“Let’s go to the principal’s office,” Mrs. Leonard said. We walked down there together as more kids arrived at school. We were ushered into a room where the principal sat. Mrs. Leonard explained the situation to him and apparently Easton wasn’t the only child this boy was bullying.
“We don’t tolerate bullying at this school,” the principal said. “We’ll put a stop to it.”
“How?” Dad asked.
“In these cases, we usually send a letter home to the parents.”
Dad rubbed his chin. I knew that movement. Something big was coming. “That’s not good enough. Easton isn’t the first child to experience the brunt of this boy’s bullying. I’m sure you’ve already sent a letter home and it obviously didn’t work. Do something else or we go to the school board and the news. I have influential friends in this town and can make this as pretty or ugly as you like.”
“Is this a threat?” the principal asked.
“Not at all.” Dad smiled. “It’s a promise. Thank you for your time and action on this issue.” He rose to all of his six feet and three inches, dwarfing the principal. Dad was imposing when he wanted to be.
I walked Easton back to her room, along with Mrs. Leonard.
“Ms. Bridges, thank you for coming in. I promise to keep an eye out for Easton.”
“Thank you.” I hugged my daughter and left. If this didn’t stop, we’d change schools.
After dropping Easton off, I headed straight to work. This was my usual routine. It allowed me to leave early to pick her up in the afternoons.
My nose was pasted to the computer when Dad texted.
Dad: Hey, can you pop over? The interviewee is here.
Me: OMW
I grabbed a notebook to jot things down and walked across the hall. As I entered Dad’s spacious office, both men stood.
“English, I’d like you to meet Tristian Baines. Tristian, this is my daughter and graphic artist extraordinaire, English Bridges.”
I turned and extended my hand but was caught in mid-stride. Facing me was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. With eyes like steel and coal-black hair, he smiled, revealing a set of perfect pearly whites behind full lips that I wanted to kiss.
He took my extended hand, saying, “It’s a pleasure.”
“Indeed, it is,” I croaked, then cleared my throat. When I sat, Dad raised his brows.
“By the way, Tristian, English is single.”
What the fuck! My dad had just embarrassed the hell out of me. I conjured up the nastiest scowl in my armamentarium of scowls and flashed it at him. All I received in return was a happy face. “Well then, did I miss anything?”
“No, we were just getting started. Tristian, why don’t you give us a rundown on your experience.”
“I’d love to. I’ve done plenty of shoots around metro Atlanta, as well as Manhattan and LA.” He reached into his bag, pulled out a portfolio and handed it to Dad. “Here’s a detailed sampling of my work. I also have references from some publications I’ve worked for. I’ve mostly done freelance, which is why this particular position holds so much appeal for me.” He went on to give an in-depth history of his education and intern work, which was quite impressive. My inclination was to hire him on the spot, but I was swayed by his sexy voice and appearance.
Dad asked him plenty of questions that dealt with the nuances of photography—lighting, favorite subjects, buildings, scenes, etc.—and then got into the technical aspects of it. They were already bonding as they laughed over shared epic failures.
“English, do you have any questions for Tristian?”
Dad startled me as I was gazing like a loon at Tristian. “No, other than when could you start?” A giggle bubbled out of me, making me sound like a teenager. What the hell!
Dad smiled and said, “Yes, good question.”
“I’m wide open.”
“Do you live in Atlanta?” I asked.
“Yes, as my CV states, not too far from here.”
Ugh, I was such an idiot. “Uh, right.” I mentally facepalmed.
Then Dad began talking money. I decided it was time to exit. “Excuse me. If you’re finished, I’ll head back to editing.”
“Yeah. Hey, English, let me know when you have the rest of the northern lights photos done.”
“I will.”
Back in my office, I collapsed in the chair and fanned myself. Then I searched for Tristian’s CV in my computer. When I found it, I digested all his information. He was twenty-seven, sexy, well-educated, sexy, hopefully single, sexy, and did I mention sexy? Dear God, being around him every day was going to be… sweaty.
Then a lightbulb blinked to life in my brain. This was it—the perfect distraction from Stuart! If I allowed Stuart to see Easton, I couldn’t possibly become wrapped up in him again with Tristian around. Even though Stuart was attractive, he didn’t measure up when compared to Tristian.
I was still daydreaming when Dad cruised in. “You like him. And I’m not talking about his work.”
“Hmm?”
“Tristian. You’re attracted to him and don’t deny it. I saw the way you looked at him. No, not looked. You ogled him, English.”
“Well, it was difficult not to. He’s very handsome.”
Dad threw back his head and laughed.
“Why is that so funny?” Crossing my arms, I leaned back.
“Because I’ve never seen you act this way.”
That much was true. He’d caught me, dammit. “I can’t deny it. Truth be told, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone that good-looking before. He’s definitely a smokeshow.”
“I approve,” Dad rattled off. “I did a background check on him, you know, as I do on everyone I hire.”
“Already?”
“I ran it after I reviewed his résumé. We do live in a world dominated by tech, you know. Anyway, he was so outstanding on paper, I knew I’d want him on board.”
“Makes sense.”
“His record is pristine. Never been in trouble with the law, outstanding work record, good family, nothing there to make me nervous about the two of you together.”
I held up a hand. “Hold on a minute. Aren’t you jumping to conclusions? He may not even be interested in me.”
“He is. I saw the way he checked you out.”
“Checked me out? Dad, you’ll be his boss. That’s weird.”
“How so?”
Was he serious? “Um, weird as in dating the boss’s daughter. How will I know if his motives are sincere or not?”
Dad threw out his hands. “Jesus, English. There’s nothing in it for him. He’ll be freelancing for me. It’s what he wants. There is no ladder to climb.”
“Don’t be obtuse. You’re famous. It’s why he’s here and if he dates me, that puts him even closer to you.”
“But it won’t make a difference. If he’s good at what he does, I’ll put him to work and pay him well, whether he dates you or not. He’ll be close to me either way.”
“He doesn’t know that.”
Dad laughed. “Now you’re the one jumping to conclusions.”
“No, you are. You think he’s going to fall all over me.”