Dear Professor

By Van Cole

An unexpected connection with a student begins an uphill battle of self-discovery for me with serious consequences.

When Morgan came into my life, my world was turned upside down.
Coming to terms with my feelings for Morgan was the easy part.
It was facing the world, afterward that I struggled with.

The return of my ex-wife Claire, the threat of a Nationwide pandemic, and with my job on the line.
I had to choose between the life I had built for myself and my daughter or taking a risk at finding the love I never thought I would have.

The love that Morgan and I have for one another was put through one test after another.
Would it be strong enough to survive?

How much am I willing to risk for love and will it all be worth it in the end?

18+ Only. Standalone gay romance with a HEA.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Van Cole
• Release date: Jan 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215173435

Book preview

Chapter 1

Morgan

In silence, they watched me, waiting in anticipation. They fixed their eyes on me, adding to the already mounting tension that was building inside of me. I glanced around the room at my most recent spectators, relishing every second of their undivided attention.

Are you going to finish telling us your dream or not? Seth pressed, his dark brown eyes darting to the door of the class.

The sight of Seth looking out for any signs of our professor brought a smile to my face. It reminded me of high school.

Men have no appreciation for dramatic effect. You shouldn’t rush things. You are so impatient. I responded, attempting my best pouty face and crossing my arms.

The professor will be here any minute. If you're gonna tell us, then tell us already. Who was your masked sex god? Was it Hector? I bet it was Hector. Allison, the redhead next to me, declared as she glanced over at Hector.

Hector kept his head down and his eyes on the paper in front of him, doing his best to pretend he wasn’t listening to our conversation.

Don’t freak out, Hector. It wasn’t you. I reassured him.

So, I’m not good enough for your sex dreams? Are you trying to say I'm ugly? he asked, sounding offended.

What? No. I mean, yes. I stammered.

Dude, I’m joking. It’s cool, but they are right. The professor will be here soon. He said with a smile, putting me at ease.

It's funny that you mention Professor Yummy, I responded, running my fingers through my shoulder-length brown hair and looking towards the window.

No fucking way! You had a sex dream about Professor Jones? Seth asked, covering his mouth as he laughed.

Why do you act so shocked? The man is gorgeous. You can’t tell me you haven’t thought about it. I wish we could switch roles because I could teach him some things.

You can start by teaching me why you were the only one who didn't turn in their paper, Mr. Andrews? Professor Jones asked as he walked into the classroom, dressed in his usual button-down shirt and black slacks.

They put reruns of Ugly Betty on Netflix, I replied, attempting to avoid eye contact, but failing to resist meeting his gaze.

Maybe America Ferrera can help you understand the ins and outs of implied contracts. He stated, his inquisitive brown eyes studying my every movement.

By putting my favorite show back online so that I could relive every moment, Netflix implied it was my obligation to watch these episodes. We didn't write a contract. However, my experience with Netflix has proven this was the result intended by both parties. I think it would be Netflix rather than America Ferrera, who had no role in the decision to re-air her TV show. That would be the other interested party.

Netflix doesn’t require you to neglect your classwork and binge-watch shows. Your argument makes little sense. There was no meeting of the minds. Had you read the chapter, you would have a better understanding of the concept.

Who is to say there wasn’t a meeting of the minds? I started a contract with Netflix when I signed up for their service and paid the monthly fee. They created Netflix, in part, for binge-watching shows. The world has accepted that fact. This would be an obvious example of the problem with implied contracts. When both parties rely on assumptions alone to perpetuate an agreement, they leave too much room for misunderstandings.

The classroom was silent as they waited for Professor Jones’ response. For a second, I wished I was more like Seth. He realized when to keep his mouth shut, rather than poke things until someone reacted. It wasn’t my best personality trait.

Mr. Andrews, we will continue this discussion after class. For now, everyone, open your books to chapter six. He asserted, opening the textbook in front of him.

He furrowed his brow as he read aloud, sighing every few sentences. Pacing, he went over the instructions for the next assignment. Then hurried through details intended for the report. It piqued my curiosity.

His usual easy-going attitude was missing. Something or someone had pissed him off. I wondered what it could be.

After class, I made sure I was the first to leave the class. I wasn't sure if I upset him with my comments, and I didn't want to find out.

When I returned to class a few days later, I did my best to brush off my last encounter with Professor Jones. Seth was enjoying my embarrassment too much to add any of my actual feelings to the topic. The guy could be a dick, but he stuck by me when I needed him.

