Page 26 of Hot Professor (Tainted Professors)

See you then

Now, I have to get through the next couple of days.

It's shaping up to be one of the best days I've had in a very long time. I pick Ivy up on time, and we stop for coffee before beginning a leisurely stroll through Central Park. At this time of year, the vibrant colors, crisp air, and the mix of natural beauty with iconic landmarks make it a perfect autumn outing. Walking through the park always soothes me, and I hope Ivy will see and appreciate its beauty.

Starting at Columbus Circle, we take the tree-lined paths to The Mall and then enjoy the canopy of elm trees along the Literary Walk, naturally pausing for pictures near the statues of Shakespeare, Robert Burns, and Sir. Walter Scott. I don't attempt to hold her hand, but I make sure our arms occasionally bump together. I keep my strides short to match hers, and westop often to look at the birds or squirrels.Well, she watches the wildlife, and I stare at her.

From there, we continue to Bethesda Terrace and Fountain and explore the architectural details before stopping to listen to some street musicians. The weather is gorgeous today, not too chilly and with lots of sun, so everyone is taking advantage of the day. After taking more photos at Bow Bridge, we check out the conservatory, and finally, we roam through the zoo before heading back to the Boathouse for lunch.

Ivy's excitement about everything she sees is palpable, and I realize as we talk, and I watch her eyes light up, that this city has so much to offer. I’m eager to share every aspect of it with her. It's not about the pull of her nearness anymore; it's about unveiling to her a world she's never known. And perhaps, selfishly, finding a way to keep her orbiting my universe a bit longer.

“Ever been to The Strand?”I ask casually as we exit the restaurant, the afternoon breeze playing with a few loose strands of her braid. My hands itch to take over.

She shakes her head, eyes wide with that insatiable curiosity that captivates me. “No, but I've heard about it. Isn't it that big bookstore?”

“Biggest,”I confirm with a grin. “Eighteen miles of books, they say. You can get lost in there for hours.”

“Sounds perfect,”she murmurs, and I catch the undertone of longing in her voice.

“How about we go check it out?”

“Seriously?”

“Absolutely.”Taking her hand and interlacing our fingers, we head toward the closest subway entrance.

Together, we navigate the underground maze, and I watch her take in the vibrant graffiti-stained walls and the bustling mix of people from all walks of life. With each step, she discoverssomething new that captures her attention—a street performer belting out a song, a colorful mural depicting city life, and a group of friends laughing and chatting. The sound of subway trains rumbling on the tracks and the chatter of hundreds of conversations fill our ears as we approach our destination. Through it all, I am struck by her curiosity and eagerness to absorb every aspect of this urban world around us.

And I find myself falling harder every with every step we take.

Inside the bookstore, I point out first editions and rare finds and explain their significance. Her fascination is tangible, and it fuels a warmth in my chest that has nothing to do with desire—well, maybe a little.

“Look at this one,”I say, pulling down a weathered copy ofan old classic. “It's like holding a piece of history.”

She takes the book from me, fingers tracing the cover reverently. “It's beautiful,”she breathes. “To think of all the people who have held this book before us...”Our hands brush as she returns it, and the electric current that zings up my arm is matched by the look in her eyes.

We spend a couple of hours browsing through the giant bookstore, and by the time we leave, the sun is beginning to set. I hail a cab and tuck her inside, crawling next to her and giving the driver her address, watching to see if she'll correct me.

Hoping she will.

She doesn't.

And she's quiet for much of the ride to the Bronx.

As we near her apartment, my heart begins to pound, and my palms start to sweat. I'm not ready for our day to be over.

“Today was amazing, Harrison,”she says softly before turning to look up at me with those big beautiful green eyes. “Thank you.

“I enjoyed it as well. It was fun seeing everything fresh through your eyes.”We're side by side but not touching, and I'm aching to close the distance. I watch the lights outside the vehicle play across her face as she stares out the window, and I realize that for Ivy, I'd let it all burn down—my reputation, my career... everything.

The driver reaches Ivy's building, and we both get out. He asks if he should wait, and I tell him no. If Ivy asks me to leave, I'll get myself home.

In front of her building, I put my hand on her shoulder and turn her around. “Are you okay? You seemed to enjoy today, but now you're quiet, lost in thought.”

“More like lost in a whole other world,”she corrects, half-smiling.

“What are you thinking about? Maybe I can help.”

She rolls her lips together. “I've been thinking a lot about you and me. What we're doing is risky, Harrison. I don't want you getting into trouble because of me. Even though you haven’t said anything, I know you must have taken some heat last year, with that other girl.”

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