Page 20 of Havenfall Harbor
I take in his appearance. He’s back in what I would assume are his work clothes—a sharp gray suit tailored to fit. For some reason I feel this look is more of a costume than the loose-fitting linen he was wearing this morning.
I push off the doorframe and let out a sigh. I should be worried about a man trying to get into my room unnoticed, but I’m more concerned he’s embarrassed to be seen with me than I am that he’s going to try to hurt me or something. Naïve? Maybe.
Griffin follows me in and closes the door behind him. “It’s good you’re locking the door,” he comments, but I don’t hear him use the lock.
I return to the small sofa, setting my tea down, and I arrange myself on the far cushion. What does it say about me that I’m willing to let him in here? Honestly, this goes beyond working together and trying to foster a professional relationship.
By the time Griffin takes a seat across from me in the chair, I want to kick him out. It’s not like I’m entertaining ideas of grandeur here, but I’m not going to find myself in a situation like Millie and Director Stone. Fawning after someone that probably gets enough attention from people interested in dating him.
“You wanted to talk about earlier?” I prompt, and there’s a slight edge to my tone, so I clear my throat.
Griffin takes his time looking around my small living space and kitchenette. I don’t know why, it’s not like any of this stuff is mine other than a few picture frames.
“Griffin,” I urge.
His light eyes slowly find mine. I blink several times in response. I have an impulse to avert my gaze, but I hold it instead. “I was rather abrupt earlier, and I thought we might finish our conversation.”
“Ah, so you’re here to inform me ofmy situationthen?” The bite is back in my tone. I get that there is plenty of crap I don’t know, hell, I’ll easily admit that I’m lacking in the supernatural knowledge department, but I hate that he’s making me feel inferior. I clench my teeth to keep myself from saying anything else.
Griffin
Shit,I probably shouldn’t be here. Quinn is sitting across from me looking all soft and sweet, but her posture is as stiff as my dick. I can see the little muscles in her cheeks flaring every time her jaw tightens. She’s pissed, and I don’t blame her, I was an asshole earlier.
I draw my hand over my mouth and part my lips, taking a deep breath and dragging her scent into my lungs. The cover of my hand hides my teeth from her view, no need to scare her too.
She lifts one delicate brow, and I know I’m about two seconds away from her kicking me out of here if I don’t start talking fast.
“Have you made any progress with Jess?” I blurt.
Quinn’s head tilts, and she looks to the right. “Jess?”
“The boy that came to see you.” I lick my lips, floundering for something to talk about.
“You mean Jon?” Her eyes narrow, maybe I should have asked about something else. “Some, I’m still getting all of his transcripts. I’ve reviewed the school charter, and nothing prevents Jon from getting in. It’s a public university, after all, but I know there will be challenges. I have a meeting with him next week, I’m working on it,” she promises earnestly. I nod, wanting her to continue. “Did he say something to you?”
“Who?”
“Jon, did he come to you, or are you just checking up on me?” Quinn crosses her right arm over her stomach.
“No, that’s not…I was just…” Christ, I sound like an idiot. “I wanted to know how things are going, that’s all,” I finish, but it’s a weak recovery.
“A few kids have started making appointments with me. I’m prioritizing the senior class, but I’ve been able to fit everyone in who requested a meeting. It’s been good, great really,” she adds, like she doesn’t buy my excuse and she’s giving a self-evaluation.
“And the staff, everyone is treating you okay?” Fuck, I do sound like I’m interviewing her.
Quinn looks to the left and nods slowly. “Yeah, yeah.” The scoff in her reply is tiny, but there, nonetheless. She’s a terrible liar. I’ll have to find out what that’s about. Her eyes come back to mine when I don’t say anything else. I let her squirm for a second, then tip my chin down.
“I mean, there are growing pains, nobody really knows me yet…I have a lot to learn about everyone here.” She bites the side of her lip. I bet it’s to stop herself from rambling.
It’s hard as fuck, but I don’t stare at her mouth. I really shouldn’t be in here. I told myself I would just come by and apologize for earlier, but now that I’m here I don’t want to leave. I’m a selfish prick.
Why the hell did I trust Mackey when he told me he had the perfectpersonfor the job? I glanced at the application, noted the name Quinn Shaw, and jumped to the very dumb conclusion that Quinn was a human male. The school needs her, she can help the students in a way I can’t, but does she have to make my fucking mouth water? I clench my jaw, mad that I’m here, madder still that I’m not willing to leave.
Quinn leans forward and picks up her abandoned mug. As soon as her hand touches it, she lifts her eyes to mine. “Would you like a cup of tea?” Her voice goes a little high at the end of the sentence.
“I’m not really a tea drinker.” Her face scrunches up before I even finish, so I add, “But a cup of coffee would be good.”
“I have water.” Quinn winces. “Sorry, I’m not a coffee drinker.”
