Page 26 of Her Surprise Vacation Date

Boom boom boom.The low-pitched sound is similar to the rumbling of a motorcycle in the distance.

“Look, there he is!” The same man, whom I assume is an employee based on his khaki-colored uniform, points to a tall bird about twenty feet away. “See that male ostrich with his neck puffed up? There’s a sac in his throat that he fills up with air to make that booming sound you hear. It’s to let the females around him know that he’s ready to mate.”

“That’s a pretty cool trick,” Shane remarks with a low laugh. “The timing though, not so great.”

“Right?! He totally ruined what could’ve been a really romantic moment.”

“What was a totally romantic moment.” Shane steps around me until we’re face to face. He leans back against the fence and wiggles his eyebrows. “But one we can definitely continue.”

Heat pools in my stomach as he pulls me close. I land against his chest with my hands on his firm pectorals. Having his arms around me feels so comfortable and safe, but there are so many people around us. I feel like we have our own chaperones, many of whom are underage.Notthat Shane and I are going to do anything questionable—trust me!—but these kids remind me of my students. Students who are young, innocent, and impressionable, and I’m their teacher who should be setting an example of what good citizens are like. Basically, people who are respectful, considerate of others,follow the rules, and display good character. My school’s entire ABCs of Citizenship list, fromAct ResponsiblytoHaveZeal in Your Commitment to be a Role Model, is stored in my brain, making it so hard to resist falling into “teacher mode” even outside of class.

But I try. Oh, how I try.

Amidst the continualboom boom boomingof the ostrich and the enthusiastic chatter of the kids around us, I zone in on Shane’s handsome face. A sweet smile curves those beautiful lips I was so close to kissing! He leans down and nudges the tip of my nose with his, and it brings me right back to that tender moment we shared just minutes ago. I tilt my chin up and close my eyes, hoping to block out all the noise around us and prepare myself for when his mouth claims mine?—

“Hi, Ms. O!”

Uh-oh. My shoulders tense up. I’d know that voice anywhere. What is he doing here?! Even without looking, I’m sure it belongs to one of my students from a couple of years ago, Adam. There are just some kids who leave lasting impressions on your heart and gray hair on your head. Adam’s that kid for me. He’s a total charmer who’ll probably find his calling in politics someday or playing the next James Bond.

I open my eyes and promptly jump out of Shane’s arms. Now is so not the time for kissing. It’s time for me to be a responsible adult.

CHAPTER 14

Shane

Teacher:Where is your homework?

Student: I lost it fighting this kid who said you weren’t the best teacher in school.

~Unknown

Talk about getting my feathers ruffled—pun intended.

First, an ostrich stopped Hope’s and my potential kiss, now it’s one of her former students. I can’t really get mad at either of these interruptions though; I completely support any male—man or beast’s—quest to gain a female’s attention, even pint-sized ones. And judging from the way this kid is gawking at Hope, he likely has a crush on her.

Well, get in line, buddy ’cause I was here first.

“What are you doing here, Adam?” Hope asks him. “Wow, you’ve grown so tall.”

He gives her a toothy grin. “I’m in middle school now, of course I’m tall. I’m here with my dad. He wanted to come see the ostriches. I thought it was a dumb idea, but it’s cool to see you here.”

“Adam! Where’d you go?” A man with the same sandy blond hair as Adam appears. His expression changes from worried to relief when he spots him. “There you are!”

“Dad, come meet my favorite teacher!” Adam nods at Hope. “Ms. O’s the coolest. She’s so pretty, too.”

“Oh, um, thank you, Adam.” Hope’s cheeks flush as she offers her hand to Adam’s dad. “I’m Hope O’Connor. I had the privilege of teaching Adam in fifth grade. It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr.—”

“Call me Adam. Adam Sr.”

My jaw drops as he takes Hope’s hand and proceeds to kiss it. Air rushes out of my lungs in a loud scoff. Who does this guy think he is?! He put his lips on Hope! He kissed her before I did! I stand there in shock and disbelief. For a moment I feel like a high school freshman again, standing quietly by as the senior guys talk to Hope. It wasn’t—and still isn’t—a fun place to be. But I’m no longer a kid; I can stand up for myselfandmy girl. So, I step forward and show Adam Sr. I mean business.

“Hi, I’m Shane, Hope’sboyfriend.”

“Oh?”

“Oh!”

Adam Sr. and Hope have the same one-word reaction to my declaration, but his is deflated and hers is one of surprise.

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