Page 16 of Forbidden Obsession

“The credit card limit.”

Emma and Alice laughed, and Sofia twisted her lips. “It plays a big role. I won’t lie. But,” she lifted that red fingernail again, pointing in my direction. “Everything I said is valid. You’re free, and I’m…me.”

“Hey.” I rubbed her forearm. “There’s nothing wrong with being you, Sofia.”

Her forehead creased, and her lip puckered. “Did you just hear what I said?”

“Yes. And you know what I heard? You have stability, protection, and love. Call me crazy, but I’d rather have that any day.”

Sofia’s brows dipped as she thought it over.

Alice and Emma nodded.

“I love how you’re able to see the bright side of life,” Emma said. “It’s just another thing to add to that long list of things Sofia said that makes you great.”

I smiled. These girls really filled my heart with love. Sometimes it was as if I’d known them my whole life. And while they made my life sound like a dream, there was one thing they didn’t know.

The man I wanted didn’t want me. At least his excuse—which was a really good excuse—was that dealing with a student in any romantic way would kill his career.

“I can assure you, Penelope, nothing you or anyone else does can ruin me.”

I bit my bottom lip, feeling the sudden urge to take a drive, but I’d wait until tomorrow when I returned to campus.

Then, I wouldn’t take my eyes off Professor Lucas.

5

Penelope

Ibreathed in the salty smell of the New York streets, mingling with the scent of freshly-cut grass from the school's fields as watched Dominic walk out of the campus gates, his tall and muscular figure a sight to behold. He wore a navy-blue suit that hugged his broad shoulders and a crisp white shirt accentuating his chiseled jawline. His dark hair was neatly combed to the side, and a pair of aviator sunglasses shielded his eyes from the bright sun.

As he walked, my eyes were stuck on his gait—confident and purposeful, each step solid and steady. The wind picked up, causing his tie to gently flap in the breeze. I couldn't help but admire the way he moved, the way he carried himself.

I wondered what kind of man he was, what his life was like outside the school's walls. I’d convinced myself that was the reason I was following him—to find out what he did on his own time, when he wasn’t advising students.

Dominic slipped inside a beautiful red vintage Convertible, and I hurried to slide into my sleek silver Infiniti, following behind him at a safe distance. I admired the car for a moment, taking in its curves and lines, before turning my attention back to Dominic.

The road wound its way through the outskirts of town, the sun slowly dipping below the horizon, casting a golden glow over everything. I rolled down my car windows, and the wind blew my hair in all directions. I caught a whiff of the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread coming from a nearby bakery, mixing with the cool winds.

As Dominic turned into a quiet suburban street, I followed him, my heart beating faster with anticipation. But to my dismay, a security gate blocked my access to his home. I parked my car off to the side and waited, hoping he would come back out.

Hours passed, and I sat in my car, my mind wandering. I couldn't help but remember the kiss we shared two nights before. It had been unexpected, but it felt like magic. The way his lips moved against mine and his hands held me tightly left a lasting impression on me. I couldn't get him out of my head, and now I was becoming a stalker.

“I’m really losing it.”

I checked my rearview mirror, lifted my cell, and wished I had his number.

What would I say?

I had no idea. I couldn't explain why I was so drawn to him. It wasn’t as if I’d never kissed a man before. But there was something intensely intriguing about Dominic that I couldn’t let go of. Something that drew me to him and made me want to stay forever.

I sighed. “Now you sound like Sofia.” I groaned. Not that being in like with a guy was a bad thing, but to the point of stalking, sure, sure.

My cell buzzed, and I lifted it and answered it without looking at the caller ID.

“You’ve reached me.”

Emma laughed. “Good. You know. We were all so busy catching up yesterday that I forgot to ask you something. When Alice, Sofia, and I returned from the bathroom the night before, you were gone.”

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