“You’ve had weeks.” The only response I receive is two wide, unreadable jade eyes. Since we’ve been apart, all I can think about is being with him. How could I make it work? Is it worth the risk? I found my answer. I found the strength to go for what I wanted even if I lost it all. Even if I looked foolish doing it. But he hasn’t even given it another thought. All this time that’s passed between us, and I was just another face to forget.
“You’re telling me you haven’t given this a second thought since then?” I straighten, taking a step toward him. “You’re telling me you haven’t come up with a solution that doesn’t keep us apart for this long? Or found a way to deal with what we are risking?”
Silence. Still.
I take a deep breath. “This isn’t easy for me, Zach. I don’t…”
What? Fall in love with random customers at work? Pursue my professors even after I’ve been warned it could cost us both more than we’re willing to risk?
“You’re the first man who’s ever touched me like that,” I confess.
A lump moves at his throat, but he otherwise doesn’t seem shocked. Did he know all this time? Could he tell just by how I reacted to him? “You’re the first man I’ve ever let into my heart. I deserve some honesty. Do you want me? I mean, really want me. Or are you just biding your time? Hoping I’ll eventually forget and move on?”
The softness in his eyes worries me more than reassures. An ounce of pity lingers beneath them, and it is an ounce too many. His fist rests at his lips. He is contemplating my words. Maybe contemplating how badly he wants me even. The time passing between us feels endless, and I sigh in defeat.
Fine, Professor Hawthorne. You win.
He stands, briefcase in hand, and walks toward the door. My heart tugs forward as if connected to him by an invisible string.
It’s fine, I tell myself. I did everything I set out to do. I let him know how I felt about him, I told him I could handle the risks. Doesn’t that defeat like half of the drama in all those Hallmark movies right off the bat? But if he doesn’t want me, then there is nothing I can do to change it.
I’m fine, I tell myself.
And I almost believe it.
Until I hear the door lock behind me.
Chapter Eighteen
Zach
“Is this the part where you kill me?” Aly asks.
I laugh, dropping my briefcase to the floor by the door. “No.”
I cross the distance between us, walking back toward my desk to stand in front of her. The many fantasies and images conjured just from her standing there nearly killed me. This woman is dressed to distract, wearing something straight out of an erotic experience, and completely unafraid to ask for what she wants.
There’s no way in hell I’m denying her anything.
“This is the part where you get what you want.” My hand dips into her hair. The strands twine around my fingers like soft waves of ginger and flames. “And so do I.”
“Zach, if this is just because-”
“Don’t.” I stop her. Whatever she thinks I’m doing, I don’t want to hear it. If there are any doubts left in her mind about whether my feelings are sincere or not, I’ll make sure there aren’t any left by the end of the night.
My mouth covers hers. The warm, spiced flavor of her lips engulfs me, and I drink in every taste, worshiping her mouth. Enjoying every last inch of cinnamon and sweetness her lips have to offer. Every kiss echoes a whisper of devotion. Each taste conveys a promise. One I’m still unsure how to keep.
I can’t convince myself Aly means nothing to me, that she isn’t at the beginning and end of every thought. I can’t even convince myself that keeping her at arm’s length is what’s right anymore. I need this woman who questions me at every turn. Need her soft round eyes that make me want to change the world.
I need her with every breath in me.
And tonight, she’s all mine.
My hands slide down her waist and lift her up onto my desk. She’s still a few inches shorter than me, but at a much better angle for me to kiss her. My palms move down to her knees. I spread her thighs, moving between them, drawing her closer to me.
“I want you, Aly,” I whisper against her cheek. Her body shivers, sending a tremor through my already hardened cock.
“I’m yours,” she says, this time affecting another part of me.