Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56799 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56799 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
“No, thank you,” came the replies.
She slipped her hand into his, surprising him, and steered him away from her family. Instead of the bar, she led him into the nearby hallway that wasn’t as crowded as the main room. “I am so sorry,” she said. “I didn’t think they’d be such jerks.”
“I don’t mind them sizing me up. I just don’t like that they upset you.” And despite him empathizing with their older brother roles, he thought of another reason they were wary. “I’m sure they aren’t thrilled I’m a good ten years older than you.”
She sighed. “I’m impressed you figured that out. I should tell you, your age is exactly what’s bothering them.” She nibbled on her bottom lip and he saw the indecision on whether to continue in her antsy body movements as she shifted from foot to foot.
He sensed she needed a push and selfishly, he wanted to learn more about her. “I’m a good listener,” he offered.
And they’d eased their way to the nearest wall and he stepped close to Fallon so she didn’t have to yell over the din from the outer room.
“The story is a little embarrassing, but here goes. When I was in college, I studied art history.” She nibbled some more on her lip and the desire to rub his finger over the spot grew stronger. “Anyway, sophomore year, one of my professors seemed to single me out for his undivided attention. He was cultured and brilliant, and when he spoke to me, it felt like no one else was in the room.” She blew out a long breath after the rush of words, rubbing her hands together nervously as she spoke. “Even his name was elegant. Dr. Ezra Manheim encouraged me to come to his office hours and he’d always get to me last, so I was the only one left and we could be alone.”
Shit. Noah could see where this was going and he didn’t like it one bit. “He seduced you,” he said, certain of the outcome.
“It wasn’t that difficult.” She dipped her head, as if the admission embarrassed her.
It was obvious she blamed herself when in reality, an older man had abused his power and taken advantage of a young woman, he thought with disgust.
“The affair was forbidden. If anyone found out he could lose his job, but he said it was worth it. I was worth it. It was intense and I guess because I was young and looked up to him as being so worldly, I thought I was in love. I believed we had a future because he spoke in those terms and lured me in with all the amazing travels we’d do together.”
Noah would like to throttle the man. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. He had no right to toy with your emotions.” He knew this story wasn’t easy for her to tell but he was curious. “What happened?” he asked, keeping his voice gentle.
“Well, the end of my sophomore year, I stopped by his office to surprise him and I found him with an older woman I’d never seen before. She was his fiancée who often traveled for work.”
He winced on her behalf. “Ouch.”
Nodding, Fallon continued. “She had a huge ring on her finger she flashed around as she spoke. After Ezra introduced us, ignoring who I’d been to him, he suggested she meet him at home so he could see what his student needed.” Fallon shook her head in disbelief.
It was clear she still felt that raw hurt all these years later.
“She left and he informed me our affair was over, since the fiancée I didn’t know about had returned. I admit I got hysterical as I asked about all the plans we’d made. He just laughed and called me naïve.” She raised one shoulder and dropped it again. “Turns out he picks one female student a year to lavish his affections on and he chose me.” Her lips turned downward in a frown he’d never seen on her pretty face before.
“He’s a selfish bastard,” Noah muttered, just now realizing his hands were clenched in tight fists.
Releasing them, he drew a deep breath and focused on Fallon. He tipped her chin up so she looked him in the eye, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “It was a difficult lesson to learn but you survived the rejection and you’re better for it. He never deserved you.”
“Damn right he didn’t.” She smiled but it wasn’t bright and happy, not that he blamed her.
Just then, a drumroll sounded.
“Oh! The band is starting soon. Come on!” Obviously happy for the distraction, she pulled him out of the hallway, eager to put the memory behind her.
She released his hand and he followed her swaying hips toward the band. But her description of her past relationship left Noah with a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. He desired her beyond all reason, but he didn’t want to be another older man who hurt her in the end.