Haven from the Storm (Storms of Life #1) by Sarah Dosher Read Free Book Online

wasn’t anything I could do about it. I know she had her reasons for hiding from me, but I would get my chance to talk before I’d allow her to write me off completely.
    I retreated to the administration office and was greeted by a face I recognized, which wasn’t exactly a good thing.
    “Well hello there, Dean Haven. You’re looking very well,” Mindi said as she winked at me. I immediately felt my skin crawl.
    “Hey, Mindi. I didn’t know you worked here.”
    “Yup, you’re looking at the new high school counselor. I was a teacher last year, but was moved to counselor this year.”
    “Well that’s good to hear, congratulations.” I tried my best to look happy for her and not like I was about to tuck my tail and run - which I was.
    I walked further into the room, ready to get what I came for and leave. Mindi moved from behind the large counter separating the room into two spaces, the official side and the side for students and visitors.
    “Oh, Dean, I was glad to hear you would be here this semester. I haven’t seen you in forever,” she reached out and ran her hand down the length of my blue tie.
    “Yeah, college was a crazy time for me. Sorry about that.” I reached up and adjusted my tie with the hope that she would take her hand off of me. All I accomplished was making her move her hand to the side and onto my chest. “I actually came to see if I could get the locker number of one of Mr. Roberts’ students. She’s helping me catch up on last semester’s work.”
    “Of course, Dean, you’re one of us now so you can access any information about the students that you need. Here, I’ll show you how.” She laced her hand with mine and led me to a computer at the back of the room. “All you need to do is access the student information on this computer. It has all their demographic information as well as schedule, locker number, that sort of thing. If you ever need any additional information you just let me know and I’ll be more than happy to help you.”
    I took my hand from hers and placed it on the computer mouse. “Thanks, Mindi, you’ve been very helpful.” I turned my attention to the computer, hoping she’d get the hint and leave.
    “No problem, Dean.” I hated how she continued to use my name, like that somehow connected us. “So, I was wondering if you wanted to get together while you’re in town? Maybe pick things up where we left off?”
    I looked up from the computer. She was very pretty; I could see why I was attracted to her in high school. It didn’t hurt that she was a couple years older and every high school guy wanted a college woman. She had the curliest red hair I’d ever seen with light green eyes and a body that would turn most women green. But when I saw her, all I could think about was how I used her to hurt Lily. I’d never forget the pained look on Lily’s face.
    “That’s very nice of you. But I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. I’m staying with my grandmother and want to spend as much time with her as possible. Plus I’ll be busy with my student teaching. I hope you understand.” I tried to be gentle because the last thing I needed was another scorned woman making my life harder. I could accomplish that without anyone’s assistance.
    She smiled weakly. “Oh I do, Dean, but I’m here and so are you. If you get bored or need some company, just call me. I still have your number, so I’ll text you in case you’ve lost mine.” She finally turned and entered an office with a placard stating Mindi Bartlett, Counselor next to the door.
    I printed Lily’s information and grabbed it from the computer along with a blank piece of paper. I wrote a quick note to Lily and slipped it into her locker on my way back to Mr. Roberts’ classroom. Lunch was almost over, so I grabbed peanut butter crackers and a bottle of water from my messenger bag. I finished them just in time for students to start filing into the classroom.
    The rest of the day went by