping into place, and I wonder how long we can stay like this and not be awkward, or I get a hard-on. Like she hears my thoughts, she steps back.

“Are you blushing, Mr. Decker?” she teases.

Elaine snickers behind me. I give her my classic scowl. “I’m going to get some coffee. Can I get you two anything?”

I should reprimand her for her lack of subtleness, but her wicked smile tells me it won’t be effective. Elaine knows how much she’s valued, and no reprimand will be taken seriously.

“I’m fine, thank you,” Dani replies. “I came by to drop these off for you and the Reapers.” Dani holds out a stack of papers, folded in half and tied with a yellow ribbon. She hands me the bundle of handmade cards.

“From your class?”

“The top two are from Tyler; one for you and one for Matt. The rest are from my students and Jenny’s class. It was their idea to thank the team who made this, and I quote, ‘the best school ever.’” Her face lights up talking about her students. It’s obvious they mean so much to her.

I motion to my office. “Please come in for a minute. I’d love to hear about your first day of school.” It’s then I realize she’s alone, and thinking of the cards, I wonder where her son is. “Where’s Tyler?”

“My dad took him out for ice cream after school. Something about starti ng a new tradition? I don’t know. But it gave me a chance to drop these off. I’m sorry for just stopping in. I don’t want to keep you from your work.”

“No, don’t be silly. I was wrapping up for the day, anyway. Please, come in?”

Elaine returns with her afternoon coffee and scoffs. Yeah, wrapping up is a little white lie. I work too much, and Elaine knows all my secrets. But I don’t have to stay tonight. Technically, I don’t have to stay late any night.

“Okay. Thanks.”

She comes into my office, and Elaine is right behind us with water bottles, a sly smile on her face.

“Thanks, Elaine. Why don’t you head home too?”

“Oh, that’s okay. I have a few more things I’d like to get done today.” She winks at Dani and heads back to her desk, undoubtedly eavesdropping on me. If I close the door, it might make Dani uncomfortable and give Elaine’s imagination something to work with.

I give a small sigh and a slight shake of my head.

I feel the need to explain myself. “I’m not a taskmaster, I promise.”

Dani raises one eyebrow, giving me a skeptical look. “I don’t know if I believe you, boss. I saw how everyone responded to you at the school.” She opens her bottle of water and takes a sip, the action attempting to cover up her smile. It doesn’t work.

I don’t have a response for that, so I focus on the bundle of cards in front of me. I pull out my scissors and cut the ribbon, causing Dani to gasp.

“What?” I’m a little harsher than I intended to be, but I can’t imagine what I did to get that reaction.

“Nothing,” she whispers.

I give her my boardroom look, and she caves.

“You cut the ribbon. Most people would take their time and untie the bow.”

I put my elbows on my desk and lean across, ready to tell her a not very s ecret piece of information. I quietly share something about myself that my inner circle already knows. “I’m not most people, Dani. And I’m direct when it comes to something I want. I don’t let obstacles slow me down.”

Her eyes grow wide at my words. Is she imagining the innuendo I intended?

I lift the ribbon to get her attention. “This ribbon was in the way. But rest assured. I can take my time unwrapping a beautiful package.”

A blush fill her cheeks. Her attention goes to the water bottle in her hands. Suddenly, she finds it fascinating.

I take the first card and see a crayon drawing of Joe and Mickey. Their smiles are bigger than their bodies, but it’s clear what they are. Inside, it reads, Thank you for giving us a family . The writing is neater than I expected from a six-year-old.

I set the second card aside since it’s for Matt. I scan the other cards, appreciating the words from her students. Most say thank you for the school supplies, laptops, and other items. Several cards mention how much they love Joe and Mickey. One catches my eye, and I spend more time on it.

Thank you for the food. I can’t wait to fix dinner for my sisters . It’s signed by Jasmine. There’s a picture of her cooking and two girls sitting around a table. I’m reminded of the hardships these kids face. And Jasmine is cooking dinner. She’s like eight, right?

“Everything alright?” I look up to find Dani watching me.

“Um, yeah. Fine.” I open my water and take a gulp, washing away the lump in my throat and the emotion this card evoked. “Jasmine’s card just hit differently, that’s all.” I shake it off. “Tell me about your first day.”

At the mention of her class, she lights up. “I have twenty kids, fourteen boys and six girls, so lots of energy in that room. They love Joe and Mickey. Those creatures must be grateful for the quiet night alone after being held and talked to all day. We spent some time learning about hedgehogs, what they eat, their behaviors, and their habits. I can’t thank you enough for everything. We’ve enjoyed having them at home but decided it was best they stay at school and only come home on weekends.” She points to my desk. “You can see Tyler just adores them.”

I hold his card again. “These are great. I’ll share them with the others tomorrow.” I put Tyler’s card on my desk, next to the group photo at Ash and Cole’s engagement. This card means more to me than she’ll ever know.

