Rules
Two steps at a time, Eddie remembered that he hadn't eaten any breakfast. Too late now. The cafeteria was closed and there was another hour and a half till break. Huffing, slightly out of breath, he skidded onto the landing, reaching out an arm to open the door.
"Cutting it a little close, Mr Lawson."
He spun around, feeling the tops of his ears turn red. Rachel was staring at him, brow raised, arms crossed. The smirk on her face a confirmation that she wasn't as annoyed as she sounded.
"I, erm…"
"You missed form time. I had to get cover." She dropped her arms to her side, sighing. "I don't expect this kind of behaviour from you."
Eddie wanted to be witty, to say something that would make her blush. But it was too early in the morning and he'd hardly had any sleep. Or his morning coffee.
"Well, I insisted that I needed to go home and get the work for today but, oh no, we just had to go back to yours." He felt himself ramble on, her grin growing wider with each word. "So, of course we woke up late and of course I couldn't find one of my folders. Then I forgot where I put my keys and I didn't have time for coffee…"
"Then perhaps you can come finish your excuses at break time. There'll be some coffee waiting."
He blinked sleepily, only focusing on the hint of coffee. "That would be great."
She was already returning back to her office, peering over her shoulder at him with a wicked smile. "But don't be late again, please. If the kids have to be on time then so do you."
Eddie stared after her, no retort in mind. He wished he knew how to say no to her. Then perhaps he would have gotten some coffee and a good night's sleep.