Chapter 69 An Enticing Invitation

• *Harper*
• The afternoon sunlight filters through the tall windows of the staff break room, casting a soft golden glow over the whole room. Lucas is leaning against the counter near the espresso machine, one hand curled around a tiny porcelain cup of strong black coffee, the other tucked casually into his slacks. He’s mid-sentence, laughing about something one of his students said during class, and I can’t help but smile.
• I’m standing across from him, stirring a little sugar into my own coffee, half listening, half admiring how he’s always so effortlessly put together. Today he’s wearing a crisp blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. A few of his curls fall across his forehead, and he makes no motion to push them away. He’s so easy, so comfortable in his own skin, but I have to keep my guard up around him.