“Miss Collins, may I speak with you in private for a moment?” Austin asked.
She did not want to have this conversation. Michelle glanced at Sydney. Chloe was telling her about the fun games they played at recess and she seemed okay. “Of course,” Michelle said. “Let’s step into the hallway.”
Austin nodded and followed her out of the classroom. He paused in front of a wall covered in elves the kids had painted and folded his arms, eyes sparkling. “I thought for sure I’d seen the last of you.”
“It’s a pretty big coincidence.” Michelle’s cheeks burned with a blush. “Listen, about Friday. I swear I’m usually not that type of girl. I was having a rough night.”
“And I’m usually not that type of guy. Now you’re my daughter’s teacher.”
“I take that professional relationship very seriously—both with my students and their parents.”
“I understand completely. Sydney is what’s important here.”
“So let’s both agree to not speak of it again. Let’s start over. Hi.” Michelle held out her hand, relief sweeping through her. This hadn’t turned out so badly after all. “I’m Miss Collins, and I’ll be your daughter’s teacher this year.”
That half grin flitted across Austin’s face, and she wanted to melt against him. “Austin O’Neal. And that’s actually what I need to talk to you about—Sydney.”
Michelle immediately shifted into teacher mode. “Okay. What can I help her with?”
“It’s been a rough year.” Austin ran a hand through his hair. “About nine months ago, their mother decided she’d rather start a new life with her personal trainer than stick it out with us. We’re divorced now, but it’s been a messy battle.”
“I’m so sorry.” And she’d practically thrown herself at him on Friday. She was swearing off champagne for good.
“It’s probably for the best. Victoria was never a great mom. She hasn’t had much to do with the kids since the divorce, and when I told her I was moving to L.A., all she requested was that I let her visit occasionally. She didn’t want them to stay in Vegas with her.”
Michelle brought a hand to her chest. No wonder Sydney had looked so small and nervous. “That’s so hard—on you and the children.”
“Obviously I’m thrilled she didn’t fight me for custody. It would’ve killed me to only see them half the time. But my heart breaks for them. I can’t imagine knowing your mother doesn’t want much to do with you. I keep making excuses for Victoria, but I know the older two are at least suspicious.”
“You have three kids?”
“Yes. Spencer is in fifth grade—Mrs. Benson’s class. Mariah is in seventh so she’s at the junior high.”
“Thanks for letting me know about the situation,” Michelle said. “I’ll keep a close eye on Sydney and let you know if I see any worrisome behaviors.”
“I’d really appreciate it.”
The warning bell rang. Michelle had to wrap up this conversation quickly. “If their mother calls or shows up, how would you like me to handle the situation? I won’t let them leave with her if that’s something your divorce agreement prohibits.”
“I doubt Victoria will bother, but if she calls, you can speak freely with her about Sydney’s progress. I can’t prevent her from checking the kids out from school and spending time with them, but if she does show up in person—a minuscule possibility—I’d really appreciate a phone call so that I can handle the situation.”
“Of course.”
Austin’s eyes held onto hers, and Michelle’s breath escaped in a silent whoosh. Fire crackled between them. Michelle leaned toward him, the movement as unconscious as it was inevitable.
Austin took a step back and blinked. “Well, I’d better get to work. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help Sydney at home, either with the transition or her academics.”
“I will.”
Austin gave a small nod, then stuck his hands in his pockets and strolled down the hallway. He turned around, a smirk on his face, and Michelle felt her cheeks flame red. He’d caught her watching him walk away.
That relationship was out of the question. She’d had her fling, and now she would stay eternally single. Besides, he was the dad of one of her students. She wouldn’t risk the mess that might occur if they attempted a relationship and it ended up turning sour, as all of hers inevitably did. Her last boyfriend had been an older man as well, also a divorcee although without kids, and he’d bolted the second she wanted to get serious. And he’d hated that she was vegan.
