Chapter Eight

Ford

The weekend had brought with it a rare reprieve from the frenetic pace of the university. As I sat in my study at home, grading papers and sipping on a cup of coffee that had long since gone cold, I found my thoughts wandering to Bonnie. I couldn't stop thinking about the conversation we had the day of our picnic lunch.

When she asked what I would do if she wasn't engaged, I just blurted out the first thing that popped into my brain, which was that I'd marry her myself. The thing was—it was the truth, one that I hadn't even admitted to myself until the words came tumbling out of my mouth before I could stop them. There was no question that I'd completely embarrassed myself. Since then, I'd kept my distance, worried that I'd made Bonnie feel uncomfortable being around me. That was the last thing I wanted. Even if I was head over heels for the woman, I respected the fact that she was engaged to another man. She wasn't mine, and she never would be. I'd just have to find a way to live with that, because I didn't have any other choice.

The cursor on my computer screen kept blinking, waiting for my input, but instead I stared out the window at the darkening late afternoon sky. A fine mist hung in the air, and in the streets down below my building, drivers were beginning to flick on their headlights. I watched the ebb and flow of the traffic for a while with a heavy heart.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the desk, breaking the silence. Reaching for it, I was surprised to see Bonnie's name flash on the Caller ID.

Can we talk? It's important.

It was unlike her to send something so cryptic, and my brows furrowed with concern.

Of course. I'm at home now, just grading some papers. Would you like to stop by?

Her response came a moment later.

Yes, that would be great.

I quickly typed out my address, and closed the laptop, my heart skipping a beat. The idea of having Bonnie at my place, when there were no distractions from work was more than a little appealing, but I knew she might be coming over simply to tell me she never wanted to see me again after I put my foot in my mouth and ruined everything. Even though I'd fallen for the woman like the hot-blooded idiot I was, the thought of losing her friendship caused me more pain than anything else.

With a sigh, I tidied up the living room, trying to focus on the mundane task rather than the anticipation bubbling inside me. The grey light of dusk filtered through the windows, and I straightened the stack of magazines on the coffee table and propped the pillows on the old sectional I'd acquired second-hand.

The doorbell rang, and I quickly made my way to the foyer. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door to find Bonnie standing there, her expression a mixture of determination and something else I couldn't quite place. She was wearing an open navy-blue jacket over a soft purple sweater that brought out the depth of her brown eyes, paired with dark jeans and a pair of boots that clicked softly as she stepped inside.

"Hi, Ford," she said, her voice steady, though I could sense an undercurrent of intense emotion beneath her calm exterior.

"Bonnie, come in," I said, stepping aside to let her enter. "Can I take your coat?"

She shrugged off her jacket, handing it to me with a small smile. "Thanks."

We moved to the living room, where she settled her petite frame onto the edge of the couch, her hands clasped in her lap. I could tell she was building up to something, and I wanted to give her the space to say it in her own time.

"Would you like something to drink?" I finally offered, trying to ease the tension in the air.

"No, I'm good," she replied, her eyes meeting mine with a potency that sent a current of electricity through me.

I sat down next to her, close enough to feel the warmth of her body but leaving enough space to let her speak without feeling crowded.

"Bonnie, you said it was important. What's going on?"

She took a deep breath, as if gathering her courage. "Ford, I broke off my engagement with Jonathan."

The words hit me like a tidal wave, a rush of relief and disbelief mingling with the realization of what this meant. She was free. Truly free.

"Bonnie, I…" I started, but she held up a hand, her eyes earnest.

"Let me finish," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I realized that I couldn't marry him because I'm in love with someone else. Someone who makes me feel alive and understood in a way I never thought possible."

Her confession hung in the air, and I felt the world narrow to just the two of us. The emotions I'd kept in check surged forward, the truth I'd held back now impossible to deny.

"I love you, Ford," she continued, her eyes searching mine. "I've loved you for a while now, and I had to tell you. I couldn't keep it to myself any longer."

