Chapter 10: The Nora Conundrum
Alex sat at the desk in her office, feeling herself glow about the day before. When she had gotten home, Ridge led her to t he office space and at across from her as he did his homework and she finalized her draft of a syllabus for the class Nora had offered her.
Around 11pm, Ridge had stood and offered her his hand, and together they went to bed. They made love rather than fucking each other really hard, and Alex fell asleep in Ridge's arms. When she woke, she felt ...right, like things were going well. She even made a quick breakfast for the two of them. They had come to the university, and after a workout, Ridge had gone to class and Alex had gone to her office to prep for her meeting.
She had just finished when there was a knock on the door, and, after Alex's invitation to enter, Nora walked in.
"Alex," Nora said, her voice smooth and professional. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
Alex looked up from her laptop, her fingers pausing over the keyboard. "Not at all," she said, her tone equally measured. "What can I do for you?"
Nora stepped further into the office, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. She wore a knit shirt that accentuated her athletic frame, her dark hair pulled into a sleek bun. "I wanted to check in on your progress with the syllabus," she said, her gaze flicking to the screen. "I know you've been working on it, and I'm eager to see how you're shaping the course."
Alex closed her laptop with deliberate care, her fingers lingering on the edge. "It's coming along nicely," she said, her voice smooth. "I think you'll be pleased with the direction."
Nora's lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm sure I will. You always do excellent work." She paused, her fingers tapping lightly against the armrest of the chair opposite Alex's desk. "But I also wanted to discuss something else as well. A potential opportunity."
Alex raised an eyebrow, waiting.
Nora leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone.
"I’ve been talking with the department chair, and we’ve decided to expand the curriculum. We’d like to add a new course—one that combines creative writing with literary analysis. Something fresh, something that pushes boundaries."
Alex felt a flicker of interest, but she kept her expression neutral. "That sounds intriguing. What did you have in mind?"
Nora’s eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. "I was thinking of something experimental. A course where students don’t just analyze texts—they create them. A blend of workshop and seminar. And I want you to teach it."
Alex blinked. "Me?"
Nora nodded. "You’ve got the perfect balance of creativity and analytical rigor. And frankly, Alex, you’re the only one I trust to pull this off," Nora said, her voice smooth and persuasive. She leaned back in her chair, showing her legs as she crossed them. "I want this to be a signature course for the department. Something that draws students and faculty alike."
Alex exhaled slowly, her fingers tracing the edge of her laptop. "That’s quite the compliment, Nora," she said, her tone careful. "But I’ve never taught anything like that before. It’s a big departure from my usual courses."
Nora waved a hand dismissively. "You’ve been teaching creative writing for years. And your analysis of modern literature is some of the best in the department. This would be a natural evolution for you," Nora said, her voice smooth and persuasive.
"But I want to make sure you understand the stakes. This isn’t just another class. It’s a statement. A way to show the university that our department is innovative, forward-thinking."
Alex leaned back in her chair, studying Nora’s face. The woman was a master at reading people, and Alex knew that look—the one that said Nora was already three steps ahead, anticipating objections before they were even voiced.
"I appreciate the opportunity," Alex said carefully. "But I’d need to think about it. There’s a lot to consider—the workload, the curriculum design, the expectations." Alex paused. "Would this be in addition to the novels course I was working on for you or would it take its place?"
Nora's eyes glittered at the astute question. "In addition. Imagine teaching both one semester and the following semester, the novels class and a freshman comp class. Or if the proposed writing and criticism class takes off, teaching both each semester. There are tenured people in the department who would love that kind of leeway." Alex raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying you're offering me a path to tenure?" Nora's smile turned knowing. "I'm saying I'm offering you a chance to prove yourself. To show the department—and the university—that you're not just a teaching assistant, but a visionary educator." She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "And let's be honest, Alex. You've been here long enough. You deserve more than just 'teaching assistant' in your title." The offer was tempting—more than tempting. It was everything she'd been working toward, everything she'd dreamed of.
