Page 24 of Perfect Professor

Whitaker’s lips thinned into a disapproving line. “This is a gross violation of professional ethics and a betrayal of the trust placed in you as an educator. You are hereby suspended, effective immediately, pending a formal inquiry into your conduct. You will gather your belongings and leave the premises at once.”

The words struck like a physical blow, but Mickey could find no fault in them. He had brought this upon himself the moment he gave in to his desire for Adrianna. Now there was a heavy price to pay for his sins, one that would change both of their lives forever.

He stood on unsteady legs, gripping the back of the chair for support. “I understand.” With that, he turned and left the office, the door clicking shut behind him. His world had crumbled to dust, all because he couldn’t resist the temptation of forbidden love.

Mickey trudged down the empty hallway, his footsteps echoing in the silence. By now, his students would be waiting in the lecture hall, puzzled by his unexplained absence. He dreaded having to face them with the truth. How could he possibly explain the unexplainable?

When he entered the room, a dozen curious gazes swung in his direction. He cleared his throat, struggling to find the right words, but in the end, there was only one thing left to say. “Class is canceled today.”

A ripple of surprise passed through the room. A girl in the front row frowned, peering up at him through thick-framed glasses. “But sir, we have a test today.”

“Not anymore.” He forced a tight smile, avoiding her gaze. “You’re dismissed.”

Without another word, he began gathering up the papers and books on his desk, stuffing them haphazardly into his worn leather satchel. By the time he finished, the lecture hall was empty, echoing with the ghosts of better days. With a heavy sigh, he slung the satchel over his shoulder and started the long walk to his car under the pale light of a sun obscured by clouds, his future as uncertain as the weather.

Meanwhile, whispers and speculation were already spreading like wildfire across campus. It wasn’t long before the truth came out, shattering Adrianna’s world as swiftly and mercilessly as Mickey’s..

* * *

Adrianna swallowed hard, her heart pounding. “What is it?” she asked.

Rachel’s lip curled into a sneer. “We know about you and Professor Hanks. How could you?”

Heat rose in Adrianna’s cheeks as other students gathered around them, a sea of accusing eyes and wagging tongues. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. What could she possibly say?

Rachel jabbed a finger at her chest. “If I were you, I’d seriously consider transferring after this.”

The circle of onlookers erupted into angry shouts of agreement. Adrianna’s eyes stung with tears as she pushed through the crowd and ran, their jeers and insults chasing after her until she was alone.

She didn’t stop running until she reached Mickey’s house, her heart pounding and her lungs burning. She pounded on his front door, blinking back tears.

When he opened the door, she flung herself into his arms. “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “This is all my fault.”

Mickey stroked her hair. “Shh. It’s not your fault.” His voice was weary, but still tinged with warmth. “We both knew the risks.”

Adrianna shook her head, clutching at his shirt. “But your career...they’re going to expel me. I know it. What have I done?”

“Whatever happens, we’ll get through this together.” He cupped her face in his hands, gazing into her eyes. “I don’t regret a single moment we spent together. You’re worth any price, Adrianna.”

A fresh wave of tears spilled down her cheeks as she reached up to pull his mouth down to hers. The kiss was soft yet passionate, full of unspoken tenderness and the promise of a future, no matter how uncertain, as long as they were side by side.

16

Adrianna pulled up outside Mickey’s house after receiving the official email with the suspension letter from the college. They were suspending her for the rest of the semester. The hot tears stung her eyes. It was wrong, knew the consequences, but she couldn’t help herself. She was in love with him, desperately and completely in love.

Mickey opened the door before she could even knock, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. Without a word, he enveloped her in his embrace. She melted into him, breathing in his familiar scent.

“I’ve missed you,” he murmured against her hair.

“I’ve missed you too,” she said. “More than I can say.”

“I’ve been suspended for the semester.”

“Oh, Adrianna.” He sighed. “Do you regret this? Us?”

Did she? She knew this was the only path her heart would allow her to take. “No,” she whispered. “I could never regret you. We’ll get through this, Mickey. Together.”

“Together,” he echoed. “I love you, Adrianna Rose. And we will make this right, whatever it takes. You are worth fighting for.”

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