Michelle watched Sydney closely throughout the morning, but she seemed to be adjusting just fine. Michelle was pleased to see Chloe and Sydney sitting together in the cafeteria before she headed to the teacher’s lounge for her own lunch.
She grabbed her bean sprout salad from the fridge decorated like a snowman and sat down in her usual spot, near one of the other second grade teachers.
“Hey, Michelle,” Dave said. “How was your weekend?”
“Not bad,” Michelle said. “What about yours?”
“It was one basketball game right after another. We spent Saturday morning running the four kids all over the city. But I did manage to take Kelly out that night. We saw Wicked.”
“I’ve been dying to see it.” Michelle had wanted to buy tickets, but would’ve felt silly going by herself.
“It was totally worth the money,” Dave said. “We really enjoyed it. The cast put on a phenomenal production. I think I’ll take her to The Lion King for her birthday.”
“I saw that one last year. Definitely worth the money.”
“Good to know. Did you see the school has officially canceled the San Diego field trip?”
“Yes,” Michelle said, regret making her tone bitter. “Can’t say I’m surprised. It was like pulling teeth to get them to fund it last year. I’m not looking forward to the students’ reactions when the principal makes the announcement this afternoon.”
They chatted for a few more minutes, then both pulled out reading material—Dave a novel, and Michelle the local newspaper. It was one of the reasons they got along so well together—they both understood the other’s need for silence.
Michelle flipped through the first half of the newspaper, only stopping here and there to read an article. The high school was doing a coat drive and having a lot of success. The mayor asked people to consider donating money to soup kitchens and shelters instead of handing it over to panhandlers. And Austin O’Neal, the new marketing director of Wellsprings Pharmaceutical, had been seen kissing an unknown woman at a holiday party over the weekend.
Michelle stared at the picture, heat flaming through her entire body. No. Way. Her face was hidden by the man’s head, but the dress was unmistakably hers. And Austin’s profile left no doubt that it was him.
Austin worked for Wellsprings Pharmaceutical. And now she was publicly linked to him. Ruth, not to mention Autumn and the rest of Their Only Voice, would flip.
Michelle quickly read through the article, anger boiling inside her. Suddenly their kiss felt dirty and cheap. She’d spent the last year working tirelessly to bring Wellsprings Pharmaceutical to their knees. They were directly responsible for the suffering of thousands of animals—helpless, sweet animals like Bella. And she’d kissed the man who was trying to put a positive PR spin on animal testing. Had he known a photographer was there? Had he kissed her because of it? There was no way he could know who she was.
“You okay?” Dave asked, eying her from across the table.
“Yes.” Michelle quickly shut the paper and shoved it in her bag. “I’ve got a few things to do before lunch is over. See you tomorrow.”
Dave nodded, and Michelle quickly left the room. Back in her classroom, she ripped the paper open and frantically turned pages until she found the article again.
It’s just a local paper, she reminded herself—a circulation of thirty thousand, tops. At least half of those threw the paper away unopened, and the other half never made it
to the end. The article was on the second to last page, and the picture was grainy and unclear. No one, except maybe Hudson, would guess it was Michelle in that photo. Except she’d worn that dress to the party Their Only Voice had crashed last month. Autumn might recognize it.
Heat coiled in her limbs, making them ache. Their Only Voice would see this as a betrayal of their trust.
The marketing director of Wellsprings Pharmaceutical. What were the odds? Almost made her miss the wild game hunter she’d fallen for once upon a time.
Michelle tried to push Austin out of her mind for the rest of the day, but it was difficult when Sydney was a constant reminder. Should Michelle mention the article to him? Tell him she was an active member of Their Only Voice?
The final bell rang and students raced from the classroom. Austin waited in the hallway. Sydney skipped toward him, wrapping her arms around him in a hug.
“Hey, pumpkin.” He crouched down and kissed her on the cheek. “How was your first day at your new school?”
“I made a friend.” Sydney’s voice was barely louder than a whisper, but the dimple in one cheek said she’d had a good day.
