Page 58 of Lessons in Touch

"I know what you're going to say, Gabriel. About how complicated this is. About the risks we're taking."

"Actually, I was going to say that I've never felt this way about anyone before."

I turn to face him, surprised by his vulnerability and his honesty.

"I've had relationships," he continues. "But they were always calculated and strategic. With women who fit into the life I was supposed to want. Or, just one-time flings. But it’s so different with you, Rose.”

“I think I know how you feel, Gabriel. Because I feel it too. I’ve never met a man like you before.”

"I know the timing is impossible. And that the circumstances are far from ideal. But I can't pretend this isn't happening. I can’t pretend like I don’t have feelings for you, Rose."

"I don't want to pretend either."

There is snow in his hair now, and the Christmas lights behind him create a halo effect. It makes the moment feel almost ethereal.

This time, when he kisses me, it's different from our previous stolen moments. There's no urgency, and no fear of being caught. Instead, there's something deeper. I can feel the trust, the tenderness, and, perhaps, even more.

This isn't the passionate desperation of our encounters at school. This is something gentler, more meaningful.

When we finally break apart, he rests his forehead against mine. Our breath mingles in small clouds between us, and I can see the snowflakes caught in his eyelashes.

"I wish we could stay here," I whisper.

"So do I."

He kisses me again, slower and deeper this time. There’s no rush, no fear. No one can see us here. There is just the hush of the falling snow and the glow of the Christmas lights. It’s quiet enough to hear our breathing, which makes it even more thrilling.

Gabriel’s fingers trail down the side of my neck. He’s still wearing his gloves, and the touch is electrifying. He takes his scarf off and, and for a second I think he’s going to wrap it around me.

Instead, he leans in.

“Close your eyes.”

“Yes, Professor.”

He ties the scarf over my eyes with a slow, practiced motion. I’m blindfolded now, and the world has faded into a soft darkness. The air is cold and his breath is warm. This is all I need right now.

“Keep your hands at your sides, Rose. Just focus on the sensation…”

“Yes, Professor,” I whisper.

I can hear the crunch of his boots in the snow when he moves around me. I can’t see anything, but I feel everything. He kisses my neck and then lower, heading toward my breasts.

He takes his time and undoes the buttons of my coat one by one. I feel the cold kiss of air on my skin, and then the warmth of his mouth replacing it. He drags his mouth over my dress, down to my nipples, and then over the curve of my stomach.

“I want to taste you out here,” he says.

“Taste me? Or taste my…”

“Yes, I want to taste your pussy, Rose. I want to make you cum, to make you scream. I want you to never forget these moments with me.”

“I can’t wait. God… It’s all I can think about, Gabriel. Please… hurry!”

I can hear the sound of clothing being shifted. He’s opening his coat and loosening his belt. But I don’t reach for him. I obey.

Then he pushes me gently backward, until my back is against something hard. I’m still standing, but my back is now resting against one of the cold, stone statues. Taking me entirely by surprise, he pulls my coat down and then slips off my dress.

“Oh… Ahh!! It’s cold!”