“You’re hot,” a male voice calls out from the back of the room. I open my mouth to respond, but I’ve got nothing, so I just close it again.
Jude sits up straighter in his chair. “So, guys…you may not want to hear this, but just sit tight and give me a minute. When I was growing up, my father took off when I was twelve. That left my mom to raise me alone, and you know what? She did a hell of a job. She always told me not having a father around would never be an excuse for me, and it never has been. Whether you’ve got a good example at home or not, do the right thing, man. Respect women. If you have sex, use protection. Get good grades. Be a person of integrity.”
The whole room is transfixed on Jude, whose earnest expression is calling out to me. I want to move closer to him, but I force myself to stay still.
“Reputation is what other people think of you,” he says. “Character is who you are deep down inside. Stay focused on your character, and your reputation will take care of itself. That’s the best advice anyone gave me.” He looks over at me. “What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you, Reagan?”
I take a deep breath, trying to get my wits back. Jude has an ability to mesmerize me.
“You only have one life,” I say. “Dream big and chase hard and know that only you get to decide what your dreams are. My mom told me that when I graduated high school.”
“That’s great advice,” Jude says, his eyes locked on mine. “Always fight for what matters to you.”
Tracy clears her throat. “All right, then. If anyone wants to shake hands with Reagan or Jude or get a selfie, this would be a good time.”
The girl in the front row jumps out of her seat and runs to Jude.
“I’ll be eighteen in October,” she says in a breathy tone. “And I’mdefinitelyvoting. I want you to be my first.”
Jude laughs lightly, his brow furrowed. “Thanks.”
We both take selfies with the students, and then Carl and Lexi gather everyone for a photo of us with the entire class. Jude and I are in the back row for the group photo, and he slides his palm over my ass and squeezes it just at the moment the photo is being taken.
I take a deep, cleansing breath. I’ve got to keep my head on straight here. But it’s hard with Jude so close I can smell the light scent of his cologne.
I want to be covered in that scent. I want every inch of his skin on every inch of mine. It’s getting harder and harder to resist jumping into bed and working out all this sexual frustration between us.
Tom’s watchful gaze is on me, and I don’t like it.
“Lex, I’m going to the bathroom,” I say. “Meet you on the bus.”
My heels click on the floor of the empty hallway as I make my way to the nearest ladies’ room. Once there, I brace my hands on a sink and look at my reflection in the mirror.
Just the usual Reagan. Nothing to see here. No one can tell I’m an emotional mess over Jude Titan. Only I know, and I can keep it buried inside.
The bathroom door opens, and when I look over, I see Jude striding in. My heart flies into overdrive as I step back from the sink.
His dark, hungry gaze washes over me. I canfeelhim, just from that look. I’m breathing hard as he backs me against the bathroom wall, out of view from the bathroom entrance.
“This guy you mentioned being involved with,” he says, wrapping his hands around my waist, “he’s a lucky bastard. Anyone I know?”
I run my palms over his chest, enjoying every ridge of muscle beneath my fingers. “He’s rather intoxicating,” I say. “He’s got this tattoo on his forearm that’s so sexy. I fantasize about him every night.”
His hands slide around to my ass and he hikes me up, my legs instinctively winding around his waist. “Is that right? You want him buried inside you?”
“Yes.” I thread my fingers into the back of his short hair, and our mouths collide in a hard, punishing kiss. His erection presses against my belly as we taste each other until I’m breathless.
“Am I the only man in your life?” Jude asks me, our faces still just an inch apart.
“Of course. Why would you ask me that?”
He tenses. “I just need to know. Don’t play me, Reagan.”
“I’mnot,” I say in a low, firm tone. “There is no one else. Is there for you?”
He just shakes his head. “I’m out of my fucking mind for you. There’s no one else who does this to me.”
I cup his stubbled cheeks in my hands. “Is it the thrill of the forbidden? Will you still want me once you’ve had me?”
