CHAPTER SIX

NICOLE

“No fucking way.” Becca’s mouth hangs open after I share what happened last night with Marcus.

“Yes fucking away.” I grin and plop back on my hotel bed to remember it all over again. Stargazing, my dream guy, and an orgasm to boot. Not too shabby for a girl who’d never been so forward in her life.

I’ve dated in the past, but I’m not the aggressor. Sauntering into Marcus’s office yesterday had been a risk—a test of my courage—but it paid off. And we were seeing each other again later today.

He invited me to a local pumpkin patch to get off campus and away from potentially judgmental stares. Our entire acquaintance has been within school boundaries, so it was a no-brainer to agree to a date elsewhere.

It doesn’t hurt that I’ll literally go anywhere with him.

I told Marcus that Kennedy women don’t have vices like the men, but I think I lied because he can very easily be mine.

“Wow, I’m proud of you, girl. You didn’t waste any time snatching up Professor Hill now that he’s single.”

“We’re not official yet,” I say, trying to temper her expectations—and mine. “We’re feeling things out this weekend before deciding anything about the future.”

“Smart.” Becca nods her head. “I’m rooting for you, though it’ll be awkward during group get-togethers when you bring our former professor as your date.”

I roll my eyes. “You’ll live. A few years from now, it won’t matter. College will be so far in our rearview that he’ll just be Marcus.”

“If you say so… I’m heading to the women’s volleyball game. See you later? And don’t forget to text me about your date with Marcus.”

“I won’t. Have fun!”

I lay in bed for another fifteen minutes then start to get ready for my outdoor adventure. It’s a good thing I’m an over-packer because my suitcase is stuffed with outfits for every occasion, including a stroll through a pumpkin patch.

The hem of my jeans falls over my boots right as there’s a knock at the door, and a jolt of adrenaline adds an extra bounce to my step.

Marcus waits in the hotel hall, two cups of something warm resting in his large hands. The memory of exactly how talented those hands are sends a wash of heat over my already flushed cheeks, causing me to sweat before our date has officially started.

“Hey, I brought apple cider for the road.”

“Thank you.” I sip the spicy sweet drink then grab my crossbody purse before hustling out the door. “It’s supposed to be nice and clear today—the perfect weather for exploring.”

Marcus slips a hand behind my back to guide me out of the hotel and to his car, and the slightly dominant gesture is distracting as hell. Pull it together, Nicole! I can’t get turned on by every little thing Marcus does, but the man is a walking-talking aphrodisiac made just for me.

From his silver-threaded hair to those chocolatey brown eyes down his large muscular frame. Which is kind of an anomaly for the average professor, when I think about it.

Good thing my guy is anything but average.

The car roars to life as we leave the hotel behind, and I press the button to lower my window a little. A cool breeze swooshes through the sliver of space, offering a welcome reprieve from my overheated hormones.

“Today is meant to be light and fun, but at the risk of ruining the mood, I feel like I should ask something before our relationship progresses much further.”

“That doesn’t sound ominous at all,” I joke, though a veil of worry dims some of my previous happiness.

“Not ominous. It’s just…” Marcus exhales a heavy breath and scratches at the scruff on his jaw. “You know kids were a huge reason for my divorce. I physically am unable to have them, so if that’s important to you, then—”

“It’s not,” I interject. Instinctively, my hand covers his on the console. “The prospect of passing on these Kennedy genes is a hell no for me. Kids in general? I’m not sure. I’m open to fostering or adopting, but kids or no kids, either way, I’m good.”

“Really? You’re young. You could change your mind.”

“I’m not Cora. And this isn’t a decision I’ve only thought about this weekend because of you. It’s always been my plan to avoid pregnancy at all costs.” A self-deprecating chuckle bubbles up. “Carrying a child for months on end and enduring all the changes and pain that comes with it has never appealed to me. Promise.”

Marcus’s shoulders relax as he hums in his throat. “Thank you for sharing that with me.” His hand turns over to squeeze mine. “Now, let’s talk about what’s really important… fall flavors.”

The unexpected change in topic to something so silly draws another giggle as we debate the merits of pumpkin, hazelnut, and spiced apple. With the heavy subjects behind us, there’s a natural flow to our conversation, and my heart flares with hope that this really might work.

That Marcus and I are meant for each other.