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THE OBSESSION I HAVE WITH THIS MAN
QUINN
The windows in Jack’s office are massive—definitely not part of the original architecture. The room itself is charming; dark wood furniture and scattered stacks of papers. It smells like Jack, which makes me want to curl up in his chair and take a nap instead of going to class.
I stand near his desk, cradling Sienna in my arms as she coos and giggles, her tiny fingers grasping at the air. At least it’s not my hair this time.
Jack is busy arranging his lecture notes, a look of concentration etched on his face. He’s not supposed to be at work today.
"Are you sure about this?" I ask, shifting Sienna to my other hip. "I can always skip class today. It's not a big deal." I would argue that I’m fine on my own, but I’m not sure I am.
He looks up, his blue eyes softening when they meet mine. "I’m not letting you get any further behind than you already are. You need to finish your degree this semester, and you have enough to worry about without adding piled-up schoolwork to the list. You've worked too hard to let some creep disrupt your life." He walks over, gently taking Sienna from me. "Besides, Sienna loves visiting Daddy’s office. Right, little bear?"
Sienna giggles, her eyes wide and curious as Jack bounces her. The sight of them together always fills my heart with a warmth I never thought I'd feel again regarding father figures. I love the love he has for her so much it hurts.
"I know, but I hate feeling like a burden," I admit, biting my lip. "You already do so much." Dad of the year and professor extraordinaire, not to mention the new tasks of keeping me sane and alive.
"You're not a burden, Quinn," He says firmly, his expression serious. "You're our Quinny. Our family. We want to be near you. I want to be near you."
His words make my heart swell. Family—something I haven’t had outside my aunt and Kruz—and hearing Jack say that he considers me such makes me feel valued in a way I haven’t felt in such a long time. I nod, taking a deep breath. "Okay. But if anything happens, you’ll come get me, right?"
"Promise. I'll be right here, just a phone call away."
I give Sienna a quick kiss on her forehead, inhaling her sweet baby scent, and then turn to leave. The hallways of the college are already buzzing with students, their chatter and laughter a stark contrast to the anxiety that gnaws at my insides. I clutch my bag tightly, scanning the faces around me, wondering if any of them are people I need to be worried about right now.
Jack insisted on driving me to and from classes, but the thought of being watched, of not knowing who could be a part of all this bullshit, has me constantly on edge whether he’s around or not.
I wouldn’t call the feeling I feel fear. More like annoyance and anger.
I slip into the lecture hall, choosing a seat near the front where I can focus on Professor Scott and, hopefully, remain thoroughly distracted from everything else long enough to absorb what he has to say. Throughout the class, I find my mind wandering back to Jack and Sienna. I picture them in his office, Sienna probably grabbing at his notes while he tries to keep her entertained. A smile tugs at my lips despite the tension in my shoulders.
They keep me sane; most of our time together is filled with pure, unfiltered happiness and it’s the best reminder of what really matters in my life.
Despite my best efforts to focus, History of Psychology goes by in a blur and we’re excused before I realize how much time has passed.
By the time I gather my things and step out of the classroom, the overcast sky has darkened. The wind picks up, carrying a biting chill that contrasts sharply with the warmth of the lecture hall.
It seems colder outside than it did earlier this morning, the temperature dropping by the hour with the incoming cold snap.
My outfit choice for the day was less than reasonable—a short plaid skirt that does nothing to fight off the chill and a loose-fitting sweater that slides off one shoulder, more revealing than it is warm.
I could’ve chosen something more practical, but I’ve still got so many boxes I haven’t unpacked, and… I may or may not have picked this outfit to tempt my new roomie. The way the sweater hangs just right, the plaid skirt riding a little higher than necessary—it’s all intentional, though I’ll never admit that out loud.
I find that I’ve succeeded in this endeavor when I walk by Jack’s window on my way back to his office.
Jack: The length of that skirt is dangerous.
I bite my lip to keep from grinning but fail miserably.
Quinn : Are you creeping on me through your window?
I look up to see if I can see him, but the sun is hitting the window at a weird angle.
Jack : I think you dropped something.
Jack : You should probably turn around and bend over to pick it up.
The obsession I have with this man.
Quinn : I will not be showing the entire student body my lower ass cheeks just so you can sneak a peek, Professor Hollis.
I can’t remember a time when I have ever called him anything but Jack, but I’m being playful.
Jack : Such a shame.
Quinn : You’re insufferable.
But I really like it.
Jack : I’m obsessed with every inch of you, Miss Ivor.
My heart catches in my throat and I appreciate that he reciprocates my playfulness. However, what he says next catches me completely off guard.
Jack : Obsessed with the thought of you taking every inch of me.
Heat pools in my lower abdomen. How the fuck am I supposed to respond to that?