Page 15 of Property of Scythe
She’s growing up too fucking fast.
I turn and scan the room, catching the blackboard with the name Ms. Bishop printed in neat handwriting with white chalk. I don’t have time to make the connection to the lastname before I see her, freezing as I glimpse Mila’s new teacher. None other than Lottie Bishop stands with a few parents, greeting kids and families.
Fuck me.
She’s wearing a short navy plaid dress that hugs all her curves, and I’m instantly having naughty schoolgirl fantasies pop into my head. She’s wearing a thin sweater over the top layer, but I can still see the swell of her breasts beneath the fabric. Long, tanned legs are bare to my hungry gaze, and I gobble up every exposed inch, nearly salivating at the sight.
Christ. I’ve been single for too long.
Not just that. It’s been months since I took a woman into my bed. I have fucking needs, and my hand isn’t cutting it.
And that’s when her head lifts and our eyes meet. For a brief second, they betray her surprise. I can’t help my grin because I’m going to be seeing a lot more of Lottie Bishop.
Mila chooses that moment to rush to my side, crashing into my stomach as I laugh. “Daddy! All my friends are here!”
“That’s awesome. Why don’t we go meet your teacher?”
“Is she nice?”
“Let’s find out.” I reach for her hand, and she’s suddenly shy, nearly dragging her feet as we approach Lottie. “It’s okay,” I assure Mila, knowing she just needs a little reassurance.
“Daddy,” Mila says a little too loudly. “She’s so pretty.”
Oh, I agree. “I saw her name on the chalkboard. It’s Ms. Bishop.”
We reach Lottie, and she seems to notice Mila’s shyness without me having to say a word. This beautiful young woman drops to Mila’s level on her knees and smiles at my daughter like she’s the only other person in the room.
“Hi. I’m your new teacher, Ms. Bishop. Are you one of my students?”
Mila nods.
“What’s your name?”
“Mila Madden.”
“That’s a lovely name.” Her smile widens. “You know, my favorite princess is Elsa.”
Mila gasps. “She is?”
“Oh, yes. I love singing all the songs in the movie. My favorite is “Let It Go.” What about you?”
Mila stares at her with wonder and a bit starry-eyed. “That’s my favorite too.”
“Well, maybe the class would like to listen to some music during circle time. What do you think?”
“Yes!”
My little girl is out of her shell without realizing it, and I have Lottie to thank for it. This woman intrigues me more every time I see her. She’s genuine, sweet, kind, and patient. Qualities that I want to influence my daughter. Ms. Bishop is the perfect choice for Raven’s Crest Elementary’s second-grade class. It’s almost like the town handpicked her for the job.
Lottie rises to her feet and holds out her hand. “Would you like to help me get everyone to their seats?”
Mila doesn’t hesitate.
Lottie gives me a nod and a confident smile before they walk away. I head toward the door, noticing I’m the last parent to leave. Christ. I guess I’m not hiding my attraction or fascination with the new schoolteacher.
I wave at Mila, but she’s so engrossed she doesn’t see. That tightness in my chest flares before it recedes. She’s in good hands. I’ll see her when I pick her up.
There’s only one elementary bus, but since my hours are so flexible, I don’t sign Mila up for it. I’ve always been the one to drop her off and pick her up, and now I’ve got even more incentive. This school year should be interesting.
