Chapter 97
**Tom**
I opened my eyes, the early morning light filtering through the curtains. The digital clock on my nightstand blinked 6:00 AM in angry red digits. Beside me, Sara's warm body was curled up, her breathing soft and steady. I smiled at the sight of her hair spread across my pillow.
Time to face the day, I thought, stretching my arms above my head. I turned to Sara, running a hand along her bare shoulder.
"Rise and shine, sleepyhead. It's six o'clock."
Sara groaned, burrowing deeper into the covers. "Five more minutes," she mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow.
I tugged gently at the blanket. "Come on, up and at 'em. We've got busy days ahead."
"Don't wanna go," she whined, her eyes still stubbornly shut.
I sat up, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. "Sorry, but we can't spend all day in bed. Some of us have classes to teach, papers to grade..."
Before I could stand, Sara's arms snaked around my waist, pulling me back down. She pressed her body against mine, her skin warm and inviting.
"Stay," she murmured, nuzzling into my neck. "Let's just stay like this all day."
I laughed, trying to ignore the way my body responded to her touch. "As tempting as that sounds, we can't. Remember? Responsible adults and all that jazz?"
"You're no fun," she grumbled, her lips forming an adorable frown.
"Oh, I'm plenty of fun," I retorted, unable to resist her charm. I leaned in, capturing her lips with mine. The kiss was soft at first, a gentle exploration that quickly deepened into something more urgent. Sara's fingers tangled in my hair, pulling me closer as our tongues danced.
The warmth of her body pressed against mine, her breasts soft and inviting against my chest. I lost myself in the sensation, savoring her taste and the little sounds she made in the back of her throat. When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless.
"See? Fun," I said with a grin, trying to ignore the way my body screamed for more.
"I don't know... I might need more convincing."
I groaned, torn between desire and responsibility. "As much as I'd love to spend all day 'convincing' you, we need to get moving. You've got classes to attend, and I've got a lecture to give. Can't have my star student falling behind, now can we?"
She pouted, her fingers tracing circles on my chest. "Ugh, fine. You're right. I need that MBA to land a decent job in this cutthroat world."
"That's my girl," I said, kissing her forehead quickly. "Now, how about some coffee to jumpstart our day?"
"God, yes. I need it more than oxygen right now."
I chuckled, extricating myself from her embrace. "Coming right up." I grabbed my robe from the hook behind the door, wrapping it around myself as I padded towards the kitchen.
The sound of bare feet on hardwood told me Sara was following. I glanced back to see her wearing my spare robe, which was comically large on her frame. The sight of her drowning in fabric, with her messy bedhead, was oddly endearing.
"You know, you could probably fit another person in there with you," I teased, reaching for the coffee maker.
She smirked, the robe slipping off one shoulder. "Why would I need anyone else when I have you?"
"Touché," I said, measuring out the coffee grounds. The rich aroma filled the kitchen as I started the brew.
Sara hopped up onto the counter, her legs dangling off the edge. The oversized robe rode up, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her thighs. I forced myself to look away, focusing on the coffee maker instead.
"So, Tom," she drawled. "What's on the agenda for today?"
I leaned against the opposite counter, crossing my arms. "Well, I've got a thrilling lecture on corporate tax structures at 11. Then, a riveting faculty meeting at 2. How about you?"
She groaned dramatically. "Ugh, don't remind me. I've got back-to-back classes all morning, then a group project meeting in the afternoon."
"Sounds like we both need this coffee."
The coffee maker gurgled and hissed, filling the pot with liquid gold. I grabbed two mugs from the cabinet and poured us each a steaming cup.
"Milk? Sugar?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"Black as my soul," Sara replied with a wink.
I handed her the mug, our fingers brushing. Even that slight contact sent a jolt through me. I took a sip of my own coffee, savoring the bitter taste.
We stood in comfortable silence for a moment, letting the caffeine work its magic. Sara's brow furrowed slightly, and I could almost see the gears turning in her head.
Finally, she spoke. "Hey, Tom? Can I ask you something?"
"You just did."
"Ha ha, very funny. I'm serious."
"Alright, shoot."
She hesitated, then plunged ahead. "Yesterday, at Golden Crunch... you clammed up when I asked about your past relationships. Why?"
I felt my shoulders tense involuntarily. Of course, she'd bring that up now. I took another sip of coffee, buying myself a few seconds.
"Look, Sara... it's not that I don't want to talk about it. It's just... complicated."
She frowned. "Complicated how?"
"It's a long story, and not one I'm ready to get into before my first cup of coffee."
"But you will tell me?" Her voice was soft, uncertain.
I met her gaze, seeing the vulnerability there. "Yes, I will. Just... not right now, okay? I promise we'll talk about it later."
Sara nodded, seeming to accept this. "Alright. I'll hold you to that."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," I said, grateful for her understanding.
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