Some of Michelle’s anger melted away. How could such a wonderful dad work for such an evil company?
“Excellent,” Austin said. “Why don’t you go find Spencer at the front of the school, where I showed you this morning? I’ll be there in just a moment.”
“Okay.” Sydney gave a small wave. “See you tomorrow, Miss Collins.”
“Bye, Sydney,” Michelle said.
As soon as the girl disappeared around the corner, Austin turned to face Michelle. “How did she do today?”
“Great. She and Chloe seem to have become instant friends. They sat together at lunch and played with each other during recess. Academically, I have no concerns so far. Sydney is a very bright girl.”
Austin smiled, the pride evident on his face. “You’ll hear no arguments from me.”
The adorable daddy persona wouldn’t sway her. He was for animal testing. She couldn’t forget that. “So, you’re the new marketing director of Wellsprings Pharmaceutical.” It wasn’t a question.
Austin rubbed his jaw. “You read the local paper, huh?”
“Yes.”
“I’m really sorry about that. I guess my appointment is a hot topic since Wellsprings has been in the local press so much lately. I had no idea the photographer was there until after we … Well, until after.”
Michelle folded her arms. “I’m a member of Their Only Voice.”
His wide eyes and slack jaw convinced her he hadn’t known that when they kissed. “Oh. Things keep getting more and more interesting.”
“I thought you should know. Have a good day, Mr. O’Neal.” Michelle turned and walked back into her classroom, leaving him standing in the hallway. Alone.
Michelle was a member of Their Only Voice. Today kept getting weirder and weirder. At what point would the coincidences stop?
Austin opened the back door of his gray Land Rover and Spencer and Sydney piled in. Mariah already sat in the passenger seat, texting away. Lucy, the college student he’d hired, would do school drop-off and pickup most days. But he’d wanted to do it himself today.
“How was your first day?” he asked.
In the safety of their own car, Sydney’s entire face lit up. Austin’s heart melted at the toothless grin. “Great! I already made one friend. Her name is Chloe, and she’s really nice. She shared a cookie with me at lunch, and I shared my brownie with her. And then we pretended to be horses at recess.”
“That sounds like a lot of fun.” Austin’s grip on the steering wheel relaxed. He’d been so worried that this first day would be awful.
“Yeah, but everyone was kind of sad,” Sophie said. “We don’t get to go to the zoo anymore cuz there’s not enough money. I think Miss Collins almost cried.”
“Hmmm,” Austin said. He seriously doubted that Michelle had gotten teary because of a canceled field trip. She’d been tough as nails moments ago, all traces of the soft woman who’d melted in his arms gone. Funny. He could think of another woman with the ability to change on a dime.
He glanced at Spencer in the rear view mirror, his heart sinking. Spencer’s arms were folded, his brows pulled down in a scowl.
“How was your day, Spencer?” Austin asked.
Silence.
Austin pulled out of the school parking lot. “Spencer?” he repeated.
“It was fine, okay? But I liked my old school better. I hate being the new kid.”
A lump formed in Austin’s throat. “I know it’s hard at first, bud.”
“How would you know? Grandma and Grandpa never made you move.”
Austin swallowed. That was true. He’d never been the new kid, and he’d never had to watch his parents go through a bitter divorce. “I didn’t have to start at a new school today, but I did start a new job last week. That was scary too, but now I’ve made some friends and it isn’t so scary anymore. I’m really sorry this is so hard, but it’ll get better. I promise.”
Mariah snorted in the seat next to him. “You can’t promise that, either.”
“I’m trying my best here,” Austin said.
Spencer let out a gusty sigh. “We should’ve stayed in Vegas with Mom.”
“Mom’s too busy with her new boyfriend to spend time with us, stupid,” Mariah said.
“Mommy’s taking us to Santa’s Village,” Sydney said, her lip trembling. “She still likes us.”
