Me: Hi Raegan. You’re beautiful. And I agree: Cats are “evil demon spawns.” Check out my profile and let me know if you’d be interested in getting to know each other a little more. -Josh

Several minutes go by before I get a response. I’m assuming this will be crafted and approved by her friends. I know how you girls are.

Raegan: Hi Josh. Good to know we share the same hatred for those furry creatures from hell. I see you’re into swimming. Another thing we have in common. And thank you … you’re quite good-looking too. -Raegan

Boom. I’m in. We continue making small-talk until Raegan’s class comes back from recess.

So far, so good.

Raegan

I head down to Jaxon’s office after tutoring is over.

This meeting will tell me how things are going to be between us after our kiss at Shoprite. He seemed fine this morning, but the girls were there so I couldn’t get a true reading on him.

Someone messaged me on Match this afternoon. I’d be lying if I said the guy didn’t remind me of Jaxon. He has the same dark hair and dark eyes. Tan skin. Muscular build. There are subtle differences, but these two could be related.

The whole point of going on Match was to get Jaxon off my mind. Now I find a match with someone who makes me think of Jaxon every time I look at his picture.

Figures.

I knock on Jaxon’s door, and he waves me in. I take a seat at the table and set down my notebook and pen. We go over the fundraiser event from beginning to end. Everything has been finalized, and everyone is on board. I’m so excited to see my idea come to fruition. I wonder what we’ll be able to buy for the school with all the money we’ll raise.

Beth pops her head into Jaxon’s office before she leaves. “Mr. Waters, I’m about to head out. I have a parent on hold who would like to speak to you about a bullying situation.”

I look up at Jaxon. “I can step out if you want to take the call.”

“No. You stay here. I’ll take the call at your desk, Beth. Thank you.”

“Can I use your computer to type this up?” I ask, waving my notebook. “Then we’ll be all set.”

“Of course.” Jaxon gestures to his computer as he walks out of his office.

I take my notebook to Jaxon’s desk and drop down into his chair. “Very comfy, Mr. Waters,” I whisper, running my hands along the smooth leather.

I wiggle the mouse to turn off the screen saver. I expect to see Jaxon’s desktop. Maybe an open document or e-mail. Instead, a gasp leaves my throat when my eyes register what it is that I’m looking at.