Tessa’s POVI got the feeling someone was watching me, but figured it had to have been my imagination. I continued to write out my thoughts in my journal as I often did in the evenings. The sun was setting in the distance. There was just enough sunlight left to light up my journal and make it easy for me to see what I was writing.But soon enough it would be gone, and I would only be left with the rays of the moon.The outdoor lights would soon be turned on as well, lighting up the garden that I sat in.Roses have always been my favorite flower and I was excited when I saw that Joseph had a rose bush section in his garden. It seemed he had a section for everything. There were even fruits and vegetables.I was in awe of this entire area, and I couldn’t help but be amazed at how well-maintained his landscaping was.There were cobblestone walkways that lead into each section along with stone benches for resting. I sat on one of the benches with my journal, long after I had finished decor
Tessa’s POVI couldn’t stop thinking about my conversation with Jack, long after we parted ways. He seemed nice and genuine; I didn’t get any feeling that he was lying to me and I’m usually good at knowing when someone is truthful or not. It’s been a talent I’ve had since I was a little girl. Some have easier tells than others; like Ruby when she plays with her hair or my father when he scratches his chin. But Jack, overall, just seemed confused.He saw Joseph as an actual old man, and it made me wonder if others saw him that way as well. It would explain why Joseph rarely leaves his house during the day and has all the help that he does.I made it a mental note to ask him about it later; I had a feeling Joseph did something to Jack’s mind to make him see him as a helpless old man.I decided for right now, to put that thought aside. Now that the sun was almost completely set, it wouldn’t be long before Joseph woke up.I wanted to make another meal for him tonight.I also wanted to sho
Tessa’s POVI woke up to the sound of my phone going off.When I opened my eyes, I could see the faint sunlight beaming in through the window, nearly blinding me. I forgot to shut the blinds last night.I lifted my head and grabbed my phone off the nightstand where I left it charging overnight. It was Sunday, so there was really no reason anyone should be waking me up right now unless it was urgent.I was shocked to see Ruby’s name appear on my phone.It was a text message that read: “Oh my god, Tessa! Your newest blog post was amazing. did you mean to post an entry from your personal journal??”I rose my brows at my phone. My last conversation with Ruby wasn’t exactly a pleasant one. In fact, she was very upset and hurt by me. It was my understanding that I wasn’t going to hear from her this weekend and that I would just talk to her at school on Monday.“Does this mean you’re not upset with me anymore?” I texted back.“I’m still upset. I’m very hurt that you lied to me. But you are s
Tessa’s POVI returned to my room shortly after my conversation with Joseph and he went straight to his so he could sleep for the day.It was going to be a quiet and lonely day for sure and I needed to figure out what to do with myself while he slept. There was no way he’d let me go into the city without Jordan.I suppose I could go back out into the gardens and do a little bit more writing.First things first, I needed to get dressed.I grabbed an outfit out of one of the many drawers this room had and went to take a shower. It felt like it’s been ages since I was able to shower without care or fear in the world. I felt incredibly relaxed and in bliss, as the hot water soaked my body and soothed my aching muscles.I closed my eyes as the water soaked through my hair. I breathed in the lavender scent, and I couldn’t help but smile up at the steam that danced off the ceiling.Once I was done in the shower, I threw my hair in its usual messy bun and then dressed before leaving the bathr
Tessa’s POVRuby was right. Jordan looked anything but happy. Especially when he saw me standing in the middle of the café.He narrowed his eyes at me and began stalking toward our direction.“What is he some kind of bodyguard?” Ruby asked from behind me, watching as Jordan only grew angrier.“Something like that,” I said, biting my bottom lip nervously, wondering what Jordan was about to do.It was no secret that he already didn’t like me, though, I thought he warmed up to me a little when we went shopping together. But it seems that the bonding experience had worn off and now it was just an angry shell of a man.“Let’s go,” he said between his teeth, keeping his eyes locked on mine.I knew he was being careful with what he said knowing that Ruby was watching and listening. I wasn’t going to argue with him, especially considering his hand was back on his gun.I hoped that Ruby didn’t notice that as well.I turned to Ruby and tried to give her a confident smile to reassure her that ev
Tessa’s POVThe next day“We should send flowers to Miss Peabody. I hear she fell ill.”“Maybe we can get everyone to sign a card as well!”I heard the murmurs of students as I put my things in my locker and I frowned at Ruby who leaned against her own locker, watching as those students walked by.“What’s going on?” I asked her, obviously, I had missed something while I’d been so wrapped up with Joseph.“Miss Peabody is sick. I guess she’s out for the rest of the semester,” Ruby explained.“What?” I gasped. “Who’s going to be teaching her writing course?”Miss Peabody would have been our writing professor if Joseph hadn’t come along and offered his special writing course. Her classroom was right next to his and she’s worked at this school for years. We always joked that she was immortal because she was so old, and retirement was never even a thought that crossed her mind.“I heard there’s a new teacher coming to replace her,” Ruby answered.A new teacher? In the middle of the semester
Tessa’s POV“Emily Thorton?!” Ruby gasped, nearly jumping to her feet in the lunchroom as soon as I told her about my encounter with the new teacher.“Yes,” I said, frowning down at my sandwich. “She just barged into Joseph’s office.”“I can’t believe you met the actual Emily Thorton. You know how much I love her,” Ruby cooed. “She’s my favorite blogger! What’s she like in person? I imagine she’s just as cool in person as she is in her blog.”I thought about the encounter, and I shrugged.“She was okay,” I said, not wanting to admit that she was incredibly cool. Everything was cool about her, even the way she dressed. Not to mention she was beautiful in every way possible. It was no wonder Joseph jumped at the opportunity to walk her to her office despite me being right there.“Just, okay?” Ruby asked, raising her brows. “Or are you just saying that because Joseph kicked you out of his office for her?”“He didn’t kick me out. We were done with our conversation, and she was lost,” I sa
Joseph’s POVIt wasn’t a secret that Tessa was uncomfortable since this afternoon when Emily Thorton barged into my office. She doesn’t have a good poker face and I knew there might have been a little jealousy involved.Tessa was quiet for most of the class, but usually, she jumps at the opportunity to answer my questions and provide her unasked-for input. But in this case, she kept her eyes on her desk and did her assignments quietly without a single peep from her pretty little mouth.I jumped at the opportunity to tease her once we were alone.I wanted her to admit that she was a little jealous. I kept my body pressed against hers and her eyes were fixated on mine.Her breathing had become harsh and the area around her nose and cheeks were completely red.It was cute, I will admit.“So, are you going to tell me what’s been going on with you today?” I asked her again, my eyes drifting down to her lips that she was chewing on violently.“Professor, this is highly inappropriate,” she m