Page 33 of Hot Professor (Tainted Professors)

“Ivy!”

She wraps me in her arms, and it's like I'm a little girl again—the scents of baking flour and cinnamon cling to her—and I feel like I'm home. Tears well in my eyes.

After leaving Mom's arms, I'm swept up in Dad's. “Hello sweet girl.”He presses a kiss to the top of my head and then hugs me tight. He's never been big on displays of affection—not like Mom—but from the squeeze he's putting on me, he missed me.

“Hi, Daddy.”

“Oh my, have we missed you,”Mom's eyes are bright with tears. “I can't believe you've been gone for three whole months. I've been busy baking all your favorites. Your father found theperfect tree, and we've been waiting for you to get home so we can decorate it.”

Dad reaches for my bag and notices Harrison for the first time. “Oh, hello.”He looks at me and returns to Harrison again, confusion tightening his brows.

Mom looks just as puzzled.

I step back beside Harrison and take his hand, drawing their immediate attention. “Mom, Dad, this is Harrison Ashe. Harrison, these are my parents, Margorie and Tom Kendrick.”

Harrison stretches out his hand. “Mrs. Kendrick. Mr. Kendrick. It's nice to meet you both. Ivy has told me so much about you.”

“Has she now? She hasn't said a word about you, Harrison Ashe.”

“Dad.”There'sa warning note in my tone, and he shoots me a look as his eyebrows try their best to meet his receding hairline. “Well? Youhaven't.”

“Harrison, how do you know my daughter?”

I decide not to beat around the bush. They'd find out soon enough anyway. “He was one of my professors, Mom.”

Her gaze flits between us. “But you don't look old enough to be a professor.”

“He's very smart.”

“Not smart enough to keep his hands off my daughter, I'm guessing.”

“Dad!”I can't believe he said that out loud, and in public, but guessing by the disapproving glare, he's not one bit sorry. “Look, why don't we discuss this at home.”I urge them to agree with me, and the ride home is strained, to say the least. But at least they didn't drag me away and leave Harrison stranded at the airport.

During the scenic drive to Mount Vernon, I use the hour-plus ride to update my parents on everything related to schooland New York. I excitedly tell them about my apartment, classes, grades, and all the fantastic experiences I've had in the city. In contrast, Harrison sits quietly next to me in the backseat of the car, admiring the festive decorations and snow-covered landscape of the small towns we pass along the way.

I catch Dad's frequent glances in the review, while Mom and I work to keep the conversation upbeat and away from the elephant-in-the-car discussion we'll be having soon enough.

Finally, we arrive at my childhood home. It's a typical middle-class, well-maintained two-story house adorned with strings of white lights, a large wreath mom made years ago on the front door, and garland with red bows hanging from the porch railing. The entire neighborhood radiates a sense of tranquility and holiday cheer, with each house decked out in festive decorations. When I climb from the car, I inhale the fresh wintery air into my lungs, a slow smile spreading wider with each moment that passes.I’ve come to love New York, but it's good to be home.

Harrison and Dad battle to carry the bags—Dad wins—and Harrison follows me into the house. I glance over my shoulder at him, trying to gauge what's going through his mind. He simply shrugs, winks, and grins.

Mom switches on lights as she enters the main living room. “I'll start some coffee.” And she disappears to the kitchen.

Dad removes his coat, takes ours, and nods his head, indicating we should grab a seat.

I lead Harrison to the sofa and take his hand in mind as we sit, resting them on my thigh.

“You can start talking anytime,”Dad says as he drops into his recliner.

“About what?” I ask.

He gives me the look I've seen countless times during my childhood—the one where only his left eyebrow is hiked up andhis chin is tilted down. The one that clearly states he’s not pleased with my response.

“We fell in love.”

“I want more than the short story. You were supposed to go to New York to get an education.”

“And I have. I am. And I love it. But I also love Harrison.”

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