Nora stood up opposite Alex and leaned on the desk, looking down at her. Alex noted Nora's fiery red lipstick and was again struck by how youthful Nora appeared when Alex was sure she had to have twenty years on Alex. Nora watched Alex appraise her and smiled. "Besides, dear girl, it would give us the opportunity to work together more closely together. The idea of a tight camaraderie is exciting, don't you think?" Nora's eyebrows went up as she studied Alex's face.
Alex stood and walked around the desk, offering her hand to Nora. Nora took it and pulled Alex to her for a hug. "Good girl. We're going to make a great team, you and I." Then Nora leaned closer and lightly kissed the corner of Alex's mouth. Then Nora patted Alex's ass. "Finish up the draft of the novels class syllabus by the middle of next week. Any notes you can come up with on the second one will give us a head start."
When Nora reached the door, she turned back to Alex, who was trying to process the unexpected physical aspect of the conversation. "I absolutely look forward to celebrating your growth with you, Alex. Don't let me down." And then she left the room, pulling the door closed behind her.
Alex stood there, frozen, her fingers still tingling from where Nora had touched her. The scent of Nora’s perfume lingered in the air—something floral and expensive, the kind that clung to skin long after the wearer had left the room.
She exhaled sharply, shaking her head as if to clear it. *What the hell was that?*
The question lingered in her mind as she sank back into her chair. The office felt smaller suddenly, the walls pressing in. She rubbed her temples, trying to focus on the syllabus in front of her, but Nora’s words—*and that kiss*—kept intruding.
Alex found herself grinning. If Nora had approached her like this a week ago, Alex might've reciprocated. After all, Nora was a fine-looking woman, and Alex had heard stories of her predilections. It turns out that Alex has predilections as well. But she didn't anyone but Ridge right now.
Wanting, however, was a different question. Nora certainly made Alex's pulse shoot up, even if Alex knew there was nothing behind it but business and departmental politics. Alex reminded herself that it's okay to be attracted to someone; it's acting on that attraction that it gets problematic.
And really, if she was honest with herself, Ridge was everything she wanted right now too. But it certainly was interesting.
Alex sat back down at her desk and got back to work. She wanted to grade her class's first paper, then go back to the syllabus she had been working on. What with images of Ridge and thoughts of a second class to plan, and the lingering scent of Nora's perfume, she was astonished that she got any work done at all.
---
Alex's arm was around Ridge's waist as they walked into the bar. He had worn a relatively new pair of jeans and, because it amused him, a pair of cowboy boots as well. His pinstriped button-down shirt highlighted his form and, honestly, it was all Alex could do not to drag him to the floor and tear his clothes off.
Alex saw Lila stand and wave. She said "There she is" to Ridge and guided him to the table. Introductions were made, and Lila was surprised to see Henry, Lila's husband with her. He wasn't much for going out and doing stuff. Maybe he came because it wasn't five women.
Lila's eyes sparkled as Ridge first shook her hand, then gave her a one-armed hug. When Ridge reached past her to shake Henry's hand, Lila made a big face at Alex, a quick celebration of Ridge's first impression. Alex just nodded and then sat in the chair that Ridge held for her beside Lila.
Alex saw Lila’s eyes widen as Ridge took the chair beside Alex and put his arm around her shoulders. Lila smiled at Alex and mouthed, *Oh my God.*
Alex just grinned and said, “Lila, you remember Ridge, don’t you?”
Lila laughed. “How could I forget? You talk about nothing else, sweetie.”
Ridge chuckled and looked toward Lila then Alex with raised eyebrows. "Oh really?"
Henry leaned forward and said, “So, Ridge, what do you do?”
“I’m a student here,” Ridge said. “I’m considering a degree in English literature. But I've only been in school for a week, so...".
