Susan forced herself to breath, to keep the tremors from her voice. “That’s right.”
“I’m so glad you reached out. We’ve got a girl leaving on her Mormon mission next month. I haven’t opened the slot yet, but I’d love sit down with you and discuss it.” Grace laughed. “That’s a formality. I already know you’re talented, so as long as you’re good with the students, I want you on staff.”
Susan swallowed her squeal. “That sounds fantastic. When can we get together?”
They discussed details. Time. Place. If Susan had any salary requirements. The moment they disconnected, she dropped her phone and let out the happy cheer she’d been holding back.
“Good news?” Andrew looked amused.
“I guess so. Yes. I mean, not super amazing lead-in-the-Nutcracker huge. Or one of the fairies. But she wants me to teach. And it’s a prestigious school. And”—she threw her arms around his neck, needing an outlet for the energy coursing through her—“thank you.”
He squeezed her tight. “You don’t have the job yet, and you did the hard work.”
“But like you said this morning, it’s a next step. It’s progress.” She pulled back, voice hitching when she caught his gaze—dark, intense, and she swore, trying to peer into her soul.
“I said that?” His tone dropped an octave. He dragged his fingers from her cheek to the back of her head, and caught her hair in a tight grip, never looking away from her. “Fuck. I’m smart.”
“Brilliant.” She forced out the word.
When he crashed his mouth down on hers, her pulse threatened to tear from her veins. This wasn’t like the last two times. The way he smashed against her lips, nibbling then claiming… It was hungry. Unrestrained. Terrifying. And—holy hell—she wanted more.