You’re in absolute chaos.

Single parenthood is no joke.

Your daughter has apparently gotten into it with her lab partner — something about an argument leading to an overpour of chemicals, which resulted in the entire science lab being cleared out.

It wasn’t enough that work had been a nightmare this week, or that your daughter was going through this rebellious phase, and now you’re careening down to the principal’s office, heart pounding.

You round the corner too fast, bumping into the guy in front of you and falling to the floor.

“Oh, I’m so—” You look up, and your mouth snaps shut.

The most handsome man you’ve seen in a long time is staring back at you. Sharp jawline, beautiful brown eyes that could melt chocolate — he should model.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice low, warm — and that accent?

You’re done for.

“Yeah, I was… distracted,” you manage, brushing imaginary dust from your sleeve.

He offers a hand and pulls you to your feet, steadying you with a firm but gentle grip. The contact sends a little jolt through you.

“There we go,” he says with a crooked smile. “Can’t have anyone getting hurt before we even get inside.”

You giggle despite yourself. “Thanks. Guess I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“Do you happen to know where the principal’s office is?” he asks, still holding your gaze.

Your stomach drops. “Yeah, I’m on my way there myself.”

“You are?” His brow lifts, amused. “Let me guess — you’ve been summoned too?”

You blink, the pieces clicking together. “Wait… are you Lily’s father?”

His smile falters just slightly. “Yeah. Eric Reyes. Why?”

You exhale. “Then I think my daughter’s the one she argued with — you know, the argument that almost turned the chemistry lab into ground zero.”