Alex looked up. "What? When did you start thinking about a degree in English?" Ridge shrugged and winked to Lila. "About a week ago." Lila and Henry laughed and Alex at first blushed, then turned and kissed Ridge's hand on her shoulder.
Henry went on. "School isn't cheap. What do you do when you aren't studying?"
Ridge shrugged. "Nothing, really. I am living off an inheritance. But I did work on a farm since I was about eight years old."
Lila pounced. "A farm? Was it your farm?"
Ridge nodded. "Well, my family’s farm? My grandmother owned the land and was raising me."
Henry nodded. "Somewhere in the south, it sounds like."
Ridge grinned and ran his hand through his hair. "Yes sir. North Carolina.” Henry’s eyebrows went up.
“North Carolina? I’ve got family in Asheville. You ever been there?”
Ridge leaned back in his chair, stretching his long legs under the table. “More times than I can count. My grandmother used to take me to the Biltmore Estate every summer. Said it was important to see how the other half lived.”
Lila’s eyes sparkled. “Oh my god, I love Biltmore! The gardens are incredible. Have you been to the winery?”
Ridge chuckled, shaking his head. “Not yet. I was more interested in sneaking into the library when I was a kid. My grandmother would drag me through the gardens, pointing out all the roses like I cared, but I’d be counting the minutes until I could slip away.” Alex laughed and her hand covered Ridge’s on the table. Ridge looked up at Alex, then gave her a quick soft kiss. Henry looked away, but Lila watched and grinned brightly.
"You're a book nerd too?" she asked, her voice teasing but warm. "I knew I liked you."
Alex snickered and said, “Worse, a science-fiction and fantasy geek. When I first went into his office…”wow.” Ridge shook his head, his eyes wide with disbelief. “I think I'm offended by the use of the term "geek',” Ridge said, feigning indignation as he leaned back in his chair, his arm still draped around Alex's shoulders. "I prefer 'connoisseur of the imaginative arts.'"
Lila burst out laughing. "Oh, that's rich. So you're telling me you're not the kind of guy who once spent an entire weekend in pajamas reading *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy while eating cold pizza?"
Ridge's eyes flicked to Alex, who was trying (and failing) to suppress a smirk. "Okay, maybe that specific scenario has happened once or twice," he admitted. "But in my defense, those books are *masterpieces*."
Henry chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't know about masterpieces, but I do know that if you're going to spend a weekend reading, you better have good company." He glanced at Alex, who was still grinning at Ridge. "And it looks like you've got that covered."
Ridge nodded. "You got that right, Henry. Hey, want to go with me to the bar to get refills on our drinks so that the women can talk about us?" Henry looked at Lila and Alex feigning innocence. "Yeah. And unbeknownst to them, we'll be talking about them." Ridge and Henry stood and headed off towards the bar.
Lila leaned in to Alex, her eyes shining brightly. "Oh my god, babe. Ridge is *amazing*. And gorgeous! I'm officially jealous." Lila grinned, swirling her drink as she watched Ridge and Henry disappear into the crowd. "He's like a younger, hotter version of that guy from *Outlander*—all rugged charm and mysterious backstory."
Alex laughed, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous. And he's not mysterious. He's just... Ridge."
"Uh-huh. And what's this about him living off an inheritance?" Lila leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Does he have, like, a secret trust fund? A penthouse in the city? A stable of racehorses?"
Alex rolled her eyes. "He grew up on a farm in North Carolina. That's the inheritance.
His grandmother left him the farm and some savings when she passed. He sold the land to a developer, but he kept a few acres for himself. He's been traveling since then, working odd jobs, trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life. He's not rich, but he doesn't have to worry about money right now."
Lila’s eyebrows shot up. "So he’s a free spirit with a trust fund? That’s even better. And he’s going to school now? For English?"
Alex nodded, watching Ridge and Henry at the bar. Ridge was leaning against the counter, his posture relaxed but confident, his cowboy boots planted firmly on the floor.
