I raise my hand and Jaxon points to me. “There are a lot of students whose families can’t afford costumes. Maybe we can set up a donation box by the front door. The staff and parents can donate old costumes for any families that can’t afford to buy them.”

I expect him to shoot me down, but Jaxon’s face breaks into a wide smile. “That is a fantastic idea. Great job, Raegan.”

I almost fall out of my chair from sheer shock.

Jaxon’s gaze sweeps around the room. “If nobody has anything else they’d like to add, you can all go home.”

Becca nudges me as we stand. “I think you knocked something loose when you hit him with that ball.”

“I don’t know, but I’m not buying the nice guy act.”

“You don’t have to buy it. Just enjoy it.”

I spot Michelle walking ahead of us in the hallway. “Hey, Michelle! Wait up.”

She spins around and smiles. “Hey. I was just on my way to sign up to chaperone at the Halloween dance. Are you guys volunteering?”

“I’ll do it with you.” I gesture to my friends. “The girls have their own kids to take Trick-or-Treating so I’ll be riding solo.”

“Have fun,” Kerry says. “I’d rather gouge my eyes out with a rusty spoon than stay here for two more hours for that dance.”

I shove her. “Don’t listen to her, Michelle. She’s becoming one of those old teachers who doesn’t remember how to find the fun anymore.”

Kerry flips me off before heading down the kindergarten wing.

“Do you mind signing my name for me?” Michelle asks. “I have ten minutes to get across town to make it for a dentist appointment.”

“Sure thing. See you tomorrow.”

In the main office, Beth is sitting at her desk, licking her fingers.

I lean in and sniff her breath. “Peanut butter cups?”

She just grins.

Jaxon breezes past us on the way into his office. “I have more if you want some.”

I follow him and lean my hip against his doorframe. “You’re going to give her diabetes, you know.”

He chuckles. “I like to keep my staff happy.”

“That has yet to be seen,” I mutter. “Where’s the sign-up sheet? Michelle and I want to chaperone the Halloween dance.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Really? I thought I’d have to bribe and beg people to go to that thing.”

“I’m not opposed to begging.”

Amusement dances in Jaxon’s eyes. “I’ll get on my hands and knees if I have to.”

I roll my eyes. “That I’d like to see.”

He slides the sign-up sheet toward me, wearing that confident, flirty smirk. “Name the time and place, Ms. Donahue.”

I squirm under his unwavering gaze, unable to form a witty retort. Is he flirting with me? What’s happening right now?