Page 96 of Stranger to Love

“Come on,” she whispered. “I’d better start making dinner before it gets too late for you to head home.”

My stomach did a pathetic little flip. I reached out, catching her before she could step away and pulling her back into my space. She raised an eyebrow, looking more amused than annoyed. I ran my hands up her toned thighs—the fabric of her tailored trousers smooth under my palms—and up to the crisp white shirt that fit her perfectly. Finally, I buried my fingers in the deep, dark strands of her hair, raking my nails across her scalp. She closed her eyes, leaning into the touch with a soft sigh.

I straightened up, leaning in to whisper directly into her ear. “You can’t wear your hair down at uni again.”

Her eyes snapped open, sharper now. “Excuse me?”

I knew I was probably not in a position to be making demands of Dr. Carter, but I was not having a repeat of today. Fuck no. I was not dealing with the entire campus drooling over her while I was vibrating with the urge to break necks. I shook my head at her, my grip on her hair tightening just a fraction.

"You never do, but you decided to wear it down today and practically everyone fell over themselves staring at you. It couldn't happen again. I was seconds away from committing mass murder."

She bit her lip, her eyes shining with genuine amusement. “I thought you would like the way I looked today.”

My chest tingled at the thought—that she was thinking of me while she got ready that morning. I leaned in and kissed her softly, and I felt her melt against me. I loved how she could switch from terrifying to fucking adorable in a heartbeat.

“You looked beautiful,” I said, and for a second, I swore she was actually blushing. “But I wasn't the only one who noticed. So, unless you want to be dating me through a prison glass while I’m in for murder, just know that I find you just as devastatingly attractive with your hair up in that clip. Plus...” I raked my fingers through the dark waves again, pulling her closer. “I like knowing that I’m the only one who gets to unclip it and do this.”

I kissed her again, hard and deep, before pulling back. She blinked slowly, her powerful demeanour sliding back into place like armour.

“I wasn't aware you were in a position to make demands, darling.”

I smirked. "It’s less of a demand and more of a courtesy. It’ll be you who has to deal with the paperwork if I start offing your students."

She let out a genuine chuckle and shook her head. I finally let my hands slide from her hair to her waist, holding her gently. She chewed on the inside of her cheek for a moment, considering.

“Deal.”

My heart did a literal somersault. Not only had she agreed, but now I knew that every time I saw her with her hair up, it was a little secret just between us. I fucking loved that. She pushed me back playfully and started walking toward the kitchen. I trailed after her like a lost puppy, my head tilting as I watched the way she moved. She was so damn sexy.

“Would you like help?”

She scoffed without looking back. “No. Sit your cute butt down.”

I chuckled, taking a seat at the kitchen island. “I’m not going to complain about the view.”

She rolled her eyes, but I could see her fighting back a smile. I sat there, mesmerised. Why the hell was I so adamant about staying single? This woman—this incredible woman currently prepping chicken with the finesse of a trained chef—was mine. I watched her season the meat and lay it into a hot pan, the sizzle filling the room. She was efficient, washing her hands and clearing the prep area before starting on a salad of fresh leaves, tomatoes, and cucumbers. I had no idea when she even found the time to shop, but her kitchen was always stocked with the best stuff.

I just sat there, watching her work, mesmerised by the whole situation.

I nearly shit myself when my phone started vibrating in my pocket. I pulled it out to see Mia’s name flashing on the screen. Carrie glanced over and gave me a small shrug, so I slid the bar to answer.

“Oi! Are you avoiding me?” Mia’s voice blared out immediately, making me let out a nervous laugh.

“Hi, Mia. Lovely to talk to you, too. 'How has my day been?' you ask? Oh, lovely, thanks. How about yours?” I smirked, leaning back. Carrie shook her head at my sarcasm while she tossed the salad, drizzling some kind of vinaigrette over the leaves.

“Bitch, please. What the fuck happened between you and Dr. Vixen?”

Mia was using her jokingly-serious, threatening tone, and unfortunately, she might as well have been on speakerphone. Carrie stopped what she was doing. She turned around, leaning her weight against the counter and arching an eyebrow at me. She mouthed the words, ‘Dr. Vixen?’

The way she was looking at me—partly amused, partly challenging—made me fidget in my seat.

“Mia,” I said, trying to inject a warning into my tone.

“No, don’t ‘Mia’ me. Look, you said you had the best sex of your life with that woman, and then you just fucking ignored me for days. What. Happened.”

All I could do was groan and bury my face in my free hand. I opened my fingers just enough to peer through at the satisfied, predatory grin spreading across Carrie’s face. For fuck's sake. I could practically see her ego expanding like a supernova right before my eyes. Honestly, she looked devastatingly sexy and confident right then. I wasn't even properly embarrassed that she heard—it was the truth. The woman blew my fucking mind.

Mia filled the silence when I didn't answer. “Well, since you won’t share any more details with me, I’ve decided you’re making it up to me by coming out with me and Adrian tomorrow.”