The truth is, I’m just as nervous as Becca. Though I have tenure, which makes firing me a difficult task, Jaxon still holds a lot of power over me. He could send me to another school in our district if he wanted to. I’d lose my friends and the familiarity of a school I’ve worked in for eight years. Things could get a lot worse.

But ever since my divorce, I’ve had a surge of my own power. I’ve wasted too much time letting a man control me. Too much time being belittled and humiliated. I can’t allow Jaxon to think I’m going to roll over and let him disrespect me. When you give a man an inch, they’ll come for everything else you’ve got until you’re left with nothing.

I won’t let that happen to me again.

At the end of the day, I wave goodbye to my last student. Twisting my hair into a top knot and switching from my heels to my flip-flops, I straighten up the classroom.

Joshua’s second day was tear-free. He and Hannah were glued to each other’s sides, and Jaxon is to thank for that. I hate to admit it, but I have to give credit where credit is due.

After I put the chairs up on the desks, I return to my own desk. Teachers never get to enjoy sitting at their desks. It’s the dumping ground for important papers that never get filed away in their respective homes. Mine looks like a tornado blew through the room, but I don’t have the energy to touch it right now.

On top of the mess, a colorful paper catches my eye. It’s a card addressed to Jaxon from Joshua. His kid spelling is quite good for a kindergartener. I smile as I read it. He’s thanking his principal for helping him on his first day at school.

For the first time, I wonder what Jaxon’s family said about the missing ring. Did he cry when his grandmother passed? Was he close with her? How must it feel to have lost such an important family heirloom?

I might’ve made him shit his brains out today, but I still have a heart.

I could be a jerk and throw out the picture, but I can’t bring myself to do that to Joshua. Instead, I swallow my pride and walk down to Jaxon’s office.

His door is open and for just a moment, I allow myself to enjoy the sight of him without his nasty attitude ruining the view. His suit jacket is draped over the back of his chair. The sleeves of his grey dress shirt are rolled up, revealing his tan, muscular forearms. His jaw is clenched, and a thick crease sits between his dark brows.

It’s a shame. He looks beautiful when he’s not being such a jerk.