“You’re not the one who rendered him unconscious, so I’d say you’re safe.” I wink and nudge her with my elbow. “If you ever need anything, I’m in Room 1. Don’t hesitate to come ask for help.”

“Thanks so much. I might take you up on that. I could use a friend around here.”

“Then consider us friends.”

Once the building is empty, Kerry, Andrea, Michelle and I make our way toward the exit. The light streaming out of Jaxon’s office catches my eye.

Maybe the adrenaline’s wearing off after the game, or maybe this feud is draining me. Maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment.

“Oh, crap. I forgot my car keys in my classroom,” I lie. “You guys go ahead. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The girls wave, and I wait until they’re out of sight before turning into the main office.

Jaxon is sifting through paperwork while holding an icepack on his right eye.

“Planning on sleeping here?” I ask, stepping slowly into his office.

He doesn’t look up at me. “I was thinking about putting a cot next to the filing cabinet.”

I stop at the corner of his desk. “Is your eye okay?”

“Why do you care?”

“Contrary to your belief, I’m actually a compassionate person.”

“That so?”

“Plus, my mom’s a nurse. Let me take a look.”

I edge closer until I’m standing over him. He doesn’t protest as I remove the ice pack, and he lets me tilt his chin upward so I can assess the damage in the light. His dark eyes peer up at me. It’s like looking into deep, turbulent water, unsure of what’s lurking beneath the surface.

“Just some bruising and swelling.” I move my index finger back and forth. I have no clue what nurses are looking for when they do this, but it makes me look legit. “How’s your vision?”

“I can see you perfectly.” His gaze drops to my lips and his Adam’s apple bobs.

The scent of his cologne surrounds me, a mixture of vanilla and mint. With his face so close to mine, I’m brought back to the night we met. Back when he was nothing more than a beautiful stranger. Before this whole mess began.

What I wouldn’t give to be able to do it all over again.

“What would you do differently?” he asks.

My eyes widen. Shit, I said that out loud. I have to get out of here. I take a step back, followed by another, until I can no longer feel the pull between us. “Keep icing it. Take some ibuprofen when you get home. If you experience any vomiting, you should go to the hospital. That’s a sign of a concussion.”

He smirks. “Or too much whiskey.”