Page 26 of Perfect Professor

Silence. Then, quietly, “I don’t know if I can support this, Adrianna.”

Adrianna’s eyes stung. But she stood firm. “Then I guess this is goodbye.”

She hung up the phone, her heart aching, but also at peace. She had made her choice, and she was ready to face the consequences that came with loving Mickey Hanks.

17

The hot Mexican sun beat down on Adrianna’s bare skin as she lay on the soft, white sand of the secluded beach in Cabo. The rhythmic crashing of the turquoise waves was a soothing reprieve from the usual chaos of her life.

She sighed in contentment, her hand finding Mickey’s beside her. His fingers laced through hers, giving a gentle squeeze.

“This was a brilliant idea,” she said, rolling onto her side to face him. His eyes were closed, his chest rising and falling with each breath. She took a moment to admire the lines of his jaw, the curve of his mouth.

He cracked an eye open and caught her staring. The corner of his mouth quirked up. “Enjoying the view?”

Heat flooded her cheeks. She ducked her head, shy. “Maybe.”

Mickey propped himself up on an elbow, trailing a finger down her arm. Goosebumps erupted in its wake. “I know I am.” His voice was low, husky.

Adrianna’s heart stuttered. She glanced up at him through her lashes, noticing the open desire in his gaze. Her mouth went dry.

They were together publicly. No more hiding. No more pretending they were just student and teacher. Here, they were free to explore the simmering passion that had been building between them.

Mickey leaned in, brushing his lips against the shell of her ear. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited for this?” he whispered.

A delicious shiver ran down her spine. Adrianna turned her head, capturing his mouth in a searing kiss. Mickey groaned, deepening the kiss as his hand slid around to the nape of her neck.

They were both panting when they finally broke apart. Adrianna stared into his darkened eyes, her heart overflowing with love for this complicated, brilliant man.

“Show me,” she said, reaching up to caress his cheek. “Show me how long you’ve waited.”

Mickey’s eyes smoldered. “With pleasure.”

Mickey scooped Adrianna into his arms and carried her into the turquoise waters of the sea, laughing along with her delighted squeals. The warm water lapped at their bodies as he set her down, the sand shifting under their feet.

Adrianna wrapped her arms around his neck, gazing up at him through half-lidded eyes. “Have I told you how happy I am that we’re here together?”

Mickey brushed his nose against hers, a smile tugging at his lips. “You may have mentioned it once or twice.” His hands settled on her hips, thumbs gently caressing her skin. “But I don’t mind hearing it again.”

“I’m happy,” Adrianna reiterated, brushing her lips teasingly against his. “Ecstatic. Overjoyed. And any other synonyms you can think of.”

“Good,” Mickey murmured. “Because you deserve to be happy. And I plan on doing everything in my power to keep that smile on your face.”

Adrianna smiled, warmth flooding her at his heartfelt words. “You always know just what to say, don’t you?”

“Only because I’ve had practice.” Mickey’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “I do try my best to be eloquent and poetic. Especially for my favorite girl.”

She smacked his arm. “Just yours.”

“Mine,” Mickey repeated, wonder in his voice. He dipped his head, capturing her lips in a searing kiss that left her breathless.

When they finally broke apart, chests heaving, Adrianna nestled into his embrace. She had never felt so content, so at peace. It was as if she had finally found her way home.

The waves lapped at their ankles as they strolled along the shore, hand in hand. Adrianna sighed happily, squeezing Mickey’s fingers.

“What is it?” he asked, glancing down at her with a smile.

“Nothing,” she said. “Just...this. Being here with you. It’s perfect.”

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