Page 99 of Forbidden Professor

Eve’s eyes widen as she takes in the amount. "Thank you, Aunt Margaret. This is overwhelming."

As Eve expresses her gratitude I realize this is more than support. It’s Aunt Margaret’s way of welcoming Eve.

I squeeze Eve’s hand and my heart feels full. "Aunt Margaret, we’ll make you proud."

“I have no doubt about that.” She smiles at us.

Kissing Eve on the cheek, I can hardly contain my excitement.

ChapterForty-One

Eve

I standin in our new living room, boxes piled high around us. I grin, catching Carter’s eye. This empty space, messy and full of potential, feels like the start of something amazing.

“Well,” I say, gesturing at the chaos, “I think it’s official. Your culinary reign is over, Professor Morgan.” I lean in and lower my voice. “If I’m cooking, we’ll be living on burnt toast and mystery casseroles.”

Carter’s laugh fills the room, warm and rich. It sends a thrill through me. “Are you saying we surrender on our first night here?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.

I nod. “For our own survival, we’d better order pizza.”

“Agreed.” He grabs his phone, fingers tapping quickly.

“Extra cheese?” he asks.

“You know me so well,” I reply, smiling. This is our space now, messy and perfect. Somehow, even with all the boxes, it already feels like home.

Carter finishes the order. I look around at the mountains of boxes. “All right, Professor,” I say, rolling up my sleeves. “Let’s see if we can make a dent before dinner gets here.”

He pockets his phone, grinning. “Challenge accepted, future Dr. Moreland.”

We dive in, grabbing boxes and tearing them open. We move around each other like we’re in sync, unpacking, stacking, organizing. Carter hums while he sorts linens, and I tackle random office supplies. When that’s done, I put my hands on my hips and survey the room.

Curious, I open a box labeled “Kitchen.” Instead of plates, I find novelty mugs. Holding one up, I laugh. “Carter, care to explain why we have an entire box of mugs?”

He grins. “It’s a small obsession.”

“Small?” I pull out mug after mug. “There must be twenty in here.”

He shrugs. “They make me smile. Plus, they’re great for starting conversations.”

I shake my head. “Well, I hope you’re ready for a lot of coffee.”

I watch as he opens another box, this one filled with my books.

“I didn’t realize you had so many medical journals,” he says, setting them on a makeshift shelf.

“They’re not all medical,” I say, feeling a warmth in my chest. “There’s fiction too.”

He picks up my worn copy ofPride and Prejudice. “This one’s seen better days.”

“It’s my favorite. I’ve read it every year since high school.”

He looks at me, eyes soft. “I love that you’re passionate about science and literature.”

Before I can respond, a blur of orange and black streaks between us. Valentine and Marmalade, our kittens, think unpacking is playtime.

“Someone’s got energy.” I laugh as Marmalade pounces on a piece of packing paper.

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