After hours of the most amazing sex of my life, I was so exhausted that I couldn’t move. He laid next to me, stroking my hair, but still didn’t speak. I told Seth, my best friend since grade school, as we entered our classroom.

The scent of aftershave caught my attention as we passed two gorgeous men sitting near the classroom door. The delicious smell was too tempting for me to ignore. I walked over to them, my friend trailing behind me with a look of embarrassment on his face.

Which one of you smells so yummy? I asked, shifting my gaze from one hunk to the other.

I think it’s my aftershave. said the hottie in the gray hoodie with a cocky smile.

I should have guessed. What aftershave is that? It’s intoxicating? I asked, leaning in a little closer to him.

Class is about to start, Morgan. Let’s sit down before Professor Jones comes in. Seth said, grabbing me by the arm.

Speaking of yummy, he is the definition of yummy. You wouldn’t believe how many of my sex dreams he has been in lately. I bet underneath that buttoned-up exterior is a freak waiting to be released, and I would love to be the one to set it free.

Why don’t you set Josh and Anthony free so we can start class? Please take your seat, Morgan. Professor Jones said as he casually walked towards his desk.

For a second, I thought I might die of embarrassment, but I did my best to play it cool. That was twice this week that my mouth had betrayed me. Why didn’t it ever wait for my brain’s input before blurting this shit out? Seth shot me a look of I told you so, which made me want to hurl my book at him.

Professor Jones stood in front of the class, looking poised and unaffected by my statement. His calm and easy-going demeanor was an attractive quality. I found it hard to resist. He ran his fingers through his short brown hair and adjusted his glasses as he gave us our next assignment. I tried to pay attention, but business law bored me.

Please make sure you read through the case carefully before starting your report. I expect you should all do well on this. That includes you, Mr. Andrews. He said as he gathered his things from the desk.

I thought of making a smart-ass remark but stopped myself. I waited until the rest of the class had left before standing up. He walked towards me with a curious look on his face.

Did you need something, Mr. Andrews? He asked with a heavy sigh.

I didn't understand what that case was about, I said, shifting my weight and looking at the ground.

Yes, you do. He said with a sigh. Your little rant on Tuesday about implied contracts wasn’t just amusing; it was also well thought out. You know the material. I don't understand why you feel the need to show otherwise. The case is online, and if you still have questions after reading it, please email me.

I plopped back down in the chair as he left the classroom and put my head in my hands. The frustration in his voice indicated what he thought about me. It was a tone of voice I was familiar with.

You should have seen your fucking face! I wish I would have recorded that shit! Seth laughed as we started our jog.

You have been repeating that for an hour now. Not that funny. I responded, my annoyance level reaching its peak.

Yeah, it fucking was. I thought you shit yourself when he called out your name.

I wasn't worried. He enjoyed that shit. I said, shooting him a nasty look.

Yeah, he looked so flattered. I could tell he was just covering up for it by acting irritated.

The urge to punch him right in the nose had crept up on me as we jogged through the courtyard of the school. He must have realized that because he quickly ended the discussion.

I looked over at him, determined not to let him have the last word. Damn right, it flattered him. He wants me, I can-

I felt my body collide with another, and I fell to the ground hard. My body stung from the impact. However, my humiliation quickly replaced discomfort as I looked up and saw Professor Jones extend his hand towards me.

Morgan, are you okay? He asked, helping me up from the ground.

Yeah, I'm good. Thanks. Sorry, I didn't see you. I responded, looking around at who might have witnessed our run-in.

It's fine. I wasn't paying attention either. I was looking at my phone. He said, scanning the surrounding ground.

This phone? Seth asked, picking up the phone from the ground near his feet and handing it to the professor.

Yes. Thank you, Seth. He said with a quick smile, before turning his attention to me. Are you sure you're okay?

Huh? Yeah. I'm fine. Don't worry about it. I answered, feeling the soreness from the impact of my collision with his surprisingly toned body.

Okay. Well, enjoy the rest of your day, gentlemen. He said with an awkward wave that made him seem even more adorable.

While waiting for Seth, who went to get water, I checked my schedule to see what lessons I had that afternoon. It relieved me to see there was only one. My body was still sore.

How much do you think you impressed Professor Jones this week? Seth teased, handing me the water bottle.

I know I impressed him the other day. That’s why he changed the subject after my answer. He can’t resist my charm. I bet the next time he sees me, he asks me out. I declared, walking to the passenger side