He caught Alex watching him and flashed her a grin, then turned back to the bartender, who was clearly flirting with him. Henry, ever the gentleman, was trying to order their drinks while subtly blocking the bartender’s view of Ridge’s ass.
Lila followed Alex’s gaze and smirked. "Oh, he’s good. He’s got that whole ‘I’m not even trying’ thing going on, and yet every woman in this bar is staring at him."
Alex sipped her drink, her lips curling. "He’s not even aware of it. That’s the problem."
Lila laughed. "The *problem*? Alex, honey, that’s the *gift*. You’re the one who gets to enjoy it." Lila swirled her wine, watching Ridge with unabashed appreciation. "And he’s so *polite* about it. Like he’s not used to women falling all over him."
Alex rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the warmth spreading through her chest. "He’s not used to *anyone* falling all over him. He’s too busy being charming to notice." Lila went on, "Okay, real talk—how did you two even *meet*? Because I need to know if this is a meet-cute or if I should be worried about you being a stalker," Lila said, leaning in with a conspiratorial grin.
Alex laughed, swirling her wine glass. "Oh, it’s definitely a meet-cute. And you were there. Last Saturday, us and the girls were right here for drinks. I went to the bar to get us drinks. Remember, I never came back." Alex nodded towards Ridge. "Because he's just that charming." Lila chuckled and took a sip of her wine. "I remember now. You left us waiting for our drinks for like twenty minutes. I thought you'd gotten lost in the bathroom." "No, I got lost in *him*. He was standing at the bar and said 'Hello' and he hasn't stopped talking to me since."
Alex looked into Lila's eyes and whispered, "And I'm falling so hard, Lila. So very hard." Lila covered Alex's hand and looked up to see what Ridge and Henry were up to. They were surrounded by four women, mostly chatting up Ridge. Henry looked up and caught Lila's eye, then gave her a broad wink from across the room.
Alex followed Lila's gaze and turned back to her. "And the crazy thing, any other man, and I would be caught up in the idea of him being poached by women half my age right now. But I know, I *know*, there is absolutely no danger of him getting picked up. Is that insane, Lila?" Alex whispered as she leaned closer to her friend. "I’m forty-one years old, and I’m acting like a teenager with her first crush. I should be worried about him flirting with those women. I should be jealous. But I’m not."
Lila's eyes sparkled with mischief, her fingers tightening around Alex's hand. "Sweetie, you’re not acting like a teenager. You’re acting like a woman who’s finally found someone who makes her feel alive. And that’s not something to question—it’s something to *cherish*." She glanced back at Ridge, who was now laughing at something one of the women had said. "Besides, look at him. He's not even *trying* to flirt. He's just being himself, and that's what makes it so damn intoxicating." Lila's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper as she leaned in closer. "And those women? They're just moths to his flame. But you, my dear, are the one who got to him first. And something tells me that's exactly where he wants to stay."
Alex watched Ridge across the bar, his easy laughter filling the space between them. The women around him were all vying for his attention, but his eyes kept flicking back to Alex, as if he needed to reassure himself she was still there. When their eyes linked up, Ridge paused his conversation and blew her a kiss. The women around him turned to look at Alex measuringly, then as a group slowly wandered away.
Ridge stood and walked back to the table, his long legs carrying him effortlessly through the crowd. He slid into the booth beside Alex, his arm immediately finding its way around her shoulders.
"You okay?" he asked, his voice low, his fingers tracing idle patterns on her arm.
Alex leaned into him, her cheek brushing his shoulder. "Better now," she murmured.
Henry chuckled as he returned with their drinks. "You two are adorable," he said, setting down the glasses with a clink. "Like something out of a rom-com."
Lila smirked, taking a sip of her wine. "Oh, please. This is way better than a rom-com." Alex blushed and murmured, "You have no idea," then realized she had said it louder than she intended and covered her mouth with her hand as she blushed.
Henry muttered, "TMI" and threw back half of his beer.
