The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

My gaze is fixed on him while I fight down a wave of emotions that threaten to rise up. We do have a connection. That’s something I can never deny. Since the moment we met I’ve felt as if I’ve known him forever. I’ve never been this comfortable and open with anyone. But, how far can we really go?

“My father is in prison, Bryce. He’s Noah Knight. He deals drugs and gets into all kinds of messes. I’m nothing more than a criminal’s daughter to everyone. Being associated with me is bad for you.”

He blows out a long breath and puts his fork down. “Knowing who your father is doesn’t make me like you any less. I can only imagine the flack you get around here because of your dad but I’m not looking at that, or where you come from. I only see you, Abby. I like you. I want to be with you, not your father, so none of the extra details matter to me.”

“You want to be with me?”

A hint of pink seeps into his cheeks. It’s the second time I’ve seen him blush. The first time was in Mexico when he’d been apparently transfixed by my boobs in my bikini top. The memory makes me smile.

He rubs the back of his neck and gives me a sheepish grin. “Too soon for me to say something like that?”

It should be. We barely know each other but… ”No.” Knowing he wants me on that level is comforting.

“So, tell me, when did you become a culinary goddess. I mean, you’re pretty young.”

Feeling a little less uncertain about things between us, I pick up my fork and relax. “Well, I was forced to learn how to cook. My mother died when I was eight.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

I shrug. “Thanks. She got very sick. As a kid, I didn’t really understand how serious it was until she was gone.” Swallowing the lump in my throat, I try not to think about the point when my life turned upside down. “My dad is completely useless in the kitchen.”

Bryce laughs. “I can’t knock him, so am I.”

Grinning from ear to ear, I continue. “I had to learn how to operate in the kitchen very quickly or my sister and I would have had to survive on a diet of cereal and Ramen noodles. Not very healthy.”

That elicits a roar of laughter from Bryce. “Not very healthy.”

“So you see why I had to learn. I love cooking and baking. It soothes me. I don’t have much time nowadays to really indulge in the culinary arts, though.”

“I’m certainly glad you had time today.”

Grinning from ear to ear like a fool, I duck my head, so he doesn’t see me blush.

I have a feeling I wouldn’t mind cooking for Bryce forever.

It’s too bad his marriage proposal was a joke, as it should be. But if it weren’t, cooking for him wouldn’t be a bad thing. It would be something I’d want to do.

I’m in trouble.

I’m falling for Bryce Marshall.

What am I going to do?

Chapter Ten

Bryce

With Abby finally fully relaxed, the morning is going even better than I expected. I’ve learned a lot about her. I’ve been soaking up the information like a sponge. It’s the first time I’ve ever been so interested in getting to know a woman inside and out. We’re still lounging in her living room after she garnered the courage to show me pictures of her family. Her reluctance at first was a little amusing. It seems she’s been so closed off from almost everyone for so long, she struggles to open up in the slightest ways. That’s why the smallest gestures that she makes to let me in are so special.

“So, you got a full academic scholarship to St. Jacobs. I’m impressed.”

Abby shrugs as if it’s no big deal. I know what it takes to get an academic scholarship. It’s hard work. “Beauty and brains,” I murmur. “That’s incredibly sexy.”

She snickers. “Nerds aren’t sexy. Charlie never fails to point out that I’m one. I can’t get mad at her for labeling me a nerd, though. I mean, I do have plenty of dorky ways.”

“You’re the hottest nerd I’ve ever seen for sure.”

Her face flushes as I expected. I’ve come to enjoy the sight of Abby blushing. I say things just to get that reaction. “Who’s this Charlie?” I hope my sliver of jealousy isn’t audible.