The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

“So, what are you thinking? Another dinner date? Lunch maybe?”

The enthusiasm in his voice warms me. At least it’s clear that he is very interested in seeing me again. “Actually, I was thinking about breakfast. The thing is, tomorrow is really short notice, and I don’t want to pressure you with having to plan another extravagant arrangement to appease my preference for privacy.”

His teeth flash with his smile. “It wasn’t all that extravagant.”

“There was a helicopter and a mansion. It was insanely extravagant.”

His laughter warms me more than the car’s heater. “I wouldn’t mind the planning even if it is short notice. Anything to see you again sooner than expected.”

I sigh. “That’s very sweet, but I have a simpler solution. Come to my place tomorrow morning.”

My request is met with silence.

“I know it’s late now and you probably have something more important to do. I just thought it was a good idea since no one in my neighborhood knows you teach at the university. My sister will be at work all day, so I’ll have the place to myself. It’s just for coffee and breakfast and we can talk some more…”

He still isn’t saying anything. Oh God. if he shuts me down surely, I’ll die of humiliation. What was I thinking asking him to come over after one date? Was it even good first date etiquette asking him to my place? “You know what, forget it. It’s probably a bad idea?”

“I’ll be there.”

My mouth clamps shut. “You will?”

“I was just shocked that you’d ask me over to your place.”

The gravity of what I just did hit me. Holy shit. I invited Bryce Marshall to my house. A man that owns a mansion in another city and probably lives in one here too is coming to my humble abode. I didn’t really think this through. There’s no backing out now.

“Okay. It’s a date,” I say, suddenly feeling apprehensive.

But if he wants a real glimpse at who I am and where I am from, then he needs to see the house I grew up in.

All I can hope for is that he doesn’t run away.

This girl from the wrong side of the tracks is falling for a man so far out of her league.

And I want him to catch me.

Chapter Eight

Bryce

It’s a little before seven when I stroll into my parent’s castle on the hill. That’s what I call the massive property that’s perched on a hill overlooking most of the town. It’s where I grew up, but I now have my own place closer to work. I still spend many nights here, though, when I come over for dinner with the family or to an event put on by my parents

My stepmother, Diana, invited me over for breakfast this morning. Sunday breakfast has become a bit of a family tradition since she came along. I don’t mind it. I’ve always liked Diana. She married my father seven years ago and she’s proved to be a sweet woman. This morning I’ve stopped by to disappoint her. I’ll be absent from the breakfast table. I figured I’d deliver the news in person.

Diana is coming down the spiral staircase as I round the corner into the living room. Her face lights up when she sees me. Diana is a pretty woman with blonde hair that she always has in an elegant updo and warm brown eyes that twinkle when she smiles. She’s always well put together even in the house. She’s twenty years younger than my father. I love Dad but I’ve often wondered what a nice young woman like Diana sees in him. He can be a miserable, controlling lord of the manor at times… all the time.

“Bryce. You’re about two hours early for breakfast. Are you that hungry?” There goes the twinkle in her eyes. I assess her carefully. The twinkle isn’t quite as bright this morning, however and her smile seems a little strained.

I chuckle and walk into her open arms to give her a peck on the cheek. “I’m afraid I’ve come to disappoint you, Diana.”

“Oh no. You’re not staying?”

“I’m afraid not. Something important came up.” There was no way I was going to turn down an invitation from Abby. My heart practically galloped out of my chest with excitement when she extended the offer for breakfast at her place. I’m going to her place already, after one date. After she pretty much told me to get lost many times before that date. I’ve made more progress than I ever dreamed I would so soon.

Diana eyes me curiously. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything is amazing.”

“Amazing, huh?”