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Cooper cleans me up carefully, washes my hair, and makes me feel cherished.

I may not understand these butterflies in my stomach, but I’m willing to admit it feels nice to be taken care of.

Seven

Cooper

Walking into my office with a private smile, I think about how beautiful Nina looked when I dropped her off outside of her first class. Her classes are strewn all over campus, and it’s too damn cold today for that nonsense.

I’m not often chivalrous, but an incredible orgasm is tempering my inner asshole, though I still had Nina quit her job, while I drove into campus and handed her my credit card to go shopping.

I told her to forward me the receipts, so that I knew it was paid and I could ensure she had everything she needed. The money doesn’t mean much to me, the fact that I know Nina is dressed warm enough does.

I also made sure she had both my and Ethan’s numbers. I wasn’t kidding when I told her I would need to fuck her until my sanity returned. Now that I’ve had a taste, I don’t think I’ll be able to get enough.

Ethan texted me to tell me that the mechanic couldn’t take the car until tomorrow, which isn’t a big deal, because I left my permit slip on her SUV before Nina and I droveto school.

I could tell she doesn’t know whether to be amused or frustrated, so I’m calling it a win that she didn’t fight me on this.

“Hello, Sir,” Brooke murmurs as she walks into the office, making me look at her regretfully. She stumbles when she sees my face, her eyes starting to well with tears and understanding. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sorry, Brooke,” I sigh. “I think our mutual arrangement has come to an end. We’ll have to continue in a professional capacity only from here on out.”

Swallowing hard, she nods, brushing the stray tear away. “In that case, you have ten students coming in today, Professor. Please don’t eat any alive,” she says. “Do you need me for anything today?”

“My emails are making me want to throw away my computer,” I wince. “Can you help me clear out the mess there please?”

I gave Nina my personal email, so I’m not worried about Brooke seeing anything she shouldn’t. Smirking, she nods, sitting next to me to tackle my emails silently. Together, we slog through the day, and I’m glad this part at least wasn’t awkward or difficult.

I even managed not to eat any students.

Ethan

Me:

What are you doing right now?

I’m working on a paper in the library but can’t stop thinking about Nina. I’ve been dying to ask Dad what happened, but he has back to back meetings with the students from his extra class.

Rainbow Brite:

I’m doing homework in the Student Union. Why?

Me:

I’m bored, come to the library, baby.

I’m not typically clingy, but I can’t sit still. Fuck, I’m definitely not working on anything until I see her.

Rainbow Brite:

You’re lucky I’m tired of sitting here alone. I’m on my way.

Frowning at her message, I shake my head. I don’t like that she’s alone. I’m happy she’s coming to see me, but I wonder if she has any friends. The students here bond quickly, but she’s been here all semester. If she doesn’t have any friends, is it because of her homelessness?

Previous homelessness. There’s absolutely no way she’s going to ever sleep in her damn car again.

Twelve minutes later, Nina walks into the library, her lips tipping up when she sees me.