Page 20 of Too Hostile

He makes it sound so easy. So damn simple. “Fletcher...” I say, still off-kilter after that life-altering kiss that can never happen again.

I’m a professor. He’s a student. It really is that black and white. He drops his hand from my hair and then lifts his head to look into my eyes, and I see the stubbornness in them. Stubbornness I thought was arrogance, but maybe now, I see it differently.

Just from one simple admission. Because it’s not simple at all.

Fletcher was in foster care. His parents abandoned him at a young age, and if anyone knows what that’s like, it’s me.

It’s anything but simple.

“I’m not your student. I’m never taking Econ again, if I can help it. No offense Professor, but that shit is boring as fuck.”

Damn it. A quick burst of laughter leaves my lips, and I shake my head. “Where? I ask.

“Just a drive.”

My tongue darts out, licking over my sore, now-dry lips, and I swear I can still taste him there. I notice his eyes tracking the movement, but he doesn’t make another move to kiss me.

“Okay.”

His eyes light up, and I hate and love that at the same time. Who knew I’d delight in making this man happy? Certainly not me.

He doesn’t gloat though. He just unlocks his Jeep, and we both climb inside before he takes off on our drive.

It’s just a drive.

This is totally okay.

Totally. Fine.

FLETCHER

He kissed me. We kissed.

Did that really happen? I’d think it was a really hot dream if it weren’t for the fact that the man is sitting next to me in my Jeep right now. He’s not looking at me or saying anything, and that’s okay with me.

I just turn up the radio and head for my spot. Why? I have no idea.

I can’t believe I told him about my past as a foster kid, and I’m not really sure why I did, except I couldn’t take him calling me lazy. How many times did my worthless, cruel foster parents shout at me, calling me lazy? How many nights did I stay up afraid and alone, making me so damn tired the next day, I could barely move? Only to be shouted at and called names.

I couldn’t handle it from him.

I just couldn’t. It was like I needed him to know.

And the way he reacted? It was with total shock. He had no idea. And I guess that makes sense. I work really hard so no one sees. I put up a great facade as the arrogant spoiled kid without a care in the world. I’m happy for people to see me that way. I want them to. Anything but knowing the truth.

But not him. I couldn’t take him looking at me like that any longer.

We make it to my spot, and I don’t waste any time, turning off the Jeep and climbing out, hoping he’ll follow me. Thankfully, he does. And when I sit down on my rock, he takes a seat next to me.

“You were in foster care?” His deep voice is a quiet rumble at my side.

I nod, but it’s dark out, and I know he can’t see my face. For that, I’m grateful. I don’t want him to see the way it still haunts me. “That’s not why I brought you here, you know?” I turn to look at him, even though I can barely make out his features in the dark night. It’s cloudy, blocking almost all the moon tonight. “Not to talk.”

I swear I see a hint of a smile there. “Well, I can’t do anything other than talk, so we might as well.”

I cock my head to the side, trying to make out his facial expression to see if he’s messing with me, but I’ve got nothing. “Seriously?”

“Seriously,” he says all too firmly. Damn it. I guess we aren’t going to kiss anymore.

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