Page 31 of Snowed in with the Professor

She was distraught and I hated it, hated that I was the reason she was in this condition, that she felt hopeless, miserable for me.

I threw my arms around Grace and pulled her in close. It had only been a couple of weeks since I’d gone in front of the board for my misconduct, as they’d put it.

And although maybe I could have gotten out of it, used my years of teaching there and my reputation, my good standing, to get out of Amy telling them about Grace and me, the truth was, I didn’t want to lie about it.

So, I’d kissed her.

I’d intended to prove the point that she was mine. I’d wanted her from the moment I saw her, and losing my position was a tiny penalty to make to be with her.

I rubbed my hand up and down her back, whispering that everything was good, that I would be alright. She was upset because of me, because of the circumstances. I wanted to take that anguish away.

I pushed back but kept her close, smiling and shaking my head, assuring her without words at that moment that everything was fine.

“But it’s your job, what you worked hard to accomplish.”

I didn’t feel anything in that moment beyond my love for her. “It’s just a job.” I wiped the errant tear that rolled down her cheek.

“I’m sorry for breaking down like this. It’s just a bit unbelievable. We are both consenting adults.”

I leaned down and kissed her forehead, just closing my eyes and reveling in the fact she was here with me.

“I knew the rules, Grace, and I didn’t fucking care about them.

I knew from the moment I saw you walk into my class that this would be the outcome.

” I pulled back and looked her in the eyes again.

“How did you know?” she whispered.

“Because I wasn’t going to let you go. I’d do anything, lose everything to be with you, Grace. Don’t you see that? Don’t you see that I’m so in love you?”

She smiled, and I felt the melancholy evaporate as her affections for me rose up.

“I love you too.” She threw her arms around my waist and rested her head on my chest. “Will you be able to find another job? Or is this something that will follow you?” She said those words softly, and I didn’t answer for a moment, just held her, felt her warmth slip into me, let her scent envelop me.

“I don’t need a job, Grace. I have enough money to last me five lifetimes.” She pulled back and looked up at me.

“Your uncle’s business?”

“My business.” I kept my arms wrapped around her, unable to let her go.

I needed her close. “It all became mine after he passed away. I went to school and became a professor because I wanted that relationship with my father. And I’ve had it.

I did it. And maybe in the future, I’ll teach again.

But that’s not my major worry, not what I’m focused on.

” I heard her breath catch. “I have you, and that’s all I care about. ”

I’d repeat that over and over again.

I leaned down and kissed her, and she grew soft and pliant against me.

If I never taught again, I’d be content because I’d have Grace.

I had her love.

They’d think I was obsessed.

I’d say I was in love.

What more did I need in life?