Page 65 of She’s Worth the Risk

God, every time he calls me that, my heart melts.

“I know,” I say, kissing him hard. “I know.”

Nick rocks into me slowly as we hold each other close. He’s agonizingly attentive, never taking his eyes off me. Never missing a beat.

And this time I come twice.

I’m early for life-drawing class the next night, eager to see Nick. It doesn’t surprise me to find him there already, setting up the easels. His eyes meet mine when I enter, flickering with heat before he wrestles them away.

“Hello,” he says, trying to smother his smile. But I see it.

And I love it.

“Hi.”

I sidle up to him, checking to make sure we’re alone, then rise to peck him on the cheek. He glances at me with mock disapproval, but it quickly vanishes behind a grin he can’t hide.

Fuck, he’s adorable.

I don’t make a habit of staying over after sleeping with someone, but I stayed at Nick’s last night. It was late after our second round, and I was comfortable in his bed. He didn’t ask, but I sensed he wanted me there. It was pretty clear when I found a spare toothbrush on the counter, still in the packet, waiting for me.

And it was surprisingly lovely, falling asleep beside him. Waking up beside him. He kept one arm around me all night, and while I never could have imagined enjoying that, with him, I do.

I don’t want to think about what that means.

He went to work today, and I went home to check on Gran. Thankfully, I got in early enough without her seeing, and she didn’t seem aware that I hadn’t come home last night. It was a relief, even if guilt nagged at me during breakfast, as I drank tea with her and didn’t mention where I’d been.

Or who I’d been with.

But what’s the point, when it won’t amount to anything? No need to worry Gran over nothing.

Because the more I think about it, the more I think she would be worried. I don’t care that Nick is a lot older than me, but Gran might be uncomfortable with the age difference between us. With him having been my professor. And if not worried, at the very least uncomfortable. She knows Nick from the art world. She respects him. How would that change if she knew we’d slept together?

I shake off the thought as June enters the studio to hand me my robe for class. She coughs into her elbow, gold bangles jangling as she motions for me not to get too close.

Nick’s brow creases in concern. “Are you feeling okay, June?”

“I’m fine, Nicholas. Just a little cold.”

I glance at Nick. “In summer?” I say, frowning. “That’s no good.”

She gives me a look of agreement, another hacking cough shaking free.

“June,” I say gently, “We’re happy to lock up if you want to go home? I think you should rest.”

She hesitates, gratitude softening her features. “You wouldn’t mind?”

“Not at all,” Nick answers.

“Thank you.” She exhales in relief. “You still have the key?”

He nods.

“Feel better,” I say, watching her leave.

Poor June. But between Nick and me, the center is in safe hands. It’s nice that she trusts us.

Nick drags the pedestal across the studio, and I take my robe to go change, then pause, turning back to him with a sly grin.