Hearing those words from her lips was everything I'd dreamed of and more. I reached for her, pulling her to me, the warmth from her body seeping into mine. "Bonnie, you have no idea how long I've wanted to hear you say that. If you haven't guessed already, I'm madly, completely in love with you."

Her smile was radiant, and I knew my expression mirrored hers. It felt like we were on the brink of something incredible, a new chapter unfolding right before us.

I leaned in, capturing her lips with mine in a kiss that spoke volumes of what words couldn't convey. Her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer still, and I lost myself in the sensation of her touch, the feel of her heartbeat against mine. It was as if the world outside ceased to exist.

I cupped her face in my hands, brushing my thumbs over her cheeks. "I love you, Bonnie Kelly. More than I ever thought possible."

Her eyes shone with unshed tears, and she laughed softly before kissing me again, more passionately this time, while running her hands over my shoulders and arms. Heat rushed through me as my body responded to her touch.

I stood, lifting her effortlessly from the sofa and carried her into the dark bedroom, our lips clinging together, and laid her down upon the bed that had been a taunt of what could be until now. My hands moved to her clothes, pulling her sweater over her head in one movement. I allowed my fingers to trace down the straps of her bra, cupping the satin and lace that met my hands. Bonnie groaned beneath me, pressing up into my hands as our eyes met. Her skin was moonlight and silk beneath my fingertips, and when I bared her breasts to my view, I paused, struck by the sheer beauty of her.

Lowering my head, I took the rosy peak of one breast into my mouth, eliciting a moan that vibrated through her chest and straight into my soul. My tongue swirled, worshiping her as I had longed to, my aim to drive her wild with each caress. Her hands tangled in my hair, guiding me, spurring me on with gentle, insistent pressure.

"Please, Ford," she gasped, and there was no hesitation in her voice, only raw need. "I want you. More than anything."

Moving my attention lower, I tugged off her jeans and panties, sliding them off of her delicate skin expertly before I settled back between her creamy thighs. I traced a path down her stomach with my tongue, savoring the taste of her skin until I reached the apex of her thighs. There, I paused, inhaling the scent of her arousal before diving into the sweet essence of her. My fingers joined my mouth, stroking, circling, teasing until she writhed beneath me, her moans building into a symphony of pleasure.

When I felt her body tighten around the invasion of my fingers, I redoubled my efforts with my tongue, committed to drawing out her release. When she finally came apart, it was with my name on her lips, a plea and a declaration all at once, and I savored her, letting her ride the waves of her climax until the tremors subsided and she lay spent and panting beneath me.

I waited until she came down to earth again, my need now something I could barely control. Her fingers reached out to me, traced the skin of my arms and sculpted chest. Her dark eyes were satisfied, but I saw the hunger building again, saw that she wanted much more than I'd given her already.

"Are you sure, Bonnie? We can't take this back once it's done." I murmured against her neck, my tongue swiping at the skin below her ear. She tasted good everywhere I licked her.

I wanted her to say yes, in those heartbeats where I thought I would die as she pondered my question. I wanted her to say yes more than I'd ever wanted anything. I moved my head to look into her eyes, those sweet eyes full of yearning that looked back at me with all the trust in the world.

"I want you more than I want my next breath, more than I want my next heartbeat, Ford. Please, don't make me wait anymore." Bonnie pleaded, her lips parted, her eyes open, but seeing only me.

I kissed her, softly at first, then with more need as the passion rekindled, as the need turned into a flame that threatened to burn everything down if I didn't find a way to quench it. I ran my fingers down between us, wanting to stoke the flames within her. When her hips danced in time with the silent melody my fingers played upon her skin, I knew it was time. When she cried out my name, her nails digging into my skin, my restraint shattered. I entered her in one fluid motion, and every nerve ending seared with the need for release. As I moved within her, every thrust was a stroke against my own self-control. I could feel the tension coiling tighter, my desire spiraling.

