Chapter 9
chapter nine
The morning sun streams through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow over the empty desks. I'm here early for once, determined to get ahead on our project.
"Hey," says a familiar voice, pulling me from my thoughts. I look up to see Alec standing in the doorway, a pair of shoes dangling from his hand. My shoes. The ones I'd had to abandon at his apartment when sneaking out the window last night.
"Thought you might want these back." He smirks, setting them on the table beside me. "Sorry you had to play cat burglar."
"It's alright," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. "I kind of liked it, actually."
"Really?" Alec raises an eyebrow, that knowing smirk still plastered on his face. "You're full of surprises, Winters."
"Likewise, Vanderholt." I shoot him a teasing smile. “I got thinking about it later, and I wondered, what did you do with my… gift? I realized I didn’t have it as I hid in your room.”
Alec licks his lips and smiles. “I found it laying on the floor, right beneath where I made you come all over my counter. If Dad ever saw it, he didn’t say anything.”
“You’re not serious?” I say as my face goes cold and slack.
Alec looks thrilled as he nods. “Dead serious. That was a first, having to subtly get a dildo out of view. I washed it, wrapped it all nice for you. You’ll need it for practice later.”
His eyes flick to my shoes, and I blush so damn hard when I see something long and cylinder shaped tucked into one of my shoes.
“Alec,” I gape as I cover my mouth with my hand, knowing I’m beet red.
He just sniggers and I snatch the shoes off the table and tuck them away underneath me.
I shake my head in disbelief, but with the clock ticking, I know we need to focus. “You’ll be the death of my grade.”
“Didn’t take you as being so distractible,” he taunts, even as he pulls out his own supplies.
“Next time don’t bring a dildo to class,” I snark at him, even if I’m fighting a smile.
“No promises.”
We dive into the project, our heads bent close together as we go over our presentation. It's strange how easy it is to work with him now, despite how much we used to butt heads. There's an unspoken understanding between us, a mutual respect that wasn't there before.
Alec's fingers brush against mine as we reach for the same papers, and I can't help but steal a glance at him. His blond hair falls across his forehead, framing those intense blue eyes that seem to see right through me. For a moment, I have to fight the urge to lean in and taste his lips, to feel the warmth of his body pressed against mine. But that’s not the arrangement. And I shake off the thought, reminding myself that we're here to work, not indulge in fantasies.
"Are you alright?" Alec asks, noticing my momentary distraction.
"Fine," I lie, forcing a smile. "Just lost in thought for a sec."
"About the project?" he pushes, an amused glint in his eyes.
"Of course," I reply defensively. "What else would it be?"
"Nothing," he says, holding up his hands in surrender. "Just curious."
We return to our work, the air between us charged with unspoken tension. By the time students start filing in and the professor graces us with his presence, we’re finished. The project is polished and ready to be presented in a few days. There's a sense of accomplishment as we pack up our things, both aware that we've created something impressive.
Who would have guessed Salem Winters and Alec Vanderholt could create a powerhouse project together?
Later that day, my phone buzzes with an invitation from Isabella and Josh to join them for a night out. I can't help but feel a pang of guilt as I make up an excuse about needing to study. The truth is, I'm headed to Alec's apartment, and the excitement coursing through me makes it impossible to consider any other plans.
Sorry, guys. I have to cram. Rain check?
Sure thing. Good luck with the studying.
Thanks, see you tomorrow.
I hit send and shove my phone back into my pocket, silently promising to make it up to them soon.
Fuck, what am I doing?
As I approach Alec's apartment building, my heart races with anticipation. The familiar scent of the city fills my nostrils, mingling with the faint aroma of his cologne still lingering on my skin from simply sitting beside him during class. It's intoxicating and maddening all at once.
"Come in!" Alec calls out when I knock on his door. My hand trembles as I turn the knob and step inside.
The living room and kitchen are empty when I walk in. I follow the sound of clicking keys until I find him in his office. The sight of him hunched over his desk, working intently, sends a shiver down my spine. There's something undeniably sexy about the way his brow furrows in concentration, his strong fingers tapping away at the keyboard.
"Hey," I greet him, trying to sound casual. "What are you working on?"
He glances up, a hint of surprise flickering across his face before he composes himself. "Just some... business stuff."
"Business stuff?" I raise an eyebrow, crossing the plush carpet to stand behind him. "Is it that top secret project?"
