Not Your Match Read Free Page B

“I haven’t danced since college. Law school got chaotic, and now work’s insane.”
    “That’s too bad. You loved it.”
    Andi pierced him with a challenging gaze. “Have you danced lately?”
    “Okay, you caught me. I haven’t made time for it either.”
    “Ah-ha!” Andi pointed a finger at him as though she’d found him with his hand in the cookie jar. Ketchup dripped from the burger she held in her free hand onto her plate, and she quickly took a bite.
    “I’ll start dancing again if you do.” Ben lifted his eyebrow in challenge.
    Excitement flashed through Andi. “Careful what deals you make, Ben. I might take you up on that.”
    “I hope you do.”
    That made Andi blush. She quickly bent her head and grabbed a chip from her plate, trying to hide her flaming cheeks. Seriously, what was wrong with her? This was Ben. “Tell me about this new job of yours.”
    His face changed, lightening. “I don’t know much yet. I’ll know more after meeting with the principal on Monday. I’m excited, though. This charter school has some serious financial donors, so I’m hoping they have awesome lab equipment. I can’t wait to dive in.”
    “Seems like you love your job.”
    “I do. It was hard to leave my students in Mesa, but I’m excited for a new challenge.”
    “Are you still flipping houses?”
    “I haven’t in a year or so. Maybe I’ll pick it back up.”
    “You should. If the pictures on Facebook are any indication, you’re good.”
    “I don’t know about that, but I enjoy it.”
    Andi smiled, resting a hand briefly on Ben’s knees before taking another bite of her burger. “I’m glad we ran into each other tonight.”
    He motioned to her plate. “It’s because I made you that delicious burger.”
    “Well, that and the fact you haven’t mentioned even once how amazing Adam is.”
    Ben snickered. “Are you trying to say Rachel isn’t as much fun as she used to be?”
    “I swear ninety percent of our conversations center around Adam.” Andi rolled her eyes. “They’ve been married almost a year. You think she’d have calmed down.”
    “I promise to keep my discussions of Adam to a minimum when around you.”
    “So considerate.”
    “I’m going to grab a soda. Want anything?”
    “I’m good, thanks.”
    “Okay. Be right back.”
    Andi watched as Ben walked away. His jeans hugged his hips and back end, and Andi’s body temperature rose. That was definitely new since high school. Looks like this year, Christmas had come early.

 
     
     
     
     
     

     
    If Ben had told his fifteen-year-old self he’d one day find his fresh start in a high school, he would’ve laughed in his own face. But when Adam had mentioned he knew a principal looking for a science teacher, Ben jumped at the chance. He’d interviewed for the job over the phone and been hired on the spot. Had it really only been a week ago?
    “Your students have had a rough year,” Principal Stewart said. “Yes, sirree. Probably should’ve hired a new teacher last year when Peggy got sick, but didn’t want to edge her out. She was a good friend, may she rest in peace.” He leaned back in his office chair, resting his hands on the enormous silver belt buckle that showcased a Texas star. Ben wasn’t sure what he’d expected from Principal Stewart, but someone wearing cowboy boots and a bolo tie hadn’t been it. “They’ve had a string of subs while Peggy was out on sick leave, and the students are taking her death pretty hard. She was a favorite ’round here.”
    Ben nodded, not really sure what to say. He was sorry to hear of the elderly teacher’s passing, but mostly he was grateful for her job.
    “Anyhoo, the subs haven’t known how to teach or discipline worth a darn. I worry your students are severely behind and will need a lot of help in order to pass the end-of-year test. You’ve got your work cut out for you.”
    Ben took a deep breath. He needed something to distract him from the disastrous life