"Ford…," Her breathy whisper was both plea and permission, and it spurred me on. I watched her beneath me, her eyes closed, lips parted in pleasured cries that only heightened my arousal. There was a ferocity in the way she met each of my movements, a boldness that ignited something primal within me.

But this was about her, Bonnie, who deserved to be cherished. So, I fought back the impending tide, focusing on her, determined to draw out her pleasure. My hands traced the contours of her body, memorizing the rise and fall of her chest, the softness of her skin. Leaning down, I captured her nipple between my lips once more, eliciting a gasp that cut through the haze of my desire.

I could sense her climbing again, her body beginning to clench and unclench rhythmically around me, signaling her approaching climax. My movements became more deliberate, designed to coax her over that edge. Her hands clawed at my back, urging me deeper, faster, until she arched beneath me, a keening wail escaping her as she came apart once more. The sensation of her tightening around me was exquisite torture, driving me wild. It was too much, the dam broke, and with a guttural groan that felt torn from the depths of my being, I surrendered to the rush. I came hard, deep inside her, waves of pleasure pulsing through me as I filled her with my heat.

Collapsing beside her, I pulled her close, our sweat-slicked bodies clinging together in the aftermath. Her heartbeat drummed against my chest, a sweet cadence that echoed my own. In that moment, as I held her, feeling the echo of her pleasure around me, I knew there was nowhere else I'd rather be.

After what seemed like hours savoring each other, the audible grumble from my stomach reminded me that it was well past dinnertime.

"Hungry, sweetheart?" I asked, tracing the outline of her soft lips with my finger.

"Famished," she admitted before planting a soft kiss against my neck.

I ordered takeout from a nearby Italian restaurant and let her wear my robe while I donned a pair of sweats. Over dinner, we shared stories and hopes for the future, our words weaving a tapestry of the life we envisioned together. It was a heady feeling, knowing that we were free to be together, to explore the depth of what we felt without the shadows of doubt or hesitation.

Later, as we lay entwined on the couch, the room bathed in the soft glow of the lamp, I couldn't help but marvel at how right this felt. Her head rested against my chest, her hair a dark cascade over my shoulder, and I pressed a kiss to her forehead, breathing in the scent of her shampoo.

"Thank you for trusting me with your heart," I murmured, the words a quiet promise.

She shifted slightly, looking up at me with a smile that held a universe of emotion. "And thank you for holding it so gently."

We stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, content to simply be. It was as if time had slowed, allowing us to savor each moment, each whisper and touch.

Eventually, she shifted, sitting up and looking at me with a hint of seriousness in her gaze. "Ford, there's something we need to talk about."

I nodded, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "Of course. What is it?"

She hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns on the fabric of my shirt. "It's about us and how this might be perceived by the university. I don't want to get you into any trouble."

I sighed, the reality of our situation creeping back in. "I've been thinking about that too. We do need to be careful."

She nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I think it might be best if I request a transfer for my work-study position."

Her suggestion was both practical and selfless, a testament to her understanding of the complexities we faced. I hated the idea of not seeing her during the day, but it was a necessary step to protect what we had.

"That's a good idea, Bonnie," I said, reaching for her hand. "It's not ideal, but it's the best way to ensure we can be together. Teacher-student relationships are frowned upon in general, but at least there wouldn't be a conflict of interest. We'll figure it out. One thing I know for sure, I'm not going to let you go."

She squeezed my hand, her smile warm and reassuring. "We're in this together."

The certainty in her words bolstered my resolve. With her by my side, I felt like we could overcome anything.

The night passed in a haze of whispered promises and tender touches, the bond between us growing stronger with each moment. As I held her close, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the path that had led us here, to this place where love and possibility intertwined. With Bonnie, I'd found more than a partner; I'd found a kindred spirit, someone who understood me in ways I hadn't thought possible. As I drifted off to sleep with her in my arms, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, hand in hand.

