Page 94 of Teach Me Your Ways

She blinked at me, her lips parting slightly in surprise. “Really? You think so?”

“I know so,” I said firmly. “You were in the right place at the right time, and you knew exactly what to do. That’s not luck, Cece. That’s skill. You’re amazing.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down at her hands for a moment before meeting my gaze again. “Thanks, Professor Stone. That means a lot coming from you.”

I usually didn’t like when she was formal. When it was just the two of us, she called me Grady. I liked that better. But considering Lina and Felix were watching and listening, I actually appreciated it.

“I’m sorry I doubted you,” I admitted. “You proved me wrong in the best way possible. I’m proud of you.”

I didn’t mean to lean into her. It just happened. One minute we were sitting side by side, the fire crackling in front of us, and the next, her shoulder was pressed against mine. She laughed at something Felix said, her head tilting back, and it was like she was stroking me. I couldn’t help but laugh too, even though I hadn’t really been paying attention to the joke. Her laughter was contagious, and I found myself leaning closer, our sides brushing with every breath.

She shifted slightly, her knee bumping against mine. I didn’t move away. Neither did she. Her hand rested on the arm of her chair, fingers tapping absently to the rhythm of some song only she could hear. My hand was right there, inches from hers, and for a moment, I thought about reaching over and lacing my fingers through hers. But I didn’t. Instead, I let my arm brush against hers, the contact sending a jolt of electricity up my spine.

“You’re going to fall over,” she teased when I leaned in again, her voice low and playful.

“Maybe I want to,” I shot back, grinning as I nudged her shoulder with mine.

She laughed again, a soft, breathy sound that made my chest tighten. “Careful, Professor Stone,” she said, her tone light but her eyes holding mine for a beat too long. “Someone might get the wrong idea.”

“Let them,” I murmured before I could stop myself.

Her smile faltered for just a second, her gaze moving over to look at Lina, who was staring at us. She was scowling.

“You guys have fun,” Lina said, jumping to her feet. She marched off with her sandals flapping along the walkway.

Felix sighed and gave me a pointed look. “Grady⁠—”

“Yeah?” I asked, voice low. I didn’t want to be lectured, but maybe I needed moderation.

“It’s late,” he said. “We should probably all get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a big day.”

That’s when I understood. Cece and I looked a little too cozy and comfortable together.

But Felix was right. We had to pull back. Nothing good came from crossing lines when people’s livelihoods were at stake.

I dragged myself away from the firepit with a sigh, the warmth of Cece’s shoulder still lingering against mine. Felix fell into step beside me as we walked back to the dorms. I was pissed. Pissed that I couldn’t just sit there with her, pissed that Lina had to make everything awkward, and pissed that I had to care about any of it.

“You need to be careful, Grady,” Felix said quietly as we walked. “You two looked like a couple back there. And I’m fine with it. Hell, I think it’s great, but Lina? She’s not exactly subtle. And her family is tight with Dean Carver. You know how that could go.”

I clenched my jaw, staring straight ahead. “I know,” I muttered. “I know.”

“Do you?” Felix pressed, his tone sharper now. “Because if Carver gets wind of this, she’ll use it against you. She’s been looking for an excuse to kick you out of the university, and if she thinks you’re crossing lines with a student⁠—”

“She’s not my student,” I snapped, cutting him off. “She’s a TA. There’s a difference.”

“Not to Carver,” Felix shot back. “And not to anyone else who might be watching. You think Lina’s not going to run her mouth?”

I groaned because I knew he was right. “I get it,” I said, hating how trapped I felt. “I’ll be careful.”