The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

“Come one, Holly, you know?”

“It’s true. I’m not stupid.”

No, she’s far from that. Holly is incredibly perceptive. “Look, I’m sure they argue about plenty of other things.”

Her lips twist into a sardonic smile. “That doesn’t make it any better.”

Scrubbing a hand over my face, I let out a laugh. “I know.” I have no idea what else to say to comfort a teenager about her parental insecurities. “Hey, whenever you want to get away from the madness?” and there can be plenty with our tyrant of a patriarch, “? my door is open.”

Her face lights up. “Real

ly?”

I’m starting to think it’s time to pay more attention to Holly. She came along at a time when I was grown and engrossed in my own life, so we haven’t bonded all that much. But, I consider her my kid sister in every way. “Of course. As long as you ask your mother first.”

“Thanks Bryce. I do want to get away from here sometimes.”

“Yeah, I know the feeling well.” Reaching for a bottle of water, I slide it to her. “Here, have a drink with me.”

“I’d prefer something a little stronger.”

“Nice try, kid.” I point to the water. “Drink up.”

She rolls her eyes but hops on to the stool beside me and opens the bottle. “So since we’re drinking together. You might as well tell me what you did to mess things up with the woman you’re pining over.”

Glancing at her with disbelief, I let out a roar of laughter. “What makes you think I messed up?”

There’s a sly smile on her face. “Because you guys always do.”

“What the hell do you know about guys?”

Her cheeks turn pink. “Enough to know that you guys can be jerks sometimes.”

Unbelievable. A seventeen-year-old is giving me flack about messing up my relationship. “Alright, miss know it all, maybe I did contribute a little to messing things up.”

“Typical man.” She takes a swig of water as I fight back my laughter. Holly is beyond amusing.

“It wasn’t all my fault. Since you’re the relationship expert, what do you suggest I do?”

“Man up and apologize even if you weren’t all the way wrong. Make sure there are flowers and a nice dinner involved. Make sure the place is five-star fancy. Jewelry is always a nice touch.”

Chin propped in one hand, I gaze at Holly with a smirk. “That’s actually great advice.”

“Of course it is. I know things.”

“Uh huh.” Chuckling, I pour myself another shot. Holly and I sit in comfortable silence while we wait for dinner to be announced.

Dinner is painful to get through.

But missing Abby is hell.

Getting through my lecture with Abby present is hard. When she didn’t show up the day after our argument? if it can be called that? or the day after that, I thought she’d dropped the class. My calls to her have gone unanswered. That’s my fault. I was childish and ignored her calls all of Sunday night. I miss her. Our phone conversations and texts had quickly become the best parts of my days and nights.

I was ready to chase her down after class today, but a few students stopped by my desk to ask questions. By the time I got through with them, Abby was gone. So, I’m waiting for her in the parking lot. She always passes the parking lot. Surveying the lot, I wish I knew her car.

“Hey, Mr. Marshall...Bryce.” The high-pitched laugh grates on my nerves.

Oh no.