"I'm going to go meet the guy outside for our food," I say. "I'll be right back."
The main door for this building is just down the hallway and I take the steps deliberately, trying to calm myself down. Inviting him to the office was so natural but now that it's happening, I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I don't mind helping him with questions and the time we hung out, it was before we made the promise to wait.
Does that mean I can't flirt with him? Last night crosses my mind. We were definitely both giving and taking compliments and flirty remarks from each other. We both admitted that we talk about each other when we're not together. My mind is at war as I watch my phone, the little car on the screen driving closer every few seconds. One side of me wants to keep that promise, to wait and figure out what we'll do afterward. He's going through a lot and I know he's truly needing this class. I don't want to screw anything up for him.
The other side of my brain is telling me that we're both adults. It would be more concerning or different if it was a youngerstudent, freshly turned eighteen. I don't know if it is different, but I do know that it's so effortless to talk to Nelson. He listens to me, remembers things I say. I didn't have that growing up and the last couple of years living here it's been hookups instead of relationships. The few friends I have, like Hayley or Vishal, have just as busy of lives and meeting up with them is a rare treat. We're mostly texting every few days to keep up with each other.
I do plan to fly out after the baby is born, though. I need to meet my goddaughter. I gave myself that title this weekend and neither of them actually said the word no so I'm going with it. I wonder if Nelson would want to go with me.
The thought makes me pause. I cannot be debating if my feelings toward him are ethical as his professor, while at the same time I'm planning a future trip across the country for us. I shake my head and groan, unsure of which path I'm supposed to take.
The food delivery guy pulls up and I thank him for the food, adding a tip through the app once I confirm that everything is right. I laugh when I see they added at least four utensil packs for the amount of food I ordered.
Nelson has taken off his flannel shirt when I return to the office. He has his laptop out and I can see the study guide is pulled up on his screen. I posted it this morning before class started in preparation for the test next Thursday. "If only all the students were as diligent as you."
He startles and turns in the chair to follow my movements. I smile at that. He's so cute. "I don't exactly have the track record for good test scores, so I like to do a little bit each night."
"You're passing the class," I say. I'm confused on his stance with his scores. "Your scores have improved with each week. Don't forget the offer I gave you, too. I'm actually doing it for another student, so don't think you're the only one."
"I'm not special?" I look up from the bag of food and see the sarcastic smile he's wearing.
"I don't buy my other students lunch," I point out. Then I drop my voice, even though the door is shut. "Nor have I shared a bed with anyone else."
It's my turn to shoot him a wink as I pull out the last item from the bag. I clear off the desk so we can eat comfortably. We eat straight from the containers, passing food back and forth to get a bit of everything. Nelson downs half a bottle of water after eating the spicy grilled pork. I try my best not to laugh at him, but his ears have turned red from the heat.
I hand him over a napkin and motion to my own face. He has a bit of sauce on his lips and I'm sure he doesn't want to lick that off. He sets the dish down, shaking his head.
"I'm not trying that one again," he says. He coughs once more and then goes back to the ramen bowl. I got both of us a bowl and I'm glad that he seems to be enjoying his.
"It's not that bad," I say. "Do you not like spicy foods?"
"I have to be expecting it," he says. "That is a bit much for me, though."
"It's not that hot," I say. "You're just a sheltered farmer boy. You need to experience more cuisines."
"I'm not sheltered," Nelson argues.
"What's the most exotic thing you've eaten?" I'm curious what his answer is. From the way he talks, I don't imagine he's done much traveling, definitely not out of the country. I could be wrong, but I don't think I am.
"Alligator."
I nearly choke on my own food. After washing the bite down and composing myself, I stare at him. "What? Seriously?"
"You seem surprised," Nelson says. "I took a trip down to New Orleans once with some friends and we tried it. It wasn't myfavorite thing by far, but I'd eat it again if given the chance. What were you expecting me to say?"
"I don't know," I say honestly. "I pegged you as a true country boy, maybe deer meat or something. I know that's a thing here to hunt, right?"
Nelson shakes his head and leans forward, his elbows resting on the edge of my desk. His eyebrows raise and he gets this glint in his eyes. "What else do youpegme for, Professor Murray?"
Chapter Fourteen
Ijumpupandround the desk quickly when Bennett starts to choke on his food. I pat his back, hoping that I didn't just unintentionally kill the professor with my joke. After a few more coughs, he sighs and holds up a hand to stop me. I take a step back, but he moves his hand to wrap his fingers around my wrist to keep me from moving further.
"That was not funny," he says, eyes staring up at me through his lashes. They're long, something I notice each time we're close enough to each other. I nearly choke on the air I'm breathing when his thumb moves slowly over my pulse point as the moment grows longer between us.
"It was a little bit funny," I say, but my voice nearly breaks with the tension between us. He drops my wrist and turns back to the food still left. I know my smile fades, but I recover before he can look at me and sit back down in my own chair. I figure changing the subject would be best. "What all work do you have to do today?"
"Grading some things mostly," he says. "Nothing too time consuming. I think I have a faculty meeting tomorrow."
