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“Of course,” I whisper, the words catching in my throat.
Conrad leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my cheek. It’s an innocent touch, but the heat of his lips against my skin sends a jolt through me, igniting a fire within. I can’t help but wonder what it would feel like to have those lips on mine again, and maybe in other places…
27
BRIELLE
My heart races as I sit in Grayson’s archaeology class, my eyes tracing the lines of his chiseled jaw and strong arms. He paces around the room, enthusiasm pouring out of him with each word he speaks about ancient civilizations. It’s hard to focus on anything other than the way he looks like a sexy Indiana Jones with his khaki pants and button-down shirt rolled up at the sleeves.
Grayson’s voice fills the room. “And that, students, is how we can learn from our past to better understand our present.”
His piercing blue eyes scan the room, making me feel like he’s looking right into my soul. My breath catches, and for a moment I’m lost in his gaze.
“Any questions?” he asks, directing his attention back to the class. Silence follows, and I force myself to think of something, anything other than how desperately I want to run my fingers through his dark hair.
“Alright then,” Grayson says, closing his notebook. “Remember to study for next week’s test. Have a great day.”
The bell rings, signaling the end of class. Students start filing out, chatting excitedly about their weekend plans. I gather my things, hoping to slip away unnoticed, but fate has other ideas.
“Ms. Rose,” Grayson calls out, causing my heart to skip a beat. I turn to face him as he approaches me. “I was wondering if you’d like to grab lunch with me?”
My eyes widen in surprise, and I glance around the room, suddenly aware of the lingering gazes of my classmates. My mind races, trying to figure out why Grayson would ask me this in front of everyone. Is it really just an innocent lunch invitation, or does he have ulterior motives?
“What are you doing?” I hiss, trying to keep my voice low. “Why are you asking me this in front of everyone?”
“Relax, Brielle,” Grayson says, his tone calm and reassuring. “It’s not what you think. I occasionally take my students out for lunch to discuss their grades and progress in the class.”
My racing heart slows down a bit, but confusion still clouds my mind. “Oh. Okay, then,” I say, trying to regain my composure. “It was just…unexpected.”
“Sorry if it caught you off guard,” Grayson replies, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I should’ve probably asked you privately. But I promise there’s nothing to worry about.”
I nod, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. It’s ridiculous how a single lunch invitation can send me spiraling like this. I need to get a grip on these emotions.
“Yeah, sure, that should be fine.”
“Want to drive together?”
“It would probably be best if we drove separately.”
He nods, understanding. “I’m thinking the little sub shop right up the street.”
“Alright, see you there,” I say, trying to sound casual.
* * *
I hurry to the little sub place where we agreed to meet, my heart pounding in anticipation while I try to think about what Grayson could want to talk to me about. As I enter, the smell of fresh bread and deli meats fills my nostrils, momentarily distracting me from my thoughts.
“Table for two, please,” I tell the hostess, who guides me to a cozy booth by the window. I slide into the seat, my gaze darting around the room as I try to compose myself. This is just about school, nothing else.
“Can I get you anything to drink while you wait?” a friendly server asks, snapping me out of my reverie.
“Um, just water for now, thanks,” I reply, my eyes scanning the menu even though I know it by heart. This used to be one of Dad’s favorite places, and he came here often regardless of how much Mom used to hate it.
“Here’s your water,” the server says, setting a glass down in front of me. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, taking a sip of the ice-cold liquid and welcoming the brief respite it provides from my racing thoughts.
My fingers trace the condensation on the glass of water as I scan the room, trying to keep my nerves at bay.
