29. Eleanor #2
“Definitely.” She takes the paper from me with a grin. “You know my strengths.”
“And I know your weaknesses,” Theo interjects. “You’ll need to stay on budget, Juliana. No exceptions.”
She huffs in irritation. “If you want elegance—”
“We want a professional event without blowing the bank,” he says firmly.
Her cheeks color, and she deflates a little under her father’s criticism. I feel for her as I remember our conversation from the tiki bar. He is hard on her.
“Jules has a great eye,” I say, trying to be diplomatic. “I trust her to keep the evening aligned with the values of Safe Harbor.” Looking at Theo, I add wryly, “And with the budget.”
He’s quiet for a moment, then nods once, eyes on the table. “I trust your judgment.”
There’s a beat of silence as Rowan glances between us, Danny leaning forward with interest. Theo doesn’t offer his trust lightly, and he almost never backs down, and I suspect they know it too.
Juliana blinks, lips parting slightly, as if surprised by the vote of confidence. I pull out the next sheet of paper, trying to get us back on track.
“Paige, I’d love to get you handling communications, logistics, and admin.”
She takes the paper from me with a nod. “Of course. Whatever you need.”
“That leaves Headmaster Wright to stay on top of items such as compliance, liaising with the board, and”—my gaze flicks to him as I stifle a smile—“budget.”
“All the fun stuff he loves,” Danny says with a chuckle.
“And I’ll oversee the event, keep everyone on schedule, and take care of any other details.” I exhale, relieved we’re almost done. “Any questions or concerns?”
“There’s still a lot to do,” Juliana says, flipping the page, but her father silences her with a look.
“I think we need to take a moment to appreciate how much work Miss Hart has already done on this. She’s spent many late nights working hard—”
Juliana smirks to herself.
“—and without Nora,” Theo continues, “there would be no Safe Harbor, no fundraiser.”
My heart fills my chest at his words. He’s slipped up, calling me Nora, but if the others notice, I don’t care.
I probably should. This group gathered to support me, to help with the fundraiser, but what would they think if they knew what was going on between me and Headmaster Wright? They’d be appalled. I’d become a laughingstock.
Well, apart from Juliana, apparently, but I’m learning she’s a bit of a wild card. Besides, she doesn’t know everything that’s happened between me and her father, and I’m not so sure she’d be on board if she did.
But as Theo gazes at me with such admiration, all of that falls away.
None of it compares to the thrill I get from the way his penetrating eyes devour me from across the table.
The same eyes that watched me fall apart on his lap, his counter, against the bookshelves in his office.
And nothing compares to the way he supports and encourages me.
The way he makes me feel like my ideas matter. Like I matter.
I gaze back at him, heart hammering my ribcage.
Paige asks Rowan something about creating an art installation for the fundraiser, but my eyes are riveted to Theo.
To the proud smile he’s trying to fight, the dynamite in his gaze.
God, I need to get him alone. I need my hands on him, his lips on mine.
I need him in my arms, my mouth. Inside me.
“Don’t you think, Nora?”
I blink, turning to Danny, who eyes me with curious amusement. My pulse scrambles as I become aware of the flush on my chest, my neck, the unrestrained lust probably written all over my face.
Jesus.
“Sorry,” I squeak, smoothing my hands over my skirt. “What was that?”
He shakes his head, a spark dancing in his eyes. “Never mind. I’ll run it by Theo.”
I shake off the nervous current running through me as the others stand, turning to leave. I want to be alone with Theo, but I’m hyper-aware of Danny’s eyes, so I stand, dragging myself from the room, away from them.
It’s probably for the best, anyway. Five seconds alone with Theo in the empty faculty lounge and I’d climb onto his lap. Besides, I have photocopying to do for my class once the assembly finishes.
Juliana stops me in the hall with a hand on my arm. “Thanks for sticking up for me,” she murmurs.
I smile. “Of course. You’re right, he’s really hard on you, but I’m excited to see what you come up with.”
“Thanks,” she says quietly. “It’s just… hard, you know?
I always feel like I’m one mistake away from disappointing him.
” She catches herself, quickly recovering with a shrug.
“Anyway. I’m excited too.” Her gaze flits past me, then returns, as she speaks quietly.
“I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep doing it. I’ve never seen him like this.”
Heat creeps up my neck. “Like what?”
“The way he looks at you. That smile he’s always fighting. He’s got it bad, Nora.” With a final squeeze of my arm, she turns and heads to her classroom.
I raise a hand to my burning cheek, heart galloping. I should be concerned by her comment, because if she noticed it, it’s possible the others did, too.
But as I head to the copy room, all I can feel is happy.