Chapter 519

Back at Cloudscape Community, Juniper lounged in a rocking chair, playing a game on her phone and eating ice cream. Registration was done, and the mandatory orientation training would begin tomorrow.
Nearby, Shanley and Dana were packing a suitcase for her. She wouldn’t be allowed to leave campus during the training, which meant she’d have to stay in the dorms.
“It’s going to be so hot Dana said, looking at Juniper with a pained expression. “Ms. Payne is so delicate. How will she endure it?”
“Mr. Schwartz, maybe you could speak with the university? Get her excused from the training?” she pleaded.
Dana had heard that the instructors Eclara University hired this year were all retired veterans, some even from special forces. She could only imagine how strict they would be. Ms. Payne was used to the meals at home, and she needed Mr. Schwartz with her to sleep at night…
Oh, Dana was genuinely worried.
Instead of making a decision, Shanley looked over at Juniper, seeking her opinion.
“No need,” Juniper said dismissively, her words slightly muffled by the food she was chewing. “The training sounds like fun.”
It had been a while since she’d had a proper workout. This was a good opportunity. “Let her be,” Shanley said to Dana with a smile. “Just pack some more healthy snacks for her.” With all that physical activity, she was bound to get hungry.
“Of course, Mr. Schwartz.” Dana bit her lip, holding back any further arguments. It was a two-week training. She could only hope Ms. Payne would make it through.
…
The next day, Juniper woke up early and headed for Eclara City.
As she was about to get out of the car, Shanley suddenly grabbed her wrist, his handsome face etched with concern.
“If anything happens, call me immediately. Okay?”
“Sure,” Juniper agreed absently, adjusting her backpack.
Not being able to go home meant she might not be able to sleep at night. She’d cross that bridge when she came to it.
“And Shanley hesitated, his thumb
stroking her wrist as his voice dropped to a low murmur. “Be careful when you’re making friends at School Especially with any guys who approach you with
less-than-honorable intentions.”
At that, Juniper instinctively looked up at him, a playful curve gracing her pink lips.
“So guys who approach me with honorable intentions are okay?”
“You know that’s not what I mean.’ Shanley’s brow furrowed in helpless exasperation. He managed a weak smile. “I’m just… afraid you’ll get tired of me and find someone new.”
“Oh.” Juniper blinked, leaning closer to him, a sly, fox-like grin on her face. “The great Mr. Schwartz is so easily scared.”
“Yes,” Shanley admitted without hesitation, his finger gently tapping the tip of her nose. His voice was laced with a captivating charm. “I’m older. A little insecure.”
Juniper stared at him for a few seconds before her lips moved. “Don’t worry. It’s not like just any man can catch my eye.”
“Is that so?” Shanley’s grip on her hand tightened, his throat bobbing as his voice grew even huskier. “That’s a relief to hear, Juniper.”
Their eyes locked. Being this close, it was hard not to feel a spark.
“I’m going,” Juniper said abruptly, pulling away and pushing the car door open.
Before Shanley could react, she was gone, disappearing through the school gates. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and let out a resigned laugh She was a legal adult, a university student and he had successfully confessed his feelings… so why did he still feel a pang of guilt whenever he was with her? Could this be… the age gap?