Page 53 of No Ordinary Love

"Please," I pleaded, my voice softening. "I just want to spend time with you. No pressure, no expectations. Just lunch."

Her eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I thought she might say no. But then she sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Alright. But only because I'm starving, and you've clearly gone to a lot of trouble."

I grinned, relief flooding through me. "You won't regret it."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical, but she nodded. "We shall see."

I guided her out onto the campus lawn, finding a spot under a large oak tree. The area was quiet but not empty—students wandered by, chatting, laughing, and going about their day. I spread out the blanket I'd brought and set down the basket, not bothered by the curious glances we were getting.

Amara sat, smoothing her skirt over her knees, watching me with a mix of wariness and curiosity. "Normally, one would just go to the cafeteria for lunch."

"Normal is overrated." I started unpacking the basket, laying out the sandwiches, fruit, and the small bottle of sparkling water I'd picked up from her favorite deli. I even brought a small vase with a single peony—a little nod to the bouquet I'd sent earlier and the message it carried.

"Good God," she chuckled.

She looked happy, and I loved knowing I was the reason for that smile. If she forgave me and offered me the chance, I'd work hard every day to make her feel this way.

I noticed a few students nearby watching us, whispering to each other. Let them watch, I thought. I wasn't here to hide. I was here to show Amara how much I loved her.

She picked up a sandwich from a tray, eyeing me with that sharp gaze. "What are you up to?"

"Lunch. I'm dead serious about food, you know that." I relaxed across from her. "I know I've screwed up more times than I can count, but I'm here now. And I'm not going anywhere until you know how much you mean to me."

She looked down at the sandwich in her hands, her expression softening for just a moment before she masked it again. "You saidjustlunch."

I smiled. "It is, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to make my case.Thatnight was wonderful." I saw a shiver run through her, and I curbed the instinct to beat my chest. "I want all your nights for the rest of your life."

"Just lunch, Lucas," she warned.

"Eat up,Tesoro. Your students are going to need you to have your strength." I winked at her.

She stared at me, her defenses wavering but still there. "What are you doing, Lucas Covington?"

"I'm trying to win you over," I admitted.

She was quiet for a moment, her gaze drifting over the scene around us—the students walking by, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, the ridiculous picnic spread out before her. I could see the conflict in her eyes, the way she was torn between wanting to believe me and wanting to protect herself.

I took her hand in mine, brought it to my lips, and kissed it, making her smile.

A group of students nearby started clapping, apparently deciding that our little exchange was worthy of public approval. I turned to see them grinning, clearly enjoying the spectacle of their professor being courted right there on the campus lawn.

Amara's cheeks flushed a deep pink. "You couldn't do this somewhere less public?"

I laughed, genuinely enjoying the moment. "Where's the fun in that?"

She shook her head, but I could see the smile tugging at her lips. "This is all a bit over the top."

"Maybe."

She narrowed her eyes, but she couldn't hide the smile. "You can't win me over with an egg sandwich, no matter how good it is."

"I wouldn't expect anything less." My heart lifted with a hope I hadn't felt in months. "But, I know all your favorite foods, so I'll just keep showing up with lunch."

She finally took a bite of her sandwich, her eyes never leaving mine. "You think the way to a woman's heart is through her stomach."

"The way to your heart,Tesoro, is by being honest," I told her, letting her see through me, "And I'm giving you that. I'm giving you me.All of me."

Her eyes moistened.

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