Page 45 of Tempting Teacher

Twenty minutes later, freshly showered, teeth brushed, and in clean clothes, I’m sitting in the kitchen, sinking my teeth into the tastiest sandwich I’ve ever eaten. “What in the world did you put in this? It’s delicious!”

“If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you.” He states, completely serious. “It’s a family recipe, and we’ve all been sworn to secrecy.”

“Well, you could serve these in a restaurant and make a killing.” I take another bite, moaning at the cheesiness melting in my mouth.

“Our ride will be here soon.” He reminds me, one corner of his mouth turning down. “We need to talk about how to handle things back in the city.”

“Can’t we just hide out here forever?” I suggest, only half kidding.

“You have no idea how tempting that idea is to me.” He places his elbows on the counter, leaning closer to me. “Because everything will be different the minute we land.”

I stop chewing, my gaze penetrating his as I try to figure out what he’s thinking. “Okay…”

“I think it would be better if I dropped you at your aunt and uncle’s apartment. Coming back to mine might be pushing our luck further than we already have, and your locks aren’t getting changed until tomorrow.” He straightens and begins pacing. “We’ll need to stay apart and minimize our contact anywhere on University property, including in my classroom. I’m going to ask Tim to grade all of your work going forward so there’s no concern of favoritism with your work.”

I straighten in my chair, crossing my arms, my pulse starting to race. “How exactly are we going to have any kind of a relationship with these rules?”

He mimics my posture, crossing his arms as his stance widens. “We don’t.”

“Wha—” I start, interrupted when he speaks over me.

“Not until the semester is over, and you aren’t in my class anymore.” He lifts his shoulders, shaking his head. “It’s the only way.”

I huff out a breath, narrowing my eyes as I peer over at him. “It’s not the only way.”

“What else would you suggest, Summer? Because seeing each other puts you at risk, and I don’t want that for you. I could care less what happens to me.”

“So, I don’t get any say in this decision at all? You’ve just decided we’re going to wait almost two months, and not see each other?” I throw my hands in the air, my cheeks heating as my voice rises.

“It’s seven weeks.” He iterates. “We can text, talk on the phone. And there are weekends. We can make plans to meet and spend time together then.”

I shake my head, breaking his gaze to stare down at the counter. “This feels wrong. And us being together shouldn’t be wrong.”

He steps closer to me, putting a finger under my chin lifting it until our eyes meet. “We are not wrong. Nothing has ever felt more right.” He sweeps a kiss over my mouth. “I’m already in agony when I think about not being able to touch you, hold you, make love to you. Especially when you’ll be twenty-five feet in front of me in my classroom.” He draws me into a hug, pulling me close, his lips murmuring against my ear. “But I can do anything for seven weeks if it leads to forever with you.”

“Alex.” I whisper, turning my face to his. “Forever?”

“I’m in love with you, Summer.”

The weight of his words sink in, the intensity of his gaze even heavier. This man loves me. I can see it in every single action, feel it in every touch, hear it in the plea of his voice. How is this real? He is undeniably perfect, and if I can’t commit to seven weeks, I don’t deserve him. He’s right, seven weeks is nothing in the big picture.

“I love you too, Alex.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

~Alexander~

The flight back is quiet. Too quiet. She always has something to say, even if it’s not good. Her silence worries me. This whole situation worries me. But I’m not sure what other choice we have. I will not comprise her or her well-being so we can go public with our relationship. Not when in just seven weeks it won’t be an issue.

“You okay?” My hand clasps tighter onto hers. I want all the contact I can get with her while I still can.

She nods, gracing me with a small smile. But still, it’s more silence. I wish I knew what was going through her head. Usually she doesn’t have a filter, so I never have to wonder. This is going to be the longest seven weeks of my life.

We land, a car waiting when we do. I transfer our bags, and ride with her to her aunt and uncle’s apartment. My body is pressed against hers in the back seat, my arm snaked over her shoulder, her head resting on mine.

“I’m fine, Alex.” It’s like she can read my mind. “I’ll see you in class tomorrow, and I’ll call you once I’m settled at my aunt’s.”

“I know.” I press a kiss to the side of her cheek. “But I miss you already.”

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