Page 23 of Study You

Okay. Where are you taking me?

Finn started to respond no sooner than Gillian’s message had been delivered.

It’s a surprise. Do you trust me?

Did Gillian trust Finn? Yes. She did.

I do trust you. What time should I be ready?

Just the knowledge of spending time with Finn this evening had Gillian’s mood lifting. Yes, she was tired, but she would only sit around, forcing herself to stay awake anyway if she chose not to see Finn. At least leaving the apartment meant she wouldn’t be alone overthinking…or working all night.

I can be with you about 6:15. I’ll park across the street and keep the engine running.

Gillian had to smile at that. Here Finn was, doing anything she could to protect Gillian from being caught. The guilt of allowing this would always be there, but Gillian didn’t have to worry about this getting out of hand. Finn didn’t want that, Gillian couldn’t handle it, and one day…this would fizzle out, and Gillian would find herself back at square one. For the time being, she was going to have as much fun as she possibly could.

I’ll be ready. Text me when you’re outside.

She turned her watch towards herself. She had just over two hours before Finn would be picking her up.

Do I get a kiss tonight?

Gillian’s entire being sparked at that message. A kiss was just a kiss…unless it was Finn Ashton doing that kissing. Gillian would never know how Finn had that effect on her, but she wasn’t questioning it. She was going with it.

Maybe. If you behave yourself.

She lowered her coffee to the table and lay back on the couch, her legs crossed at the ankles. Why couldn’t she stay here all night just talking to Finn? Why did life have to get in the way of this undeniable connection?

So you’re saying I could get more than a kiss if I REALLY behave myself?

Oh, Finn. Gillian smirked as she closed her eyes. Finn was all she saw lately. When she was working, when she was eating, when she was sleeping. It was Finn Ashton everywhere she turned.

I’m saying that you may or may not receive something in return for getting me out of this apartment.

That would satisfy Finn.

I don’t need to receive anything for getting you out of there. You know it’s my absolute pleasure whenever I get the chance to see you. Tonight. 6:15. I’ll be waiting.

If Gillian could have allowed herself, she would have swooned at those words. The more Finn spoke, the quicker Gillian realised that she was potentially the perfect partner for her. But those alarm bells continued to ring whenever Gillian gave herself even a second to imagine that potential.

It simply wasn’t possible.

And that was that.

Chapter 9

Gillian rushed out of her apartment, unsure as to whether she should be more dressed up than she was. Jeans and Chelsea boots likely wouldn’t cut it with Finn, but she had been in her heels all day, and honestly, Gillian was still getting used to wearing them, having avoided them for the entirety of Christmas.

She pushed the main door open, lifting the hood on her coat as she jogged towards the car waiting for her across the street. Gillian didn’t live close to the university, but she still had that fear of being caught with Finn. It was a fear she didn’t expect would lessen in the near future. For every moment she spent with Finn, it would be there. Gillian knew what she was doing was wrong, she’d never believed otherwise, but she couldn’t bring herself to stay away from her student.

You’re here now. Stop worrying and enjoy your evening.

She slid into the passenger seat of Finn’s car, puffing out her cheeks and staring directly ahead of her. “Can we drive, please? I really don’t need to be caught in your car.”

Finn pulled away, remaining silent as she did so.

“Thank you. I’m sorry I’m so nervous.”

“I get it. Don’t worry. Although, you didn’t seem nervous at the bar on Friday night. Why is this any different?”

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