Bartender's Beauty (Culpepper Cowboys Book 11) by Kirsten Osbourne, Culpepper Cowboys Page B

sneaked out of bed while Austin was still sleeping the next morning, slipping into the shower and getting dressed. She was glad jeans and shorts were fine until the students arrived, because she had a lot of planning to do, and she was going to work more easily if she was comfortable.
    Once she was dressed, she leaned over and kissed Austin. “I’ll see you later.”
    He yawned. “I’ll bring you lunch at school.”
    “Sounds good.” With one last kiss she was on her way, nervous about her first day.
    She pulled up in front of the school and went to the entrance she’d been told would be open, and stood outside the school for a moment, nervous about entering the building. She was a lot stronger than she’d been back when she graduated, but that didn’t make it any easier.
    After a moment, she pulled open the door and walked down a short hall to the office, noting the musty smell of a school that had been locked up all summer. She passed the gym and shuddered. She had terrible memories of classes in there.
    When she got to the office, she leaned on the counter. “I’m Miss Gustafson, the new math teacher.”
    The secretary smiled at her, handing her a key. “You’re in room one-forty-three. Can you find it?”
    “Yes, this is my alma mater.” Dallas turned to leave the office, but was stopped.
    “Dallas! I’d like to talk to you for a moment before you go to your classroom if you don’t mind.” It was the voice of Mr. Shoemaker, who had been the principal even when she’d attended school there. He’d always been an affable sort, loved by kids and teachers alike. She was glad he was still there.
    “Mr. Shoemaker, it’s good to see you.” Dallas walked over to him.
    “It’s good to see you again. You were always one of our most promising students. I’m glad you’ll be teaching here.” She hadn’t gotten to see him during the interview process, because the hiring was done by the school board.
    “I’m really glad to be here.”
    “I’m sorry about your father.”
    Dallas nodded, her eyes steady. Every time someone told her they were sorry about her father, she wanted to say she wasn’t, but how rude would that be? “Thank you.”
    “So glad you married Austin James yesterday.” he asked. “That boy had it bad for you, even when you were in school here. ‘Bout time you put him out of his misery.”
    Dallas shook her head, surprised that even the principal had heard the rumors when she had no idea. “How does everyone know that? We got married just yesterday.”
    “I’m glad you finally put him out of his misery.” He clapped her on the shoulder. “I expect great things to come out of your classroom, Dallas. Welcome to the team.”
    “No pressure, though, right?” she asked with a grin.
    He chuckled. “No pressure. We both know exactly what you’re capable of. Now stop wasting my time, and get to work!”
    She hurried off to her classroom, already feeling better about her day. The secretary had been very kind, and the principal was exactly as she remembered him. She opened her classroom door and stepped in, immediately going to the window to try to alleviate the mustiness.
    She walked around the classroom, trying to get a feel for it. She’d been teaching in the same room for seven years, so it was strange to know this one would be hers. She straightened the chairs into rows, before going to sit at her desk, looking at the huge pile of books. Always before she’d been able to plan one lesson plan for all six classes. That wouldn’t be possible this year.
    She counted the books, thinking of each class as she did. Pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, algebra two, trigonometry, and calculus. It was the same number of classes she was used to teaching, but it would be so much more work.
    Dallas breathed deeply and picked up the hardest book first. She’d plan out calculus first and work her way to the easier classes. Right at that moment, she wasn’t certain two weeks would be enough time