Page 16 of Perfect Professor

His phone notified him of an incoming email and he stopped.

Hanks stared at the email, a sense of foreboding settling in his gut. This couldn’t be good. The dean rarely summoned professors to his office, and never with such short notice.

His mind raced as he made his way across campus, a chill chasing down his spine. Did Whitaker know? Had he found out about Adrianna? Impossible. Already?

Yet doubt gnawed at him, eroding his confidence with every step. By the time he reached the dean’s office, his heart was pounding as though he’d run a marathon. He drew a steadying breath and steeled his nerves before knocking on the heavy wooden door.

The dean peered up from behind a stack of papers, his eyes as sharp and penetrating as a hawk’s. “Have a seat, Professor Hanks.”

Hanks inclined his head and lowered himself into one of the leather chairs, unable to keep his knee from bouncing. He clasped his hands to still them, hoping his anxiety didn’t show on his face.

Whitaker set aside the papers, steepling his fingers under his chin as he fixed Hanks with a grave look. “I’ve called you here because there have been...disturbing reports about your behavior.”

A cold fist of panic squeezed Hanks’ chest. So, his worst fears came true. The dean knew. How, he still couldn’t fathom, but those shrewd eyes saw all, missed nothing. His secret was out, and there would be a heavy price to pay. His career, his reputation, everything he held dear, all of it hung in the balance now.

“It’s come to my attention that you’ve been acting improperly with one of your students.” Whitaker’s gaze was flinty, judgmental. “Is this true?”

Hanks swallowed against the dryness in his throat. There was no point denying it now. “It’s true,” he said. “Adrianna Rose and I had a brief relationship before the start of this semester. I ended it as soon as I realized she was in my class.”

“I see.” Whitaker’s mouth turned down in a frown. “Your behavior is unacceptable and puts this institution at risk. As an educator, you have a duty to maintain proper student-teacher boundaries.”

Shame flooded Hanks, hot and choking. He knew Whitaker was right, knew he’d betrayed the trust of his position and his profession. But his feelings for Adrianna had been too powerful to resist, like a riptide pulling him under. “I understand,” he said, shoulders slumping in defeat. “I take full responsibility for my actions.”

Whitaker leaned forward, eyes hard. “This relationship must end immediately. You will avoid all unnecessary interaction with Miss Rose, keep your distance, and maintain proper decorum. Is that clear?”

Hanks swallowed the bitter taste of regret. “Perfectly clear.”

“Good. I will be monitoring the situation closely.” Whitaker sat back, steepling his fingers once more. “You’re a good professor, Hanks, and I don’t wish to see your career ended over a foolish mistake. But there will be no second chances here. One more slip, and you’re out. Do you understand?”

Hanks nodded. The terms were harsh but fair. He’d been given a reprieve, a chance to make things right. He only prayed he had the strength to let Adrianna go.

Hanks stood outside Whitaker’s office, heart pounding. He knew what he had to do, but the thought of facing Adrianna, of telling her they could no longer be together, made his chest ache.

He trudged down the hall, lost in his thoughts. Adrianna. She turned, a smile lighting her face at the sight of him, and his heart stumbled.

God, how was he going to do this?

She walked over to him, hips swaying, and slid her arms around his neck. “I was hoping I’d run into you,” she purred, lips curving.

The familiar scent of her, the feel of her body pressed to his, shattered his resolve. He pulled her close, one hand tangling in her hair, as he claimed her mouth in a searing kiss.

Adrianna melted against him with a soft moan, igniting the fire in his blood. For a long moment he was lost, drowning in her taste and touch, forgetting everything but the woman in his arms.

Then reality came crashing back in, and he pulled away with a gasp. “No, we can’t do this,” he said. “Not anymore.”

Adrianna stared up at him, eyes wide and confused. “What? What are you talking about?”

Hanks looked away, unable to bear the hurt in her gaze. “Whitaker knows about us. He’s forbidden me from seeing you, or I’ll lose my job.” His hands clenched at his sides. “We have to end this, Adrianna.”

“No.” Her voice was sharp as a knife. “No, you can’t do this, Mickey. I won’t let you give up on us.”

His chest ached, torn between duty and desire. “Adrianna, please understand. I have no choice.”

She grabbed his arm, fury and anguish twisting her lovely features. “There’s always a choice! You can’t just throw me away!”

Hanks flinched at the accusation, hating himself for what he was about to do. “I’m sorry,” he said. “But it’s over.”

Then he turned and walked away, each step breaking his heart, but knowing it was the only way. He had already gone too far. Now he had to let her go, no matter the cost.

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