Forbidden Professor (Forbidden Dreams)

Chapter 1

Chapter One

Eve

I take a deep breath and knock on the door. Excitement flutters in my chest. The Seattle breeze tickles my skin as I wait, balancing a basket of muffins on my hip.

The door swings open. Olivia stands there, disheveled and tired. Her eyes light up when she sees me. "Eve? Oh my gosh, what are you doing here?" She pulls me into a warm hug. She smells like baby powder and vanilla.

"Surprise!" I laugh, stepping inside. "Thought I’d pop over from the East Coast and pamper you a bit. New moms need some TLC, right?" I wink, hoping this visit will distract me from my own chaotic life.

My brother Aiden appears from the kitchen with a dish towel over his shoulder. "Well, well, if it isn’t my little sis." He grins, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. "A heads up would’ve been nice, Evie. We could’ve rolled out the red carpet for your surprise visit."

I roll my eyes playfully and hand him the muffin basket. "Where’s the fun in that? Besides, I come bearing gifts. Blueberry muffins. Your favorite."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "Bribing your way in, I see. Some things never change." There’s a hint of weariness in his voice that catches me off guard.

Olivia loops her arm through mine. "Ignore him. I’m thrilled you’re here. Goodness knows I could use some pampering. This little one is running us ragged." She nods toward the nursery, her face a mix of love and exhaustion.

"Say no more." I squeeze her hand. "Auntie Eve is here to save the day. You just sit back and let me work my magic." My mind buzzes with ideas. Bubble baths, homemade meals, maybe a girls’ day out. Anything to lift some weight off their shoulders.

We settle into the living room and catch up on life. We coo over baby pictures. I keep noticing the shadows in Aiden’s eyes. He glances at me now and then, like he’s trying to understand why I showed up unannounced. I flash him a reassuring smile, but I feel uneasy inside. Maybe I should have called ahead. But I’m here now.

I scoop Maggie into my arms, marveling at her soft cheeks and curious eyes. She gurgles happily, her tiny fingers reaching for my hair. "Oh, aren’t you just the sweetest little thing," I coo, nuzzling her nose. A fierce wave of longing hits me, catching me off guard. "I could just eat you up."

Olivia chuckles, sinking into the couch beside us. "She’s pretty irresistible, isn’t she? I never knew love like this existed until she came along."

"I can only imagine." My voice catches. "Seeing you with her... it makes me want one of my own someday." The words slip out before I can stop them.

Aiden raises an eyebrow and smirks. "Careful what you wish for, sis. Babies are a lot of work. I thought you were all about going to school these days."

I give him a defiant look, even as my cheeks warm.

"Speaking of school..." I take a deep breath. "I got into the University of Washington School of Medicine. I start this semester."

Silence fills the room. Olivia’s jaw drops.

Aiden’s eyes narrow as he studies me. "You’re serious?"

I nod, feeling a thrill of pride. "Dead serious. I know it’s competitive and the tuition’s insane, but?—"

"How are you going to pay for it?" Aiden interrupts, ever practical.

I shrug, trying to sound casual. "Dad, of course. He just doesn’t know it yet."

Olivia frowns, concern in her eyes. "Eve, are you sure that’s a good idea? I know things with your dad are… complicated."

"That’s putting it mildly." I can’t keep the bitterness out of my voice. "But trust me, it’s the least he can do after everything. And I’m not giving him a choice."

Everything being my entire childhood of tiptoeing around, doing everything I could to manage Dad’s moods, and still getting verbally raked over the roaring fire of his anger. I’m getting out, just like Aiden did. I just need Dad to finance my taking flight.

I tickle Maggie’s belly, making her giggle. Her infectious joy cuts through the tension. As I watch her, I feel a flicker of hope. Maybe this is my chance to finally break free from my dad’s grip and build a life on my own terms, a life filled with love, purpose, and family.

But Aiden looks at me with concern and skepticism. I know it won’t be easy. I’ll have to fight hard for my dreams and confront the demons of my past. The question is, am I strong enough to see it through?

I take a deep breath, bracing myself. "There’s something else. I’ve finally broken away from Dad. This is it. I’m moving out of the house, starting my life in Seattle."

Aiden’s eyes widen, a mix of surprise and relief crossing his face. "Really? How did he take it?"

"About as well as you’d expect." I roll my eyes, recalling the argument that shook our home. Dad’s anger is truly something terrifying to behold. But I’m not letting him make my decisions anymore. "He’s always been controlling. But I’m done letting him run my life."

