Our Secret Love

Fifteen

Megan's heart pounded erratically as she reached out to Ashley's glowing skin. Her touch sent shivers down Ashley's spine, igniting a fire that had long been dormant. 'Stay,' Megan whispered, her voice trembling. 'Please don't go.'

Ashley's eyes met hers, a glimmer of longing dancing within them. 'I can't, Megan,' she sighed. 'It's not right. You're a student.'

'But I'm not just a student,' Megan protested. 'I'm a woman. And I love you.' Ashley's breath caught in her throat.

'Don't go,' Megan whispered, her voice barely above a breath. 'Not yet.'

Ashley's lips parted slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. 'Megan...'

'Just stay with me a little longer,' Megan implored. 'Imagine us together, like this. We could be so happy.'

Ashley's gaze softened, and a hint of longing played upon her lips. 'I wish it were that simple,' she said softly.

'But it is,' Megan insisted. 'We both want this. Don't we?'

'Megan, this is a mistake,' Ashley said, her voice strained. 'We shouldn't have let this happen again.'

'Why?' Megan asked, her eyes pleading. 'Because of what others might think? Because it's forbidden?'

Ashley hesitated. 'It's not just that. It's about my career, my reputation. And it's about you, Megan. You're young, you have your whole life ahead of you. You don't need to get involved with someone like me.'

Megan's heart sank. She understood Ashley's concerns, but she couldn't bear the thought of losing her. 'I don't care about what others think,' she said vehemently. 'I don't care about your career. I only care about you.'

Ashley reached out and gently stroked Megan's cheek. 'I wish it were that simple,' she murmured. 'But it's not. We live in a world where people will judge us for this. They'll think you're taking advantage of me. They'll think I'm a predator.'

Megan closed her eyes and tried to ignore the turmoil within her. 'I don't believe that,' she said. 'They don't know us. They don't know how we feel.'

Ashley sighed. 'But they will, Megan. And once they do, our lives will be turned upside down.'

Megan knew that Ashley was right. The world could be cruel and unforgiving, especially to those who dared to defy its norms. But she couldn't bring herself to give up on their love.

'I won't let them,' she vowed. 'I'll protect you. I'll protect us.'

Ashley gazed at Megan, her eyes filled with both disbelief and longing. 'How?' she asked.

Megan took a deep breath. 'I don't know,' she admitted. 'But I will find a way. I can't live without you, Ashley. I need you.'

Ashley hesitated for a long moment before leaning in and kissing Megan softly. 'I need you too,' she whispered. 'But I don't know if we can make this work.'

'We have to try,' Megan said. 'Imagine what we could be together. We could be something special.'

Ashley closed her eyes, a bittersweet pang washing over her. She had always been drawn to Megan's youthful exuberance, but she had convinced herself that an age difference would make their relationship inappropriate. Yet, as she lay beside Megan now, feeling the warmth of her body and the longing in her gaze, it became impossible to deny the depth of her own desire.

'I've been thinking about you constantly,' Megan continued, her voice laced with emotion. 'I can't imagine my life without you. We have something special, Ashley. Why let it slip away?'

Ashley's heart quickened at Megan's words. She had always felt an undeniable connection with Megan, a sense of kinship that transcended their age difference. But fear had held her back, whispering insidious doubts in her mind.

'I'm scared,' Ashley admitted. 'I don't want to hurt you or... or complicate things.'

'We'll take it slow,' Megan said, her words soothing Ashley's apprehensions. 'We don't have to rush anything. But I won't let you leave my life again.'

Ashley's gaze met Megan's, and in that instant, all of her doubts evaporated. She realized that the fear of societal judgment or professional repercussions paled in comparison to the depth of her feelings for Megan.

'Okay,' Ashley whispered, her voice barely audible. 'I'll stay.'

Megan's face broke into a radiant smile. 'Thank you,' she said, her voice trembling with relief and happiness.

'If it makes you feel more comfortable, we can keep it a secret at least until you are no longer my professor or however long you need.' Megan suggested.

'That would work for me for now' Ashley said with a sigh of relief.

She leaned forward and kissed Ashley tenderly, her lips promising a future filled with love and companionship.

'Just know I have your back, whatever you need it doesnt matter i am here. I dont want you to be afraid to talk to me' Megan said looking at Ashley.