The Teacher

5: SKYLAR

"What is this?"

I look down at the Dior bag Roxie places atop my desk.

"The teacher's shopping spree." She responds. "She also wanted me to let you know this is her thank-you gift to you for being so nice."

"Nice? How much did she spend?"

Roxie points to the bag. "Open it. That is the only thing she purchased. Even then, she looked for the least expensive item in the store. I like her."

I open the bag and pull out a cardholder.

"You like her?" I look at Roxie. "Then go back to the Dior store and get her something in return for her kin—"

"Boss. If you want to sleep with her, don't involve me. I can help you with many things. Just not that." She blinks slowly before walking out of the office.

Dropping the card holder back into the bag, I turn my attention back to the computer. Before I knew what I was doing, I was hacking into Wren Dunnigham's phone, laptop—hell, just about anything electronic around her. I've always told myself I would never do such a thing ever again in life after Summer. Yet, Wren has now sparked my interest in her. She was offered a free shopping spree on a black card and didn't take it. Not once have I come across a woman like that.

I want her.

Her phone has been successfully hacked, and I pick up the headphones. It sounds like she is in a car. Perfect. With a little more digging and hacking, I accessed her navigation. Now, Wren, let's see where you are going.

"The dress you picked looks so good on you. Now we just need to find you a date. Call Cullen." Ahh, the friend from earlier.

"No. I'll go solo."

"You can not go solo. Wren, despite what you think, everyone knows Richard cheated. Everyone knows—I just wish you would stop kidding yourself and see it for what it truly is. A year later, and this asshole has been living his best life because and—"

"It's okay, Yiyi. I'm fine. Besides, I don't wanna go with Cullen. I'll probably sleep with one of the guests tomorrow night. Nothing says I'm over him then getting fucked by a new him." She laughs, and then her friend joins in, saying that's not the saying, but she approves.

Taking off the headphones, no longer interested in hearing the rest of their conversation—I'm pissed off. Wren is definitely interesting. She didn't want to take a shopping spree from me, a parent to her students, yet she could fuck a stranger on the first night. Wren isn't who I'm looking for. I pick up the Dior bag, tossing it into the trash bin.

Exiting out of the software. I decided not to think about Wren as someone more than my daughters' teacher. Things will go back to normal starting on Tuesday. I need to talk with the girls, letting them know they can no longer get in trouble at school. The last thing I want is for Wren to call me for another meeting.

My phone pings.

Aaron: Still coming to poker night?

Me: Not sure. I think Claudia has to leave early tonight. I will keep you posted.

Aaron: Come on, Sky, don't flake on us again. Besides, the guy I told you about who wants you to invest in his company will be here. It's his bachelor party, too.

Me: I'm not celebrating with a would-be potential client. That is not how I do business. So count me out for tonight.

Aaron: Fine. Will you attend the wedding tomorrow? I hear women who go to weddings solo are looking to get laid.