Page 18 of Irresistible Professor

"Is that a threat?" I asked, jaw clenched.

"Consider it a warning." She stepped back, her eyes scanning my face for any sign of weakness. "Clean up your act or I'll do it for you."

As she walked away, her favorite black stilettos clicking ominously on the tile floor, I was left with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Despite the joy Bonnie brought into my life, Greer's words were a stark reminder that this happiness could be as fleeting as a shooting star. The future was in my hands, and I needed to decide what it was I really wanted, and what I was willing to lose.

Chapter Nine

Bonnie

Making dinner for Ford had become a ritual, a comforting routine that anchored me amidst the chaos of life. I’d always loved to cook, but it brought me so much more joy to do it for someone I loved who truly appreciated it. Tonight, I wanted everything to be perfect, so I decided to prepare a meal that I knew was one of his favorites: roasted chicken with rosemary and thyme, creamy mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans.

As I moved around my small kitchen, the scent of garlic and herbs filled the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of vanilla candles I had lit around the apartment. I had set the table with my best dishes and arranged a simple centerpiece of wildflowers I had picked up at the farmer's market earlier that day. The soft glow of candlelight bathed the room in warmth, casting flickering shadows on the walls and creating an ambiance that felt both romantic and serene.

The late afternoon sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. I glanced at the clock, my heart skipping a beat with excitement and nerves. I wanted everything to be just right, not just because of the dinner, but because I had noticed Ford seemed distant lately, his mind often elsewhere. I hoped that tonight would be an opportunity for us to reconnect and for him to share whatever it was that had been weighing on him lately.

The doorbell rang, and my heart leapt. I smoothed down my dress—a simple, soft rose-colored cotton—and took a deep breath before heading to the door. When I opened it, Ford stood there, looking as undeniably handsome as always in his usual casual style, although I couldn’t help but notice the faint worry lines around his eyes, which now met mine with a familiar warmth.

“Hi, sweetheart,” he said, leaning in to press a soft kiss to my cheek.

“Come on in,” I replied, stepping aside to let him enter. “I hope you’re hungry. I made your favorite.”

He smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m starving. Everything smells amazing.”

I led him into my living room where the table was set, the candles flickering softly in the dimming light. He took in the setting with an appreciative nod, and I could see some of the tension in his shoulders ease.

“Wow, you’ve really outdone yourself,” he said, his voice tinged with admiration. “It looks beautiful.”

“Thank you,” I said, feeling a flush of pleasure at his compliment. “I wanted tonight to be special.”

We moved to the table, and I served the meal, placing a generous portion of roasted chicken on each of our plates, accompanied by a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes and a side of vibrant green beans sautéed with garlic and lemon. The food looked perfect, and as we sat down, I hoped it would be enough to help ease whatever was troubling him. Thankfully, the meat was tender and juicy, the herbs infusing each bite with aromatic warmth, while the buttery potatoes offered a perfect complement. The green beans added a fresh, crisp contrast that I thought would be nice to welcome the vibrancy of spring.

Despite the delicious meal, Ford was unusually quiet, his gaze often drifting to the window, where the last light of the day lingered on the horizon. He picked at his food more than he ate it, and I watched him with concern as we ate. The clinking of our forks against the plates filled the room, the rhythmic sound forming a backdrop to the growing tension I could sense between us. Ford pushed the last bites of his chicken around on his plate, his eyes unfocused as if lost in thought.

“Is everything okay?” I finally asked, breaking the silence. My voice was gentle, but even I could hear the worry in it.

He looked up, and I saw vulnerability in his gaze that he rarely let show. Something was definitely wrong.

“Bonnie,” he began, his voice low and hesitant, “there’s something I need to tell you. And I hate that I have to burden you with it.”

I reached across the table, placing my hand over his, offering silent support. “You know you can tell me anything.”

He sighed, his fingers tightening around mine as if drawing strength from our connection. “It’s about Greer.”

“Oh, no,” I said, almost by reflex. The mention of her name sent a chill through me, and I nodded, urging him to continue. Greer was a part of his past that I had hoped would remain there, yet her shadow unfortunately seemed to linger in our lives.

“She came to see me,” he said, his voice carrying a weight that spoke of the seriousness of the situation. “She threatened to go to the university administration about us. Even though you’ve transferred your work-study arrangement, she thinks she can still cause trouble.”

My heart sank at his words. The idea of our relationship being scrutinized, of Ford’s career being jeopardized, filled me with dread. I knew how hard he had worked to get where he was, and the thought of losing it all because of something as petty as Greer’s jealousy was terrifying.

“But don’t worry,” he added quickly, sensing my distress. “Even if the worst happens, and I lose my job, it doesn’t matter. You are far more important to me than work, Bonnie. I really mean that. I love you, and I will do whatever it takes to make our relationship work.”

His declaration was meant to reassure me, but instead, it intensified my fear. The idea of him losing everything he had worked for because of our relationship was unbearable. Tears welled in my eyes, and I struggled to keep my emotions in check.

“I can’t let that happen, Ford,” I said, my voice trembling with the effort to stay composed. “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if you get fired because of me.”

He shook his head, his grip on my hand firm and unwavering. “Bonnie, it’s not your fault. It’s Greer being petty and vindictive. We can figure this out together. I don’t want to lose you.”

His words were earnest, filled with a love and determination that both comforted and tore at me. But as much as I wanted to believe him, the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was dragging him down, that my presence in his life was proving more of a liability than a blessing.

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