Lila laughed and kicked him under the table. Ridge just grinned and kissed the top of Alex's head. "It's true," he said, his voice warm with amusement.
Alex felt her cheeks burn but didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned into him further, savoring the solid warmth of his body against hers. The bar noise faded into background hum as she studied his profile—the strong line of his jaw, the way his lips curved when he smiled at something Henry said.
Lila nudged Alex's foot under the table. "You two are ridiculous," she said, though her eyes sparkled with approval. "But in the best possible way."
Ridge turned that easy smile on Lila. "It's entirely Alex's fault. I never expected to meet anyone like her." He tilted his head as the music suddenly changed to Journey. He stood and offered his hand to Alex. "And I promised her a dance." He led Alex to the empty dance floor and pulled her into his arms for a slow dance, her head resting on his chest. They rocked from side to side in time to the ballad.
Alex felt the warmth of Ridge’s body through his shirt, the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek. The bar’s lights dimmed, casting everything in a soft amber glow, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the room.
"You’re quiet," Ridge murmured, his breath warm against her hair.
Alex tilted her head back to look at him. "Just thinking."
"About what?"
She hesitated, then smiled. "About how I never saw this coming."
Ridge’s fingers tightened slightly on her waist. "You mean us?"
She nodded. "I mean *you*. I mean this. I mean… everything."
His thumb traced idle circles on her back. "Any idea what I'm thinking about?" Alex looked up at him and nodded.
She murmured, "Yes, I want you inside me too." Then she grinned brightly at him as he tilted his head back and laughed hard.
"You're not wrong," he said, his voice low and rich with amusement. "But I was thinking about something else too."
Alex raised an eyebrow, her fingers tracing the buttons of his shirt. "Oh? Do tell."
Ridge leaned down, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "I was thinking about how I want to take you home and peel every last piece of clothing off you. Slowly. And then I want to make love to you until you can't remember your own name."
Alex felt a shiver run down her spine, her breath catching in her throat. She pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, her own dark with desire.
"You say the sweetest things," she murmured, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "But you know, I was thinking something similar myself."
Ridge's grin widened, that dangerous, knowing look in his eyes that made her stomach flip. "Were you now?"
Alex nodded, her thumb brushing his lower lip. "Mmm-hmm. I was thinking about how much I like your shirt."
His eyebrows shot up. "My shirt?"
She nodded again, her fingers already working the top button loose. "Especially when it's not on you."
Ridge let out a low chuckle as she deftly undid another button.
"Alexandra Hardesty," he murmured, "are you trying to seduce me on this dance floor?"
She smirked up at him, her fingers pausing on the third button. "Would that be so bad?"
His hands slid down to her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space between them. "Not bad at all," he said, his voice rough with desire. "But I do want to make the right impression on your best friend. Would making love to you right here and now do that?"
Alex laughed, the sound bright and uninhibited. "I think we can wait until we get home for that," she said, stepping back just enough to rebutton his shirt with deliberate slowness.
"But I do like the way you think."
Ridge's eyes darkened, his fingers tightening on her waist. "You're dangerous, you know that?"
Alex smirked, leaning in to whisper against his ear. "Only to you."
The music shifted to something more upbeat, and Ridge pulled her into a proper dance, their bodies moving together with an easy rhythm. When the song ended, he guided her back to the table, his hand warm against the small of her back.
Lila was watching them with a knowing smile. "You two are going to set this place on fire if you don't leave soon," she teased. Alex laughed, sliding into the booth beside Ridge.
---
Hours later, they said good night. Ridge and Alex both kissed Lila while Ridge shook Henry's hand before Alex hugged him. Alex and Ridge left the bar, hand in hand. Henry leaned towards Lila and said, "They're really good together. That's some farmer." Lila turned from watching the door to Henry. She smiled and kissed him slowly. "You're a good man, Henry. Don't ever forget."
