Page 65 of The Professor
Drakeand I are laying on the couch. He rushed off after my dad, while I cleaned up the kitchen. Not in the mood to cook anymore, I put everything away and just ordered a pizza. My nerves were shot waiting for him to come back in and when he did my stomach turned. But he assured me that they had a good talk. That he convinced my dad that what we have is special. I’m not sure I believe it, but for now I’ll take it.
Which is why we’re laying on the couch. I’m mentally exhausted from today and I know for sure Drake is too.
“Maybe we should go back to your place tomorrow,” I say, staring at the tv with my back resting against his front.
He places a kiss below my ear and smiles against it. “If you’d rather be there that’s fine.”
“It’s safer and you know it. Don’t make it like it’s only me,” I say.
“Getting caught keeps it exciting, Miss Bower,” he says, nipping my ear.
Grinning, I link my fingers with his that are resting on my stomach. “Yeah, it does, Professor Grayson.”
We end up falling asleep on the couch and even though I woke up several times thinking someone was coming in, I slept with a smile on my face.
Waking up I stretch and realize Drake isn’t behind me. Sitting up, I adjust my dress and stand up. I check the dorm and don’t see him anywhere. Honestly, for a minute I bounce from pissed and worried. I don’t like the idea of him just leaving, especially after what happened with my dad.
I pick up my phone to call him and there’s a text.
Drake - Morning beautiful. I had to run to Braylin’s because he wasn’t having a good morning, but he’s good now. I’ll be back soon. I love you xx
Damn, I wish he would have woken me. I would have gone with him, but I guess one thing at a time when it comes to Braylin. Gathering my clothes I decide to shower and right before I get in there, my phone rings.
Excitedly, I answer thinking it’s Drake.
“Emma, we need to talk,” my dad says.
Rolling my eyes, I sit down on my bed. “What now dad?”
“Don’t give me that shit, you know exactly what,” he says in that authorize voice of his.
“Okay fine, what?”
“Look, you’re my daughter and my urge to protect you will never dull, so you have to understand this isn’t easy for me to understand. He’s eleven years older than you Em. What could you possibly have in common with him?” He asks, sounding more confused now than anything.
I go to make myself some coffee, because I have a feeling this conversation is going to be a while.
“Dad, we have a lot in common. We both study psychology, enjoy the same things, and have the same sense of humor. He’s good to me Dad, he makes me happy. And eleven years isn’t that big a difference, there are girls my age dating guys your age,” I say, pouring my coffee.
“I’m twenty years older than you,” he says in disbelief.
Laughing, I sip my coffee. “I’m aware you are, but age is just a number, Dad. You could totally be with someone my age.”
“Never, but this isn’t about me. It’s about you and your professor. I’m worried for you. I don’t want him hurting you or stopping you from living your dream,” he says.
Stopping me from living my dream. I never gave it much thought, but he wouldn’t stop me, he’d just be included. I tell my dad just that and he is quiet for a while.
“What happens if you get an internship on the East Coast or West Coast, hell anywhere that isn’t right here? He’s a grown man who’s ready to settle down and you’re just starting out,” he says, gently, but it hurts.
“We’d figure it out. Dad, just be happy for me,” I plead with him.
“What happens when the university finds out? Both of you have a lot to lose,” he says.
“Dad, we’ve talked about it. Believe me, we didn’t just jump into this, I gave it a lot of thought. I’m happy, this is what I want. I love him,” I say.
“I’ll never accept it Emma, but I’ll keep my mouth shut. Just know I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
We talk for another hour, thankfully moving on from the Drake topic. I know it’s hard for him to understand, but it’s my life. I’ve never been happier than I am now, so I don’t care what anyone else thinks.
