Ron shrugged. “It’s actually quite common.”
What was that Mr. Hot Commodity? Was this some new conceited side of her old bestie? Or had the smoke gone to Ron’s head?
“Kids often do that with an authority figure,” he continued. “She’ll come to terms with us just being friends soon.”
He sat down in the center of the couch, which had always been his spot. Ron turned to her, offering her a smile and some chopsticks. Familiarity and duck sauce washed over the mild attraction she thought she’d been feeling.
“Thanks, Ron.”
“Anytime. That’s what friends are for.”
Chapter Ten
“Ouch.”
“You okay?” Kylee looked up from her chicken and fried rice.
“Yeah,” said Ron. “Just bit my tongue.” Again.
It was the third time he’d bitten his tongue since they’d sat down to eat. He couldn’t believe what he’d said to her before they’d started eating. How had he let his big mouth tell the woman of his dreams that he wasn’t interested in dating her? It was a lie and so his mouth was obviously attacking him to force out the words he truly wanted to say.
Kylee, I’ve loved you since the third grade.
Kylee, I should’ve come after you when you ran off with that jerk.
Kylee, I want to kiss you now and never let you go.
But he couldn’t say any of that. Not because it was against the rules, but because of the perception. Ron had looked through the books. He’d spent the afternoon pouring over administration policy and procedures, and he’d found nothing.
There was no specific rule about teachers or administrators dating a parent. It was definitely frowned upon because of the liability issues and, again, the perception issue. Earlier today, Kylee had thrown on top of that pile, favoritism. Or could it be nepotism since they’d been like family most of their lives? Was there a word for showing preferential treatment to the woman you were in love with? Whatever the word, Ron knew he’d be called on it and any perceived advantage he might give Kylee could negatively affect his job.
What a mess.
Ron had taken a look at Thrive Learning Systems after the faculty meeting. Not because he had been cyberstalking Kylee, it was research for the good of the school. What he’d found just on the website had piqued his interest in the company.
He’d considered reaching out to them on his own. But now that Kylee was a part of the deal and she had personally asked him for his consideration, he was firmly in Thrive’s corner. She didn’t have to give her presentation to ensure she had his vote. The woman already had his heart.
“Moo Shu?”
“Beg your pardon?” Ron looked up to see Kylee offering him some of the dish. “No, thanks, I’m full.”
She snorted as she dropped the piece of food back in its carton. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard those words come out of your mouth.”
“I’ve gotta keep fit.” Ron patted his firm stomach.
“Right, Mr. Hot Commodity. For all those hopeful moms.”
Ron chewed at his lower lip, but the words came out anyway. “I’m not dating anyone right now.”
“Me either.”
They stared at each other for a second. Ron opened his mouth to speak then closed it. Kylee opened her mouth and then closed it. They both turned back to their plates.
Ron grabbed the morsel from the cartoon and shoved it in his mouth. He needed something to keep him quiet or he’d suggest a solution to their dating problem.
“Why aren’t you dating?” Kylee said. “Are you coming out of a long, tormented relationship that made you doubt your faith in the opposite sex too?”
There was a self-deprecating smile on her lips. But it wavered when her glance met his. Ron had trouble swallowing his food past the lump that formed in his throat.