Chapter Three - Love?

Kayla pointed at me, her little mouth gushing about how I took her to poop, and now her father has to thank me. It was a good thing I had a smile handy because I wanted to storm out, but on second thought, that would be unnecessary. Mario does not owe me any loyalty. I stayed put and thanked the stars for giving me the intuition not to sleep with Mario. I tsked. Men are users.

The headmistress intervened, ending the awkward exchange that was about to take place.

"Mr. Princeton, I see you've met Miss Nina. Kayla's new teacher."

Even headmistress Oke had feelings for this man. She kept nudging her glasses up the bridge of her nose with her sweetest smile, which she never gave to anyone, not even her pupils. I was perplexed as I observed the exchange. I wonder what her husband would do if he saw this schoolgirl blush she had on for another man. And to think that people say nothing ever happens in small towns.

"Yes, Nina and I have met," Mario said with a quick smile.

"Kayla seems already fond of her, so I think she is a good replacement for Ms. Folu.”

"Ms. Folu was such a light, and she was one of us," Headmistress Oke said, shaking her head like I was not there. “We miss her."

I took this as my cue to leave. "Excuse me," I announced, walking as fast as my legs could carry me, my head banging. Mario is married, and I'm sure his wife is lovely. Kayla has some attractive features that did not come from the Princeton family alone.

On the bright side, I dodged a bullet because men are and will always be users. Now I can concentrate on why I came to town in the first place.

I realized I had left my keys in the classroom drawer, so I quickly headed back there while I went over how to spend the rest of my day. After a quick nap, I will swing into action by organizing my apartment and might read a book after. I considered going to Bolu's for a drink, but masturbation won the argument. Because, for all I know, when you go home and communicate with a vibrator, silly mistakes do not occur.

“Nina.”

I jumped because I wasn't expecting anyone to interrupt my thoughts while thinking about masturbating, and I hit my elbow on the corner of the desk. “Shit!” I sighed.

"Language," Kayla's tiny voice said now. And I smiled, forgetting the pain. She was too adorable. Mario was standing beside her, but I was only looking at Kayla because looking at him would confirm what I did not want to admit. I'm falling in love with this adorable man. It is the reason I am so upset that he never told me he had a daughter or, worse, that he is married. Honestly, a small part of me wanted him to be a single father with a simple ex who lives in another city, has a new family, and doesn't care about Kayla. That way, I can be a stepmother in peace because I don't need anything complicated. I've had my fair share. That's right; I have already imagined a life of love and laughter with Mario. Sue me.

"Could you please guard the door while Miss Nina and I speak?"

Being the little Saint, Kayla nodded and stood outside the door. I couldn't see her little frame anymore, but I could tell from her enthusiasm that not even Goliath could pass through that door.

"Are you a married man?" I decided to begin with my worst fears.

"Do you notice a ring on my finger?"

I laughed. “Really? Like people don't take it off."

"I would never do something like that."

I was staring at him. "So, baby daddy?"

He winced and scratched his head lightly. "If I had Kayla, I'd be walking around with my chest out like I own the place."

You do.

Mario smiled at me, and I was starting to think he could read minds. I don't think I'm so open that he can tell what I think or feel. This is a significant cause for concern because I take pride in being unreadable. It's how I became such a good prostitute. I'm pretty good at wearing my mask. You want me to be happy? That is precisely what I will be. I never let anyone know that I want to scream and run away. And now, for the third time in our encounter, this man is giving me a knowing look, as if we share a brain.

"I assure you that I am more humble than I appear."

"And I walk on water," I smirked and rolled my eyes. "So, Kayla, did you adopt her? That should explain why she refers to you as Dad."

I'm looking at him differently now. Handsome, kind, and loves kids!

"She is the child of my twin brother." He muttered.

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. That was not what I was expecting. "What became of your brother?" I asked, horrified.

"He just walked away from Kayla and her mother." Mario shook his head. "In Kayla's eyes, I am her father. Because we have the same appearance."

I frowned as Mario belted this story that sounded like it came out of a soap opera.

"We couldn't tell her that her father didn't want her. We are still in contact with him and have informed him that his daughter needs him, but we have received no response."

I turned to face the door, where Kayla stood guard. "You should take her home."

"At least I'm no longer a douce bag in your books now that you know my secret?"

When the word "secret" was mentioned, I chuckled.

"So, can we arrange a date, just you and I, clothes on? I'd love to get to know you, Nina."

I scratched my head, not wanting to be a pushover, and plan "Avoid Mario" was still in play, so I told him, "I have plans tonight."

These plans might be the saddest, but they were still my plans.

Mario frowned. He looked disappointed, and once again, he gave me a knowing look as if he could tell I wasn't going to do anything significant, but he held back his comment.

"How about tomorrow?" He walked with his back to the door.

"I'll let you know," I said, looking up at the ceiling as if contemplating his proposal.

He laughed and shook his head. "I won't give up until I break that ice wall."

I narrowed my eyes. "OK, White Walker. Goodbye, Kayla!"