The messages deliver, and I don’t expect a reply. I’m surprised she didn’t block me after the texts I’ve sent, but the fact she hasn’t makes me think the door might not be fully closed.
And JJ is right. I need to be the man they deserve.
No more feeling sorry for myself.
It’s time to make a difference, something I should have done a long time ago.
CHAPTER 7
MAYA BROOKE
PAST-12TH JANUARY 2024
My arms wrap tightly around Finn’s neck as I tug his lips to mine. His hands slide around my waist and draw me into his chest. When our mouths meet, I sigh with satisfaction and relief. It’s not the first time we’ve kissed, but I definitely want it to escalate.
Finn moves his hands from my waist to cup my cheeks, tilting my head back an inch to kiss me deeper. My heart thumps against my ribcage at the way he holds me—the way you see in movies and swoon.
And holy shit. I’m swooning.
Over the last three months, we’ve gotten closer and closer. After asking for his number and taking the plunge for once, we started to have study dates, which turned into actual dates. There’s just something about him that draws me in, and I can’t seem to stay away.
My fingers start to make quick work as they drop down to his belt. He grabs my hands, breaking the kiss. When I open my eyes, I stare back at him with pinched brows as his chest heaves against mine.
“What?” I whisper.
“We should slow down,” he murmurs over my lips.
“Why? I don’t want to slow down. I’m ready for this.”
Hell, I’ve been ready for a few weeks now, and I’m eager for him to take my virginity.
Finn exhales a low breath and sinks his teeth into his bottom lip. “I don’t want you to regret this,” he says, and I can see the hesitation in his eyes.
“What would I regret?” I say as I lift up onto my toes. “I trust you, and I want this. I want it to be with someone special, and you are very special to me, Finn.”
His throat bobs as he swallows, flicking his eyes between mine slowly. “Maya…” He trails off and cups my cheek again, his thumb grazing over my jawline, which makes me shudder. “Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my entire life.” I press my mouth to his and grip onto his T-shirt with a tight fist. “Unless you don’t want to.”
“No, I definitely want to,” he groans. “I just want you to do it for yourself, not for me.”
My thighs clench together at his words. “I promise I’m doing it for myself, and I want it to be with you.”
Finn rests his forehead against mine gently. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” He’s the only person I’ve felt safe with, the only person I trust. “Please.”
He kisses me once more, knocking all the air from my lungs. “You tell me if I hurt you, okay?”
“You’re not going to hurt me.” I sink my fingers into the back of his hair. “You could never hurt me.”
Finn picks me up and carries me towards my bed, gently laying me down until his body covers mine, and our clothes start to drop to my bedroom floor. I give him all of my trust, and he gives me safety in return.
“Maya, are you listening?”
I draw my hand away from my fist as I stare back at my professor, who doesn’t look impressed. “Yeah,” I blurt. “Yeah, I was listening.”
He raises his brows as if seeing straight through me. “Then there is no doubt your next paper will be exceptional.”
