I couldn’t even blame it on the wine, because the strength of my emotions seemed to have zapped away all the drunkenness until it left nothing but stone-cold sobriety.

He pushed inside me and I cried out before biting down on his shoulder again. There was something about Stu that brought out my wild side. I moaned when he started to move, unable to help how loud I was being. We were nothing but sensation and frenzied whispers.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you, too.”

“Don’t ever leave me again.”

“I won’t.”

“Promise me.”

“I promise.”

“I love the book.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Stu gripped my neck as he drew back then thrust into me deep. My eyes closed, a light sheen of sweat covering my body as he drove me to dizzying heights of pleasure. We’d both been so hungry for one another that we’d forgotten to use protection. It felt like we both realised at the same time, but I only caressed his cheek and told him not to stop. I trusted him. Completely. Implicitly. In spite of everything.

It was true what he’d written in that note. I was his family now, and he was mine. I felt it deep in my bones. Our love meant we’d go to the ends of the earth to protect each other. Each of our lists had grown by one.

And sometimes the smallest number could be the biggest in the world.

Twenty-Eight

The letter had been burning a hole in my pocket all day. As soon as class came to an end I walked over to where Stu remained seated and dropped it on his desk. My pulse accelerated as he looked from the letter to me and then back to the letter.

“What’s this, luv?”

I already knew. I was nervous for his reaction. I wanted him to be happy and not feel intimidated by the task ahead.

Stu and I had been seeing each other for almost three months. In secret, obviously. I knew that technically it was unethical to be conducting a romantic relationship with one of my students, but we were both adults. So long as it didn’t interfere with my work and Stu’s studies, then I didn’t see anything wrong.

Besides, there was only one month left of the course. After that he wouldn’t be my student anymore. I was going to miss seeing him every day.

A couple of weeks ago I’d started helping him with his university application. He applied to the Mathematics BSc programme at King’s College, and since Dad worked in the department he’d informed me just yesterday that Stu had gotten in. Stu applied through the college, which meant his acceptance letter had been sent here. And that was why I had it in my possession.

His acceptance depended on his final grades in my class, but I was confident he was going to ace his exams. In spite of his dyslexia, his reading and writing was improving rapidly. He was really trying, and it made me believe he truly wanted this.

“It’s a letter about your uni application. Open it,” I answered, barely able to conceal my excitement.

Stu smirked and shook his head, his expression warm as he tore open the letter. Obviously, my enthusiasm amused him. Some days I wondered if him studying for a degree meant more to me than it did to him. Our personal relationship aside, as a teacher there was nothing more rewarding than to see one of my students succeed.

He unfolded the letter and scanned the contents. I frowned when I saw his expression falter, his brows drawing together in what looked like disappointment.

What the hell?

“Guess it’s not the end of the world,” said Stu, shoving the letter aside and folding his arms across his chest.

“What are you talking about?”

He levelled me with a serious look. “I didn’t get in. Maybe I can try again next year.”

Completely confused, I reached for the letter but he swiped it away before I could pick it up. I looked at him. His face morphed into a giant grin and that was when I knew I was being played.

“You bastard!”

He stood up and pulled me into a hug. “Serves you right for being nosy. I told you not to ask your dad if I got in, but you just couldn’t help yourself.”

I pressed my face into his chest. “I’m sorry. But I couldn’t stand waiting.”

He chuckled and stroked my hair affectionately before pulling back to look at me. “I know, and it’s adorable.”

“Stu.”

“Yes, Andrea?”

“You’re going to university.”

“I know, luv.”

I grinned. “And you said this wasn’t Good Will Hunting.”

Now he rolled his eyes, but he was still smiling. “Piss off.”

I laughed and stepped away to grab my things. Then I slid my hand into his and dragged him from the classroom. “Your brothers will probably all be at the restaurant, right?”

“Probably.”

“Well, let’s go and give them the good news.”

“Andrea, they’re not going to be as excited as you are. They’re—”

I turned and held a finger to his lips. “That’s enough self-deprecation for one day. We’re going to Lee’s.”

So, obviously, I had an ulterior motive. As soon as I found out Stu was accepted into the course, I called Lee and we put together a last-minute party to celebrate. Everybody was waiting at the restaurant to surprise him, and I was giddy with anticipation.

When we arrived at Lee’s, Stu climbed out of his car and came around to open my door for me. I took his hand and together we walked inside. As soon as we stepped through the door everyone was cheering and shouting “Congratulations”. I was beaming from ear to ear as Stu shook his head and gazed down at me.

“Completely over the top,” he muttered before pressing a soft kiss on my lips. “But thank you.”

“You’re welcome. We’re all so proud of you.”

Our entire was family was here, including my mum and dad. Dad and Stu had developed quite a close friendship over the past few months, and surprisingly both my parents were over the moon about my new relationship. They never mentioned the student-teacher thing, and I thought it was probably because they were simply relieved I’d found love again.

Lee came over and pulled Stu into a manly hug. “Congrats, bruv. I knew ya had it in you.”

“Thanks,” said Stu, looking a little sheepish. He wasn’t used to all the pomp and ceremony.