Page 44 of The Professor's Wife

I looked up at him, at the way the sunlight caught in his messy blond hair, at the way his eyes held mine—hopeful but ruined in a way I understood too well.

“You should hear alarm bells around me,” I said next. “I have nothing on me. I didn’t pack a thing. I know you’re wondering why.”

“Of course I’m curious.”

“That should concern you.”

“Everyone’s running from something, Daze.”

I took a deep breath. “Tristan, I barely have two pennies to rub together—”

“You’re my guest,” he cut in. “I’ll worry about finances.”

He had thought it through. I could tell. Whatever I threw at him, he would reason away. He was unshakable in his invitation. He wanted me to go with him.

He wanted it badly.

I blew out a breath. “This is wild.”

He smirked. “But you’re wild.”

I let out a surprised laugh. “Only because I’m around you, andyouare wild.”

“So let’s be wild together.”

I paused, trembling.

This was crazy.

This was a mess in the making.

The most impulsive thing I could ever do.

June would want this, and I would want this for her.

Out of the darkness, she would tell me.

I had been in it too long. But now it was too bright, and I didn’t know if I could withstand seeing everything for what it truly was.

I thought about Tristan leaving. About not being able to get in touch with him. He would be long gone. A distant memory while I…didwhatexactly?

I had already thrown caution to the wind by letting him into my bed and inside me. I had left my life behind even before that. I was aimless, and Tristan…

I didn’t want him to be a memory. Not yet, at least. The thought made my entire body grow cold with dread.

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath. “I’ll go, but I’m not promising anything.”

“I’m not chasing big promises,” he replied, his voice catching with excitement. “Just a seat beside me, Daze.”

I finally opened my eyes. “I don’t have anything to offer.”

“I just want you.”

I just want you.

The words felt like silk on my skin.

I just want you.