Page 12 of The Autumn We Fell in Love

Glancing at his armful of papers, I gesture to the empty chair at the table. “Care to join me? I could use a watchful eye to keep me honest.”

“I have no doubt in your honesty,” he says in a tone that’s almost savage, making my eyes fly wide. But then he nods and slides into the chair across from me. “I wouldn’t mind company as good as yours though.”

My face is on fire. “I’m sure you have lots of people to keep you company,” I say, thinking of my classmates.

His lips draw into a thin line. “None of theirs is half the quality of yours.”

Nope. My face isn’t on fire. It’s an all-out inferno. My cheeks are the surface of the sun.

I have no idea how to reply to Rowan, so I shove his book to the side and point my nose at my preschool plans, eyes wide but unseeing.

“You’re a teacher too?” Rowan says.

I nod. “Preschool.”

He winces. “Oof, that’s brave.”

I snort. “Not as brave as facing a lecture hall full of grown women three nights a week.”

“But they all are trying to flatter me and win my favor,” he says. “Preschoolers tell it like it is straight to your face.”

Face still as hot as a solar flare, I find myself suddenly brave enough to ask the question that’s been on my mind since Amy and I had our conversation up on the bluffs. “Do you like it? Being famous, having any woman you want —“

Rowan cuts me off with a decisive shake of the head. “Not particularly. I’d trade all of it to be with the right woman — a woman who loves me as I am, human and flawed, for the rest of my days. A flesh and blood mortal that I can love right back in the same way.”

His eyes are suddenly heavy with meaning, his words fierce. He’s looking at me in a way that makes me squirm — and not in a bad way.

Again I find myself at a loss for words, mouth dangling open. I wouldn’t be surprised if a trickle of drool comes out and pools on my papers.

God, I hope that’s not what’s happening.

And then, after a long moment in which Rowan seems to hitch up his courage and make a decision, he continues.

“I’m not looking for rabid fans who just want a piece of my fame and not the man I actually am. I’m looking for the real deal — with someone just like you, Hollis.”

I laugh.

And not a cute, feminine laugh.

No, I splutter and snort, and I’m pretty sure I do rain spittle over the table between us in my shock.

Becausewhat the fuck is happening?

“Rowan,” I breathe, body as heavy as lead, as bright as a fresh-bloomed tulip, “huh?”

Let’s just agree that I’m not the best with words under pressure, shall we?

He shakes his head. “I know I shouldn’t proposition a student. But Hollis, I’ve loved you since the first moment I saw you.”

“You can’t have.”

Rowan crosses his arms over his chest. “Why the hell not?” he challenges.

“Because I’m . . . well, I’m old, for one thing.”

“Yeah, you’re older than me. But not old. And even if you were, I think I’d still love you.”

“But —“

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