"I know that all too well," Aiden mutters, clenching his jaw. "He kicked me out when I was eighteen, you know."

His words hit me like a punch. "What? I thought you left on your own."

Aiden scoffs, a bitter laugh escaping. "That’s the story he’s been telling everyone. Making me out to be the ungrateful son who walked away."

I let out a breath I’d been holding, wincing with empathy.

"Dad always complained about you leaving,. He said you didn’t care."

"I would never have left you there with him if I had a choice, Eve." Aiden’s voice cracks. "He’s a madman. And I couldn’t protect you."

Tears prick my eyes as his words sink in. I’d believed my dad’s lies, never knowing the sacrifices my brother made. Guilt weighs on my chest, threatening to pull me under.

But as I look at Aiden, seeing his fierce love and support, I know we can face anything together. We survived Dad’s tyranny and came out stronger, more determined to find our own paths.

"I’m so sorry, Aiden," I whisper, squeezing his hand. "I should’ve known better than to believe him."

He shakes his head and gives me a small smile. "You don’t have to apologize. We were both just kids, trying to survive."

The truth of our past settles between us. I feel a shift in our relationship. There’s a shared resilience, a bond that can face any storm. I know, no matter what challenges lie ahead, my brother will be by my side.

Aiden clears his throat, breaking the emotional tension. "So, how long are you planning to stay?" His tone is light but curious.

I hesitate, knowing my answer will surprise him. "Actually, I was thinking of staying permanently. Until I go to med school, that is."

Olivia’s face lights up, and she grabs my hand. "Eve, that’s wonderful! We’d love to have you close by. Right, Aiden?"

But Aiden’s expression is guarded. A flicker of unease crosses his face.

"Permanently?" he echoes, frowning. "It’s great you want to be closer, but..."

He trails off, searching for the right words.

I sense his discomfort. Aiden has always valued his space and independence. The idea of me being so close might feel like an intrusion.

"I know it’s a big change," I say softly, meeting his gaze. "But with med school starting and everything with Dad… I need a fresh start."

Aiden’s face softens a bit. "I get that, Eve. Really, I do. It’s just… a lot to process."

Desperate to lighten the mood, I force a grin. "If it’s too much trouble, I could stay with Carter. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind."

The words slip out before I realize my mistake. Aiden’s face hardens. His jaw tightens. "Carter? My half-brother, Carter?"

I feel my cheeks warm. Embarrassment and defensiveness swirl inside me.

"It was just a joke, Aiden. You know I wouldn’t actually?—"

"Do I?" he interrupts, his voice tense. "Because it sounds like you’ve got a bit of a crush on him."

His words hang between us, heavy and charged. I open my mouth to deny it, but the words stick. Deep down, I know there’s truth in his accusation, a longing I’ve tried to ignore.

Carter is the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen. But he is way out of my league. I’m not crazy.

"Aiden, please," Olivia says, placing a calming hand on his arm. "Eve’s just trying to find her place. We should support her, not make accusations."

Aiden deflates, the anger leaving him. "You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s just… a lot to handle, you know?"

I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat. "I know. And I’m sorry for springing this on you. But I promise, my feelings for Carter… they’re not what you think."

But even as I say it, I feel the lie. Because the truth is, my heart races whenever I think of Carter’s smile, the way his eyes crinkle when he laughs. As much as I want to bury those feelings, I know they won’t go away.

For now, though, I’ll keep those feelings to myself. I’ll focus on this new chapter, on building a life that’s mine. And maybe, eventually, that life will include Carter, too.

Olivia breaks the silence with a gentle question. "So, what are we thinking for dinner tonight?"

Aiden shrugs, his brow still furrowed. "I don’t know. Whatever you want."

I see my chance to bring things back to normal. "Why don’t I whip something up?" I suggest, forcing a smile. "It’s the least I can do."

Olivia’s face lights up. She pulls me into a hug. "Thank you, Eve. I’m so happy to have you here."

I hug her back, blinking away sudden tears. "I’m happy to be here, too."

When I pull away, I catch Aiden’s softened gaze. "I’m sorry for being so harsh," he says quietly. "I just worry about you, Eve."

"I know. And I appreciate it. But you have to trust me to make my own decisions, Aiden."

He sighs, offering a rueful smile. "I’m trying. Just… be careful, okay?"

"I will," I promise.