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I meander my way to the other side of my desk and stand between it and my chair. Hoping the desk is enough of a barrier, I risk glancing up into Jaden’s mesmerizing eyes.
“Hey.” I blink slowly and clasp my hands on my desk after I sit in my chair. My legs are wet noodles.
“Hey, Miss Turner.” Jaden hops onto my desk, sitting on the edge, then twists to lean in close to me.
“Jaden, we…”
His hand holds my chin as his lips cover mine.
I succumb to his will and kiss him back. He tastes so fucking good.
His soft tongue caresses the edges of my lips, then darts inside and tangles with mine.
Remembering where we are, I quickly but reluctantly break our kiss. My eyes close as I hang my head and shake it slowly.
“Blaire, look at me.” Jaden lifts my chin with his finger, then cups my cheek with his palm.
“We can’t do this, Jaden. I’m your instructor now. It’s not right.” I pull back from him and drop my gaze. Clasping my hands in my lap, I breathe deeply and hope he understands we cannot continue what we have for the past two weeks. I want to be with him, but I can’t risk my career. I won’t.
“But what about?—”
I raise my hand, shake my head, and whisper, “No, I’m sorry. I can’t see you anymore.” My heart shatters. The intense ache traveling through my body makes my breath hitch. I push my chair back, creating more space between us, and fold my arms under my breasts. I draw in a deep breath and lift my head. Meeting Jaden’s glassy eyes, I gather my words. I have to make him understand.
“Jaden—”
His hands fly up and he asks, “Why? Because you’re my teacher for one class?” His eyes narrow, he clenches his jaw.
Holding onto the back of my chair for support, I say, “Yes. That’s exactly why. It’s against the university’s policy for teachers and students to be involved.”
“But we’re adults, Bl?—”
My hand waves fast as I stop him.
“It doesn’t matter that we’re adults. It’s strictly prohibited.” I pull in a breath and hold it for a beat.
“Please…”
“No,” I state firmly.
“I have a daughter I need to support and myself. I can’t risk my career. I’m sorry…”
He drags his hand over his close-cut hair and rubs his neck. He paces around the space between my desk and the metal tables. Turning back to me, he huffs out a breath, then walks toward me.
“I don’t want you to lose your job, but I don’t want to lose you either.” He shakes his head.
“We don’t have a choice. It’s over.” I cross my arms over my chest and straighten my spine.
“Blaire, there must be some way we can see one another. Off campus. In our private time. How can the university control what we do as adults when we’re not here?” His eyes draw close as he swipes his hand under his nose.
My entire being wants to make it all okay for us to be together, but I know I can’t, and I won’t. I try again to make him understand,
“Jaden, I can’t change the policy. This hurts me as much as it hurts you. I don’t want to stop seeing you. I must stop seeing you. I don’t have a choice. Please understand.”
He turns away from me again, scratching his hands over his head repeatedly. His hands land on his hips when he faces me.
“We can keep us a secret. I won’t tell?—”
I wave my hand in the air again and shake my head slowly.
