Mr. Caldwell's POV:
The cabin was small, rustic, and suffocating. Trey's voice filled the space as he unpacked his bag, talking non-stop about how he planned to out-hike the students tomorrow.
"Elias, you think I should go with the hiking boots or the trail runners? I mean, I could do both—I'm basically a machine out there," Trey said, holding up two pairs of shoes like he was preparing for a fashion show.
I barely looked up from my phone. "Whatever keeps you quiet," I muttered.
He laughed, unbothered, and tossed the boots onto his bed. "Man, you're grumpy. It's the fresh air—you'll thank me by the end of this trip."
I doubted it. All I wanted was space. Space to think, to breathe, and maybe to sneak Shella into this cabin.
That thought alone sent my pulse racing. I leaned back against the wall, pretending to scroll through emails as my mind wandered. The idea of her here, in this room, with me...
My jaw tightened as I shifted uncomfortably on the bed. My body's reaction was immediate and impossible to ignore.
Trey, oblivious as ever, kept rambling. "So, who's leading group two tomorrow? Please tell me it's not Thompson. She's a nice lady, but the way she stops every five minutes to point out a flower—"
"Trey," I interrupted, my tone sharper than I intended. "Can you give it a rest?"
He raised an eyebrow but shrugged. "Alright, alright. I'll leave you to your brooding." He grabbed a water bottle and headed for the door. "I'm going to check on the kids. Try not to kill anyone while I'm gone."
As soon as the door closed behind him, I let out a long breath, my thumb hovering over Shella's name in my contacts.
Was this a terrible idea? Yes. Did I care? Not even a little.
I typed out a message, my heart pounding with every word.
Me: Are you settled in?
I stared at the screen, waiting for the typing indicator to appear. When it finally did, my chest tightened.
Shella: Yeah, with Dani and Juliet. Why?
I smirked, my fingers moving quickly over the keyboard.
Me: Just wanted to make sure you're comfortable. The cabins can be... cramped.
I knew I was pushing it, but I couldn't stop myself.
Shella: They're fine. Better than the bus, at least.
Her reply was neutral, but I could practically hear her nervousness through the screen. It was intoxicating.
Me: If it gets too noisy, you know where to find me.
I hit send before I could overthink it, my heart hammering in my chest.
The three little dots appeared again, then disappeared, then came back.
Shella: Mr. Caldwell...
My breath hitched. Just seeing her type my name sent a thrill through me.
Me: Shella.
The tension was unbearable, and I loved it. Trey wouldn't be back for a while, and the thought of her sneaking over...
I shifted again, running a hand through my hair as heat spread through my body. This trip was going to be a test of willpower, and I wasn't sure I was going to pass.
YOU ARE READING
Lessons In Butterflies ｡ ｡ ｡ (StudentxTeacher Romance)
Romance___ "What? Oh, no. No, no, no. We are not playing family," I stammered, glancing quickly at Mr. Caldwell, who was staring wide-eyed at Theo and Leo. Leo, never one to miss an opportunity, immediately started bouncing. "Yeah! You can be our dad! And...
