Theodore’s brow knotted so tightly it looked like he was about to spit out some choice words about decency and decorum.
“What on earth did you do to yourself?”
Adrian was technically dressed, but somehow the way he wore his clothes was even more provocative than if he’d skipped them altogether.
Theodore’s thick eyebrows twitched in agitation.
“Got caught in the rain,” Adrian replied breezily
He ran a hand through his soaked hair, pushing it back from his forehead.
From Selene’s angle, he was a masterclass in symmetry, all clean lines and golden proportions. The bridge of his nose was so sharp and elegant it belonged on a marble statue. Facing her, the dimple in his cheek deepened, making him impossibly captivating.
Adrian helped Theodore up, making him squint and shield his eyes with one hand.
He needed sunglasses–his son was practically blinding.
“Dad, let me help you lie down. Don’t try to act tough!”
“What do you mean, act tough?” Theodore grumbled. “Seems to me you’re the one showing off, strutting around like a peacock in heat!”
Before Theodore could finish his protest, he caught Selene’s worried gaze.
He barely had a second to process it before Adrian guided him to the bed.
Adrian fluffed the pillow with a little too much enthusiasm, sending a puff of dust billowing into the air. Theodore started coughing uncontrollably.
Selene hurried over to pour some water.
“Professor, would you like a drink?” she asked, bringing over a glass, h
of concern.
ves full
Just moments ago, Theodore had been full of fire–now he was doubled over, unable to stop coughing.
He tried to say something to Selene between coughs, but Adrian gently pressed his hand down and took the glass from her.
09:23
“I’ve got it.”
Adrian’s cool fingertips brushed fleetingly against Selene’s, light as a breeze, gone before she could really feel it.
“Dad shouldn’t be drinking anything right now. He just needs to rest a bit and he’ll be
fine.”
With that, Adrian raised the glass–filled with water Selene had poured herself–and took a sip.
Theodore nearly choked for a different reason.
Adrian leaned down, blocking Selene’s view of the bed.
She couldn’t quite catch what Theodore was trying to say.
Adrian nodded knowingly. “Yeah, I understand.”
Understand, my ass! Theodore fumed silently. He hadn’t said a word to Adrian!
Adrian straightened up and told Selene, “My dad gave his students a tough math exam today. If you can solve all the problems on that test, he’ll forgive you for everything in the past.”
“Uh…” Theodore tried to sit up and object, but Adrian pushed him gently–yet firmly–back down. The effort set off another fit of coughing, and every time Theodore coughed, Adrian patted his chest, which only made things worse.
“Grandpa Professor! Daph will help too!” cried Daph, rushing over in concern.
Adrian pointed at the pillow. “Pat this, not him.”
Daph obediently switched to thumping the pillow with both hands, sending more dust into the air. Theodore felt faint.
When did I ever say I’d forgive Selene? This is all Adrian’s nonsense!
Oh, whatever. Selene’s been a stay–at–home mom for seven years–if she can even solve that last problem I wrote, that’ll be impressive. None of my stu
ever finished every question on that test.
Forgive Selene? Not a chance.
Theodore closed his eyes. Daph gasped, “Grandpa fell asleep!”
ts have
“Let me check if he’s still breathing,” Adrian said, bending down to check Theodore’s nose for breath.
09:23
Chapter 37
Theodore snapped his teeth and smacked Adrian’s hand away.
Relief and gratitude flooded Selene’s face. “Alright, I’ll get started on the test right away!”
It was more than she’d hoped for–Theodore was still giving her a chance. For seven years, guilt had weighed on her every time she remembered her old teacher. Aside from her adoptive parents, no one in the world had she disappointed more.
She bowed deeply. “Professor, please rest. I’ll do my best.”
Theodore sighed, defeated, waving her off.
Once Selene left the room with Daph in tow, Theodore shot upright, grabbed his cane, and swung it at Adrian’s legs.
