with all his heart and loved his wife Willow just as much. I’m sure he would have brought them up because he was proud of his family. And I, in my infamous jealousy, always told him how happy I was when I wasn’t. Not at all.
Because he never truly knew how I felt.
Not even after Willow passed away giving birth to Ainsley, a fear he’d had since his mother passed the same way. I was just there for him, a shoulder to cry on like always. He and I were closer in age than he was with Jesse and Carter, another reason why they probably fell out of touch. Still, I want to believe that bringing up Ainsley wouldn’t strike any surprise in Carter’s features.
But I don’t know.
The period goes by quickly. I could tell everyone expected Carter to end the hour and fifteen-minute course early like most people do the first week of school. However, I know him better than that even if I pretend not to. He’s always been right to the point, which means beginning the lesson despite the gargled protests coming from people around me.
When he dismisses us, I notice the slightest burn on the top of my head as I bend down to stuff my makeshift notepad into my purse. His shined black shoes are visible from the corner of my eyes, standing still between me and the podium where he taught most of the class.
Glancing up, I give him a small reluctant smile before standing and draping the bag strap across my shoulder. “Hi.”
He blinks before his lips curve upward in the tiniest smile. I recognize the way his dimples pop even from the barely-there curve, keeping his expression professional but not. There’s a familiarity between us that wasn’t there when I walked in.
His eyes travel down me, but not in an uncomfortable manner. There’s no sexual nature to the shine of his eyes, just an old acquaintance who can’t believe the circumstances. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“Honestly? Me too.” Huffing out a quiet laugh, I shake my head. “I just moved to Aberdeen about a year ago. There was a house open in the development off I-87. I’m thankful I was able to enroll here before last semester started.”
His brows pinch. “Is your family still in Newport?”
I nod. “It’s just me here. Sometimes Mom and Dad come and visit. I’ve got a friend nearby that suggested looking into a few places that were available for purchase.”
His arms cross over his chest. “So, you’re studying History?”
Another head bob.
“And you’re a…?”
Sighing, I note the time on my phone. “I have to get going, but I’m finishing my master’s. I started college right after high school but got a little … sidetracked, so I graduated with my bachelor’s later than expected.” Shrugging, I give him a half-ass wave. “Anyway, it was nice seeing you again, Professor Ford. See you Thursday?”
He visibly winces at the name. “It’s strange hearing you call me that, Piper. But yes. I’ll see you Thursday.”
Departing from the man who was my very first crush, I haul butt across campus to meet with my adviser. But I don’t listen to a single word the gray-haired woman says because my mind can’t brush off Carter-frigging-Ford.
Chapter Five
The sound of my name being called from a distance has my steps faltering on my way to the commuter lot. Stopping and searching the open quad coated with a thin layer of snow that the sun is quickly melting, I lock eyes on a familiar tall figure walking toward me from one of the new academic buildings.
“Piper,” Carter repeats, stopping a few feet away from me. The same messenger bag rests on his shoulder, wrinkling his otherwise perfect shirt.
“Where’s your jacket?”
“It’s fifty,” is all he says.
I just blink.
“How’s … everything?” The question catches me off guard, making my brows pinch. Small talk feels forced between us, and the awkward tension is thick in the air.
“Good.” I’m glad it doesn’t come out a skeptical question like it is in my mind. He never used to go out of his way when I was younger because we didn’t exactly hang around each other a lot.
It used to hurt my feelings, which made Danny feel bad too. Then he’d bribe me with cookies that Mable made and everything would seem better. Until the next time they said I wasn’t allowed to hang out with them.
Carter rubs the side of his jaw. “I spoke to Jesse a while ago. He sounds