The Principal

Chapter 14

As Lucas and I leave the café, we pause to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I offer a polite smile, keeping my tone light. “It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Smith.”

Emily returns the smile warmly. “You too, April. Now you kids behave yourselves and have a Good night.”

I nod and glance at Mr. Smith. His gaze feels heavier now, scrutinizing me and Lucas together, though his expression remains composed.

Lucas, with his arm still draped casually around my waist, gives a polite nod. “Have a good night.”

We step outside, the cool spring air brushing against my exposed legs where my thigh-high boots end and my oversized sweater dress falls short. The faint hum of conversation and clinking glasses fades as the café door swings shut behind us.

Once we’re a few steps away, Lucas gently pulls me aside, turning to face me. His hand slips down to clasp mine, his grip firm but reassuring. His sharp jawline is set, and his dark hair catches the dim glow of the streetlights as he studies my face.

My friends linger just a few steps ahead, chatting animatedly about the night’s events. Turning to them, I smile. “You guys go ahead. I’ll catch up in a second.”

They exchange glances, but without questioning me, they nod and continue down the sidewalk toward the parking lot. The sound of their laughter grows fainter, leaving just Lucas and me in the soft glow of the streetlights.

I glance up at him, surprised by his serious expression I say, my brows knitting slightly. “What’s wrong Lucas, is something on your mind?”

He exhales, running a hand through his dark hair before turning to face me fully. His hand finds mine again, his fingers threading through mine in a gesture that feels steadying, deliberate. “It’s about tonight,” he starts, his voice low but firm.

“Okay…” I trail off, unsure of where this is going but catching the flicker of seriousness in his expression.

Lucas pauses, his gaze flicking briefly toward the café behind us, as if checking to make sure we’re out of earshot. “I don’t like the way Mr. Smith was looking at you tonight.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, trying to sound dismissive, though my voice wavers slightly.

Lucas runs a hand through his hair, his brow furrowing. “I don’t know, April. It’s just... the way he looked at you. It wasn’t right. He was sizing you up, like you were a prize he was trying to figure out. I don’t like it.”

I hesitate, trying to downplay the situation. “I don’t think he meant anything by it. We’d never met his wife before. Maybe he was just... I don’t know, protective or something.”

Lucas doesn’t look convinced. His grip on my hand tightens slightly, and his blue eyes meet mine with a steady intensity. “Maybe. But it didn’t sit right with me. I’m just saying, if anyone makes you uncomfortable, even him, you tell me. I’m here for you, April. Always.”

The sincerity in his voice takes me off guard, and for a moment, all I can do is look at him. There’s no hint of possessiveness in his tone—only concern, the kind that makes me feel both comforted and slightly vulnerable.

“Thank you,” I say softly, squeezing his hand. “I appreciate it, really.”

Lucas exhales, his shoulders relaxing slightly. Then, with a small smile, he lifts my hand to his lips and kisses it softly. The gesture is natural and sweet, yet there’s a quiet intensity behind it.

For a fleeting moment, I feel like we’re being watched again, but I push the thought aside. Lucas opens the passenger door for me with an easy, confident motion, and I slide into the seat, my cheeks warm from the combination of his attentiveness and the cool night air.

As he drives, the tension from the café gradually melts away. Lucas’s hand rests lightly on mine as he navigates the quiet streets, and I allow myself to relax, focusing on the evening ahead.