Sophia quickly positioned her suitcase between herself and Christopher, using it as a shield to avoid his attempted hug. "Mr. Adams, are we heading out now?" she asked.

Christopher, too excited to care, didn't seem bothered by her cold demeanor.

"Yes, yes, let's go!" he exclaimed eagerly. He couldn't wait to get out the door—his mind was already racing ahead, fantasizing about taking her to bed.

He dropped the attendance book he had been holding and hurried to ...