Page 43 of Campus Daddies

“I’ll see you tomorrow, though.”

When I turn to the car, Dad waves, and I wave back before planting my hands on my hips at the sight of Noah in his booster seat.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in bed?” I ask as my son clambers out of the car and runs to me. I drop down and open my arms to him for the sweetest hug. We don’t spend nights away from each other if we can help it. Mostly for my own sanity. “Oh, did you miss me?”

He nods into my shoulder as I pick him up, carrying him around the back of the car as I put my luggage in the trunk. I turn to see Orion watching us, his hands in his pockets and head slightly tilted to take all of this in.

What must he think now?

18

CEDRIC

Sofia’s weekend in the city is the perfect excuse to invite her over to discuss her project and how to showcase her experience without breaking the contract she signed. She’s already expressed her want to be open and honest and how this might get complicated.

Nothing like a nice discussion on morality over a private dinner with my student to exacerbate the growing tension between us. It’s not at all a smart idea.

I’m just not sure I care anymore.

My sleeves are rolled up from making dinner, which is in the oven and almost ready to plate when there’s a knock at my door.

I wipe my hands clean and open the door to Sofia. She’s in a pretty, simple black dress that makes her look so sophisticated and elegant. Sexy. The smile on her red lips, though…

Blood thrums hard in my ears.

Am I an idiot for thinking the way she’s dressed up for me means I have a smidgen of hope? And those damn glasses. How much of my thoughts can she see on replay?

Stepping back, I invite her inside with a wave, reaching down to unroll my sleeves and put myself back together. “Please. Come in.”

“Don’t button back up because of me.” Entering my house brings her sweet scent with her, sinking the talons of need into my chest.

I stop as her gaze drops to my forearms, such a common detail in romantic genres that I can’t help but feed my own narrative. “Would you like something to drink? Dinner is almost ready.”

Those teasing eyes focus on mine. “You cooked?”

An almost smile teases my mouth as I nod, escorting her to my chrome and black kitchen. It’s sleek and masculine, yet somehow, she fits in it.

Sofia turns toward the oven, eyes closed as she breathes it in. Ginger, garlic, maple, thyme, and pecans. “What is that?”

“One of my favorites. I have a white to go with it, but I also have water and tea.” I certainly don’t want to pressure her to drink, but she’s old enough and can decide for herself.

“White is fine. Thank you.” She’s moving again, circling the island in my kitchen, fingertips trailing around the edge of the counter with her slow steps. There’s no shyness in the way she takes in the details of my place—how much of it she can see.

The kitchen, dining room, and living room area is one big, open space. Dark woods and pops of white decorate the space. It’s minimal. Clean. Easy. Which almost makes me laugh because I am not an easy man to deal with.

Sofia doesn’t wander far, circling back into the same wedge of space as me.

I have two glasses and pour us both some wine. Her soft thank you as I hand her one tugs at me.

We both take a slow sip without breaking eye contact, and trouble is catching up much faster than I anticipated.

Disarming myself, I turn to the oven to pull out the chicken, too aware of her gaze on me as I do so. The control I must employ has my muscles tight, heat pumping through me. Because I have a feeling she’s going to give me everything I ask for. I just have to let her ask.

I find that I enjoy the way she watches me make up our plates. Maple pecan chicken, the mustard serving sauce, steamed broccoli, and creamy potatoes. Sofia closes her eyes to pull in another deep breath.

She looks right in my eyes when she opens them again, and I feel raw under her gaze. “That looks fancy.”

I nod her over to the table. She grabs the glasses and the wine and follows me over. Her soft laughter as I pull the seat out for her needles that control again.

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