Bitter Sweet Heart (Lies, Hearts & Truths #2)(95)

It’s just a soft press, but even as brief as it is, it provides comfort. He pulls back, his eyes searching. “Are you okay?”

I cover his hands with mine. “I’m fine.”

“Such a liar.” He dips down to kiss me again.

Sophia clears her throat, and he pulls back, dropping his hands this time.

“Hey, bestie.” Maverick lifts a hand in a slightly awkward wave.

“Hi, Maverick.” She mirrors the wave and points to the ceiling. “I’m going upstairs, so you two can talk. Text if you need anything.”

“Maybe don’t sleep with your earplugs in tonight,” I suggest.

“I was thinking the same thing. I’ll text when I’m locked in.” She slips her feet back into her shoes and leaves through the sliding glass door. Less than a minute later, I get a text, and I send one back in response while Maverick makes sure all the doors and windows are locked and the house alarm is set.

We go to the kitchen together, and he pulls out two mugs while I fill the kettle.

“I’m sorry about tonight. I saw him and reacted and didn’t think about the mess I might be making for you,” he says softly.

I set the kettle to boil and turn to him, resting my hip against the counter. “Don’t apologize. I know you did it because you were worried. It was probably good that you interrupted.”

“What was he even doing on campus? I’m really starting to wonder if you need an order of protection. My dad has friends on the force, I’m sure he can get it pushed through.”

“You’re not the first person to suggest that tonight. And he’s tired of going through the lawyers.” I shrug. “It’s hard to manipulate me when he can’t get to me.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I’ll talk to my lawyer in the morning, but I’d really like to be done at the school before I resort to an order of protection.”

He nods. “Because of the potential backlash, which I understand, but it also concerns me. I’m worried he knows you’re not likely to go to the police because I’m a student.”

“I know. We’re so close, Maverick. The year is almost over. I just don’t want the gossip.”

He nods and taps his lips. “I get it. No matter what, you get tarred with the professor-who-slept-with-her-student brush, whereas I get to be the undergrad who got into bed with his hot professor. It frustrates the hell out of me that if our roles were reversed, it would be the student everyone tried to blame.”

“Society is full of double standards, and I don’t know that they’re ever going to disappear.”

“I shouldn’t have asked you to come to the game.” He drops his head, shaking it slowly. “That was stupid on my part, and I put you in an impossible position.”

I take a step closer and put my hand on his chest. “I wanted to be there to support you.”

“It put you at risk, and that’s not what I want.” He covers my hand with his and brings it to his lips, kissing the tips of my fingers.

“It was a calculated risk. Gabriel showing up was unexpected. How are things with your parents?”

He smiles wryly. “My mom asked if I was a paid escort.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Her head goes to weird places.” He rolls his eyes. “They had questions, and I told them the truth, that we were seeing each other, that I wasn’t your student anymore when we got involved, and that you’re in the middle of a divorce and your ex is a problem because he’s refusing to let you go.”

“Were they upset about your involvement with me?”

“They don’t know you. My dad’s most worried about Gabriel and whether he’s unstable. He wanted to file a report, but I told them I wouldn’t put you in that situation.” He pokes at his bottom lip with his tongue. “Mostly I was worried you were going to call it quits on us because it’s becoming too risky for you . . .” He swallows. “I would understand that, even if it’s the opposite of what I want.”

“It’s not what I want either,” I say softly.

“Okay.” He blows out a breath. “Good. That’s good.” His eyes dart around before landing on me again. He strokes my cheek, and his voice is soft and slightly pained when he whispers. “I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to lose this.”

“I feel the same way.” My heart feels like it’s going to beat out of my chest as I prepare to be completely honest.

“I need to tell you something,” we say at the same time.

He grins, and so do I. “You can go first.” I squeeze his hand.

“I was about to say, ladies first.” He gives me a chagrined smile, then nods like he’s psyching himself up. “I know things are kind of up in the air as to where I’m going to be after contract talks, and that you have plans of your own, but the way I feel about you . . .” He stops, shakes his head, and clears his throat. “This is—this doesn’t feel temporary. Not for me, anyway.”

I take a step closer, until our toes touch. “It doesn’t feel temporary to me either.”

“No?” Hope and fear swim behind his eyes.

I shake my head. “Not temporary at all.”

“You feel permanent. Like you’re inside my heart and my soul, and I want to keep that. This is the most grounded I’ve ever felt in my life.” He raises a hand, as if he’s expecting me to interrupt. “I know that’s twenty-five-ish percent shorter than yours, but that doesn’t negate this feeling. I’m in love with you. And I know the odds don’t seem stacked in our favor, but I still want this. You. Us. I don’t want to put an end date on you and me.”