In Love with a Married Woman {COMPLETE}

Prologue

"Timothy I'm not about to argue with you right now. I have a lecture in three minutes. I said give me some time," Avery huffed leaning against her desk with her left hand holding her forehead.

"It's been a month Avery. It's either you want to marry me, or you don't," he yelled through the phone.

"My mother is in the god damn hospital fighting for her life and you're demanding me to give you an answer on if I want to marry you or not. If this is the selfish man I would be marrying then I don't want to," Avery croaked feeling hot tears fall down her face.

"Avery t-"

"I have to get ready for class. Don't call me, I'll call you when I'm ready," she hung up the phone sighing.

Looking down at the beautiful engagement ring on her finger she shook her head sliding it off putting it on her desk. Wiping away the tears that stained her face she pulled herself together. Running her hands down her black office dress she took a deep breath then exhaled.

Grabbing her breif case she walked out of her into the hallway. Her black red bottoms clicked loudly on the marbel floor as she headed to the lecture hall. Finally reaching the door she just stood there outside of the classroom. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath before exhaling again.

Knocking her back to reality the a male student was calling her name as he walked towards her. He was one of her outstanding students. All of his essays were superb.

Forcing a smile on her face she greeted him, "Mr. Brown."

He smiled politely before opening the door for her to the classroom.

"Thank you," she nodded before entering into the classroom walking over to her desk.

Placing her briefcase on the desk she turned to face the class. All conversation stopped as their attention was now on Professor Avery. She was one of the most down to earth professors on campus, but cut throat when she needed to be. Her students admired her, yet feared her.

As she looked at all of them she leaned against her desk with her arms crossed. She knew the lecture top to bottom for today so why wasn't she saying anything?

"Are you okay Professor Avery," a student asked.

She smiled faintly before shaking her head, "You know what? I think you all deserve a free day. Class dismissed."

Without another word she grabbed her briefcase and walked out of the classroom and back to her office. Placing her briefcase on the floor next to her desk she plopped down in her chair.

Closing her eyes she placed her head on her hands as tears started to fall once again. This time she let then flow freely as she sobbed to herself. Hearing knocking on her door she quickly wiped her tears away.

Clearing her throat she spoke,"Come in."

Opening the door Chris entered into the office.

"Mr. Brown do you need something," she questioned.

He didn't say anything as he took a seat in one of the chairs in front of her desk.

"No, but you can tell me what's going on with you," he answered.

"Excuse me?"

"What's wrong Professor Avery? You clearly aren't in the right head space, because when do you ever give us a free day," he said.

"Nothing I can't handle Mr. Brown," she replied.

"Professor Avery you walk around here happy and head strong. Everyone sees you from what you show them, but I see you for what you don't show everyone. The pain and suffering that's on your face, you hide it well. Though I'm not a fool. I see it. I see all of the hurt. It's okay to be vulnerable sometimes. Even Jesus cried and he's the strongest out of all of us," Chris responded.

Avery didn't have anything to say. What could she say. He could see right through her as if she were glass. Getting up from her chair she inhaled sharply. And like that the water burst through the dam. She was a crying mess.

Standing Chris pulled her into a warm embrace letting her cry. He didn't say anything either. He just let her get all of it out. It's what she needed. Pulling away from him she wiped her face and blew her nose. She couldn't lie and say she didn't feel a little better, because she did.

"I'm sorry I didn't m-"

Stepping closer to her he placed a hand on her cheek, "Don't, don't apologize for being vulnerable."

Looking into each other's eyes they both felt an electric pull. Leaning in Chris kissed her without hesitation, and she kissed him back. It was slow and passionate making Avery's heart explode into a million pieces.

He then stepped back from her shaking his head, "I'm sorry you're not in the right head space right now and this is completely inappropriate."

Nodding her head Avery crossed her arms looking down, "You're right."

"Avery," he said softly.

Lifting a hand she smiled faintly, "It's okay Chris, I understand. You shouldn't feel guilty, I should. I wanted you to kiss me."

"I should get going," Chris said.

"Yes that would be for the best."

"Do you Avery Denton take Timothy Jean to be your husband," the pastor asked.

Looking into Timothy's eyes she hesitated. Chris was long gone and he wasn't coming back. She couldn't stop her life for him. It was time to move on.

"I do."