Chapter 8

Grady

As my car tires squeal around the corner, I'm furious with myself. I can't believe I just left her there after what she said, that I caused the pain on her face. Am I actually giving her up now that she's finally, truly mine?

But I have to, don't I?

But for what? A job I find uninspiring? The respect of my peers I can barely stand? I've been working hard for as long as I can remember to get to the top of the university ladder. I excel in my field and I'm lucky I have the imagination and patience to write books that millions of people enjoy. I wonder if my readers will turn on me because I feel for a beautiful, passionate, intelligent girl who was once my student.

Damn it.

The woman I've been waiting for and obsessing over for more than a year just admitted she has feelings for me. Feelings I know will only grow stronger if I nurture them, but instead I walked away.

I laugh bitterly as I pull into my parking garage, wondering what the fuck is wrong with me. I sped away from the girl of my dreams when she tried to be honest with me.

Back in my apartment, I can only pace like a caged animal, gripping my fists so tight the bones in my hands threaten to break. If I want Faye to love me, that means I'll have to be willing to be loved too, and possibly give up everything I've worked for. I'm not sure I can do that.

I also don't think I can go back to just watching over her. That will kill me. I certainly won't be able to let any other man touch her. She was always mine and she will always be mine.

I knock back a couple shots of whiskey and fall into bed, not bothering to get undressed. Even with the strong alcohol, sleep eludes me. All I can think about is Faye's touch, hear her musical laughter, see that look on her face when I turned and left.

I finally fall into a restless sleep, and in the morning nothing has changed. But, why would it? I haven't done anything to change my situation. I need to listen to my heart where Faye is concerned. I can only hope it doesn't completely fuck me over.

Without an ounce of regret, I log onto my college's portal and submit my resignation, effective immediately.