Page 17 of Irresistible Professor

She hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns on the fabric of my shirt. “It’s about us and how this might be perceived by the university. I don’t want to get you into any trouble.”

I sighed, the reality of our situation creeping back in. “I’ve been thinking about that too. We do need to be careful.”

She nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I think it might be best if I request a transfer for my work-study position.”

Her suggestion was both practical and selfless, a testament to her understanding of the complexities we faced. I hated the idea of not seeing her during the day, but it was a necessary step to protect what we had.

“That’s a good idea, Bonnie,” I said, reaching for her hand. “It’s not ideal, but it’s the best way to ensure we can be together. Teacher-student relationships are frowned upon in general, but at least there wouldn’t be a conflict of interest. We’ll figure it out. One thing I know for sure, I’m not going to let you go.”

She squeezed my hand, her smile warm and reassuring. “We’re in this together.”

The certainty in her words bolstered my resolve. With her by my side, I felt like we could overcome anything.

The night passed in a haze of whispered promises and tender touches, the bond between us growing stronger with each moment. As I held her close, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the path that had led us here, to this place where love and possibility intertwined. With Bonnie, I’d found more than a partner; I’d found a kindred spirit, someone who understood me in ways I hadn’t thought possible. As I drifted off to sleep with her in my arms, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, hand in hand.

In the morning, the sun rose on a new day, casting a golden glow over the city as it came to life. Bonnie stirred beside me, her eyes fluttering open as she smiled sleepily up at me.

“Good morning,” she murmured, her voice a soft melody.

“Good morning,” I replied, brushing a kiss over her temple.

We lay there for a while, basking in the quiet comfort of the morning, before eventually getting up and facing the day. There was a sense of renewal in the air, and I felt more alive than I could remember.

As Bonnie prepared to leave, she paused at the door, turning to look at me with a smile that warmed me to my core. “I’ll see you later?”

I nodded, unable to keep the grin from my face. “Definitely. We’ll make this work, Bonnie. I promise.”

Her eyes sparkled with affection, and she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “I know we will.”

With that, she was gone, the door closing softly behind her. I stood there for a moment, letting the reality of what we’d shared settle around me. I wanted to relish it, to stay in this moment, but as I turned in the direction of my study, worry gripped me with a cold fist. What would happen if the administration discovered our relationship? Would I lose my job? Was I really prepared for that?

Swallowing hard, I sat down to my desk and powered on my laptop. I had work to do. I’d leave the challenges of the future until then.

***

I'd never believed in the kind of happiness that seemed to rewrite the very fabric of your existence, but with Bonnie, every single theory I'd ever held dear was proving malleable. Our dates were clandestine whispers in the night, stolen moments where laughter and good-natured debates filled the space between us. She challenged me, a bright comet streaking through the ordinary sky of my routine, and I found myself looking forward to each encounter with an eagerness that felt both foreign and exhilarating.

"Ford," she teased during one of our secret meetings at a cozy, dimly lit restaurant on the edge of town, "if you keep looking at me like that, I'm going to forget all about my dessert and order something else entirely that I don’t believe they allow on menus."

"Trust me, Bon, what you see in my eyes is nothing compared to the thoughts I'm wrestling with," I admitted, my voice low enough for only her ears. The air around us seemed charged with the unspoken words of desire that danced just beneath the surface of our conversation. We laughed over shared plates, our feet tangling under the table, sending sparks of anticipation up my spine. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and promise, and I knew right then that I wanted this—her—permanently etched into the constellation of my life.

But as with all forbidden loves, I was aware that the shadow of consequence lingered close by, a dark cloud threatening to burst at any moment, and I just hoped we’d be able to withstand the storm when it came.

***

I was heading back to my office after a busy lecture when I found Greer waiting at the door, tapping her foot impatiently.

“Greer,” I said, my hackles instinctively rising as a sour taste came into my mouth.

"Ford," she said, her eyes cold and piercing, and her tone sharp enough to cut through steel. "We need to talk."

"To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" I asked, trying to keep my expression neutral. Unlocking the door, I pushed it open, dropping my files on my desk and turning to face her.

"Don't play coy with me. It doesn't suit you." Greer's lips twisted into a semblance of a smile, but there was no warmth in it. "You and Ms. Kelly have become quite...close, haven't you?"

I stiffened, my mind racing to calculate the odds of her knowing the full extent of my relationship with Bonnie. "She was my administrative assistant through a work study, but she’s been transferred to another department,” I replied.

"Cut the crap, Ford. I know about your little trysts. I know everything." Greer leaned in closer, her breath a cold whisper against my ear. "And if you think for one second that I won't go to the dean with this, you're more foolish than I thought."

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