Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 67801 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67801 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
“I expect you to read chapters five through ten this weekend. Quiz on Monday,” Thomas announced to his class, yanking me from my reverie. “Any questions?”
“Yes, sir.” A dark-haired young man in the middle row raised his hand.
I sat up tall and observed the master at work. He tapped his fingers on the podium and pushed his glasses on his nose, fielding questions and soothing concerns about a lab project that was due soon.
“Time management is crucial at this juncture. Plan wisely,” Professor advised. “And have a good weekend. Class dismissed.”
I stayed put and waited patiently. When the last student filed out of the room, I picked up my bag and speed-walked down the narrow aisle toward his desk. “Excuse me, sir.”
Thomas grinned. “What are you doing here, Mr. Burns? We have a rule about astrophysics classroom crashers, you know.”
I snaked my arms around his waist. “Really? I had no idea. What do you do when you catch them?”
He waggled his brows. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Actually, I would. But we have a birthday to celebrate, Professor. Happy birthday, my love,” I hummed against his lips.
Thomas smiled. “Thank you.”
“Pack it up, baby. I’m whisking you away to somewhere deliciously warm where we can lay poolside and sip fruity cocktails under big umbrellas. And yes, I remembered the sunscreen too. Or if you prefer, we can stay inside and rewatch your favorite Dr. Who episodes. You call the shots.”
Thomas furrowed his brow so hard his glasses slipped an inch. “Palm Springs, right?”
“Ah! You remembered! We’re wearing birthday suits in your honor all weekend. Well, till Sunday at noon, anyway.”
“What’s happening Sunday night? You look guilty.” He held my chin between his thumb and forefinger, fixing me with a faux-serious stare.
“We’re having a few friends for dinner.”
I gave him the full rundown.…The Script Club boys and their significant others, Ezra and Cole, and of course Easton, Jase, and Lincoln.
Thomas opened and closed his mouth. Twice. “That’s practically everyone I know.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll tell them to ignore you.”
“Promise?” Thomas chuckled, kissing my cheek before gathering his books and his briefcase.
“Yes.” I wrapped my arms around myself and stared out at the empty classroom in wonder. “This is kinda cool. It’s like a stage and you’re like a rock star. My boyfriend is the professor version of Harry Styles or—”
“Beethoven.”
“That’s what I meant to say.”
“I thought so.” He grinned. “Shall we?”
“Yes, I—wait. This is a special day. In fact, it might be my new favorite day of the year. I love you to the farthest galaxy in the universe and back, Thomas Hartwell.”
“That’s pretty far.”
“I know, right?”
Thomas lifted my hand and kissed my knuckles in that chivalrous, romantic way of his that made my heart beat like a drum and my head feel like mush.
“I love you too, Noah Burns.”
We walked hand in hand out of the classroom and through the quad, kicking at the gold and orange leaves across the lawn. Our conversation flitted from classical musicians to the optimal temperature for all-day nudity and the very real danger of burning one’s johnson.
I floated on air beside him with a ridiculously big smile on my face. Anyone would have thought it was my birthday or that I’d won the lottery. And I supposed I had.
My life had taken a few twists and turns, yet somehow I’d landed here. I had a new family, new friends, and a new home. Best of all, I had someone who loved me for me, kissed my scars, and dared me to dream big.
I was grateful to be the professor’s date. And forever person.