“Is that an open threat?”
“No, Dean Harris, it’s not. However, I am the only one in five states who has even a quarter of the knowledge and background in the niche you’ve helped create in the Art department. You’d be hard pressed to get someone in here if I walked away today.”
“You wouldn’t do that. Adrianna would have you for breakfast.”
“Anna would understand. She approves of my relationship with Nora, but I suspect you already know that. I am willing to walk away today for her. She deserves a chance at the degree she’s longed for. I am going to help her get it. We are willing to play by the academic rules for that to happen. What we will not do is hide our budding future from anyone. I haven’t asked her directly for what I’m going to propose, but should Nora wish to take any further courses from me, Anna can supervise her work. Anna is also the final stop on all things regarding Nora’s teaching assistant position. I think that should satisfy the old guard, yes?”
Warren sits back in his chair, trying to hide the fact I’ve shocked him to his core. “I’d need to see this all in contractual form to cover all our asses, should this go wrong.”
“We will do whatever it takes. And trust me, nothing will go wrong. Not one damn thing.”
Nora
I’m left pacing Tristan’s office alone for what feels like forever. I knew this day would come if we were going to make this work, but it doesn’t make it any less scary. What if they fire him? What if they make him choose? I know even Professor Griffin said that wouldn’t happen, however the longer he’s gone, the more scenarios I fall victim to.
I try sitting on the couch first. I start to focus on a few test papers then my mind wanders again. I get up and pace around some more, then I try his chair. The leather of the back has his scent woven through it. It’s like a wave of Tristan falls in and around me. It’s like a warm blanket telling me everything’s going to be all right. I really hope I can believe that.
I’m reminded of the time I sat here and browsed through his computer looking for who he is. I knock his mouse around again and the password screen comes up. The question then becomes do I or don’t I log in. The devil on my right tells me the answer I go with. The password is still Petal. This time there is a new folder. It’s called amore.
Instantly I smile. When I open it there are more subfolders that contain dates. Those dates coincide with major events in our relationship. I click on one of the first, it’s the night at the club. Some of the images in here are ones I’ve never even seen. I love how I look, and feel, through his lens.
My heart soars when I’m able to see myself through his eyes in this way. Even though I’ve seen hundreds, maybe even thousands, of photos of myself throughout my life and my career, I always found myself pointing out flaws and things that I’d like them to airbrush out.
But not with these.
Knowing that he took them, that he loves them, makes them perfect in my eyes.
I check the time again. He should be done by now, right?
I begin to tap my nails nervously on his desk, and I’m just about to begin the cycle of pacing all over again when his office door opens and he’s standing right there in front of me.
“Oh my God.” I jump to my feet and bolt into his arms. “What happened? That took so much longer than I thought it would.”
Tristan wraps his arms around me and I can feel the tension melting away as he closes the door. He paces a few steps left to right while I still dangle in his arms. “I know it did. Don’t you worry. Everything is fine. There were a few interesting word choices, along with follow-up questions, but in the end, Dean Harris saw to reason. As long as I am not your academic advisor and I have someone, let’s say Anna, grade your work should you choose to take another of my courses, there will be no more hiding. We cannot end up in a scandal, mind you, however everything short of that is at our fingertips, Petal. You can truly be mine now.”
There have never been sweeter words to caress my ears. My heart is racing for a whole new reason now.
“Oh, Tristan.” I pull him even closer, even tighter, like I’m trying to merge our bodies into one. Now that he’s mine, really and truly mine, I never want to let him go. “I’m so relieved. I’m so happy.”
He lays his strong, large hand on my cheek and tips my head back so I can see his eyes. “There are no words to describe what I’m feeling. I have half a mind to walk into the quad and kiss you endlessly in front of the administration building, but I have a feeling that would be a bit scandalous.” He kisses me softly on the lips and I have to stop myself from doing the romantic comedy, fairy-tale princess foot pop that happens in the movies. “Petal. I would like to celebrate like we talked about. The dress, your earrings, all of it tonight.”
“On a school night. Now that is scandalous.”
“I have a departmental meeting in about thirty minutes. Why don’t you take my car and go get ready? I have my other suit here. I will change here. If you arrive back in time, you can even help. Then I will drive you to dinner then on to the club. It should be quieter tonight, more time for us on the dance floor.”
“Are you trusting me with your car? What do they say about boys and their toys?” I tease, straightening his tie then smoothing my hand down the silk.
“Good thing I’m all man, Petal.”
God, there’s that smirk and those dimples.
“Oh, I know that you are,” I lean in and whisper in his ear, “intimately.”
He curls his hands around my waist and squeezes like he’s trying to keep himself from pouncing on me. “You better go before the celebration begins earlier than intended.”
“Maybe earlier than you intended. Where are your keys?”
He smirks again. “In my pocket, Petal. Go get them.”
“Ask and ye shall receive, Professor Sloane.”
I slide my hand slowly into his right front pocket. I let my fingers caress and pet anything I may come across. After I can see he’s on his last thread, I loop the key right with my index finger and pull them free. “I win.”
“You did, and you will.” His lips leave a lingering imprint on my lips. “My car is in the lot directly behind this building on the third aisle marker. I will call ahead for dinner reservations. That will be a surprise. You only need to come back in that dress and the remainder of the evening will be a night you will never forget.”
“Every night with you is like that. I will be back in about ninety minutes. I can’t wait to see you in my suit.”
Tristan playfully swats my backside in a delicate act of foreplay, before taking my hand and bringing it to his lips. “I will count the minutes, love. Now hurry along.”
***
Driving his car is a dream.
I didn’t get a chance to drive much in London, and public transit is so stellar in the city that I never really needed a car, so the freedom, this small act of independence that this is giving me is the cherry on top of what I expect to be a perfect evening.
I took special care when I was back at the apartment getting ready, making sure my makeup was smoky and perfect. I swiped dark, blood-red lipstick on my mouth and may have even forgotten some very important lace in the drawer.