“Want to tell me about the words on the mirror?”
“The world doesn’t make it easy to love yourself.” She gives a one-shoulder shrug. “My therapist thought it might help.”
Her delivery is plaintive, so matter of fact, it nearly guts me.
“The world is wrong.” I cup her chin and level my gaze at her. “You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.”
I lower my mouth to hers, determined to show her just how firmly I believe those words as the rest of the world melts away.
17
PIPER
I’mon cloud nine as I make my way to the College of Education to meet with Dr. Barnes. The sun is shining and a kaleidoscope of brightly colored leaves litter the ground in the quad, confirming fall has officially arrived in College Park.
I’ve always been a big fan of winter—of snowstorms and hot chocolate, roaring fires and cozy blankets—but I’m starting to see the merits of this in-between season. It’s hard not to when Brady’s turned my world upside down in the best possible way.
It’s been five days since he showed up at my apartment armed with his own personal version of a period comfort kit, and though he’s been busy with football stuff, we’ve been texting. Things between us have been surprisingly easy and because he’s so busy, I’ve been able to get my schoolwork done and maintain my camming schedule without having to make excuses.
For now.
Whatever. I’m not trying to borrow tomorrow’s problems.
I’m being careful, and that’s what matters.
My phone vibrates with an incoming text, and I fish it out of my pocket. At the sight of Brady’s name, my stomach flips with the now familiar rush of excitement I get every time he messages.
Brady: How’s your day going, beautiful?
God, where has this silver-tongued man been all my life? Not only is he a sweet talker, he’s a good kisser. He took me from zero to one hundred with a single kiss, which has been great for my cam sessions, but terrible for my concentration. If Brady was ruling my thoughts before, he’s now become a full-blown obsession.
Me: Good. I’m heading into my advisory meeting with Dr. Barnes. I think I’m getting my student teaching assignment today. You?
The prospect is equal parts thrilling and vomit inducing, which is probably why I didn’t sleep last night. And then, because I was dragging ass this morning, I chugged a massive iced coffee and now I’ve got the full body shakes.
Yay, me.
Brady: Just sitting in class thinking about you.
I type my reply as I climb the stone steps to the College of Education.
Me: Sounds productive.
Brady: You have no idea.
The words send a thrill up my spine and though I’m tempted to reply, I drop my phone in my bag. No way am I going to be the reason he falls behind in…agriculture or whatever class he’s currently zoning out in.
The door to the building swings open and Dr. Jeffries, who teaches Classroom Management, steps out. The guy is a talker, so I greet him and slip inside before he can engage me in a lengthy conversation. I cannot afford to be late for my meeting with Barnes.
When I get to the education office, the department admin sends me straight back.
“Ms. Reynolds.” Dr. Barnes gestures to the empty chairs stationed opposite her desk. “Please have a seat.”
I do as instructed, choosing the one closest to the door, just in case I need to make a quick escape.
“I’ve reviewed your observation reports.”
My eyes dart to her monitor, but the text is too small to read. I completed my second classroom observation yesterday, and I thought my writeup was solid, but with the way Barnes is studying me, now I’m not so sure.
