The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight

into the room. “Sophie, I’m glad you’re still here.”
    â€œYou just caught me.” Vaguely disappointed, she forced a friendly look. She hoped he hadn’t come to complain about the noise. “How was your day? I saw the fourth-grade teacher hauling Marcus Prine toward your office after lunch.”
    Biff’s eyes crinkled. “I earn my paycheck with Marcus and his mother.”
    â€œRoberta rushed to defend him, I suppose.” Roberta Prine, a main-street beautician, gossip and all-round trouble stirrer, was raising two sons much like herself.
    â€œYes, but Roberta’s visit isn’t what I want to discuss with you.” His tone went serious and he got that stiff I’m-the-principal look. “I am concerned about your friends who pay unexpected visits to school.”
    Uh-oh. She set down her handbag and stood behind the desk, glad for the three feet of distance between herself and her supervisor. This was her safe zone, the spot she chose when dealing with prickly parents.
    â€œIf you are referring to Mr. McKendrick, who stopped in to see how things were going with Davey, he checked in at the office.”
    â€œHis classroom visit is not what I wanted to discuss, although from reports he may have overstayed his time limit. Really, Sophie, the classroom is not the place to entertain male guests.”
    Sophie bristled. “Biff! I can’t believe you said such a thing. You know me better than that.”
    â€œYes, well.” He jerked his cuff. “Mr. McKendrick seems unduly concerned with your safety and welfare. He barged into my office complaining about the lack of appropriate security and explained how he could have wiped out the entire student body in seventeen seconds.”
    Sophie’s lips quivered. She pressed them in, bit downhard for a second to stifle the laugh. Biff was not in a laughing mood. “He said that? Seventeen seconds?”
    â€œSomething to that effect. I was momentarily stunned after he charged in like a ninja.”
    Oh, no, she was going to laugh. Please, Lord, hold me back. “He is rather ninjalike, isn’t he?”
    â€œThis is not amusing, Sophie. I run a tight ship and we ascribe to the safe schools’ programs. We have policies in place to secure our students’ welfare in every area of the campus.”
    â€œKade is in law enforcement, Biff. Perhaps he had some useful ideas?”
    â€œWell, yes,” Biff conceded, though she could tell he didn’t want to. “We can always improve. Every school can, not just us. But frankly, I didn’t appreciate the man’s attitude.”
    Sophie had seen Kade’s attitude in action. “I’m sorry. He can be a little…foreboding.”
    His gaze snapped to hers. “Are you seeing him?”
    Sophie blinked, more than a little surprised. Was that what this conversation was really about?
    Respectfully, softly, she said, “As my supervisor I’m not sure you have the right to ask me that.”
    Biff relaxed his stance, his gaze searching hers intently. “What about as your friend, Sophie? You have to know I’m interested in you.”
    A sharp pain started behind her eyes. Sophie fought down the urge to rub the spot. “You’re my principal, Biff. It wouldn’t seem right.”
    â€œThere are no rules in our school against dating a colleague.”
    Biff would know the rules. In fact, he’d probably scanned the handbook and ethical-conduct forms before coming to her classroom. Now, what could she say?
    â€œYou’re a wonderful principal, Biff, and I respect you tremendously…”
    A hint of color appeared on his cheekbones. “Apparently, I’ve spoken too soon. I’ve made you uncomfortable.”
    She inclined her head. He certainly had. “Thank you for understanding.”
    â€œYes, of course.” He glanced around at the vibrant display of all things Christmas, stiff,