I pulled into a parking place where I’d be easy to spot. And as I waited, I drummed an anxious beat on my steering wheel. I wished for magical psychic powers that would allow me to reach through the walls and read the principal’s mind—and Will’s. To know what was awaiting me so I wasn’t ambushed when I got inside.

My heart clenched. What if Will was freaking out right now? Scared, or worse? I shut off my engine and hopped out of my SUV. I started towards the building just as Griffin’s truck pulled in next to me. He quickly climbed out, scowling. “I thought I told you to wait for me.”

“Don’t turn that scowl on me. I started to worry, and I needed to get inside.” I headed for the school.

Griffin jogged to catch up, his hand snagging my elbow but not bringing me to a stop. “What happened?”

“Will got into trouble. He’s in the principal’s office.”

“Will?”

I glanced up at Griffin as I continued walking. “I know. There has to be some mix-up.”

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders as he pulled open the door with his free hand. “We’ll figure it out.”

A pleasant warmth spread through me at his words. “Thank you.”

He pressed his lips to my temple. “Don’t stress.”

“Easy for you to say. This kid hasn’t been in trouble a day in his life. Something’s wrong.” Possibilities swam in my head. Each one worse than the one before until I’d come up with all sorts of ridiculous scenarios. But I simply couldn’t stop.

Griffin’s jaw hardened. “We’ll fix it.”

“Even if he’s expelled?” God, what if his whole future had been ruined today?

Griffin came to a stop outside the office, framing my face with his hands. The feel of his rough calluses against my skin was oddly comforting. He locked his gaze with mine. “Will isn’t going to be expelled. I promise.”

Something about the ferocity of his tone had me believing every word. I reached up and pressed my lips to his stubbled jaw. Just like the calluses, they were somehow soothing. A reminder that this man had the toughest exterior but the gentlest of spirits beneath. Those three little words yearned to get out yet again. I settled back on my heels. “Let’s do this.”

Griffin pulled the office door towards him and held it open for me. I searched the space, finding the secretary behind her desk. “Hi, Nicole.”

“Hey, Caelyn. Sorry about all of this.”

“It’s not your fault. Can you tell me what happened?” I’d take any hint she’d give me.

Her eyes widened as Griffin appeared behind me. “I, uh, don’t know much, but Will punched another student in the cafeteria.”

“What?!” I shrieked.