Back then, when they were being sweet, he'd call her "baby." But most of the time, it was "Teacher Red." Now, though, he had a new name for her.
The tall man stood by the daily necessities aisle, picking out toothbrushes. She watched as Jack grabbed a pair and tossed them into the cart. He then explained with a playful grin.
"In private, you always make me feel like a bad boy getting scolded by his teacher."
Ruby frowned. This sudden change in how he addressed her—it felt like something was shifting between them.
"Just use my name," Ruby replied, her resistance to his unexpected intimacy clear.
"Alright," Jack agreed, smiling slightly.
"Did you get everything? I’ll go to the checkout."
"Not yet; there’s one more thing."
Ruby reached for the cart. "Fine, I’ll wait for you at the cou