In the morning, the sun rose on a new day, casting a golden glow over the city as it came to life. Bonnie stirred beside me, her eyes fluttering open as she smiled sleepily up at me.

"Good morning," she murmured, her voice a soft melody.

"Good morning," I replied, brushing a kiss over her temple.

We lay there for a while, basking in the quiet comfort of the morning, before eventually getting up and facing the day. There was a sense of renewal in the air, and I felt more alive than I could remember.

As Bonnie prepared to leave, she paused at the door, turning to look at me with a smile that warmed me to my core. "I'll see you later?"

I nodded, unable to keep the grin from my face. "Definitely. We'll make this work, Bonnie. I promise."

Her eyes sparkled with affection, and she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. "I know we will."

With that, she was gone, the door closing softly behind her. I stood there for a moment, letting the reality of what we'd shared settle around me. I wanted to relish it, to stay in this moment, but as I turned in the direction of my study, worry gripped me with a cold fist. What would happen if the administration discovered our relationship? Would I lose my job? Was I really prepared for that?

Swallowing hard, I sat down to my desk and powered on my laptop. I had work to do. I'd leave the challenges of the future until then.

***

I'd never believed in the kind of happiness that seemed to rewrite the very fabric of your existence, but with Bonnie, every single theory I'd ever held dear was proving malleable. Our dates were clandestine whispers in the night, stolen moments where laughter and good-natured debates filled the space between us. She challenged me, a bright comet streaking through the ordinary sky of my routine, and I found myself looking forward to each encounter with an eagerness that felt both foreign and exhilarating.

"Ford," she teased during one of our secret meetings at a cozy, dimly lit restaurant on the edge of town, "if you keep looking at me like that, I'm going to forget all about my dessert and order something else entirely that I don't believe they allow on menus."

"Trust me, Bon, what you see in my eyes is nothing compared to the thoughts I'm wrestling with," I admitted, my voice low enough for only her ears. The air around us seemed charged with the unspoken words of desire that danced just beneath the surface of our conversation. We laughed over shared plates, our feet tangling under the table, sending sparks of anticipation up my spine. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and promise, and I knew right then that I wanted this—her—permanently etched into the constellation of my life.

But as with all forbidden loves, I was aware that the shadow of consequence lingered close by, a dark cloud threatening to burst at any moment, and I just hoped we'd be able to withstand the storm when it came.

***

I was heading back to my office after a busy lecture when I found Greer waiting at the door, tapping her foot impatiently.

"Greer," I said, my hackles instinctively rising as a sour taste came into my mouth.

"Ford," she said, her eyes cold and piercing, and her tone sharp enough to cut through steel. "We need to talk."

"To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" I asked, trying to keep my expression neutral. Unlocking the door, I pushed it open, dropping my files on my desk and turning to face her.

"Don't play coy with me. It doesn't suit you." Greer's lips twisted into a semblance of a smile, but there was no warmth in it. "You and Ms. Kelly have become quite...close, haven't you?"

I stiffened, my mind racing to calculate the odds of her knowing the full extent of my relationship with Bonnie. "She was my administrative assistant through a work study, but she's been transferred to another department," I replied.

"Cut the crap, Ford. I know about your little trysts. I know everything." Greer leaned in closer, her breath a cold whisper against my ear. "And if you think for one second that I won't go to the dean with this, you're more foolish than I thought."

"Is that a threat?" I asked, jaw clenched.

"Consider it a warning." She stepped back, her eyes scanning my face for any sign of weakness. "Clean up your act or I'll do it for you."

As she walked away, her favorite black stilettos clicking ominously on the tile floor, I was left with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Despite the joy Bonnie brought into my life, Greer's words were a stark reminder that this happiness could be as fleeting as a shooting star. The future was in my hands, and I needed to decide what it was I really wanted, and what I was willing to lose.