Page 19 of Perfect Professor

“She can’t have him. I won’t allow it.”

She sighed. “Adrianna, you know this is dangerous territory.”

“You don’t understand,” Adrianna whispered. “When I’m with him, it’s like nothing else matters. He sees me, the real me, in a way no one else does. I can’t lose that. I won’t.”

“Be careful,” Tiffany said. “You’re playing with fire.”

Adrianna’s lips twisted. “Then I’ll just have to make sure I don’t get burned.”

She had already made up her mind. Rachel wanted a war? She was about to get one. Adrianna would fight for Professor Hanks, no matter the cost.

Even if it meant burning everything else to the ground.

* * *

Professor Hanks was erasing the chalkboard after his Intro to Poetry class when Rachel sidled up to his desk, hips swaying.

“Professor, I was hoping I could discuss my paper with you. I have some concerns about my grade.”

He kept his eyes on the board, his jaw tightening. “Your grade was more than fair, Ms. Simmons. If you have further questions, you can schedule an appointment with me during my office hours.”

Rachel pouted, leaning forward to give him an eyeful of her cleavage. “Are you sure? I was hoping for some...private tutoring.”

Mickey froze, his grip on the eraser turning his knuckles white. He thought of Adrianna. Of her brilliance, her passion, the light in her eyes when they discussed poetry. Of the way his heart raced when she walked into a room.

He took a deep breath and turned to Rachel, meeting her gaze steadily. “I’m afraid that would be entirely inappropriate. Please keep our discussions professional, Ms. Simmons.”

Rachel’s eyes narrowed, her pout twisting into a scowl. But she plastered a smile on her face as she straightened. “Of course, Professor. My mistake.”

She sashayed out of the room, and Mickey sagged against the desk, running a hand through his hair. He didn’t know how much longer he could resist temptation, for Adrianna’s sake.

But how was he supposed to stay away when she was the only thing he wanted?

He was in too deep, and there seemed no way out that didn’t end in heartbreak. The only question was whose heart would break first.

13

The musty scent of old books greeted Adrianna as she walked into the office, her heart pounding in her chest. This was a bad idea.

“Ms. Rose, please have a seat.” Professor Hanks’s smooth baritone voice washed over her, and she swallowed hard, avoiding his piercing blue gaze.

She sat down on the edge of the leather chair, clutching her books to her chest like a shield. “Professor Hanks, I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to work together on the literary festival.”

He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “And why is that?”

Heat crept up her neck as she stared at the floor. Being alone with him made her feel vulnerable. She couldn’t trust herself not to do something she’d regret.

“I’m afraid our working styles may clash,” she said.

“Nonsense.” He waved a hand. “We will be a formidable team. Now, when shall we meet to begin planning?”

Adrianna bit her lip, frustration warring with desire. She knew she should put her foot down, but the thought of spending hours alone with him, discussing their shared passion, was too tempting.

Maybe she could keep her feelings in check. Maybe it would be enough just to work with him, to catch glimpses of the brilliant mind behind the charming facade.

She looked up to find him watching her, a faint smile playing on his lips. Her traitorous heart skipped a beat.

No, she couldn’t do this. But even as she opened her mouth to refuse, the words died on her lips. She was helpless to resist him, like a moth drawn to a flame.

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