Page 70 of Until We Meet Again

He lets me go before I can take exactly what he knows I want, and the moment between us ends.Before it gets completely out of control.

Seconds later, the door swings open, and I watch as Zane discreetly slips my underwear into his pocket.

"The essay needs to reflect your perspective, Miss Walsh. It'll be helpful to include excerpts or quotes that resonate with you. However, it's more important to focus on how you relate to the book and how it makes you feel."

I feel like I'm about to pass out from fear when I hear footsteps approaching from behind me.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Professor Liu's voicereaches my ears, and I'm sure my eyes widen at Zane, but his facenever falters.

"Not at all, Professor." Zane's lips curl into a smile, one that stirs a little jealousy inside me. I don't even have to turn and look in her direction to know that she'll be soaking up his attention like a bitch in heat.

"You're eager, Miss Walsh. This is the second time I've seen you here this early." I straighten up and relax my face before spinning around to confront her.

"I needed to ask Professor Calloway a quick question. School is almost over, and I don't want to do something that could ruin all of my hard work."

"It's natural to feel anxious, but I'm sure you have nothing to worry about."

"I appreciate that, thank you. I'll wait outside till class begins."

She makes it almost impossible for me to hate her, even though I know she wants what belongs to me.

Chapter 31

Tessa

Today's classes were astruggle. After running into Zane, my mind was all over the place, and to make matters worse, I had to work at the library right after.

As soon as I step inside my house, a sweet smell pulls me straight toward the kitchen. Jen stands before me, wrapped up in her favorite pink panda pajamas, with the most infectious smile on her face. Glancing behind her, I see an adorable makeshift hot chocolate station with a magnificent mess of marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate sprinkles.

"There's this masterpiece." She gestures toward where two mugs are placed next to the imminent sugar overload we're about to indulge in. "The blankets are all set, and Damon Salvatore's face is ready to greet you when you enter the living room because I put that fine-ass man on pause before you got here."

I step toward her, throw my arms around her, and almost crumble. I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have her as my ride-or-die.

"Thank you."

"I'm sorry I had to cancel last night, but I'm going to make it up to you. Now go get comfortable, and I'll make the drinks."

I'll never have a friend like her. I'll never have someone who understands me as well as she does. She's my soul sister, my twin flame, and if I never find my soulmate in the form of heart-stopping love, then I know I'll always have her.

I settle onto the couch in my jammies, ones that I’d never want Zane to catch me in—Care Bears don’t exactly scream, “Fuck me, Professor.” A few minutes later, Jen sashays into the room, her long, dark hair swaying from side to side.

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate this." I lean back on the couch before taking a sip of my drink. I get a layer of cream on my upper lip, and as I turn to her, I notice she's wearing the same cream mustache as me.

"Do you want to tell me about your problems?" I burst out laughing at her exceptionally accurate French accent. After wiping my lip, I stare at her again, watching as cream drips down her chin.

"Okay, I can't do this with you looking like that."

" What's wrong?" She wipes her lip, a concerned look appearing on her face.

"I need to tell you something." She waits, silently urging me to elaborate. "I slept with Zane."

Her hand gently guides mine, helping me set our mugs down on the table. I brace myself for her to tell me how much of a fucking idiot I am and how irresponsible I'm being, but she doesn't. Instead, she clasps my hands tightly, and a radiant smile lights up her face as her eyes sparkle with happiness.

"How was it? Was it everything you ever imagined?"

I could cry tears of pure joy at how much I love her for being the friend I need right now rather than the friend who tries to tell me I'm making a huge mistake, although I'm sure that will come.

---