The English Teacher ➳ Emison

(Extra Part 2) Chapter 35 | Forever

Alison rinsed the last plate and set it on the drying rack, shaking off the excess water from her hands before leaning against the counter with a sigh. It was close to 2 AM—much later than she'd intended to still be awake. But between staying late at Berkeley to deal with yet another department dispute (this time over office allocations, because apparently grown adults with PhDs could still bicker like teenagers) and catching up with some college friends over video, time had slipped away from her.

She glanced at the clock. The house was too quiet.

It had only been a few days since she last saw Emily, but somehow, it felt longer. The house always seemed a little colder when she wasn't around-not literally, of course. San Francisco was in the middle of a summer heatwave, and even with the AC on, the air still carried that sticky warmth. But there was a different kind of warmth that Emily brought with her, something that lingered even after she was gone.

Alison pushed the thought aside, wiping her hands on a dish towel and trying to convince herself that she wasn't actively listening for the sound of the door unlocking. Cece and Robert were both out; it was too late for them to be dropping by. And that left only one possibility.

"Ali?"

A slow, satisfied smile tugged at her lips as she kept her focus on the sink, pretending not to notice the soft click of the door unlocking. Footsteps, light and familiar, padded across the hardwood floor behind her, coming closer.

"Hey, baby," Alison said without turning, a small smile curling as she glanced over her shoulder. "Didn't think you were coming over tonight. Thought you were staying on campus."

A second later, a sharp smack landed on her ass, making her jolt slightly.

Alison let out a short, amused breath, her head turning just enough to catch the culprit.

Sure enough, Emily stood there with that teasing little grin, eyes glassy and playful.

"You're drunk," Alison said, eyebrows lifting, but her tone was more fond than accusing.

"N-No," Emily's voice came out a little slurred, and before Alison could even react, she was pulling her into a hug from behind. The heat of her body against Alison's back felt too good to resist. She pressed herself closer, breathing into the crook of Alison's neck. "Okay, maybe just a little bit," she whispered.

"I can tell," Alison said, amusement in her voice, her hands sliding over Emily's forearms. "I thought you were at a party tonight? That's why you couldn't stay over."

Emily pressed a kiss to her neck, her lips lingering as she spoke, "I was at the party... but then someone played that song you love—and I couldn't stop thinking about you, so I just... I had to-to see you."

Alison's breath hitched as Emily kissed her neck again, a little more assertively this time. "Mmm," Alison murmured, nearly melting into the kiss. "Wait, Em," she pulled away just a little, enough to turn around and face Emily. "Seriously... weren't you supposed to stay on campus? You've got that big presentation tomorrow in class."

Emily's gaze darkened slightly with an almost predatory gleam as she stepped even closer. "I do," she admitted, but her voice dropped an octave, the tone thick with desire. "But... All I can think about right now is you."

Alison's heart fluttered. Her body buzzed with the pull of that warmth between them. But she shook her head, despite every instinct urging her to pull Emily closer.

"Em, you have to wake up early," Alison said, trying to find some semblance of control as Emily pressed against her. "We can't do this tonight." Her voice softened as she backed away slightly, though her hands lingered on Emily's arms, unwilling to completely let go. "I'm glad you're here, but seriously... you need sleep. You need to be sharp for tomorrow."