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Pi and I are joined by Zeta when I come down the stairs to the first floor. She mews even louder than her adorable daughter and she stares at me through a pair of beautiful golden eyes. Her tail is up and slightly bent at the top when she follows me into the kitchen. It looks like she’s expecting food from me.
Aston is standing with his back to me, wearing the black robe from last night, and with his hair still ruffled. I pause in the archway for a moment, suddenly feeling shy, as I take in the sight of him. He’s so handsome and impressive, and I suddenly feel unworthy of being here. Unworthy of all the intention he’s been giving me.
„Good morning,” he says, without turning around. „Did you sleep well?”
„I…uh…yes, thank you,” I utter, as I move into the open kitchen area.
„You’re just in time for coffee,” he announces, before he turns around to me with the most endearing smile. He looks so much younger with his hair ruffled like that, as if he was a student like me, and not a professor.
Oh, how I wish that were true.It would make things so much easier.
Pi starts squirming in my arms and I put her down on the floor, where she’s greeted by her mother and her brothers, who have been hanging out in the living room.
„She’s really into you,” Aston notes, as he comes closer. „I couldn’t get her away from the bedroom door. I’m sorry. I hope she didn’t wake you up?”
„She did, but I forgive her,” I reply, before I’m surprised by his lips on mine. It’s just a quick peck, the kind of kiss a couple who’s been dating for years would exchange.
But we’re not a couple. We’re not even dating. Right? Why does it feel so good, so right, then?
He meets my puzzled look and looks like he wants to say something for a moment before he turns away from me.
„Coffee?” he asks, clearing his throat.
„Y-yes, please,” I say.
I’m standing next to the kitchen island, awkwardly fidgeting with my fingers, while I ponder what to do.
„Sit,” he tells me, gesturing to the high chairs. „I’ll get some breakfast ready in a bit, but I think we should talk first.”
There’s an instant feeling of unease in the pit of my stomach, and my heart starts racing as I climb on one of the high chairs to face him. He places a mug of coffee in front of me, followed by an elegant little carafe with milk. Our eyes meet for a split second before he turns away from me to get a coffee for himself.
He’s going to put an end to this. I know he is. And he would be right to do so. Last night was more than I could have ever hoped for, but I know we can’t keep doing this. It’s too risky.
I’m dangerously close to tears when he joins me at the bar of the kitchen island that separates the room from the living area. He’s moving painfully slowly, adding just a few drops of milk to his coffee, before he brings the mug to his lips.
„I understand,” I say when I can no longer bear the tense silence that has spread between us like poisonous steam.
His eyebrows fly up in question. „You understand what?”
„That this was it. I’m very grateful for last night, but I understand that this is all we have,” I say. „You’re right, it’s too dangerous. For both of us.”
He looks at me with an unreadable expression, looking neither happy nor sorrowful.
„Is that what you want?” he asks.
I shake my head. „Of course not.”
„Then why are you saying this?” he wants to know.
„Because…I-I don’t know…isn’t that what you were going to say?” I stutter.
„Not really,” he replies. „I know, I’ve been rather adamant before, but as you may have noticed, my stance on this has changed. I agree, I was hoping that I could get you out of my head if…if we had just one night together. But I was wrong. I don’t want to end this. I can’t.”
He clears his throat again before he adds, „You’re mine, Claire. I meant that.”
I can feel the heat rush to my face. „D-does that mean you…you want to see me again?”
He nods. „Yes. That is what I mean.”
