Page 65 of Forbidden Professor

He looks at me, then nods, a smile at the corners of his mouth. “All right, but let me help.”

I move to the sink, aware of Carter behind me. He opens the dishwasher, his chest brushing my back. The brief contact sends a shiver down my spine.

“I’ll rinse, you load?” I suggest, keeping my voice steady.

“Sounds good,” he says, his voice close to my ear.

We fall into a rhythm, our fingers brushing with each exchange. It’s domestic and intimate. I wonder what it would be like to do this every day, to share a life with someone who truly sees me.

“You know,” I say, handing him a glass, “I could get used to this teamwork thing.”

Carter chuckles, placing the glass in the rack. “Me too. It’s nice having someone to share the load.”

I glance at him. “Even if it’s just dishes?”

“Especially dishes,” he replies, holding my gaze. “Little things matter most, don’t you think?”

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. In this simple act of cleaning up together, I see a glimpse of the partnership I’ve always longed for. It’s both thrilling and terrifying.

If Carter decides that I’m worthy of more than this, that is.

As we load the last dish, I wonder where this connection might lead. For now, I’m content to live in this moment, side by side with Carter, building something beautiful one dish at a time.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

Eve

The salty breezefrom Puget Sound rolls over Alki Beach. It’s Seattle’s hidden gem for stargazers. The night is clear and calm, a rare sight in the Pacific Northwest. Across the bay, Seattle’s skyline glimmers in the distance. But here, away from city lights, the sky opens up. Stars dot the darkness. Some cluster in sparkling constellations. Others flicker softly against deep blue.

The beach is quiet. Only the gentle lapping of waves breaks the silence. Driftwood logs are scattered along the sand, forming natural seats. Each smooth, weathered surface invites stargazers to sit and watch. Sand crunches lightly underfoot as visitors settle in. They crane their necks to take in the expansive view. Nearby, a couple huddles close, their whispers carried by the breeze.

To the north, lights from Bainbridge Island twinkle. Directly overhead, constellations like Orion and Cassiopeia shine brilliantly. The stars seem brighter tonight. It feels as if the cosmos is on full display, just for Alki Beach.

Anticipation thrums through my veins as I gaze up at the star-studded sky. Beside me, Carter is a warm presence in the crisp night air. His excitement mirrors mine. It’s a palpable current between us as we wait, breathless, for the celestial show to begin.

Suddenly, a gasp ripples through the crowd. My eyes widen as ribbons of light unfurl across the dark sky, painting the heavens with an ethereal glow. Greens and purples dance in mesmerizing patterns, their tendrils reaching out as if to touch the earth.

“It’s incredible,” I whisper, filled with awe.

Carter’s hand finds mine. His fingers interlace with my own. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The warmth of his touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I lean into him. In this moment, under the spellbinding aurora, the rest of the world falls away. There is only us, our hearts beating in sync as we watch the breathtaking display together.

I turn to look at Carter, his features softened by the gentle light. His eyes meet mine, and the intensity in them steals my breath. It’s as if the northern lights have ignited something within us, a connection that goes beyond our everyday lives.

“Eve,” he murmurs, his voice low. “Being here with you, like this… it feels right.”

His words resonate deep within me. Despite the uncertainties ahead, despite the obstacles, I am certain of one thing: my feelings for this man are real, and they grow stronger with each moment.

“I feel it too,” I confess, my heart racing as I hold his gaze. “Like we were meant to share this, to be here together.”

As the northern lights continue their dance above us, I am aware of the shift taking place between Carter and me. The connection we share, once a tentative spark, now burns bright. I know we must navigate this with care, but I can’t resist the pull that draws me closer to him.

A gust of wind sends a shiver through my body. I huddle closer to Carter, seeking warmth. Without hesitation, he wraps his arm around me, pulling me into his embrace. The heat of his body seeps through the layers, chasing away the chill.

My heart races at this closeness, the intimacy of the moment heightening my senses. I am aware of every point of contact. His arm around my shoulders. The strength of his chest against my side. It feels as if the world has narrowed down to this single experience, to the connection that pulses between us like electricity.

“Better?” Carter asks softly, his breath tickling my ear and sending another shiver down my spine.

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