I shove my hands in my pockets, determined not to think about that moment on stage with Professor Ali. The moment when he looked at my lips like he wanted to devour them. Did I imagine that? I must have—there is no way my hot but uptight teacher would ever break the rules for someone he finds as infuriating as me.
Classes drag by slowly as I try to concentrate on my studies and fail, instead doodling in my notebook with ideas and thoughts about who could be sending me these letters and secretly hoping for the first time that they’re from my professor.
CHAPTER 26
JOHN
Ineed to stop thinking about her. The way that she looked at me at rehearsal. The way I wanted to pull her against me and consume her, feasting on every inch of her skin.
Mary let me know about several appointments coming up that I needed to attend, and I need to focus on that, not the sexy younger woman permeating my thoughts. I’m close to the end of the deal I made with Mary, but until then, I’ve committed to following through with her whenever she needs me.
Mary
I appreciate you helping me. Thank you.
I’m happy to and you have to stop thanking me.
But you’ve given up so much. I feel like all I do is take from you.
You’re my friend, and it was literally a matter of life or death. Of course I was going to help you.
Thank you doesn’t feel like enough, rafiq.
I smile at her text. “Rafiq” means friend in Yemeni Arabic—more specifically, it’s someone you can count on. Over the past six years, I’ve picked up a few phrases from her native tongue, but this one fills me with the most pride.
Just knowing you are alive and well is enough. You and Sam deserve the world, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you’re safe.
If there’s anything I can ever do for you, name it.
I did want to tell you something.
Yes?
I’ve met someone.
That’s amazing!
But it’s complicated. She’s a student at my college. Not currently my student, but she was last year. I met her before I knew she was a student though.
A younger woman?
Don’t worry, I’m still focused on the plan. It won’t derail me.
I’m not worried about it. I’m happy for you.
I appreciate that. But I’m not sure how we could be together.
Seriously, John.
What?
You give so much to everyone around you, it’s time you had a little happinessfor you.
There are rules at play here.
Enough with your rules.
It’s not that easy.