“Your mother loves you very much.” The words sounded weak, even to Austin. How did he end up here, defending the actions of a woman who’d transformed into someone he didn’t even recognize?
After five minutes of silence, Austin flipped on the radio just to hear noise. He took his usual shortcut through a residential neighborhood, passing by a family of inflatable snowmen waving happily from a drive strip. He hated what Victoria had done to their family.
His mind flickered back to his conversation that morning with Michelle. She’d been so completely opposite of Victoria—down to earth, naturally good with children, compassionate. Everything had changed that afternoon. Her cold voice and folded arms said she despised him for working for Wellsprings Pharmaceutical. It was probably for the best. She looked ten years younger than him, for starters. She was a member of Their Only Voice. And the trump card—she was Sydney’s teacher. He should stop thinking about her.
But that kiss … Well, it was hard to forget.
Austin tried to get more out of the kids once they were home, but Mariah disappeared into her room to do homework and Spencer became engrossed with some video game. Even Sydney was too busy playing on her tablet to talk. By the time the children were all in bed, Austin was exhausted in more ways than one. He wandered into the living room and sank onto the couch, grabbing the remote. All he wanted was to watch the news for a half hour, then collapse in bed.
His phone rang, a shotgun in the silent living room. Austin picked up the cell, and his heart dropped. Victoria. He took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, then flicked his phone on. “Hello?”
“When were you going to tell me you have a new girlfriend?”
“Excuse me?”
“I saw the newspaper article with the two of you. Or did you forget that I have a friend who lives in Yorba Linda? You can’t seriously be trying to keep her a secret from me. I always know, Austin. Always.”
Anger flared inside him. He’d forgotten about the friend. What he did was no longer any of Victoria’s business. “Oh, you mean like how you kept Roberto a secret from me—for an entire year?”
“We’re not talking about me. For someone who’s always been so annoyed with my impulsive behavior, you’ve certainly moved on quickly.”
Austin let out a humorless laugh. “You might’ve moved out nine months ago, but emotionally, you’ve been gone for years.”
“You made me miserable.”
“So you’re going to punish your children because of our
crappy relationship? I haven’t once heard you ask how they’re doing. They started at their new schools today, but it doesn’t seem like you really care.”
“Of course I care,” Victoria said, and her voice was softer this time. “How was their first day?”
“If you’d called an hour earlier, you could’ve asked them yourself. They’re asleep now.” Well, Sydney and Spencer were asleep. Mariah had been on her phone, last he checked.
“I waited to call because I didn’t want them to hear us fighting. They’ve heard enough of that.”
“Hearing us fight probably doesn’t upset them nearly as much as the fact that you can’t even be bothered to call and talk to them occasionally.”
“You’re not going to turn this around on me. Who is she, Austin?”
“That’s none of your business.”
Victoria let out a growl. “I shouldn’t have to find out about your new girlfriend from a newspaper article—one my friend tells me about. You might as well tell me who she is. The press will find out soon enough.”
“It was one photo in the back of a local newspaper. The press couldn’t care less who she is or if we’re together. They wanted one splashy article, and that’s going to be the end of it.” Austin would make sure of it. First thing tomorrow, he’d call the paper and offer to give them an exclusive interview in exchange for no more unsanctioned articles.
“You can try all you want to replace me, Austin, but I see right through you.”
He couldn’t hold back a snort of laughter. How had he ever ended up with Victoria?
He’d always been a bit of an outcast in high school, the acne-prone band geek with braces. When Victoria started paying him attention, Austin had been dazzled by her beauty and ignored all the warning signs. Her thirst for adventure had intoxicated him. “If you want to talk to the kids tomorrow, they go to bed at eight.” He clicked off the phone amid her protests. How had the woman he loved transformed into the witch he’d just spoken with on the phone? Was he that bad at judging character? He thought of the look Michelle had given him that afternoon.
His phone buzzed. If Victoria was calling him back …
Mistletoe Match (No Match for Love) Page 3