Read Online Courage In Love by K. Sterling - Free Book Online

office if I’m not back.” Parker felt a tickle of anticipation and smiled. It was such a relief after the weight in his chest and stomach despite reminding himself that he wasn’t the one ruining a student’s academic career.
    “Sounds good. You know, you’re doing the right thing, Parker.” Ross said and Parker nodded. “He knew the consequences and everyone that gets into your program knows upfront that dedication and hard work are part of the deal. He couldn’t cut it, that’s not your fault. And it’s not fair to the other students that bust their asses.” Ross stated. Parker sighed and sat back in his seat, feeling some of the tension leave his shoulders. Having Ross to share his suspicions and concerns with had been an unexpected comfort. David wouldn’t have been interested. He would have told Parker to deal with it and move on. Ross listened, considered and gave his opinions. Integrity and honesty were everything to Ross and he kept emphasizing them. Which helped. Parker could get wishy washy and blame himself or feel like he was personally hurting his student.
    “I’ll be glad once my part in this is over and I can enjoy the weekend with you.” Parker tossed the pen on the desk and squeezed the bridge of his nose.
    “Me too. Just a few more hours. I have a surprise for you.” Ross sang and the rich warmth of his voice soothed Parker.
    “You’re kind of swell, you know?” Parker asked and Ross chuckled.
    “You too. Get your work done so you can get out of there.” He ordered and Parker’s smile grew.
    “Ok. I’ll see you later.” He laughed and it made him feel even lighter.
    “Alright, bye.”
    “Bye.” Parker ended the call and tapped the phone against his lips as he considered the rest of the work on his desk. He had a few papers that needed to be graded and decided he’d do them at home with Ross. Parker felt warmth spreading in his chest. The last few weekends, Ross had driven up and they spent most of their time in bed. When they weren’t driving each other out of their minds, they read and watched movies. Ross’ literary tastes went toward the East, to Rumi or Tolstoy and Rushdie. When Parker wasn’t grading a paper, he found himself reading over Ross’ shoulder. So far, everything was perfect. The cramped one room duplex that Parker dreaded had become paradise on the weekends.
     
    The meeting was every bit as tense as Parker expected it to be. He silently repeated Ross’ statements about integrity and honesty like mantras until he walked out, then reminded himself that he had no control over this, it was his student’s choices that had brought this about. He’d done the right and fair thing. As Parker went up the steps to his office, his mood lifted as he recalled that Ross was either already there or would be soon. Walking around the corner and seeing Ross in his office made Parker almost giddy with joy.
    “I see you found your way.” Parker said and Ross smiled over his shoulder as Parker shut the door. Ross set the picture of Parker’s parents back on the shelf before he rushed across the room. Parker sighed happily as their bodes collided and their arms locked around each other. “I’m so glad to see you.” Parker murmured into the corner of Ross’ neck as he inhaled his scent and the last of Parker’s tension melted away.
    “I missed you.” Ross growled softly as his hands pressed against Parker’s back, pulling him closer.
    “Have you been waiting long?” Parker asked as he leaned back and Ross shook his head.
    “Only about ten minutes. This building is phenomenal. I can’t believe you get to work here.” He said as he released Parker. “And I love your office.” Ross pulled Parker over to the pictures. “This is your mom?” He asked in disbelief as he pointed and Parker laughed.
    “That’s my mom.” He said as he looked over Ross’ shoulder and slid a hand around him and splayed it over his stomach. He felt so solid. He was warm and smelled