The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

“Of course.” I’d actually forgotten that he’s disgustingly wealthy. He’s just so down to earth, it’s easy to forget.

“The refrigerator is stocked with all sorts of read-made meals, if you’d like anything.”

“No, I couldn’t eat a thing right now.” It has nothing to do with the time. My metabolism is freakishly fast. I can scoff down anything at one a.m. without worrying about the calories. I just don’t have any appetite to speak of.

Palming the mug, I savor the feeling of the heat seeping into my palms. “This is good for tonight.”

Bryce is watching me, his brows furrowed and eyes troubled. “I know I said we don’t have to talk tonight but I can tell something is bothering you. And that’s bothering me.”

Blowing out a breath, I take a few sips of hot chocolate to buy a little time.

Chapter Fourteen

Abby

I don’t want to talk but maybe I should. Who else am I going to talk to? Certainly not my sister. I’ve been playing the strong older sister for so long, I can’t stop now. I can’t talk to Charlie either. I don’t want to burden her with my problems. Watching Bryce over the rim of my mug, I take in his concerned expression. I don’t want to burden him with my problems either.

As if reading my mind...or my expression, he says, “You can talk to me, Abby.”

“I know. I don’t usually share too much so it’s hard to get started.”

He scrubs a hand over his face and nods. “I get it.” He rests his arms on the counter and pins me with his sharp gaze. “Let me start then. I’m sorry about the way I behaved the other day.”

Staring into my mug, I lift my shoulders. “I guess I can understand why you were upset. I gave Jake hell about what he did after you left.” Eyes lifting to meet his, I add, softly, “He really is just a family friend. I wouldn’t do that... mess around with you if I had someone…”

“I know. You don’t have to explain?”

“Please, let me.” Now that the conversation has started, it’s easier to get out. “Jake has been around since I was a kid. He and my father have always been tight. He’s kind of like my uncle so the thought of he and I being anything but family is just... disturbing. He behaved the way he did in his twisted effort to protect me from you.”

“Why would you need protection from me?”

Lashes lowering, I study him through them. “He’s convinced you’re only after...sex.”

“You know that’s not true.”

“I know and I told him.”

Relief is apparent in his expression. “Good. So, he’s in on the secret, then?”

“He won’t tell anyone. I’m sure of it.”

“Honestly, I don’t care if he does.”

My eyes fly back to his face. “You should care, Bryce. Your job at the university has to be protected.”

A small smile lifts his lips. “I’m touched by your concern for me. I don’t get that a lot.”

Ducking my head, I hope nothing on my face gives away how much I actually care about him. He’s the first man to ever make me feel so... special. “I apologize for Jake’s behavior. He was kind of an asshole about the whole thing.”

“That doesn’t excuse me for my behavior.”

“I get it Bryce. If you couldn’t introduce me as at least your friend to anyone, I’d feel that way too. I panicked.”

Rubbing his chin he nods. “Still, I could have handled the situation better.” He lets out a laugh but it’s hard to detect any humor. “I was just...jealous as fuck.”

Shocked that he’d admit it, I gape at him.

“It was a new feeling for me.” He crosses his arms and clears his throat. “I’ve never wanted to punch a stranger over a woman before. The possessiveness and jealousy I felt rattled me. I mean, I’ve known you all of one month…”