Meanwhile Ridge handed Alex into the cab of his truck. When he got in himself, he leaned over and kissed Alex as he caressed her cheek. "Did I do okay, professor?" Ridge asked, his voice low and teasing as he pulled away from the kiss.
Alex laughed, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "You did *very* well," she murmured, her thumb brushing his lower lip. "But I think you could use some... extra credit." "Oh yeah? What kind of extra credit are we talking about?"
Alex leaned in, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "I think you know exactly what kind."
Ridge let out a low chuckle, his fingers tightening on her waist. "Maybe, but it's really hot when you say it, professor." Alex turned in the seat to face Ridge more fully. She thought for a moment, and then she let her imagination run free.
"I want you to take me home," she said, her voice low and teasing. "And when we get there, I want you to show me how much you appreciate my... *academic* guidance."
Ridge's eyes darkened with desire, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. "Well, professor," he murmured, his voice rough with anticipation, "I think I can manage that."
Alex leaned back in her seat, her smile turning mischievous. "I have no doubt," she said, her fingers tracing idle patterns on his thigh. "But just so we're clear, I expect a very thorough demonstration."
Ridge let out a low laugh, shifting the truck into gear. "Thorough, huh? Are you suggesting I have been less than thorough in my past demonstrations?" He turned and winked to Alex with a soft grin.
Alex grinned back. "I'm suggesting you have a lot of room for improvement," she said, her voice teasing but her eyes dark with desire. Ridge chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled the truck onto the road. "Oh, you're playing with fire now, professor." Alex smirked, her fingers tracing the seam of his jeans. "I do hope so." The drive to Alex's house was a blur of stolen kisses and lingering touches, the air between them thick with anticipation. When they finally pulled into the parking garage, Ridge didn't bother turning off the engine before pulling Alex into his arms, his mouth crashing against hers in a hungry kiss. As they rode the elevator to the apartment, Ridge chewed hungrily on Alex's neck, the muscles taut as she tilted her head back to receive his attention. When the door to the elevator opened, she grabbed his hand and pulled him to the door of their condo and quickly led him in.
She turned to him and pushed him against the wall, her hands on his chest. "You're not going to believe how much I want you right now," she said, her voice low and husky. "I've been thinking about this all night." She leaned in and kissed him, her tongue teasing his lips apart. He groaned against her mouth, his hands sliding down to her waist, pulling her closer. "I want you so bad," he murmured, his voice rough with need. "I can't wait to get you out of these clothes." She smirked, stepping back just enough to unbutton his shirt, her fingers working quickly.
Later, lying in bed, both of them sweating and breathing a little hard but very pleased with themselves, Alex leaned over Ridge and kissed him slowly. "Did I tell you about the meeting with Nora today?" Alex murmured, tracing idle patterns on Ridge's chest with her fingertip.
Ridge propped himself up on one elbow, his eyes dark with lingering desire but attentive. "No, you didn't. What happened?"
Alex exhaled slowly, her fingers stilling against his warm skin. "She offered me a new course to teach. Something experimental—combining creative writing with literary analysis."
Ridge's eyebrows lifted. "That sounds perfect for you. Why do you sound like it's a problem?"
Alex rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling. "Because it's not just one class. It's two. The novels course I was already working on, plus this new one. And...she kissed me again." She raised her eyes to Ridge to gauge his reaction.
He was watching her with a quiet intensity, his expression unreadable.
"Again?" he asked, his voice low. "You mean like before?"
Alex nodded. "It wasn’t anything serious. Just a quick kiss on the corner of my mouth. But it was... unexpected."
Ridge's fingers traced the curve of her shoulder, his touch light but deliberate. "Did you want it to be serious?"
Alex hesitated, then studied Ridge's face. "What? Do you want me to want it to be serious?" Alex asked, her voice soft but searching.
Ridge studied her for a long moment before answering. "I don't think it matters what I want," he said finally. "This is about what *you* want."
Alex exhaled slowly, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the sheets between them. "I don't know what I want," she admitted. "That's the problem. I thought I knew, but now..."
