Today has been exhausting and worrying over what happened with Andie in class has driven me crazy. All I wanted to do was have a sick day so that I could find Andie and spend the day making up to her for being a jealous ass. I should have been the one making sure that she was all right, instead of her friend Jeremy. In my own defense it was because I know that the other man wants what’s mine, and he sure as hell isn’t going to get it.

I can see that he’s going to be a problem, but have I really got any right complaining when Janice Long won’t leave me alone?

Rubbing my hands through my hair in frustration, I shove into my house and sigh when the smell of fresh herbs and tomatoes tickle my nose. I drop my bags and head into the kitchen and what I find fills my heart. Around the center island is Andie and Pattie with aprons on. Their backs are facing me while they dance with the sounds of chopping, mixes with the radio.

I lean against the doorjamb with my arms and ankles crossed. They haven’t seen me yet so I watch and admire. Andie’s dark hair is tied back and bounces as she moves. Her curves are delicious and remind me of this morning when the sight of her combined with the feel of her sucking me off had undone me.

“No need asking what’s on your mind,” Pattie comments, spotting me first. She nudges into Andie. “I’m teaching Andie how to make your favorite meal.”

I offer a wistful smile. “I didn’t think I deserved anything after today.”

Andie moves closer so I straighten and close my eyes in relief when she wraps herself around me, her face against my chest.

“I was upset and I understand that you were jealous of Jeremy, but I think I’m okay now. Just please don’t do it again.” She tilts her face to look at me. “He’s only a friend just like Janice is to you.” She raises her brow and flutters her lashes, and a few seconds later I’m laughing.

“She isn’t even a friend, but I admit I went overboard this morning, and I’m sorry. I hated you not even noticing that I’d entered the room.” I kiss her sweet lips and hover but a breath away. “From now on you’re going to get a sweet guy who doesn’t bat an eye when his girlfriend is chatting with another guy.”

“We’ll see how long that lasts,” Pattie mumbles from her spot at the cooker.

Andie tightens the hold she has around my waist and I smile, meeting Pattie’s gaze. For once my sister looks as serious as I feel about Andie. Pattie wags her finger and slips out of the kitchen.

“How are you feeling?” I cup her face and smile. “I should have been the one to come to your rescue, instead it was because of me that you needed help.”

She slips out of my arms and takes my hand, guiding me to the kitchen table. Urged to sit, I make sure that I’m beside her and wait while taking her hands into mine.

“I want this between us to work, and I know it’s early days, but you need to let me carry on as I normally would.” She lifts our joined hands, kissing the top of mine. “Although I know Jeremy wants more, I’m not into him in that way and I never have been. I think he actually gets that now, but you have to trust me.”

“I do trust you,” I admit. “I am a jealous asshole because I can’t openly be with you. It hurts. We can’t even eat lunch without being on the receiving end of gossip. I know because I’ve seen it happen to others.”

“I wish we could have lunch together and maybe something can be worked out, but we have to be normal around the college...and today wasn’t.”

“You’re too far away.” With a gentle tug she’s sitting in my lap with my arms securely around her. “You’re right. It just gets to me when I see the way Jeremy looks at you. He’s in love with you.”

She pauses. “He thinks he is, but he isn’t. Not really.” Her smile lights her face. “Just remember who I’ve been crushing on for months and months.”

My grin splits my face. “Crushing, huh?”

Rolling her eyes, she shoves my shoulder. “It’s true, Mr. Hot Professor.” She gets to her feet and glances over her shoulder, which is when I realize she’s smirking. “All the girls want Professor Lawrence.”

I blink away the surprise. “Stop teasing.”

“I’m not.” She giggles.

“My friend Roza is in one of your classes and she can’t understand why you never look at her the way she wants you to.” She frowns. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have betrayed her confidence by telling you that.”

“Hey.” I move closer and slip my arms around her waist from behind. “You aren’t betraying anyone’s confidence. I have eyes and your friend Roza is nothing but obvious.”

She chuckles. “Hmm, she is, isn’t she?”

“Yes.” I groan. “She’s embarrassed me on numerous occasions.”

Her smile slips as she wraps around me. “It’s difficult not being able to be together on campus. I hate the secrecy even though I know why it’s necessary.” She blows out a long breath.

“Lets just promise to trust each other...and eat.” I grin as my stomach lets out a loud rumble.

“I can do that.” She grins and slipping out of my embrace, she points at the patio table, which has already been set for two.

“Pattie?”

“She’s gone out on a date.” Andie drains the noodles and once they’re in the serving dish, turns to look at me over her shoulder. “You are okay that it’s only us, right?”

“Hell yeah!” I laugh. “I was hoping when I saw the table setting, so just needed it confirming.” I smirk and moving closer, place my hands on her hips to keep her still. I nuzzle into the back of her neck, moving her dark curls over to one side before I kiss the smooth skin. She shudders and curves her arm behind so that her hand settles softly on the nape of my neck.

“You’re making me forget about food.”

I chuckle into her neck. “Hmm,” I mumble against her skin. “As much as I’d love to sample a lot more of you, I think after today, I want to make sure you eat.” I hold her tight and add, “And then, I’m going to take you to bed and make love to you.”

She lifts her face and meets my lips, whispers, “Then let’s eat.” She removes my hands from her hips and points. “Go and take a seat. I have this covered.

Smiling, I saunter outside and before relaxing, I flick the switch on the outside lights now that the evening has settled in. The gold twinkles around the pool and I’m so glad that Pattie added more lights while I was at work.

“Wow, this looks amazing.” Andie places the noodles and sauce on the table, her hand on my shoulder as she looks around. “It looks romantic.”

I grin and wiggle my brows. “So, what do I get for being romantic?”

Chuckling, she ruffles my hair. “Eat all your dinner and you might find out.”

“I can do that!” I shout as she disappears inside the house, only to appear minutes later with some bread rolls.

My mouth waters as she puts them on the table and the fresh smell reaches my nose.

“Freshly made yeast rolls,” she announces with pride, and then ruins it all by laughing. “The first time I’ve made them without them looking like lumps of coal.”

“For that, I’m grateful.” Grinning, I take one, lather it with butter and shove half in my mouth, closing my eyes when it melts in my mouth. I don’t say anything until I’ve polished off two of them. “You’ve spoilt me with these.”

“They do say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” she flirts and reaches for a roll, when I take hold of her wrist.

Placing her hand against my chest, I admit, “You’ve been in here for a while now.” I bring her hand up to my lips and after I’ve placed a tender kiss into her palm, I place her hand on the basket with the rolls in.

It feels good to know that I’ve got one over on her as I serve the noodles and sauce in silence. The expression on her face is one of delight, which tells me that I’m not alone in my feelings. I’m good for now though because I don’t want them to be uttered back to me until she’s completely there. I think she is, but I’m okay with waiting because I have the girl.