Page 85 of Forbidden Professor

Valentine purrs as Carter pets her. It feels so natural to have him here, surrounded by my study materials. This is nothing like the sterile perfection my father always demands.

“She approves of our study session,” Carter says softly.

Our eyes meet. My breath catches as I see the tenderness in his gaze.

“Well, she’s a good judge of character,” I say.

Carter chuckles. “And what’s her verdict on me?”

I pretend to consult with Valentine, now batting at a pen. “She says you’re all right. For a professor.”

“High praise,” Carter says, his smile widening. “And what about you, Eve? What’s your verdict?”

The question hangs between us, charged with possibility. I swallow, searching for words. “I think… you’re more than all right.”

He reaches for my hand, our fingers intertwining. The simple touch sends electricity through me.

“I’m glad to hear it,” he murmurs. “Because I think you’re pretty extraordinary too.”

Valentine pounces on our hands, breaking the moment. We both burst out laughing. The tension dissolves into something warmer and softer.

Watching Carter disentangle the kitten from his shirt, I feel a sense of rightness. For the first time, I feel truly seen and accepted.

The doorbell shatters our peaceful bubble. I jolt as my heart leaps into my throat. Carter’s posture changes, instantly alert.

“Are you expecting someone?” he asks, concerned.

I shake my head, my stomach knotting. “No, I’m not.”

I stand to answer the door. Carter rises too, angling protectively toward me. I appreciate it, even as anxiety gnaws at me. Who could it be?

I open the door and freeze. “Dad?”

Michael Moreland stands in the doorway, filling the frame. His cold eyes scan the room and land on Carter, radiating disapproval.

“Eve,” he says, his voice clipped. “I see you have… company.”

I struggle to find my voice. “Dad, this is Dr. Carter Morgan. He’s one of my professors.”

Michael’s eyebrow arches. “A professor? In your home? How… inappropriate.”

Carter steps forward, extending his hand. “Mr. Moreland, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Eve and I were just studying.”

“I’m sure you were,” Michael interrupts, ignoring Carter’s hand. He turns to me, his tone biting. “I thought I raised you better, Eve. Entertaining men in your home, neglecting your studies.”

“That’s not what’s happening, sir,” Carter says firmly.

I see the muscle in my father’s jaw twitch. The tension is suffocating.

“I didn’t ask for your input, Dr. Morgan,” Michael says coldly. “Eve, we need to talk. Alone.”

My mind races. How did he know I was here? Why now? I glance at Carter and see concern in his eyes. I make a decision.

“Whatever you have to say, Dad, you can say it in front of Carter.”

I take a step forward, my heart pounding, my voice steady. “Dad, I appreciate your concern, but I’m an adult now. I can decide who I spend time with and how I study.”

Michael’s eyes narrow, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Decisions? Is that what you call this? Throwing away your future for some fling with a professor?”

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