I’m laughing because, of course, he had a backup plan in case he fucked up, which he
kind of did, but at least now I understand why it took him a few days and that he’s staying in contact, in some way, unpredictable as it may be.
Now my only concerns are how long he’ll be traveling and whether he quit for us, for another reason, or for several reasons. Who knows. I guess whatever he’s sorting through is why he’s traveling, and if I keep getting gifts from it, I won’t complain…for now.
He also did the right thing by explaining why he wasn’t answering his phone. I feel bad for not thinking sooner about what could have happened to him. After all, my phone is on a completely private and secure line, set up by my parents when I first got a cell phone. It makes me wonder what kinds of calls he was getting—the media? Businesses threatening to cut ties? Death threats? I flinch at that last one. People can be awful.
Looking back at the table, my heart warms thinking of him remembering my favorite flower. I can’t recall when I mentioned them, if I ever did at all, but I must have for him to have known. It might have only been once or twice, and it was most definitely before we started dating. It’s practically impossible to get forget-me-nots in the winter, so there’s that to keep in mind.
Grayson has been paying attention from the very start, which might seem like the bare minimum to some, and maybe it is, but it means something more to me. It solidifies that he’s been listening to me all semester and not just sleeping with me. He’s remembered the small things and is taking action in showing me that.
It gives me hope, which I both cherish and fear.
I wonder when he started thinking about us being together. Was it before I told him I couldn’t wait, or on the day I did?
“These strawberries are amazing,” Kami says from beside me.
Giggling and deciding to stop overthinking, even if just for a moment, I pick one and bite into it. Oh, these are expensive, I can taste it.
It’s still a move that works, although him wiping the chocolate off the corner of my lip would’ve made it so much better.
Chapter Forty
GRAYSON
A little over a month ago
“Hi, this is Suzy. I’m probably somewhere in a desert or ocean, hanging out with some dangerous but cool creatures, where there’s no reception. Please leave your message after the beep, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”
Beep.
“Hey, Mom. It’s been a while since I’ve called you. I was debating whether to leave a message for Dad or for you, but in the end, I know you’re probably listening to this together. As you probably know, a woman came into my life in the summer who caught me completely by surprise. I thought about her for weeks, and call it fate, destiny, or just a coincidence, but we ended up living in the same town, being part of the same university, and someone from her paper just happened to get sick the day she was supposed to interview me, which is how she ended up in my classroom.” I laugh. “As I said, you guys probably already know this, along with everything that’s happened so far. I’m sure you’re not proud of the way I’ve been treating her. We’re in a sort of ‘situationship’ or whatever it’s called now, and I can honestly say I never thought I’d be in one of those at thirty-one years old.
“You guys would love her, fuck, you probably already do. I’m not sure if I’m ready to dive headfirst into a relationship yet, but I also know that if she asked me to be with her, I’d say yes. The thought of losing her scares me more than the idea of being with her, and the idea alone makes this all the more confusing. Emma has made me open up in ways I didn’t know I still could. She makes me happy, and I can tell I have the same effect on her. Would it be selfish of me to say yes if she asked me to be with her while I’m still terrified of being in a relationship again?” I sigh and look up at the ceiling. “I really wish I could hear what you guys are saying. It’s probably something along the lines of me being an idiot for not seizing the moment and asking her out sooner. If you could send me some sign that she could be the one, I’d really appreciate it. I don’t want another drama-filled relationship like the one I had with Chloe—it’d destroy me. Emma is…different and special. If it happens, I’d want it to be perfect for her and for me. There’s no other way of doing it with her.”
My doorbell rings, and I check my phone, noticing it’s already seven p.m.
“It was nice talking to you, Mom. Say hi to Dad.” I hang up, feeling better after sending my fourth voicemail of the year.
Opening the door, I see someone short holding a giant foiled chocolate turkey in front of their face. Looking down, I notice Emma’s sexy black heels, which probably cost a fortune as most of her clothes do.
“Hello?” I say, waiting for her to move the foiled, gigantic turkey.
She finally lowers it, revealing her big grin, red nose, and wide blue eyes filled with excitement.
Fuck, she’s gorgeous.
Emma wiggles past my door and sets the giant turkey on the kitchen counter. “This turkey looks light, but it is mighty heavy. It’s filled with whiskey-infused chocolates, though.”
“You carried that all the way here from your dorm?”
She scoffs. “As if. I took a cab.” I nod, and she continues. “Ithought we could binge on this after…you know.” Emma waggles her brows.
Only Emma could make a chocolate turkey sound sexy. “Thanksgiving isn’t until next wee—” My mind goes blank as my dick swells when she takes her jacket off, revealing she’s wearing the plaid skirt I once mentioned I loved with a white crop top.
My hands fist at my sides when she takes her first step toward me. “Aren’t you going to fulfill my dirty fantasies, Professor? You know, the ones you mentioned to me last week over the phone?”
She remembers my dirty talk during a late-night phone call we had. It was in the heat of the moment, and she went along with it, talking just as filthy as I was. I didn’t think anything would come from it, yet here she is, willing to do anything I want. Fucking perfect.
