Page 151 of Where We Stay

Honestly?

Fair question.

I crouch beside her table and help peel a strip of tape from her craft paper. “Because if glitter grew on trees, your dad would’ve cut every single one down by now.”

Aspen bursts into giggles. “Daddy hates glitter.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“He said it gets in places glitter should never be.”

A laugh escapes me before I can stop it. “I’m sure he did.”

By the time the last student leaves, I’m more than ready to go home. Honestly, all I want is to see Dean. We haven’t had much time alone together since Courtney returned to Hartwell, which I understand. He has more important things to figure out right now.

I just hope he knows I’m still here while he does.

I’m walking toward my car when my phone buzzes inside my bag.

MR. ASHFORD: Be ready at seven.

ME: Bossy.

MR. ASHFORD: You like it.

ME: Debatable.

MR. ASHFORD: Wear something warm, smart-ass.

ME: Your daughter thinks glitter grows on trees, by the way.

MR. ASHFORD: She must need a new teacher.

ME: I’m wearing something slutty now, just for that comment.

MR. ASHFORD: Good. More for me to look at, baby.

I grin at my phone like an idiot.

Some small, damaged part of me had expected him to tell me not to. To cover up. To stop inviting attention.

He doesn’t.

The fact that his response still surprises me says a whole lot more about me than it does about him.

This man is something else.

* * *

I invite Georgie over to help me get ready for my spontaneous date with Dean. I still have no idea where we’re going, which means I have no idea what the dress code is, and honestly, it’s stressing me the fuck out.

Eventually, I settle on a deep forest-green knit dress that hugs me in all the right places without making it look like I’m trying too hard. The neckline sits low enough to make me feel a little dangerous, and I pair it with sheer black tights and heeled ankle boots.

I leave my hair down in loose waves, keep my makeup soft, and add a pair of small gold hoops before pulling on my camel coat.

Turning in front of the mirror, I take in the finished look.

Okay.