Chapter Nine Cassian
(One week later)
Jock and I wait at the bakery for Zenovia to finish packing the boxes. I will never get tired of watching her create the cookies. She’s made the cutest little Hounds jerseys and footballs with the Hounds color. Red and grey.
“Mr. Austin, she’s the absolute best.” Jock pats his hands on the counter and my lovely girl giggles as her cheeks tint red.
I walk around the counter and wrap my arms around her waist as I kiss the top of her head. “I agree. She’s the best.” I hug her a little tighter. She closes the box before she turns in my arms and kisses my cheek.
“I’m done. You two can take the boxes.” She steps away from me and takes off her apron. “Are you ready for tonight?” She asks Jock as he takes two boxes. I grab two more boxes, and she grabs one of the boxes to follow us out to my truck.
Things have been crazy the past week. I received a note every single day.
The notes were getting weirder by the day, and I’m used to weird, but this is a little too much.
Yesterday, I got one saying they couldn’t wait for us to be alone.
She has enough stamina and medication to have me the whole weekend long.
This freaked me out, and Jaylen didn’t like it at all.
He feels that whoever is sending the notes doesn’t like my relationship with Zenovia and will make a move soon.
What scares me is that the person is getting bold and fantasizing about me in their bed.
I didn’t sleep that night. I couldn’t. Every time I closed my eyes I saw Zenovia in a pool of blood while a lady was standing over her. I haven’t been far from Zenovia since receiving the letters. I’m either at her place, or she’s at mine. I don’t want her out of my sight.
Today, however, I need to be at the football field with all the other teachers, but Jaylen and Jordan will be with her. I worry that something might happen to her. I won’t relax until she’s back by my side.
“I’ll see you a bit later.” She hugs me after we loaded the boxes into my truck.
“Be careful. Lock the door and wait for Jaylen to pick you up,” I beg her, and being the amazing girl she is, she reassures me that she will be alright with a sweet kiss on my lips.
“Jordan is just down the street, and I’m sure Jaylen is on his way. Go get everything ready, then tonight we can have some time alone. Just me and you.”
I kiss her one more time before I walk her back to the bakery and make sure she closes the door.
Just as I turn around her friend Jordan bounces down the street.
“I got her. Go!” She waves me off, and I hug her before I walk to my truck.
As I get in, Jock looks down at his hands. “Sir, is everything alright? I’ve noticed you being a little jumpy and ensuring your girl is looked after.”
“Everything is fine. I’ve just been busy,” I state as I pull away. I wave at Jaylen as he passes me and I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding. “It’s just been a little stressful this last week.” He doesn’t need to worry about his teacher's problems.
I’ve been watching Valerie the last few days, and she seems to have a crush on me, but can she really be the one sending me messages? She doesn’t seem dangerous, or even that desperate.
We pull into the football field parking lot and exit the car. Jock waves some of his teammates and the cheerleaders closer to help with the boxes.
“Grab a box, and the cheerleaders can hand the cookies out during halftime,” Jock orders, and I can’t help but smile at his leadership. He might be the team's quarterback, but he treats everyone with kindness and care.
I help them take the boxes to the tables and set them up.
The cheerleaders all gather around me, and I freeze when I feel someone’s hand brushing against my lower back, just above my pants.
I turn to see who it is, but I can’t. Four girls are standing behind me, and Valerie is standing next to them.
If she was the one who did it, I wouldn’t know about it.
I take a step to the side to ensure I can see her. “Mr. Austin, will you be staying for the game?” Evy bounces around as she speaks. She has way too much energy.
“I am,” I answer, not paying attention to anything as I keep my eyes on Valerie. I hear a whistle and turn to see Jaylen and my beauty waving at me from the bleachers. “If you’ll excuse me.” I jog over to them without giving Evy a chance to say anything.
I shake Jaylen’s hand as I pull Zenovia against me to kiss the side of her head. She wraps her arms around my waist. “It’s colder than I thought it would be.” She shivers against me, and I wrap my arms around her to try and keep her warm.
“I have an extra jacket and blanket in the truck. Let me go get it.” I kiss her lips. Jaylen walks with me as we head to my truck.
“She’s great. You lucked out.” He laughs. Both of us stop as we see Valerie, Evy, and a few other girls standing near my truck. They should be on the field. The cookies have been removed from my truck by the football team.
“We need to go get ready,” Evy tells them, and they nod before she leaves.
“Hello, Mr. Austin and Mr. Austin’s friend.” They all say at the same time before waving at Jaylen and me. We nod in acknowledgment as we walk past them.
Someone grabs my arm, and I look down at Evy. “Sorry, sir. I was hoping I could speak to your girl. I’m looking for a part-time job, and baking is dear to me.” I scan her eyes for any deception but can’t see any. She really wants this.
“Sure, why don’t you meet us after the game and we can talk to her?”
“I’ll do that. Thank you, sir.” She runs to join her team.
“Be careful with those girls,” Jaylen warns, and I nod. I don’t think Evy or the others are a danger. They’ve never shown any signs of being interested in me, but then again, it could be anyone. Just because Valerie is openly flirting with me, doesn’t mean that it’s her.
I unlock my truck and pull out the blanket and jacket. I can’t have my girl freeze. If we weren’t at school, I would have warmed her up.
Jaylen and I head back to the bleachers. As I round the corner, the most beautiful sound catches my ears. Zenovia laughing with someone. Her laughter lights up my whole being. I never thought being with someone could feel this good. Could make a person warm from inside just hearing her laughter.
“You lucky bastard.” Jaylen lightly punches my shoulder. I am one lucky bastard. I got the perfect girl, and I ain’t losing her for anything.