I grimace. “Right. And I wanted to minor in business, so I need this intro class for any course that comes after it.”
“What about a tutor? Maybe some one-on-one instruction will help,” he says.
“Are you offering?” The words are out before I can censor them.
A heightened flush hits his cheeks, and even that hint of color is sexy. I can imagine the same ruddy hue on his cheeks when we are in the middle of a hot make-out session, or when he is deep inside me while in my big, lonely bed.
He opens his mouth to reply, and I speak first. “I was kidding,” I say before he can reprimand me again. “Can you recommend someone to tutor me?”
He nods. “Let me ask around, see who’s available in the summer, and I’ll get you a couple of names.”
Gratitude rushes through me. “Thank you. I don’t want to quit, but I know I can’t do this on my own.” And though he can’t offer his own help, he came up with a solution I hadn’t thought of myself. “I appreciate the suggestion.”
He smiles. “I’m glad you like it. Now let’s hope it works.”
We rise at the same time, and I take a step back, unsteady on my feet. He reaches out a hand to steady me, pulling me forward, and suddenly I am in his arms, my head tilted backward, his mouth millimeters from mine.
“Dammit,” he mutters gruffly, and as if unable to hold back from kissing me any longer, he closes the distance and seals his lips over mine.
I’ve dreamed of this moment many times in the last few weeks, but reality supersedes fantasy. He wraps me in his body heat as his tongue sweeps into my waiting mouth. I moan and lean into him, my long-dormant senses coming alive with the sensations he awakens inside me.
Our tongues touch, tangle, and delve deep. Gripping his shoulders in my hands, I lift myself onto my toes so I can get closer. He tastes like the mints I saw him pop during class, afresh hint along with his unique masculine flavor, and I can’t get enough.
I want more, more of his taste, more of his scent, more of him. He wraps an arm around my waist, hauling me against him, my hips grinding against his, my sex coming into direct contact with the hardness of his erection. He is big and thick, and my body softens, desire pulsing through me. I knew I wanted him. I hadn’t known how much until now.
A loud creaking noise sounds, followed by the slam of the lecture hall doors.
I glance around but nobody enters the room.
“Shit.” He pushes me away as if I were toxic and steps back into the aisle. “Shit,” he repeats, running a hand through his hair. “This shouldn’t have happened.”
“But it did.” And I can’t say I regret it.
“It can’t happen.” Panic laces his voice. “Never again.”
I narrow my gaze, knowing I didn’t mistake the desire between us or the fact that it was mutual. “Why not?”
“For so many reasons, but the main one is that I’m your professor.”
“Is it against school rules for a student to get involved with a teacher?” I ask.
His brow wrinkles adorably. “Not in writing. Although many schools do have things spelled out, not all do. However, I cannot allow for any hint of impropriety to taint my professional reputation. Been there, done that,” he mutters under his breath but loud enough for me to hear.
“Can you explain?” I want to know everything about him, and if he’s dealt with any kind of scandal, that will help me understand his reticence to get involved with me now.
He groans. “At my last university, a student claimed we had an affair. In reality, she was pissed I’d turned down her advances and decided to get back at me. Damn near ruined my career.”He paces up and down the aisle as he speaks. “I realize we’re the same age; however, there are so many issues with what’s happening between us I couldn’t begin to name them all. But I can’t afford anyone to think I’m giving you special treatment, using my position of authority to push you into a sexual relationship… Dammit!” The pacing continues.
“So you admit there’s something between us?” I ask hopefully.
He spins to face me, a scowl etching his features. “That’s what you took from my concerns?”
A hint of a smile lifts my lips. I can’t help it. I’m excited he feels something for me. “No,” I say softly. “I understand it all, and for that reason, I’ll stay away… until class ends.” Then I want to get to know him.
He already knows I have a son and isn’t running away because of L.J. Which means he is a good guy, something I already figured out. So I want to see if we can form some kind of relationship, as hard as it will be to find time to see one another once my son comes home.
He raises an eyebrow, obviously surprised by my easy acquiescence.
“What’s the catch?”
