The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

Eventually we start to lift in the air, and her hand flies to grab mine. She’s holding on tight and I’m going to let her.

My thumb rubs over the top of her hand, enjoying her touch even if it is because she’s scared.

We start flying and the pilot is taking us over the mountains. We can see the pastures of cattle, the town, even the University, and it is gorgeous.

Abby is looking out the window, nearly plastering her face to the glass and it makes me chuckle.

It isn’t long before we land and I’m helping her out of the Helicopter. The gusts of wind of the blades cause her hair to fly all around her shoulders. Her face is flushed and she throws her arms around me, squealing.

“That was so much fun! I’ve never flown in a helicopter. Thank you! Oh my gosh, I feel…I feel kind of high right now,” she giggles, throwing her hand over her mouth. “That sounds bad. I’ve never been high, I’m just saying this is what it has to feel like because wow, that was amazing.”

God, I want to kiss her right now, but I hold myself back.

I can’t help staring at Abby. Her face was lit with excitement. I’ve never thought much of my family owning a helicopter but I sure am glad we do now. If just for impressing a woman. The one woman I was interested in impressing. Seeing how thrilled she is about the twenty-minute ride, I wish I’d really flexed my muscles and flown the thing myself.

“I can’t believe you got a helicopter for our date.” She laughes, the sound breezy and carefree. I’m glad she isn’t as wound up and worried about our titles as she’s needlessly been.

“It beats the two hours drive we’d probably have to make to get here.”

“Where are we?” She looks around the open space with interest. “Whose house is that?”

The helipad we’d landed on is one of the many Marshall properties in the capital city. The building she’s gazing at is a sprawling mansion sitting in the middle of acres of land.

“We’re in Cheyenne and that is the house my father bought for my mother before she died. It’s mine now.”

Abby lifted a brow. “You own a mansion with a helipad? And you say it as if it’s nothing.”

I shrugged. “It’s just a house.”

She snorted. “Of course it is. To you, Prince Bryce.”

I chuckled. “Prince?”

She smirked. “Never mind that.”

I study her with suspicion. I really hoped that isn’t what people call me in Oak Valley. How embarrassing. I’m nothing like my father. I don’t flaunt my position or money. I don’t care all that much that I have money, to be honest. However, it does come in handy when one is trying his damndest to impress a woman.

“Is our date...here?” She asks.

“Yes. You wanted far from Oak Valley and privacy.” I wave to the house. “Here you have it, distance and privacy.”

That seems to brighten her some more. She lets out a breath. “Oh, this is good. I feel like I can relax.”

My brows dipped. “I feel like you’re ashamed of being seen with me, Abby.” I’m kidding around...but not really. “You aren’t, are you? Just making sure.”

“That’s funny. If anyone should be ashamed to be seen with anyone it’s you. You should be ashamed to be seen with me.”

I let out a frustrated sigh. “Damn it, Abby, you’re killing me here. You haven’t known me long enough to fully know my character but you even thinking that is insulting.”

Her shoulders noticeably drooped under the heavy coat. and I instantly wanted to kick myself in the ass. “I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just that you are who you are and I’m...who I am.”

“You’re the incredibly sweet and funny woman I met on the beach. The woman who I’m insanely attracted to. That’s all that matters to me about who you are.”

Her troubled eyes are fixed on me as if she’s searching for the slightest sign that I’m lying. She’ll find none. “I’m sorry. I’m ruining the mood, aren’t I?” Hanging her head, she mumbles, “I’m not very good at this. Dating. I haven’t dated much...okay, ever. I’m a bit nervous. A lot nervous. And I’m babbling. I do that when I’m nervous.” She lets out a little laugh that rings with uncertainty.

I instantly soften. Grasping her chin, I force her to meet my gaze. “So, we’re dating, are we?”

Her cheeks already pink from the cold, brightens. “Well...no... I just meant…