Taco Truck Takedown: An Enemies to Lovers, Sweet Small Town Romantic Comedy: Schooled On Love, #1

By Kaci Lane

As much as she loves his tacos, she hates him even more.

 

Hadi just landed her dream job as principal of her alma mater. Now, she's on a mission to squash the small-town rumor that she got the job due to her pedigree.

 

Only one thing stands in her way of success . . .

 

Tacos To-Go.

 

Literally . . .

 

The food truck is in her way. Thanks to ex-MLB star, Christopher Cruz, who parked it in plain sight of the school campus, calling all staff and students over with his irresistible guacamole.

 

Too bad he's even more irresistible than his tacos.

 

But Hadi can't get caught up by his big biceps and salesman smile. She has a school to run and needs to prove her worth in this position.

Not to fall in love with the hometown hero.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kaci Lane
• Release date: Feb 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201848958

Book preview

Chapter One

Hadi hit send on her email draft, then scanned the checklist by her keyboard. The only task left was turning in her office keys.

She’d learned so much these past few years as assistant principal. Arguably as much, if not more, than the students. With any luck, all that she’d learned would solidify her worth in Lake Level.

When the school year started, Hadi couldn’t have imagined the longtime principal of her alma mater would retire at Christmas. Or that she would replace him. Sometimes, she still couldn’t believe it.

Maybe reality would settle in when the moving truck arrived tomorrow morning.

Hadi shut down her computer for the last time and squinted her clear blue eyes, surveying the space where she’d spent most of her late twenties and early thirties. Dark gray, block walls and a large, barren bookshelf stared back, not looking all that different from before she’d emptied them of her belongings. Hadi stood and grabbed the box holding her diplomas, desk plaque, and a handful of books. Funny how little office decor she’d accumulated over five years’ time.

Armed with her personal effects, Hadi shut the door behind her and crossed the main office area to the secretary’s desk. Everyone had gone home, so she set the keys on the huge paper calendar that spread across the desktop.

Hey, I thought you’d be gone by now.

Hadi raised her head to see Angie leaning against the doorway. On my way out.

It won’t be the same without you here.

Hadi curved her lips as she made her way toward her friend. Angie stood out among all the teachers at this school, and in a good way.

You’re coming tonight, right? Hadi asked.

Angie nodded. Of course, I’d never pass up your going away dinner, or Taco Town.

Hadi laughed. You will do well in life, Angie.

Angie giggled and pulled her long hair to one side.

You know I mean it.

Angie smiled at Hadi, her cheeks blushing.

Have you thought more about grad school? You could do this job, you know.

Angie shrugged, her gaze lowering.

The one thing Hadi didn’t admire about the young math teacher was her lack of confidence. In the few years since Angie had joined their staff, Hadi had tried to encourage her, noting her potential.

I’d love to do something like that, but I can’t afford to go back to school.

Hadi patted Angie’s shoulder. If you decide to apply, I’ll do all I can in the way of writing recommendations and searching for scholarship opportunities.

Angie’s face brightened as she looked at Hadi. You mean it?

Hadi frowned. Now, when have you known me to ever say something I didn’t mean?

True. Angie laughed, and Hadi joined her.

Hadi possessed a lot of good qualities, but subtlety wasn’t one of them. Her bluntness came as both a blessing and a curse in her career, but at least everyone knew she’d stay true to her word.

The two women greeted the night janitor as they exited the building and headed for their cars. Hadi climbed into her Grand Cherokee and blasted the seat warmers. She checked her appearance in the makeup mirror while waiting for Angie to crank her car. The old Honda had given Angie a bit of trouble lately, and the cold spell that was certainly coming wouldn’t help. To Hadi’s surprise, Angie’s car cranked fine.

Hadi let out a breath of relief. That happiness ended when she caught a glimpse of a few gray strands accenting her black hair. Hadi gritted her teeth and jerked them out before closing the visor.

A promotion, plus moving home, would likely add to her natural highlights.

On the way downtown, Hadi made a mental checklist of what she still needed to accomplish for the move. Her garden home had sold rather quickly, so she had decided to rent for the first six months in Lake Level. Several new neighborhoods had popped up since she’d lived there. And her childhood best friend happened to live down the street from her new home.

Hadi sighed. She didn’t dread change. In fact, she welcomed it. But something about going back after all these years made her uneasy. Sure, she’d visited a lot, with her parents and brother still there.

Yet, living in the same town as her family cast a shadow on anything she tried to accomplish.

An instant calm rushed over Hadi as she parked her Jeep in front of the bright red-and-green taco sign. No matter her anxiety level, tacos always helped.

Angie parked nearby and met her at the door. They entered under the infamous archway of oversized sombreros and scanned the room for their friends. From out of nowhere, Raven’s petite, blonde head popped up. She jumped and waved like a groupie at a rock concert.

And there they are. Angie shook her head at Raven. The two were best friends, but as different as gluten-free and anything on the menu at Taco Town.

You sit there, since you’re the guest of honor. Kara pointed to the seat at the end.

Hadi smiled, noting that Samantha sat in one chair beside the end, and the other remained vacant. That meant she would sit between Samantha and Angie.

Not that she would’ve minded sitting by any of these women. She did include them all in this going away dinner. However, Kara hadn’t worked with them long. And Raven was, well, Raven.

Are you excited? Samantha didn’t even wait for Hadi to take her seat before asking.

Yeah, and a bit nervous. Hadi straightened her coat on the back of her seat and forced herself not to think about everything she needed to do tonight.

Focus. Relax. She blinked, as if hoping it would erase her mind and bring her back to the present.

It will work out fine. You’re ready for this. I know you’ll do great. Samantha’s face expressed a genuine confidence.

Hadi returned her smile. Her shoulders loosened as she sat back and started scanning the menu. Great friends and delicious tacos made the best nerve-calming remedy she could imagine.

Christopher pulled his taco truck to the edge of the small shopping center facing the high school. Every Tuesday from eleven until seven, the Lake Level community knew they could count on Tacos To-Go.