Free Finn, Amber - Her Prized Student (Siren Publishing Classic) by Amber Finn

is?”
    “Yes, I do. Unfortunately, I just broke up with him.”
    “Oh, dear. Any chance of a reconciliation?”
    “No, I don’t think so. It will be just me and this baby.”
    “Avery, are you sure you want to do that? You have no idea how hard that is. Believe me, I know. I was a single mother until I met my husband.”
    “Really? I didn’t know. Well, look at you now. Besides, there are plenty of women out there doing it without help—I can, too. I am not going to get back together with the baby’s father just for his help. I am stronger than you think. I have a full-time job with a flexible schedule. I can do this. I can.”
    Dr. McKenzie looked at Avery with concern. “Who are you trying to convince? Me or you?”
    As Avery pulled into her driveway, she was still digesting the news. It was a complete shock, one that she was unprepared to handle at the moment but had no choice in making it a top priority. Blake would have to take a backseat while she figured out what to do about the baby. Thankfully, the house would not be a problem. She had plenty of space. Full-time teaching at a university and childcare would be an issue. This needed to be addressed. She would have to speak to Amelia. She was surprised when she got in the house to find a message waiting for her from Amelia already. She couldn’t know about the baby. What could this be about?

    * * * *

    Avery arrived on campus mid-afternoon. Dr. McKenzie suggested carrying small snacks with her to keep food in her stomach at all times. If she didn’t let her stomach get empty, the nausea would stay away. So far, for the first three hours, it had worked. She went straight to Amelia’s office and knocked on her door. Amelia opened the door within seconds of Avery’s knocking. Amelia did not greet Avery in her usual manner. As Avery walked in, she noticed Dr. Kenneth Scofield, the Assistant Chair of the English Department, sitting on the couch and not looking too happy. Avery felt the apprehension from this morning return and had a feeling this meeting would not end well.
    “Sit down, Avery.” Amelia beckoned to the empty chair in front of her desk. Amelia sat behind her desk and pulled out a folder. “Avery, I’ve asked you here because Ken has brought to my attention some accusations about you and Blake Emory. Someone left these photos in his mailbox.”
    Amelia opened the folder on her desk and showed Avery photos of her and Blake at her house on her back patio in a passionate embrace. When Avery looked up at Amelia with tears in her eyes, Amelia said, “I’m sorry, Avery.”
    Ken stood up. “You’re sorry? This is reprehensible, Dr. Jackson. We have rules against this sort of thing for a reason.”
    Avery blanched at his reference to their relationship as “this sort of thing”—especially knowing that she was carrying Blake’s baby. Thinking of the baby reminded Avery that she was now responsible for another being. She was not about to let Ken Scofield scold her about a loving relationship because of rules that were the result of someone else’s relationship that got out of control.
    Avery stood as well. “Dr. Scofield, this relationship was between two consenting adults who were not only above the age of twenty-one but were also both college graduates. The intent of this policy was to prevent inappropriate relationships between faculty and undergraduates, yet for some reason, it was written to include the graduate students as well. It was an overreaction on the university’s part.” Avery paused and took a deep breath as she looked between Amelia and Ken. “Nevertheless, we knew the policy and broke it. I will go clear out my office now. Thank you for the opportunity. I am sorry this didn’t work out.”
    Without another word, Avery turned and walked out.

Chapter Six

    Avery stood in the middle of her office after going to the local office store for boxes. She was determined to keep moving. If she stopped, she was afraid the reality