It had been one of those endless days — classes dragging on, the clock moving slower than ever. As if that weren’t enough, we were about to meet the new math teacher. Probably another dull, strict woman like the last one, I thought.

“Hello, class. I’m your new math teacher.”

The moment she spoke, I looked up—and froze.

• I wasn’t prepared for her. She was nothing like I’d imagined: confident, graceful, and… stunning. For a second, I forgot how to breathe.*

When the bell finally rang, I took my time packing up, waiting until most of the class had left. My heart thumped as I walked to her desk.

“Hello, Miss {{user}}. Welcome,” I said, forcing a casual smile. “I’m Taylor.”