Make Me Forget by Jacqueline Anne Page B

Thoughts were running rapidly in her mind.
    Why couldn’t we have met before? Why do we have to live so far away from each other? Why does this weekend have to end? But no matter how many questions Paige asked herself, there didn’t seem to be any pleasing answers. One thing was certain, she would never forget this weekend—or Tyler.
    Tyler quickly washed himself. He turned off the shower and stepped out to dry himself off. He wrapped a soft, fluffy towel around her and dried her with care.
    Still remaining silent, he took her hand in his and led her to bed. They lay down, and he pulled her close. Paige rested her head on his chest and settled her leg over his hip. He was playing with her wet hair.
    Paige sighed and traced imaginary circles on his chest. “Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher?”
    “I did—and a coach too. I had some great teachers growing up. They had a huge impact on my life. I wanted to do the same for others.” Tyler sighed and Paige looked up at him.
    She could tell his mind had drifted elsewhere.
    “What’s wrong, Tyler? You are thinking about something else right now, aren’t you?”
    He tightened his arms around her and held her. “Not everyone thinks what I do is great.”
    “What do you mean? I think teachers are some of the most significant people in the world. They are educating kids and influencing the future.”
    He didn’t say anything at first, but she heard him sigh. She looked up at him and saw a mix of emotions on his face and his eyes focused on the ceiling. Paige sensed there was a story that went along with his statement. She wanted to soothe his heart, just as he soothed hers. She reached for his hand and laced her fingers with his, giving him a gentle, reassuring squeeze. He closed his eyes and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
    “I was in love once. Her name was Carly. We dated throughout college. She was pre-med. Her whole family was full of very prestigious doctors. I thought we had something special. I even started saving money for an engagement ring. Then one evening the doorbell to my apartment rang. It was Carly and her grandfather. They had come together for Carly to break up with me. Her grandfather said, ‘no granddaughter of mine will date a teacher’. It wasn’t a prestigious career in their eyes—and that was it. Haven’t seen her or spoken to her since. I tried calling and stopping by her place, nothing. Years put into a relationship—gone.”
    Paige leaned up and kissed his lips. She knew how he felt in some ways. Justin had always pushed her career aside to make sure his stayed in the spotlight. Even though he’d loved schmoozing clients, he’d been constantly stressed out about getting the next big ticket account. It had always been about the fame and dollar signs to him.
    “I never understood why people judge other people’s work. If you love what you are doing and making an honest living, why does it matter? Our world needs more people who are passionate about what they do instead of people hating their jobs and being miserable because of it.” She settled her chin on his chest and looked into his beautiful blue eyes. “I bet you’re amazing in the classroom.”
    Tyler cocked an eyebrow. “Just in the classroom?” he teased.
    She knew he was trying to lighten up the mood, but it was a serious conversation. Paige would always stand by what she said. That was what passionate people did, no matter what happened or who challenged them.
    She hadn’t always been a bestselling author. She’d written for a long time for little to no money before she made it. She kept going because she loved it.
    She playfully smacked him. “You know what I mean. You are passionate about it. I can see it in your eyes when you talk about teaching. That’s what makes you an amazing teacher.”
    Tyler kissed her forehead. “Thank you. I really do love it. It seems like my students enjoy my classes too.”
    “I think it’s wonderful you love what