Page 174 of Even Exchange

Likehome.

“You’re worth it.” I bring her palm to my lips, kissing it.

“And I guess while we’re at it, let’s get the heavy stuff over with?” She smiles weakly, as we sway to the music. “So we can enjoy the rest of ourdate night?”

I nod, hooking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Only if you’re ready.”

“I am.” She releases a heavy sigh. “Jonathan won’t be a problem.”

“What does that mean?” I ask, hand pausing against her face.

“He doesn’t want to be involved.”

Color me shocked.My lips flatten in a straight line. “He said that?”

“Actually, he threw money at me for an abortion,” she says, and my mouth falls open, anger pulsating through me. “So that kinda got the point across.”

“He didwhat?” My grip tightens on her hand.

“He”—she releases a shaky breath—“tried to pay me off so I’d get an abortion.”

My jaw ticks, and I attempt to fight the firenado swirling in my chest.

I’m going to kill him.

“If I had slept with you over spring break, we could have at least tricked ourselves into thinking it wasn’t his,” I say, my tone lacking humor.

“Trust me,” she deadpans, resting her head against my chest, “I think about that every day.” We sway, and I shove down the anger. The song changes, and she looks up at me, our eyes connecting. “Ready to move on from the heavy stuff?”

“You lead, I follow,soffione.”

She places a hand on my neck. “I’vereallymissed you.”

Guilt settles in my stomach. “I’ve missed you too.”

“No.” She shakes her head, the corners of her mouth quirking upwards. “I’ve missedyou.”She rubs her thumb along the column of my throat. “And ourlessons.”

I fight a smile. “You have?”

“Yeah.” She nods. “Have you?”

“Of course,” I say with a chuckle.

“Then why haven’t you offered any classes, Professor?”

“Because I don’t want to pressure you into anything.” I’ve been so unsure where her head is, and the last thing I want to do is talk her into something she doesn’t want. She mentioned Jonathan did that to her before, and I never,everwant to make her feel the way he did.

“You know what I want?” she asks, sliding her fingers into my hair and pulling me towards her. “To shut off my brain, pretend the world around us isn’t imploding, and get fucked. Hard. Think you can help with that?”

That sounds incredible. And direct.“My office hours are open the rest of the evening, Ms. Benson.”

“Wonderful.” She grins up at me, dragging a fingernail along my neck. The entire room has faded away, once again, and all I see, feel, hear, is her. “And don’t you dare treat me like I’m fragile. Tonight, I want to let go and have some fun.” I nod, unable to speak. She stands on her tiptoes, lips to my ear. “Take me home, Noah.”

Home.

* * *

The hum of the engine fills the cab, paired only with the shuffling satin of Charlotte’s dress as she squirms in her seat. My left hand holds the steering wheel, the other is gripping her thigh, and I like to think I’m partly responsible for her restlessness.

---