I rubbed my hand up and down her back, whispering that everything was good, that I would be alright. She was upset because of me, because of the circumstances. I wanted to take that anguish away.
I pushed back but kept her close, smiling and shaking my head, assuring her without words at that moment that everything was fine.
“But it’s your job, what you worked hard to accomplish.”
I didn’t feel anything in that moment beyond my love for her. “It’s just a job.” I wiped the errant tear that rolled down her cheek.
“I’m sorry for breaking down like this. It’s just a bit unbelievable. We are both consenting adults.”
I leaned down and kissed her forehead, just closing my eyes and reveling in the fact she was here with me. “I knew the rules, Grace, and I didn’t fucking care about them. I knew from the moment I saw you walk into my class that this would be the outcome.” I pulled back and looked her in the eyes again.
“How did you know?” she whispered.
“Because I wasn’t going to let you go. I’d do anything, lose everything to be with you, Grace. Don’t you see that? Don’t you see that I’m so in love you?”
She smiled, and I felt the melancholy evaporate as her affections for me rose up. “I love you too.” She threw her arms around my waist and rested her head on my chest. “Will you be able to find another job? Or is this something that will follow you?” She said those words softly, and I didn’t answer for a moment, just held her, felt her warmth slip into me, let her scent envelop me.
“I don’t need a job, Grace. I have enough money to last me five lifetimes.” She pulled back and looked up at me.
“Your uncle’s business?”
“My business.” I kept my arms wrapped around her, unable to let her go. I needed her close. “It all became mine after he passed away. I went to school and became a professor because I wanted that relationship with my father. And I’ve had it. I did it. And maybe in the future, I’ll teach again. But that’s not my major worry, not what I’m focused on.” I heard her breath catch. “I have you, and that’s all I care about.”
I’d repeat that over and over again.
I leaned down and kissed her, and she grew soft and pliant against me.
If I never taught again, I’d be content because I’d have Grace.
I had her love.
They’d think I was obsessed.
I’d say I was in love.
What more did I need in life?
“So, he like…” Alexis leaned in close, her eyes wide, this look of wonder and excitement covering her face. “He just, like, kissed you in front of all of them?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the astonished sound in her voice. I nodded and grabbed my cup of tea, bringing it to my mouth and taking a long sip. The flavors of chamomile and honey invaded my mouth.
“Yeah, it was kind of intense, if I’m being honest.” I set the cup down and simply stared at the golden hued liquid enclosed in the ceramic. My hands were still wrapped around it, the warmth flowing into me.
“You’re thinking about him right now, aren’t you?”
I glanced up and peered at Alexis. I nodded. I cleared my throat and shifted on the seat.
“So, this is, like, the real deal.” She didn’t phrase it like a question.
“I love him so much, Alexis,” I said, feeling my cheeks flame as I thought of the passion that Seth had for me, how he’d fucked me only this morning, made me get off three times before he’d finally surrendered and let me breathe. My legs were still shaking, my pussy sore. He was voracious for me, and I couldn’t help but feel myself falling deeper in love with him each and every day.
“And he loves you? Like that’s a dumb question given I know the answer, as he all but shouted fuck you to the school.” She grinned. “Damn, I need a guy like that, that will just say screw everything else but me.”
“What about Letterman Craig?”
She lifted an eyebrow. “Letterman Craig?” She snorted.
“It’s what I’ve been calling him because every time I see him, he’s wearing that damn high school jacket.”
