The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

“One moment, please,” he says and the static cuts off when he released the button on his side.

I rock on my heels as I wait. I take a deep breath in and the cold air stings my lungs.

&nb

sp; “Looks like Noah Knight got released this morning.”

I couldn’t have heard that right.

“I’m sorry?” I ask in horror.

“Yeah, he was released on good behavior this morning.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“Sure thing. Have a good day,” he says.

I turn around and walk slowly to my car as my heart races. My dad is out of prison, which can only mean that the Mayor went ahead and got my father out of jail.

“Oh my god,” I say as the realization hits me. My eyes water, and I run to my car because there is only one place my dad can go and that’s home. Lucy will have no idea. This can’t be happening. My hands shake as I open the door and when I try to start the engine, but I can’t get the key in the ignition.

This is bad. This is so bad. I wipe my cheeks and then manage to crank the car. I reach for my phone to call my sister, but of course since this day fucking sucks, it’s dead. “Damn it!” I shout, throwing my phone on the floor.

I slam my hands against the steering wheel and let out a frustrated scream deep within my chest.

Putting the car in drive, I rip out of the parking lot and head home, hoping my dad isn’t there. I think about what I’m going to say to him if he is. Do I kick him out? I pay the mortgage, I pay the light and water bill, I buy the food.

Me. Me. Me.

He isn’t welcome there. I don’t care if he is my father. He has ruined my chance at a normal life.

I barely remember the drive back to Oak Valley. I’m too upset and crying over the fact about how much my life sucks. Yes, I’m having a pity party. I’m heartbroken. I know this is why Bryce hasn’t called. I feel it in my soul.

My father has a way of fucking everything up, and I’m done.

Maybe I’ll transfer to another college. I’ll take Lucy with me and start over. I don’t care about student loans anymore. Anywhere has got to be better than here.

I skid to a stop in front of the house and slam the car in park when I see my dad sitting on the steps. He lifts his head from his hands and stands.

We stare at each other for a minute.

And damn it, even through my anger, I’m happy to see him. Why? I shouldn’t want to see him.

He has aged. His hair has a dash of salt, but he looks like he is in shape. I guess prison will do that to you since all you have is time on your hands. He smiles when he sees me and another part of my heart crumbles. I get out of the car and slam the door shut. My dad runs down the steps, but I hold out my hand to stop him.

“Abby, please. I just want to hug you. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. You’ve grown up. You look…you look so much like your mom.”

Another tear drops down my cheek. “I didn’t know you got out. I had to find out when I went to go visit you this morning. You didn’t get out on good behavior, did you?” I cock my head at him, and he looks away, ashamed.

“The mayor said since you were dating his son that he wanted to do you a favor—”

“He blackmailed me!” I cry. “He told me to break up with his son and said he could get you out and I said no. You deserved to be in prison for what you put me and Lucy through. What we are still going through. I don’t have a life because of you!” I scream. “You ruined it. I’m finally in love and you ruined it!”

“Oh, baby,” he says as I breakdown and cry. He runs to me, pulling me against him and holds me. I want to hate him so much, but it feels good to have my dad back, no matter what he did. “I’m so sorry. I’ll do anything I can to fix it. Anything I can to make it up to you.”

I’m about to open my mouth when I hear a car behind me. I turn around and the silver Lexus comes to a sudden stop. Bryce gets out of the car and slams the door. He looks like he hasn’t slept all night. His hair is a wreck and when his eyes land on me, then my dad, and just like that, I can tell we are over.

“My dad was fucking right about you,” he says, pointing his finger at me. “You used me! You used me to get your father out of jail. He told me, but I couldn’t believe it. I spent all night thinking that lying bastard was spewing shit, and then I come here to talk to you and see this…” He shakes his head and rubs a hand over his mouth. “I can’t believe you’d do that to me. I fucking loved you!” he shouts, his voice breaking at the top of his lungs.