I chuckle. “To be fair, it was a crazy coincidence that Nana’s ring disappeared the same night I took you to my apartment.”

“I’ll give you that.”

“And I get points for taking care of you while you threw up all night. With a raging hard-on, might I add.”

“And they say chivalry is dead.” Her eyes roll but she’s smiling.

I slide my hand across the table and interlace our fingers. “I miss seeing you at work every day, like we used to.”

“Me too. I hate that you had to transfer to a different school because of me.”

“It’s not because of you. It’s because I want to be with you, for real … like out in public. We couldn’t sneak around forever.”

“I know, I know. But the sneaking around was fun those last few months.”

“Yes. Yes, it was.” My dick hardens at the memory of all the things we did in my old office at Roosevelt Elementary.

Before I get carried away, I chug the last of my water. Focus, Waters. It’s showtime. I stand and button my jacket, making sure my tie is straight.

“Where are you going?” Raegan asks.

“Oh, did I forget to tell you? I’m the guest speaker tonight.”

“Jaxon, why are you smirking like that?” She tugs on my arm. “What are you up to?”

I wink and place a kiss at the top of her head. Then I approach the stage, swiping the microphone off the stand.

“Good Evening, everyone. Thank you for coming out tonight to join me in celebration of our incredible teachers.” I pause while everyone applauds, taking this time to search for Raegan’s mother in the crowd.

She waves and gives me a thumbs-up, holding her phone above the crowd at the back of the room.

“Tonight is a special night. Every year, one teacher from each school is nominated by his or her colleagues to be the Teacher of the Year. To be nominated means that teacher has gone above and beyond the call of duty as a teacher. We have eight teachers with us tonight who’ve inspired and astounded us. Let’s give a round of applause for these incredible teachers.”

Another pause. This time, my gaze locks with Raegan’s.

What are you up to, Waters? her eyes ask.

You’re about to find out, I silently reply.

“Before we get started, I’d like to call a very special teacher up here with me. Raegan Donahue, please join me on stage.”

Raegan’s cheeks burn as friends and faculty cheer for her. Becca motions for Raegan’s mother to take her seat up in the front of the room.

I clear my throat as Raegan walks toward me, and take her hand in mine.

“What is this?” she grits through a smile.