Ridge's thumb brushed her cheek. "Now what?"
She turned her head to look at him, her blue eyes reflecting the dim bedside lamp. "Now I'm not so sure. Nora's offer is everything I've been working toward. A chance to prove myself."
Ridge reached forward to cup her face, eyes still on hers. "Gorgeous, don't play yourself. Her physical overtures could be just a means to an end, another benefit of working with her." He leaned down to kiss her lingeringly. "If you want to...play...with her, our bed will still be waiting for you when you come home, with me in it. But consider it's also a way for her to bind you more tightly to her." Alex rolled onto her side, propping her head on her hand. "You don't think I can handle her?" Ridge's fingers traced the curve of her hip, his touch deliberate. "I think you can handle anything. But I also think you deserve to be wanted for who you are—not just what you can do for someone else." Alex studied his face, the way the lamplight caught the sharp angle of his jaw, the quiet intensity in his eyes. "You're saying I shouldn't take the job?" "No," Ridge said, his voice firm but gentle.
"I'm saying you should take the job if it's what you want. But you should also know that you don't have to do anything you don't want to do."
Alex exhaled slowly, her fingers tracing the edge of the sheet. "I know that."
Ridge's thumb brushed her cheek. "And that anything physical you share with her should be completely separated from the job." Ridge's voice was steady, but Alex could see the flicker of concern in his eyes.
Alex sighed, rolling onto her back to stare at the ceiling. "I know. I just... I don't know what to do. I've been working toward this for so long. The chance to teach more, to prove myself. It's everything I've wanted."
Ridge shifted beside her, propping himself up on his elbow. "And you deserve it, Alex. You're brilliant. But you also deserve to be with someone who wants you for you, not just for what you can do for them."
Alex turned her head to look at him. "Is that what you think Nora is doing?"
Ridge shrugged.
"I'm not saying she doesn't genuinely like you. But people like Nora, they're used to getting what they want. And you're a prize, Alex. A smart, beautiful, talented woman. Of course she wants you. But does she want you for the right reasons?"
Alex rolled onto her side, facing him. "And what are the right reasons?"
Ridge's fingers traced the curve of her hip, his touch warm and reassuring. "Because you make her laugh. Because you challenge her. Because you're the only person who can make her feel both grounded and excited at the same time. Because she can't imagine a day without you in it."
Alex felt her throat tighten. "You think I'm a prize?"
Ridge's thumb brushed her cheek, his voice soft. "Oh, gorgeous. You're a gift, that I'm willing to share if you believe it will help you get what you need or want or deserve. I just don't want you to expect deep and abiding emotional strength from her. " His kiss was soft before he whispered, "That's what I'm for." He kissed her again, this time with more urgency, and Alex felt her body respond instantly. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as she deepened the kiss. Ridge's hands slid down to her waist, gripping her tightly as he rolled them both over so that she was beneath him. Alex moaned softly against his lips, her fingers tangling in his hair.
Ridge pulled back slightly, his breath coming in short gasps. "You're so beautiful," he murmured, his eyes dark with desire. "I could look at you forever."
Alex smiled up at him, her fingers tracing the lines of his face.
"You're not so bad yourself," she murmured, her voice husky. The air between them was thick with unspoken words, with the weight of decisions left unmade.
Ridge's lips found hers again, slow and deliberate, as if he were memorizing the shape of her mouth. His hands moved with deliberate slowness, tracing the curve of her waist, the dip of her hips, as if he were mapping her body for the first time. Alex arched into his touch, her breath hitching as his fingers brushed the sensitive skin of her inner thigh.
"You're thinking too much," Ridge whispered against her skin, his lips trailing down her neck.
His hands were warm and sure, mapping her body with the kind of attention that made her forget everything else. Alex arched into his touch, her fingers tangling in his hair. "I can't help it," she murmured. "This is important."