There’s an awkward pause in the conversation, and we both make eye contact. I can’t help but stare at her beauty. Her teeth bite her bottom lip, and it takes monumental effort to stay on my side of the desk. What the hell is wrong with me? She elicits a reaction from me I’ve never experienced before, and it’s taking all my willpower to be a gentleman. I’m inexplicably drawn to her, like a moth to a flame.

“Um, I should go. I just wanted to say thank you.” She stands, and I reach across my desk and grab her wrist.

“Wait! Let me walk you out.” I don’t want her to leave. I’m craving more time with her.

“I don’t want to inconvenience you.” She looks at where my hand is on her wrist, and I immediately release her.

Fuck. I’m grabbing at her like a desperate man. Am I any better than Pauly? I look down and apologize. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to touch you like that. I…”

“What did I tell you about apologies, Alexander Decker?” Her tone is direct and authoritative.

“Did you just use your teacher voice on me?” I look at her, and she’s smiling like I hung the moon. I don't want to tell her what that voice did to me, but it's definitely something she should spank me for.

“I did. You’re a smart man. Those diplomas from Wake Forest and Harvard on the wall tell me that. Stop treating me like some sort of victim. I’m not a fragile doll that you need to be careful with. Nor am I someone you need to keep apologizing to. Got it, smart guy?”

This is the spitfire that fucking turns me on. I love the sass. A smile slowly creeps across my face. I hear you, beautiful. I hear you.

“Yes, ma’am.” I give her a nod and a quick wink. I use my version of my teacher’s voice, but it’s the clubhouse “don’t fuck with me or else” voice. “So let me walk down with you. Not because you need an escort, but because I want to, and I’m going that way anyway.” I’ve left no question. I will walk her downstairs.

She looks at me and slowly shakes her head, but can’t hide her shy smile. “Okay.”

“Good.” I grab my phone and step toward her, gesturing her toward the door. “After you, Ms. Franklin.”

“Thank you, Mr. Decker.” She fucking giggles, and I almost lose it. I did that. I made her giggle and I feel like I won the World Series single handedly. What the fuck is wrong with me?

We walk past Elaine, who is trying to look busy, but I know she’s not. “Goodnight Elaine. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Don’t forget you have that breakfast meeting with the County Commissioners in the morning.” She tries to sound all business and professional, but she barely contains her laughter.

“Got it. Go home, Elaine.” I sigh. I will not live this down. I know Elaine heard me get put in my place, and she enjoyed it. Ashleigh and Elaine are the only other women that try to do that, and it’s rare either of them try.

“Goodnight, boss.”

Dani and I walk down the administrative offices hallway, and I try to ignore the eyes that watch us. Yep, there will be talk in the morning.

“This place feels so different when it’s empty,” she comments. “It feels so much bigger. No game tonight?”

I walk over and look out over the field. The sprinklers are running, keeping the grass in pristine condition. “We have a west coast road trip, so away games for the next week.”

“Do you ever travel with the team?” She’s standing beside me, looking around the stadium .

“Sometimes, usually at the beginning of the season, to make sure the team is bonding, set behavioral expectations, that kind of thing. By this point in the season, they don’t need me there. I may show up if I need to meet with another GM, scout a potential trade, or want to get away. Keeps them on their toes. They play one-hundred-sixty-two games, not including playoffs. Baseball is the longest season of any American professional sport, and it can be grueling.”

“Wow. That’s a lot of frequent flyer miles.”

I want to explain we have a team plane, but I remember how she often comments about money. No need to bring up things like that.

“Yeah, something like that.”

“What time do you have to pick up Tyler?” I need more time.

“He needs to get ready for bed by seven, so not for a few hours.”

“Can I treat you to dinner to celebrate your first day of school? There are several great restaurants in the area. We could even walk.”

She looks at her watch and gives a slight chuckle. “Are we really that old we need to get the early bird special?”

I look at my watch, and it’s a few minutes after four o’clock. I’m not used to leaving work this early. “Oh, I wasn’t thinking about the time.”

“You know what? How about ice cream? If Tyler and my dad got ice cream, why shouldn’t we?”

I was thinking of a nice bottle of wine and dinner, but ice cream is okay too. “That sounds good. Let’s get my car, and I’ll drive us to the best ice cream spot in town. Do you mind walking a block?” I know she’s been on her feet all day, and even though her shoes don’t have those spikes women like to wear, they do have a slight heel.

“Sure, it’s a glorious day. Why not? But you don’t park at the stadium? Or are you driven around like a big shot?” There she goes teasing me again .

“No, most days I just walk. I live over there.” I point to my building, a high rise that overlooks the ballpark.

She lets out a low whistle. “Nice.” She walks toward my building and I take a few steps to catch up. I gently move her over, so I’m walking on the sidewalk closest to the road.

She notices my gesture, and I brace myself for another lecture about not needing to be protected. Instead, I’m pleasantly surprised with one of her incredible smiles. A strange sensation fills my chest, and suddenly being rewarded by one of those smiles might be my new kink.