Only You (Adair Family #5)(38)

“Ms. Sinclair, are you all right?”

I jumped a little at the sound of my head teacher’s voice and blinked back the tears as I turned to her with a bright smile. “Ms. Cooley, what brings you here?”

Anita searched my face, concern evident. “I thought I’d drop by and see how rehearsal is going.” She repeated, “Are you all right?”

“A bit of a headache,” I lied. “I was just taking a moment.”

“If you’re certain.” Anita turned toward the children. “I’ll observe from here. I don’t want to distract them.” Her gaze moved to Brodan, who was back at the piano, chatting with Ava. “It’s all very exciting, isn’t it?”

However, it wasn’t long before Anita’s excitement died in lieu of disapproval. Brodan had returned to flirting with Ava at every opportunity, and while rehearsals were moving along, I could see Anita’s irritation building.

And unfortunately, just as I knew would happen, her annoyance was not directed at Brodan.

Finally, with a huff, Anita strode across the gymnasium. As much as Ava’s unprofessionalism peeved me, I worried about her as Anita led the young teacher from the room. I moved toward the children as Ellen had Callie repeat some lines she was struggling with. Ava returned a few minutes later, eyes downcast, cheeks bright red … and she wouldn’t even look at Brodan.

Aye, she had been well and truly chastened.

Brodan spoke to her, and she just gave him a tight nod without looking at him. He frowned and moved away to direct the kids.

I couldn’t help myself. As soon as everyone was fully engaged elsewhere, I sidled up to Brodan’s side. I could sense him tense at my proximity and I smirked, feeling a vindictiveness rise in me that no one had ever provoked. “Ava was reprimanded by her boss. That’s the world we live in, Brodan. Fair or unfair, it’s a fact. You know quite well that you’re untouchable here. A powerful man. So what does it matter if you make a young woman look bad in front of her boss as long as you’re having fun? But then, looking back, you always were a selfish prick.” I strode away before he could speak and joined Ellen on the other side of the stage.

My heart raced from the confrontation, but satisfaction numbed a little of the hurt he’d caused.





15





Brodan





Monroe was done playing nice.

I’d say I preferred her being honest over her fake bullshit “professionalism,” but there was no denying she’d pissed me off yesterday.

Mostly because what she said was true.

I’d been so busy trying to make sure she knew how little I cared about her I hadn’t taken Ava Reid’s position into consideration. I’d put her in a bad spot with Anita Cooley. It was selfish.

I fucking hated that it had given Monroe an opening.

Then again, after the way I’d treated her, I deserved it.

This whole situation with her had me off-balance. One second I was seething, channeling every shitty thing that had happened that weekend I found her with Arran into my fury. Then once I’d made it clear how little she mattered to me I’d swirl in a clogged drain of guilt. Her face yesterday when I’d said that about her being a spinster …

I had a feeling she really, truly hated me now.

It was for the best.

Even if the knowledge of that was pressure crushing my chest.

During the break in Friday morning’s rehearsal, a bake sale would open for business. We had bake sales back when I was a kid at Ardnoch Primary. Every term, the kids and parents baked cakes, sold them at break time, and the money helped fund the school.

So as soon as the break bell rang, the kids took off for the cafeteria behind the gym for the sale. Monroe disappeared too.

Lewis caught up with me. “You coming to the sale, Uncle Brodan? Mum’s there with Eilidh.”

“Of course, wee man. I’m going to fill my belly with whatever she’s baked.” Regan had proven herself awesome in the kitchen.

Tables and parents and kids packed the cafeteria. It smelled amazing. I wasn’t really a cake guy, but now and then, I liked a treat. I was unsurprised to see Walker stride into the cafeteria behind us with a visitor’s badge hanging around his neck. He’d insisted on having access to the school in case I needed him for security. Regan had talked about the bake sale at dinner last night, the dinner to which we invited him, and despite his muscular physique, Walker Ironside had a sweet tooth. He had tight control over it, but once a week, he bought pastries for breakfast and then ran a few extra miles to work them off.

“What are you doing here?” I teased.

My bodyguard scowled at me. “The place is packed. Thought it best I be here for you.”

“Sure. That’s believable.”

He cut me a dark look before a nearby table of cupcakes stole his attention.

“None of that.” I wagged my finger at him. “If you’re buying, you’re buying from the Adair table. Regan’s going to kick everyone’s arse.”

“It’s not a competition, Uncle Brodan,” Lewis informed me.

I frowned. “It was when I was a kid.” We always bragged about whose table got cleared first. It was never me. Dad didn’t bake, so it was left to Lachlan and Thane to put something together after Mum died, and let’s just say they weren’t natural bakers.