He exhales slowly."Carter and I have been talking.The new program he's been building?The partnership between Club Red and the university's psychology department.Classes on sexual health, power dynamics, consent, and relationships in alternative lifestyles."
I can't contain my shock."Wait...really?"
He nods."It's early stages, but he offered me a position helping develop the curriculum.It's not a traditional classroom, but I'd still be teaching.Still helping."
I blink, stunned."You were already planning this?"
"I was going to finish the year, maybe one more.But when everything came out...I realized I didn't want to wait."
Something shifts in my chest.The panic, the fear, they're still there.But underneath them, there's something else.
Hope.
Real, solid, terrifying hope.
I wrap my arms around his neck."You’ll still get to teach?"
He grins."Yeah.Just...on my terms."
I shake my head, smiling through the leftover tears."You're insane."
"Only about you."
My heart stutters.
Then I pause, the edge of something curling in my chest."Wait.If you're working with Club Red...does that mean no more scenes at Club Red?"
He smirks."I will still have my room.Since we have never been a public couple, I don't see what has to change.Carter wants me to take the lead on curriculum development, but he also mentioned he'd love to have your input, especially with your background and...firsthand experience."
My cheeks burn."He said that?"
"In so many words."
I bite my lip."And you're okay with that?Working with me?Being...public, I guess?"
His hands slide down to my waist, anchoring me."I'm more than okay with it.We've hidden long enough.If this means we get to be in the open, build something lasting, not just in love but in work too, and watching you build your dreams, then yeah, I'm in."
The thought of collaborating with Gage sends a rush of something warm and exciting through me.It's more than love.It's building a life together.
Then he steps back, his smile grows even wider, and grabs my hand."Go out with me."
"What?"
"A real date.No stolen hours between classes.No sneaking around.Just you, me, and one long overdue dinner."
I laugh, a real one this time, full and unguarded."Okay."
"But if you show up in one of your professor tweeds, I'm turning right around."
He raises an eyebrow, amused."So, no elbow patches?"
"Absolutely not."
He chuckles, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear."Then I guess I'll have to find something worthy of you."He leans in and kisses my forehead.
And for the first time since my world turned upside down, I feel like maybe it's falling back into place.
Chapter 33
