The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

Bryce watches me intently. I wonder what he’s thinking. “What I was going to say is, you don’t have to go through things alone. I’m here.”

He always says something to make me melt. “I’m not one to burden anyone with sob stories either. I don’t want nor like pity.”

“I don’t see you as someone to be pitied. I’d just like to be there for you, if you’d let me.”

Pulling in a deep breath, I have a sudden urge to share things I wouldn’t normally share. He’s easy to talk to. “Jake showed up after disappearing for months. He offered us money and told me I could cut my hours at the diner and focus on school.”

“Is that a bad thing? You do have a lot on your plate.”

“He’s in business with my dad.”

Realization dawns on his face. “Oh.”

Embarrassed, I look away. “I shouldn’t even be telling you this.” I never share such sensitive information with anyone.

He takes my chin between his fingers and forces me to face him. “You can tell me. I’d never judge.”

Worrying my lip with my teeth, I gaze into his eyes, searching for the truth. I know I don’t have to. He’s been the least judgmental about my family so far. “I told him I didn’t want their money, but he gave it to me anyway. I was adamant about not touching it but now that my car needs to go to the garage, I might have to use it. I feel like a hypocrite.”

Bryce taps outs a rapid rhythm on the counter. “I’ll pay for the car. Problem solved.”

“Don’t you dare offer to pay for anything for me.” I scowl. “I don’t want your money.”

“I didn’t mean anything by it. I just thought I’d offer another solution.”

“We’ve been on one date?”

“Technically two.”

“Whatever. Don’t offer me money,” I hiss. My pride has been altogether ruffled.

“It’s okay to accept help sometimes.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I murmur. Jake told me the same thing. “I’ll figure my own way out, thanks.”

He accepts my response with a sigh. “Okay.”

Resting my chin on my palm, I gaze at him with a smile. “What?” he asks.

“It was kind of you to offer. You’re a nice guy.”

One corner of his mouth twitches but he keeps a straight face. “I try to be. I should be rewarded with a kiss.”

“Always angling for a kiss.” I grin. His devilish smile is just too much. I lean clos

er without giving him what he wants just to tease him. I like the way I am with Bryce. Playful, relaxed, flirtatious. I’m never those things with anyone else.

He visibly swallows, eyes fixed on my mouth. “You must be tired. You should get some sleep. You have classes in the morning, right? And you have to get your car to the garage…”

I snicker and he asks, “Okay, what’s so funny?”

“You trying your damnedest to be a gentleman is adorable.”

He scoffs and gives a mock scowl. “Adorable? A man never wants to be described as adorable.”

“Okay, then. It’s sweet how you have me right here in your house, wearing a robe with absolutely nothing underneath…” I wait for that part to sink in.

Bryce gulps and pink highlights his cheekbones.