The Professor (Book 2)

Epilogue

3 Years Later...

After a long, fatiguing day at the nursing home, I was so happy to be stepping into my own home, letting out a tired, yet blissful sigh.

Another great day over, now to relax and decompress.

The large entrée never got any smaller over the years, but it had gotten homier after Harry let me put my finishing touches on it. A few flowers, knickknacks, and small things here and there, it now actually looked less sterile and more like someone actually lived here.

Coming inside, still in my light pink scrubs, I took off my jacket and shoes, and immediately looked up when I heard Giselle coming out of the laundry basement, carrying a stack of fresh fluffy towels. She smiled my way and bid me hello, and I repaid it with a warm smile of my own. I could already smell Jean cooking in the kitchen as well, no doubt creating another masterpiece for me to sink my teeth into in about an hour or so.

But the one who I had hoped the most would greet me at the door, sadly hadn't.

Sighing, I began my usual march towards the two double doors. The doors were closed, which translated into him being busy with work. Nonetheless, I still opened the door, giving a small tap before poking my head in. "Knock knock."

And there he was. As usual, in his favorite spot.

Spinning the chair around, Harry looked my way the second I stepped into his office. His lips turned up in a little smile, but didn't speak. I quickly realized why, as he sat in front of his desk, wearing his usual brown trousers and white pressed shirt, except today, he had a phone pressed to his ear.

– But that wasn't the thing I was concerned about. Instead, my eyes sought to his lap, where his other hand was busy as well.

Smoothing over his sleek gray fur, Harry's hand moved in a constant calm petting motion over the half-sleeping cat in his lap. He looked quite content as he laid there, purring audibly even from across the room.

Shaking my head, I crossed my arms at the sight. Unbelievable. Buying a cat had been my decision, and yet of course he became a complete daddy's boy the second I wasn't around. Always curled up on Harry's lap, every single afternoon I came home.

The betrayal was real.

"D'Artagnan," I sighed, shaking my head again at the cat who just kept purring, ignoring me completely even as I came closer.

"Don't take it personally," Harry spoke, his lips tugging up at my annoyed expression. "He had a long day. He tried to help with this," He nodded down at the desk filled with his math, "but gave up rather quickly. After that, he decided to take the rest of the day off."

"Sitting in your lap," I finished, leaning down to Harry's lips, stopping inches away. "I can't say I blame him. I'd spent all day in your lap as well if I could."

Harry chuckled soundlessly, but then kissed me back as I pressed my lips to his. It was a slow, unhurried battle, even as the phone against his ear kept ringing.

"How was work?" He then asked, letting me pull an inch from his lips. I hummed tiredly.

"Long, but good," I smiled, before turning my eyes to his phone, still ringing. "And you?"

"I'm trying to get in touch with a Swedish astronomer. Time difference and connection is proving rather a bother."

"Well, I won't bother you then," I whispered, pecking his lips a last time. "Just wanted to say hi. I'm gonna go relax upstairs. I'll see you later tonight."