Page 58 of Professor's Virgin Complete Series Box Set

“What?”

“Nothing,” she said, shaking her head. “It’s really none of my business.”

“It’s okay,” I assured her. “You can ask me anything.”

“Did your father want a divorce, too?”

“No,” I replied. “He was in love with her until the day he died.”

Natalie shook her head, and I could see how deeply she empathized with a man she’d never met. “Sorry,” I said, after a moment. “I didn’t mean to get the mood down.”

“You didn’t,” she assured me. “I’m glad you feel like you can talk to me.”

“Do you feel like you can talk to me?” I asked.

“I do,” she nodded.

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“Then can you answer something for me?”

“Yes.”

“Why did you run away from me that night on your birthday?” I asked.

Natalie raised her eyebrows. “You led me right into a trap, didn’t you?”

I laughed. “Does that mean you’re not going to answer the question?”

Natalie looked down for a moment and seemed to be marshaling her courage somehow. “I told you I was a little too drunk.”

“You did,” I nodded. “But I have a feeling that’s only part of the truth.”

“Well…”

“But I would also understand if you told me that I just came on too strong,” I said. “I have been known to be a straight shooter.”

Natalie smiled. “No, it wasn’t that you came on too strong,” she said. “Well, maybe that’s not the whole reason.”

I waited patiently for her to answer.

“The thing is…”

“Yes?”

“You have to promise me something,” Natalie said, as she took a deep breath.

“Okay?”

“Promise me that you won’t judge me?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Now you’re making me curious.”

“Promise?”

“I promise,” I nodded solemnly.

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