Page 105 of Forbidden Professor

My heart thuds against my ribs. I turn back, raising a brow. “Yes, Daddy?”

My dad licks his lips again, glaring at Carter. “Maybe we can work something out.”

Carter starts to say something, but I silence him with a hand. It’s important that I stand firm right now.

“No. No working something out. There’s no negotiating here. It’s my life, and only my life. You either accept me or not. You either accept my choices or not. No more monitoring what I am doing, or who I’m with. No more trying to control me. No more. I’m an adult. Do you understand?”

A grimace twists my father’s lips. For a moment, I think I’ve said too much and he will walk away. But when my dad stiffly nods, I squeeze Carter’s arm.

“Okay,” my father rasps. “Let’s talk.”

My lips curl. “Just a second.”

Pulling Carter outside, I close the door on my startled-looking father. I press up on my tiptoes, arching a brow as I look at Carter.

“Well done,” he rumbles, his hands coming around my waist. “You’re a super human.”

Kissing him gently, I smile. “Just wait until my dad finds out about that big ring that you keep in your bedside table. He will have a coronary.”

Carter gives a surprised chuckle. “I’m biding my time, waiting for the perfect moment. Not now, obviously. But God, I really do love you.”

“I love you, too,” I murmur, kissing his lips again. “I don’t need a ring on my finger to know that I’ll feel this way forever.”

“Oh, princess…” He hugs me tightly. “Soon. I promise.”

He kisses me firmly, grabbing my butt a little. And then I pull back, taking his hand, and lead the way back into the kitchen.

ChapterForty-Four

Eve

Two and a Half Years Later

Alki Beach ispeaceful and calm as Carter and I walk hand in hand along the pristine sand in the early evening in September. Carter and I have gotten into the habit of coming here as often as we can. We usually get up before dawn, pack a thermos of coffee and arrive right as the sun is rising, throwing its stunning pink and purple hues across the expansive sky over Puget Sound.

My heart races as Carter and I walk toward our families gathered on Alki Beach. His hand in mine is my lifeline. The salty breeze lifts my hair, filling me with excitement. I scan the familiar faces. Aiden’s intense stare. Olivia’s round belly. Little Maggie holding her mom’s hand. My dad’s stern expression. Despite it all, a spark of anticipation flickers between Carter and me.

“Ready?” Carter murmurs, squeezing my hand.

I nod, unable to speak. This is it. We’re finally sharing our secret.

As we reach the group, Carter clears his throat. “We have an announcement,” he says, his voice wavering. “Eve and I are getting married. Today. Right now.”

Gasps ripple through the crowd. Shock blooms on their faces. Eyes widen, and jaws drop. My dad frowns deeply. My stomach twists.

Then Aiden lets out a whoop. “It’s about time!” He pulls me into a tight hug. His embrace loosens the knot in my chest.

Olivia laughs and waddles over, arms open. “Oh, sweetie! This is wonderful!”

The tension breaks. Our families surround us, congratulating us and teasing us for keeping it a secret. Even Sandrene, Carter’s usually reserved mother, has tears in her eyes as she hugs her son.

“I can’t believe you kept this quiet,” Olivia teases, eyeing my simple white sundress. “You sneaky lovebirds!”

I catch My dad’s gaze through the crowd. His expression remains tight, but there’s a flicker of something softer before he turns away. Guilt rises in me, but I push it aside. I focus on Carter’s joy as he shakes hands with Greyson.The waves lap gently as we walk to the altar. Wildflowers decorate the driftwood arch, their colors vibrant in the evening light. I inhale deeply, filling my lungs with the scent of sea and flowers.

Carter squeezes my hand as we face each other. His warm brown eyes lock onto mine. Love fills them, deep and unwavering. The setting sun casts a soft glow on his face. I’ve never seen him look more handsome.

“Eve,” he says softly. “Since we met, you’ve challenged me. You inspire me every day.”

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