Page 3 of Forbidden Professor

But even as I say it, I feel the lie. Because the truth is, my heart races whenever I think of Carter’s smile, the way his eyes crinkle when he laughs. As much as I want to bury those feelings, I know they won’t go away.

For now, though, I’ll keep those feelings to myself. I’ll focus on this new chapter, on building a life that’s mine. And maybe, eventually, that life will include Carter, too.

Olivia breaks the silence with a gentle question. "So, what are we thinking for dinner tonight?"

Aiden shrugs, his brow still furrowed. "I don’t know. Whatever you want."

I see my chance to bring things back to normal. "Why don’t I whip something up?" I suggest, forcing a smile. "It’s the least I can do."

Olivia’s face lights up. She pulls me into a hug. "Thank you, Eve. I’m so happy to have you here."

I hug her back, blinking away sudden tears. "I’m happy to be here, too."

When I pull away, I catch Aiden’s softened gaze. "I’m sorry for being so harsh," he says quietly. "I just worry about you, Eve."

"I know. And I appreciate it. But you have to trust me to make my own decisions, Aiden."

He sighs, offering a rueful smile. "I’m trying. Just… be careful, okay?"

"I will," I promise.

ChapterTwo

Carter

It’sthe first really beautiful day of the year here in Port Angeles. Most of the year in the pacific northwest is rainy and gray, so when the weather is nice, everyone is outside.

I step onto the stone patio. The warm spring breeze brushes my skin. It just finished raining. The air feels crisp. I inhale deeply, taking in the green scent of the backyard. Tall pines shelter a thick bramble of bushes that were recently trimmed. Behind me looms the massive family estate.

I grew up playing in these woods. It feels as much like home as any place I’ve lived. I take the steep steps down into the yard and feel myself relaxing. It’s like stretching. Coming back here always comforts me.

But this time, something feels off. The mansion and yard are now perfectly maintained. The house is painted a cheerful white. The garden, once overgrown, is thriving. Even the air feels different.

This is my grandmother’s home. But my half-brother Aiden, who I met only last year, has been driving these changes. He’s handy, sure. Even the leaking roof and the fire-damaged library have been repaired.

The changes were needed. But they still feel unsettling.

“Carter?”

I turn, and there she is.

Eve.

Her long blonde hair catches the sunlight. It tumbles over her shoulders. Her blue eyes lock with mine. A playful smile lights her face.

“We have to stop meeting like this.” Her voice is warm and teasing.

I grin. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were following me, Miss Moreland.”

She laughs. The sound sends a pleasant shiver down my spine. “In your dreams, Professor Morgan.”

We walk together through the gardens. The air between us is charged with undeniable attraction. It pulls us closer. I want to reach out, to touch her, but I hold back. I know the boundaries.

“Eve!” A familiar voice calls out.

We turn to see Aiden striding toward us. His expression is guarded. He nods at me. “Carter.”

“Aiden.” The unfamiliarity between us is thick. We’re brothers, yet strangers, navigating new territory.