"Something like that."
I watch Alec's fingers fly across the keyboard, and I can't help but feel a pang of curiosity. "Come on," I prod, leaning against his desk. "I think you know by now that you can trust me. What is this big project you’ve been working on?"
He hesitates for a moment, his eyes meeting mine, searching for something. Then, with a sigh, he closes the laptop and leans back in his chair. "Alright," he says, a hint of vulnerability flickering in his eyes. "The videos I post? The… masked ones?"
"Yes," I encourage him to continue, a smirk forming on my lips.
"Well," he begins, rubbing the back of his neck, "I've actually been working on an app that syncs with the platform I use to post them. It helps me create those smooth transitions, and it's been in beta testing for a while now."
"An app?" I blink in surprise, genuinely impressed. "Wait, are you talking about this one?” I tap on the screen of my phone, and then turning it in Alec’s direction.
For the first time ever, the smile on his face is shy. He nods without saying anything.
“Alec, that’s amazing!” I blurt, completely flabbergasted. “I mean, everyone is using it these days to edit.”
“Thanks," he murmurs, looking down at the floor. "I'm planning on launching it in about a month, and if things continue like they have been... maybe I won't have to be part of my father's company anymore."
"Wow," I breathe, my heart swelling with pride for him. "Alec, that's incredible. I'm so proud of you."
He looks up at me, surprise written all over his face. "You are?"
"Of course!" I exclaim, shaking my head in disbelief. "Has… has no one ever told you that before?"
"No," he admits quietly, his gaze softening. "Not really."
"Then they're all idiots." I step closer, my hand resting on his shoulder. "Because what you're doing is brave and ambitious, and I know you're going to succeed."
"Thank you, Salem," he whispers, his eyes shining with gratitude. And then, in one fluid motion, he pulls me into his lap, wrapping his strong arms around me.
I feel the warmth of his body against mine, and my heart races as I realize just how close we are. The tension between us is palpable, an electric current that threatens to consume us both. But for once, instead of pulling away or throwing a sarcastic remark to break the spell, I let myself lean into it, allowing the moment to unfold as it will.
The warmth of Alec's chest against my own intensifies as he pulls me closer, enveloping us in a cocoon of shared secrets and desire. His fingers brush gently through my hair, sending shivers down my spine. I can't help but lose myself in the moment, my thoughts drifting away like smoke on the wind.
"Believe me, I want nothing more than to stay here, but I have to leave in a few minutes," Alec apologizes softly, his breath warm against my neck.
"Where are you off to?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.
"Just some boring family thing," he sighs, his grip around me tightening ever so slightly. "But I'd rather be here with you."
"Then stay," I say, leaning into his touch. "No one's forcing you to go."
"Believe me, if I could, I would." He kisses my cheek tenderly, his lips lingering for just a moment more than necessary. "Will I see you at the gala this weekend?"
A pang of longing shoots through me, and I grimace. "I can't afford a dress, Alec," I confess, trying to keep the bitterness out of my voice. "Gala's aren't really my scene anyway."
"Let me take care of it," he offers without hesitation, and I can almost hear the smile in his voice.
"Don't you dare," I warn, twisting around to meet his gaze. "I don't need your charity."
“It’s not charity,” he counters. “You’d be doing me a favor by adding to my Salem fantasy bank. You in a well fitted dress?” he kisses his fingertips.
“Alec,” I warn, glaring darkly at him because he didn’t say he wouldn’t pull out his credit card.
“Just kiss me, dammit,” he says demandingly as he pulls me to him once more.
Our time together is short, but hot – a stolen moment of passion and tenderness amidst the chaos of our lives. We explore each other with lips only, savoring every touch and taste, every gasp and sigh. I can feel my walls crumbling, brick by brick, as Alec opens me up to a world of possibilities I never dared dream of.
Alec’s phone chimes, and I know our time is up.
“Walk me out?” I ask, even as I climb off his lap.
“Of course,” he says, grinning wickedly as he rises. He gathers his things, and we set off through the door. Once alone in the elevator, he pushes me up against the wall, kissing me completely senseless.
But the moment the elevator dings, we spring apart. And as we walk out the front doors, neither one of us look at the other as we exit going two different directions.
Alec Vanderholt is my dirty little secret. One I have no problem keeping to myself.