Chapter SEVENTEEN-AVERY

A few days later.

“Did I mention how good you look, Avery? Every day this week, you’ve arrived on time, no complaining about your car, and girl, you are practically glowing,” Casey remarked during our morning coffee break.

We were sneaking it in the back of the gym, avoiding a certain assistant principal who seemed to be extra attentive this week.

“Oh stahp,” I said with an exaggerated eye roll.

“Seriously, what’s your secret? And does it have anything to do with that super huge, super-hot guy who’s been picking you up after work?”

“Dante? Yeah, I would have to say it has everything to do with him,” I confessed, and grinned.

“I knew it! Where did you even find him?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’m from the city. I only moved up here to take care of my Gramps, and it was like culture shock. I mean who even knew they had cowboys in New Jersey?”

“Oh, well, yeah. We got ‘em, for sure.” I giggled.