He smiles his lopsided grin and stands as I approach, pulling my chair out for me as I place my bag on the floor and take out my laptop.
His broad frame could seem intimidating if you didn't know him, but this guy is a walking green flag. His deep amber and citrus cologne fills my nostrils as I do my best
Yes, Miss
to hide the fact I’m breathing him in deeply, taking my fill of him.
He takes his seat and pushes a cup in front of me, hot milky coffee already poured. The scent of caramel hits me as I take a sip, and the sweetness floods my taste buds. I glance up in surprise; a questioning look on my face.
“I saw your cup at the match. The one from that coffee chain. And given your tea with two sugars preference, I figured you liked sweet coffee. If you don’t like it, I can swap with you?”
I smile, warmth spreading through my chest at this beautiful man’s thoughtfulness and observational skills. “It’s perfect, thank you.”
He nods gently, a soft, satisfied smile curving those full lips up as he looks away, picking up his papers from the desk.
“I’m old school, I’m afraid. I need printed notes to work out what I’m doing.” He lets out a soft laugh, looking almost embarrassed.
“Paper notes work fine for me,” I reply as I grab my highlighters from my bag.
“Okay, so we have the hotel bookings confirmed and the coach to take us down. I got you a single occupancy room but with a double bed. Is that okay? Or…do you, erm,
Alexandra Ravensbrook
have anyone that may join you?” He coughs a little over the end of his question.
Is he trying to find out if I’m single?
“Smooth, James, real smooth,” I laugh. “I’m single, and no one will be joining me. I’m sure the room will be just fine.”
He drops his head into his hands, covering his face. “I’m sorry. It’s really none of my business.” he mutters, looking up, the pinkish tinge to his face starting to fade.
“It’s fine. Don’t worry! Anyone joining you? Just so I know I need to call security if I hear noises from your room!” I joke, trying to lighten the vibe again.
“No!” he blurts out. “No one… No one at all,” he replies, his tone a little softer now.
“Okay then, that's that awkward exchange out of the way!” I smile and take another drink of the beautiful latte he made me.
“We’re going to be in hotel rooms next door to each other at the end of the hallway so we can keep an eye on the students' activities,” he continues, trying to get back to the business at hand.
“But as most are over eighteen now, there isn’t much we can do to stop any drinking or hooking up.”
Yes, Miss
He shrugs, acknowledging the futility of trying to stop them doing anything.
I still find it strange to consider that I am now in charge of students who are only a few years younger than me.
“What are we doing for the evening meal? Do we need to book a restaurant?”
“No, the hotel has cut us a deal to do a set menu for the students so we can keep them under one roof. We’ll spend the evening sitting in the hotel lobby bar and be around in case we are needed, but other than that, the night is ours.” He sits back and smiles. “I thought it would be nice to eat together and get a chance to chat. We can get to know each other better,” he offers as he looks down, trying to appear engrossed in his papers.
I reach across to him and place my hand on his forearm, his skin warming mine. He tenses at my touch as his muscles flex beneath my fingers. He looks up, his deep brown eyes looking straight into mine, like he’s trying to read my soul. It takes my breath away. We stay locked into the moment for a few more seconds, my heart beating hard in my chest.
The noise of a throat clearing behind us breaks the tension, and we both spin round in our seats to see Jennifer standing at the kitchenette, making a drink and looking at the schoolyard.
Alexandra Ravensbrook
I wanted to tell him that I would love that so much. To reassure him that I’m happy to tell him what he wants to know and that I appreciate all the efforts he’s made.
