Chapter 168

Emma: My class is over. It went really great.

She waited, watching the screen.

No response.

Before she could think too much about it, there was a soft knock at the door.

Emma turned, already smiling, and opened it.

Abigail stood there, eyes warm and proud.

Emma didn’t even get a word out before Abigail leaned in and kissed her. It was quick at first, full of relief and affection. When Abigail pulled back, she smiled at the expression on Emma’s face.

“Look at that smile,” Abigail said softly. “I’m proud of you.”

Emma laughed quietly. “Thank you, baby.”

Abigail stepped inside, glancing around the room with interest. “I might have to take one of your classes,” she teased. “My baby’s a sexy professor now.”

Emma shook her head, smiling as she turned toward her desk to gather her papers. “Stop it.”

Abigail followed her. Without warning, she lifted Emma easily and set her on the edge of the desk. Emma gasped, then laughed, instinctively wrapping her hands around Abigail’s shoulders.

Abigail leaned in and kissed her again—slower this time. Deeper. Emma melted into it, completely forgetting where they were. Her fingers slid into Abigail’s hoodie, pulling her closer.

“I love seeing you like this,” Abigail murmured against her lips. “In your element. Happy.”

Emma barely managed a response before Abigail kissed her again. The world narrowed to warmth and familiarity, to the way Abigail always knew exactly how to ground her. Emma leaned forward, fully lost in it, smiling into the kiss.

Then—

“Ahem.”

The sound cut clean through the moment.

They froze.

Emma’s eyes flew open. Abigail stiffened.

They broke apart instantly.

Professor Shields stood just inside the doorway, one hand still resting against the doorframe, her throat freshly cleared. 

“Oh,” Professor Shields said, eyes flicking between them. Something dark passed through her gaze before she masked it. “I’m sorry. I saw there was a new instructor and wanted to introduce myself. I guess… this isn’t a good time.”

Emma recovered first sliding off the desk, smoothing her shirt and stepping forward, professional calm snapping back into place. “Excuse me, baby,” she said softly to Abigail, then turned back to Shields. “Hey. I know we met on bad terms last time, but if you want a clean slate, I’m okay with that.”

She extended her hand.

Professor Shields looked surprised, then slowly took it. “Yes. I’m really sorry for how I acted.”

Emma nodded once. “Forgiven. Not forgotten.”

“I understand,” Shields said. “And—have a great first day. The smile I saw a second ago says it’s already going well.”

Emma nodded. “It really is. It feels good to be teaching again.”

Professor Shields hesitated, then asked, “Do you do private lessons? Guitar, piano—anything like that?”

“No,” Emma replied. “I don’t.”

“You should look into it,” Shields said. “It’s a great business if you ever decide to step away from teaching or open your own studio. I know a few parents—and adults—who are interested in learning.”

Emma considered that. “Really? I’ll keep it in mind.”

“My office is 415,” Shields added.

Emma smiled faintly. “Mine’s right next door. 416.”

“Well,” Shields said, nodding, “stop by anytime if you have questions about campus or need to be pointed in the right direction. If I can’t help, I’ll find someone who can.”

“Thank you,” Emma said sincerely.

Professor Shields glanced once at Abigail. “See you next class,” she said, then looked back to Emma. “If you need me, you know where to find me.”

She turned and left.

The door closed. Silence settled.

Abigail waited a beat, then exhaled. “That was… a little weird.”

Emma tilted her head. “But you’re okay?”

Abigail nodded. “If you are, I am. Just—keep your eyes open, baby.”

Emma smiled knowingly. “I will. Remember—keep your friends close.”

“And your enemies closer,” Abigail finished, smirking.

Emma laughed softly and reached for Abigail’s hand.