CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Lisa walked into her home office and let out a sigh as she looked around. Tomorrow marked the beginning of her career as an educator, and she didn’t know if she was ready, despite the fact that her class notes were prepped, the syllabus was online, and she knew where her classroom was.
So, why wasn’t she more excited?
And why did an assignment in Timbuktu sound so very appealing?
Pulling her chair out, she collapsed into it and spun it around in a circle, wondering if the people who took her class would be bored out of their minds.
After all, she had never taught journalism before and didn’t know if she had anything of value to offer the students. Hearing footsteps, she looked up and saw Ace standing in the doorway. “Hey.”
“Is the spinning in circles helping at all?”
“It’s sure not hurting,” she replied as she stopped.
“Are you worried about tomorrow?”
Shrugging, she looked out the window. “A little.”
“You’re going to be great.”
“You don’t actually know that. What if everyone falls asleep during class and then decides to drop it after the first week?” She started turning her chair around again and let out a groan. “We don’t actually know if I have anything valuable to teach the students. I may totally suck at this.”
“I guess it’s possible, but I don’t think it’s probable since you’ve been consistently employed since you graduated college.”
Stopping the chair again, she flapped her arms. “But maybe that won’t mean a thing in the classroom.”
Ace dropped onto to the couch in the corner and crossed his arms. “Who were your favorite professors when you were in college?”
“The ones who didn’t drone on endlessly just to hear the sound of their own voice. I loved the ones who had real-life experience as opposed those who just regurgitated theories.”
He gave her a satisfied smile and winked. “Exactly. You have a lot of tangible things to share with your students, and that’s why you’re going to kick ass tomorrow.”
“I guess that’s one way of looking at it.”
“All the things you’ve learned over the years are going to be gold for the kids, and I bet you’re going to be a huge hit.”
“You’re just saying that because I’m your girlfriend.”
Standing, he walked over and bent down in front of her. “Lisa, I’m never going to bullshit you, and you have a lot to be proud of.”
Taking his hands, she stood and pulled him up. “Thanks for the pep-talk.”
“Anytime.” He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her head. “You want to go surfing this afternoon, so you can get your Zen on for tomorrow?”
“That actually sounds like a great idea; would you like to join me?”
Letting his arms fall, Ace stepped back. “Are you playing with me?”
“No, why would you ask that?”
“Because I’ve asked to go with you a bunch of times and you’ve always said no.”
Putting her hand on his chest, she ran her finger back and forth over his muscles. “I’ve decided that I like you, so I want you to come.”
He covered her hand with his and let out a laugh. “Only like?”
“Well…”
“I love you, Lisa.” He bent down so their faces were level. “With my whole heart.”
“Well, I might feel similarly.” When he shook his head and gave her a sad smile, she knew he wasn’t going to let a statement like that stand.
“Say it, Lisa.”
Closing her eyes, she took in a big breath and then slowly let it out. “I love you, Ace…very much.”
Lifting her into his arms, he held her tightly. “Thank you.”
“I’ve been holding back, and it’s a habit I should break since I’d hate it if you did it to me.”
“I think we’ve crossed a lot of hurdles and it’s going to take a minute before we get used to the fact that nothing is standing in our way. We’ve got an open road ahead of us, and all we have to do is grab hold of one another and hang on.”
Taking his face in her hands, she kissed him firmly. “I love you, and you’re right.”
“I love you too and promise to show you every day.”
Studying his deep brown eyes, she saw the truth of his words and felt her heart grow. “I promise to do the same.”
Taking a step toward the door, he nodded. “Let’s make good on that promise and start right now.”
“And we’re doing it in the bedroom?”
“Absolutely, because nothing says I cherish you like a couple of screaming orgasms.”
Laughing, she tightened her hold. “I can’t argue with that.”
“Didn’t think you could.” He dropped her gently on the bed and then collapsed next to her. “You ready for some dirty loving?”
Pushing him over, she crawled on top of him and grinned. “The real question is: are you ready?”
He moved his hips and grinned. “Seems I am.”
Dropping her mouth to his, she kissed him with all the love in her heart and knew the infatuation that bloomed in Yemen had transformed into a love that had a hell of a chance at lasting.