"You think?" I raise an eyebrow at that.
He shrugs, but smiles at me before reaching for another container. "I have a lot of meetings and things to do. I'm very popular, you know."
"Ah yes, with all those extra lessons and office hours that are filled with students."
"Exactly," he says. I can tell he's flirting and I'm playing right into it. It comes so easily between us. "This one student in particular really takes advantage of those one-on-ones. I'm glad he does it, too. I like the company."
I'm surprised by his honesty. Then he shoves a whole sushi roll into his mouth and smiles as he chews. It's gross, but adorable. I sit back in my chair and finish the ramen bowl. When we are both full, Bennett packs up the remaining bit, insisting I take it home otherwise it'll go to waste. I'm sure that's not true, but I don't argue. I'll have it for dinner tonight.
"I'll let you get on with your work," I say once he's back to having a clear desk. "Thanks for lunch."
"You don't have to rush off," Bennett says quickly. He seems to realize what he said a second later and his lips part to say something. I wait, not sure if I should actually leave or not. I don't have anywhere to be for another two hours anyway. I'd honestly rather spend time here than driving around the city or walking anywhere. Going home would be an awkward amount of time. "I mean, sorry. I know you have the open house and all that. Don't think you have to stay here."
"If you don't mind me doing a bit of studying, I can hang out for a bit."
I don't miss the smile on Bennett's face and I pull my laptop back out and go back to working on the study guide. Tyler and I are presenting fourth on Thursday and we've already delegatedwho will be talking through the sections. I'm confident that we'll do well on it. Unlike the test, which I am nervous about but I won't tell Bennett that.
Bennett prints out a copy for me without even asking. I put away the laptop and open up the textbook to fill in the blanks left on the guide. I do bother Bennett twice to ask him a question. The second time, he stands up and walks around the desk. His hip grazes against my arm and I don't pull away. If I'm honest, I actually lean into the connection slightly.
I listen to him explain the information and nod when it finally makes sense. His hand rests on my upper back and now it's my turn to look up at him. I feel his hand move slightly until his palm is against the back of my neck and his fingertips graze my jawline.
Before I know it, his lips are on mine. They're soft, small against my own. His hand on the back of my neck presses me closer to him, our lips moving together in a gentle kiss. Neither of us pushes it further, but my mind is going wild. I close my eyes and lift my hands to his back, holding him but not keeping him in place.
It's amazing and I don't want this moment to end. I can smell that same scent from the night he stayed over. It's like the morning after a good rain, when the ground is still wet but everything feels fresh. I don't fight when his tongue licks across my bottom lip, opening up for him with no hesitation. Our lips move together, heads tilting to get as close as we can to each other. He's still standing, one hand still on my neck holding me and the other leaning on the arm of my chair. It's a possessive position and I'm all for it.
When we do part, both of us are breathing kind of heavy. I know I am and I can feel my heart beating fast in my chest. I look at him, taking in his eyes, lips, nose, cheeks. They're flushed and I'm sure mine are the same. His lips are wet and swollen.
Bennett's smile develops slowly. At first, the corners twitch upward and then he's showing two rows of perfect teeth. His eyes crinkle at the outer corners, showing his age.
"Screw the five weeks," he whispers, leaning in once more to steal another kiss.
Hey, Bennett. Just letting you know I won't be in class today. I had something come up that I couldn't get out of. Sorry for missing class.
I read the email one more time before hitting send and closing down my laptop. I woke up to a text from Charlie, letting me know that there would be a couple of guys coming by to do a perimeter survey. I knew they were planning on coming this week. I was hoping it would be on one of the days I didn't have class.
I don't even know why they're coming now, when we still have three months before it's officially sold. I want to stay here and make sure they aren't messing with the animals or the field with the crops. If it's the last summer we're going to be able to sell anything, I'll be damned if some guy in a suit and loafers is going to screw that up.
I finish my cup of coffee and set the cup in the sink. I grab my flannel shirt and head to the front door. I can see the outline of the house and barn from where I'm sitting, but not much else. I'm sure there will be an unfamiliar car or two parked out front. Charlie said they were showing up at eight. I walk down the steps and get in my truck. I already took care of the animals this morning with help from Clark, so hopefully they'llbe content while strangers walk around. I know the pigs and the few cattle we have won't be bothered, but our horses aren't used to outsiders.
Clark and I had another long talk last night. I told him about my first boyfriend, sparing quite a few details, and asked him more about the friend he is crushing on. I know that today's society is a lot more open and accepting of bisexual and gay men, but I could tell he is nervous. Whether that's because he says he has a crush on one of his friends or just a general nervousness, I'm not sure. We also talked about his future and what he plans on doing. He does plan on going out of the state for a few years, to a college to get a degree as a 'backup' plan. He wanted to have something to fall back on if the welding didn't work out. I'm happy he's such a smart kid. If I had thought that, I wouldn't be in this situation right now.
I also wouldn't have met Bennett either.
Silver linings, I guess.
We stayed up until one in the morning, talking and laughing. He finally revealed which friend he likes. It's one I've actually met before a few times. I am swore to secrecy from his parents, though. I shared with him that I was talking to someone, but it wasn't that serious right now. I know I'm lying to myself because my feelings toward Bennett are more than just casual. Especially after our lunch date in his office Monday.
I see an unfamiliar truck parked when I get closer to the house. My happy memories and good mood dissipate almost immediately as I turn off the truck and get out. Charlie is standing next to two guys, dressed exactly how I imagined. I don't shake hands with either of the men. I choose to cross my arms and stay silent while the three of them talk.
I don't know why Charlie volunteers us to drive them around. I think Charlie is trying to upsell the farm land, giving them the history of the place and our family in hopes that they mightchange their mind and keep the land as an actual farm. I spot the rolled up blueprints in the one guy's hands… I know they aren't planning on keeping things the same. It's going to suck driving by and seeing whatever building they put here. I just hope the other farms around don't decide to sign anything.
By the time it hits lunch time, I'm over being around them. I've given one word answers, pointed out the property line instead of talking. I made it more than obvious my feelings toward them being here today.
I decline lunch with Charlie and Joyce. Clark is out with friends today, thankfully. I know he's still upset that this land won't be his someday. He'll still get the small acreage they're keeping, but it isn't the same. I drive back to my place, thinking about nothing in particular. I'm already in a grumpy mood, and focusing too much on one thing will make it worse.
I sigh when I see someone sitting on my porch steps. It takes a second to register the car since I've only seen it a few times in passing. Bennett stands up as I get out of the truck. He wipes his hands on his thighs. He looks nervous, but cute in his green button up shirt and black slacks. Stepping closer to him, I swear it looks like he's been crying.
"Bennett, why are you here?"
