She popped her gum again with a smile. “Yeah. If you stick around, I might even tell you the story.” A shriek from behind her made Pantsy glance over her shoulder. “Sorry, can’t stay and flirt. I have ten princesses trying to murder each other in the back room.”

Pantsy took off, and I saw she was indeed not wearing shoes on her feet, only bright purple socks. If Nadia and Pantsy were both running classes, where were the other adults?

I followed the signs to the gym down a short hallway and stopped in the entrance as an entire herd of vaguely elementary-aged kids chased each other around the basketball court. They seemed to be playing a Lord of the Flies version of tag that involved endless running.

The sixth sense I usually had on the field finally kicked in, and I found Nadia at the edge of the bleachers crouched down talking to a little boy. Tears streamed down his face, but he nodded at whatever she was saying to him.

She looked up and our eyes locked. That same jolt hit me, and her lips tilted up into a slow smile. As simple as that, the doubts and frustration from practice fell away. Nadia glanced down at the little boy and patted him on the back. He hugged her, wiping his face on her shirt, then ran back to the group.

I skirted the edge of the game, propelled by the need to touch her. Nadia shifted her attention back to me, and my breath hitched as those dark eyes lit up. She was happy to see me, even though I was late. No recriminations, just joy. I knew the feeling. Every layer I peel back, she’s more fucking amazing.

The screaming kids disappeared as I reached for her, sliding my hands along the soft skin of her jaw to cup her face. She tilted her head up, and I pressed my lips to hers. An instinct as natural as breathing.

She sighed and melted into the kiss, wrapping her fingers around my wrists. The tightness in my chest eased at her keen reaction. I could have stood there forever with her warm breath against mine, but the sound of kids snickering reminded me that Nadia was at work.

I pulled back far enough to rest my forehead against hers, unwilling to release her after finally getting what I’d been dreaming about all day.

“I didn’t think you’d make it,” she whispered.

“And miss the chance to be at your mercy? Never.”

She took a ragged breath, stepping back until my hands fell to my sides. “I hope you’re ready to work. These guys have been clamoring for an adult to join their game.”