Page 14 of Schooling Lucy (Off Limits #1)

L UCY

I loved coming to my uncle's farm. There was something cathartic and comforting about being out in nature, surrounded by the braying cattle and the clucking of hens.

I didn't even mind getting up at the crack of dawn to help with the daily, endless chores.

Nothing like good, honest, hard work, and fresh air to rejuvenate you.

Just then, Bessie lifted her tail and deposited her breakfast with a wet slop. My nose wrinkled, and my lips twisted in a wry grin. Well, it was almost fresh air.

I sighed tiredly as I picked at the hole in my jeans. As much as I tried to get into the day-to-day living of farm life, it couldn't help lift my morose spirit.

I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye.

Dad had been waiting downstairs for me, my phone tightly clutched in his hand. His face was like thunder, the rage still evident in how he held his body tightly.

Usually, when Dad and I fought, I would wrap my arms around him and apologize for being a brat, unable to stand any strain between us.

He would place a kiss on my head, apologize for his tone, tell me he loved me, and then we would go out for ice cream.

Since I was practically an adult and had grown out of juvenile behavior, Dad and I hardly ever had any major blow-ups.

But this.

This went beyond missing curfew or him catching me stealing his liquor. This wasn't even in the same league as him catching me with a boy in my room.

Not only did he catch me with someone almost two decades older than me, but he was also his colleague - my teacher . I understood why he was pissed off; he had every right to be. But that didn't mean I had to like it.

Dad had held my phone out to me, and my heart lifted, unable to believe he was actually giving it back. But he held it just out of my reach before I could snatch it.

"I've deleted his contact and blocked him. You're eighteen, so I'm trusting you not to contact him."

Before I could open my mouth to lie that I wouldn't dream of contacting him, he continued. "Until I decide what to do next."

My mouth opened and closed. Hope blossomed in my chest at his words. "You - you mean you won't...?"

He sighed deeply, rubbing at his eyes in fatigue. "I'm not making any promises, Sweetheart. As I said, my main concern is you."

After he dropped me off at my uncle's farm, I searched my phone for our messages and burst into tears when I saw that he had indeed deleted them.

It took everything in me not to email Roman.

The only email I had of his was his faculty one, anyway.

Dad already insinuated that he might not report Roman based on what happened.

I couldn't contact him. I couldn't do anything to jeopardize his future.

I just hoped he knew my silence didn't mean I was giving up on us.

"Hey, cous."

I glanced up, smiling in welcome at my cousin, Tyler. He was two years older, so we grew up pretty much as siblings. With Dad being a single parent, he relied heavily on his brother and my aunt for help, especially during my younger years.

"Hey, Ty. How's college?"

He sat beside me, taking off his cap and running a hand through his ash-blonde hair.

"Going good. Can't wait to finish."

"Hmm. I thought you'd love college life. Parties, girls, and whatnot."

"Nah." He slapped his cap against his knee before putting it on backward. "Wanna start earning a living. Becoming responsible and all that."

That fit Tyler's personality. Even though he had been quite popular in high school and was involved in many social and sporting clubs, he had always been a solemn and studious kid.

He always came across as years above his fellow peers.

He had a life plan mapped out early, shunned drunken parties, and despite his classic good looks, I had yet to have seen him date or go steady with any of the willing girls.

I nodded at Ty in understanding. Boy, did I understand. If only Roman and I had met when I was a few years older. No one would have batted an eyelid.

"So..." Tyler bumped my shoulder with his. "You've been busy up in the Big Smoke, huh?"

My eyes widened, and I glanced at him. A small teasing smile played on his lips, and I groaned in embarrassment. "He told you?"

"No. I overheard my Mom and Dad talking one night."

I groaned again and covered my hot face with my hands. "This is so embarrassing."

"No, it's not."

Tyler was quiet for a long moment, and when I peeked at him, he was staring out into the distance.

His jaw was clenched, and he had a faraway, determined look on his face.

He turned to me, and I was surprised to find no judgment on his face.

In fact, there was an almost sympathetic expression in his eyes.

"I know all about falling for someone society deems is...inappropriate." His jaw clenched again. "It's fucking bullshit."

I reared back in surprise. I rarely heard Tyler swear, but the way his face reddened in bitterness and the way he flexed his fists, you'd think he was gearing up for a fight.

"You...like someone who's inappropriate?"

He breathed deeply, his nostrils flaring. "She's older."

My brow quirked. "Not one of your professors?"

He gave a puff of laughter. "No."

"Oh, good. I don't want you stealing my thunder."

He snorted in amusement, and we both shared a laugh. My mood lightened a little.

"She's a single Momma as well," he confessed.

My face softened, picturing a mom with a young child.

I could understand if she was hesitant to introduce a new man to her kid or kids.

There was a lot to consider. But if there was one thing my cousin was, it was determined.

Once he made his mind up about something, nothing wavered him.

He was self-assured and knew his own mind, even from a young age.

You couldn't find anyone more kind, loyal, and hardworking than Tyler. Well, except maybe my Roman.

And, so what if she was older? There wouldn't be such a big issue if the genders were reversed.

"Ty, if you truly like this woman -"

"Love," he corrected.

My mouth formed a little "o" in surprise at his admission.

"O-okay. Love. If you truly love this woman, then don't give up. You're such a great guy – you're kind, and respectful, and considerate. I'm honestly surprised that you haven't been snapped up already." I bumped my shoulder with his. "She'd be a fool not to want you."

Tyler's cheeks pinkened, and he hid his embarrassment by adjusting his cap. "Thanks, cous."

"And, hey," I bumped his shoulder again. "I can totally picture you coaching a little league or picking up a cute ballerina from her class."

Tyler's brow furrowed. "No, Luce, you don't understand. Her kid's not -"

Before he could finish, a car pulled up into the driveway.

My Dad was here.