Page 54 of Lessons in Touch

"That it's complicated." I reach across the table and touch his hand. "I wanted to tell him about you. About us. But I know I can't."

"Rose..." His voice makes him sound like he’s in pain.

"I know we have to be careful. I know the risks. But tonight, surrounded by all those people, all I could think about was coming home to you."

He turns his hand over and captures mine. "This is home for you?"

"When I'm with you, yes."

We finish dinner in comfortable silence, our hands intertwined across the table. When we're done, Gabriel leads me to his sitting area. I try my best to curl up next to him on the couch, even though the ball gown is taking up most of the space.

"You did amazingly well tonight, Rose," he says, running his fingers through my hair. "Going to that ball, meeting your family, holding your own in that world. You're becoming the woman you were meant to be."

"I couldn't have done it without you. Without everything you've taught me."

The warmth of his body, the security of his arms around me, and the exhaustion of the evening combined make me drowsy. My eyes start to close.

"Stay with me tonight," Gabriel says. "Just to sleep. I want to hold you."

"Mmm… That sounds like a dream…"

He carries me to his bedroom and helps me out of the elaborate dress. I wait by the bed while he dresses me in one of his shirts to sleep in. Then, I slip under the covers of his bed.

Gabriel changes into pajamas and slides in beside me. He pulls me close, and I rest my head on his chest. His heartbeat is steady and comforting.

"Thank you," I whisper.

"For what?"

"For being here. For being you. For making me feel like I belong here."

He kisses the top of my head, but doesn’t answer. I fall asleep in his arms, feeling safer and more content than I have in years.

Chapter 18

Gabriel

“Come on, Elliot, let’s focus on these notes.”

“It’s too early in the morning, Gabriel. Let me enjoy my espresso in peace,” he answers and yawns without covering his mouth with his hand.

“We haven’t prepared any of the classes Mrs. Velmont asked us to. And Christmas is just around the corner. The students will…”

“The students don’t care, Gabriel!” he laughs. “Around this time of year, they’re far more interested in drinking and fucking!”

“Charming…” I reply sarcastically.

I pull some of the notes closer to me and start highlighting the key points of the lectures.

"So," Elliot says, his tone deceptively casual. "The students are whispering, Gabriel. You and your favorite flower."

His words unsettle me, but I don't look up from my papers. "Students always whisper. It's what they do."

"This is different." Elliot sets down his cup with deliberate precision. "They're talking very specifically this time, not just gossiping."

"What are they saying?"

"The kind of things that could destroy both of you."