Ridge lifted his head, his dark eyes searching hers. "More important than this?" He rolled his hips against hers, and Alex gasped as pleasure shot through her.
She bit her lip, trying to focus. "Ridge, I—"
He cut her off with a kiss, slow and deep, his tongue teasing hers. When he pulled back, his voice was rough. "Stop overthinking. Just feel."
And for the next hour, she did until, having exhausted each other, they fell asleep in each other's arms until the sun was well past the mid-day point the next day.
After a shower and while sitting in the breakfast nook with coffee, Ridge covered Alex's hand with his. "Gorgeous, regarding the whole Nora thing." Alex raised troubled eyes to ridge's, and he grinned and leaned forward to kiss her furrowed brow. She bit her lip and he nodded. "Let me say my piece."
He took a sip of coffee and grimaced a little. "I am your lover and hopefully, eventually, your partner. But as such I can only advise on personal decisions you want or need to take. It's always your decision. If you are attracted to Nora or curious about what sex with her would be like, I can't tell you not to find out. In fact, under other circumstances, I might argue for experimentation."
Ridge sighed and squeezed Alex's hand. "But, personally, deep down...I just found you and am completely infatuated with you. I really don't want to share, at least not yet. Maybe in a while if it is something you want to pursue, I'll be more amenable. But right now, I just want you for myself." Ridge's voice was low, rough with emotion. "I want to be the one who makes you come undone. The one who knows every inch of your body, every sound you make, every secret you keep."
Alex's breath hitched, her fingers tightening around his. "You already do," she whispered. "You already know me better than anyone else ever has."
Ridge's thumb brushed over her knuckles, his touch gentle but firm. "Then let me prove it," he murmured, leaning in to press a slow, deliberate kiss to her lips. "Let me show you how much I want you." He grinned raffishly and went on. "That is, if you can tolerate a country boy young enough to be your younger brother..." Alex laughed, swatting his arm playfully. "Oh, shut up. You know damn well I don’t give a shit about age. And you’re no brother—you’re the man I can’t stop thinking about."
Ridge’s grin turned wicked as he leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. "Then let me remind you why," he murmured, his voice rough with promise.
Alex shivered, her breath hitching as his fingers traced the sensitive skin of her inner thigh beneath the table. "Ridge—" she started, but her protest died in a moan when his fingers found her already wet, his touch teasing and deliberate.
Some time later, they lay panting together, Alex's ass gaping from their explorations and her pussy leaking their sexual juices. Ridge kissed the back of her neck softly, and her fingers caressed his hand on her stomach, utterly sated, at least for the moment. He murmured to the short hairs on her neck, "So here's the thing, be with Nora, don't; it's your decision, always. Just tell me what's going on, okay?" Alex murmured against Ridge's shoulder, her voice muffled by his skin. "I can feel you thinking."
Ridge exhaled slowly, his fingers tracing idle patterns on her stomach. "It's not that I'm thinking," he said, his voice low. "It's that I'm... worried."
Alex lifted her head, her blue eyes searching his face.
Ridge hesitated, then rolled onto his back, staring at the ceiling. "About losing you."
Alex propped herself up on one elbow, studying him. "You're not going to lose me," she said firmly. "Not over this. Not over anything."
Ridge turned his head to look at her, his dark eyes intense. "You know I'm going to hold you to that, right?" Ridge murmured, his fingers tracing the curve of Alex's hip. His touch was possessive, claiming, and she shivered under his gaze.
Alex smirked, rolling onto her back and stretching like a cat. "You better. Because I don't plan on going anywhere." She reached for him, her fingers curling around his wrist and pulling him closer. "Especially not when you do things like this." Her thumb brushed over the pulse point in his wrist, feeling the way his heart raced beneath her touch.
Ridge's eyes darkened, his lips curling into a slow, dangerous smile. "Oh, I do plan on doing a lot more than this," he growled, his voice rough with promise. "Like, ordering dinner. I'm starved!"