Lessons From the Professor

“I’m sure they’d be bored to death with a couple of old fogies like us,” Sidney said. His deep baritone sent a shiver down her spine.

“You’re not old, Sidney,” Leigh said. She moved away from her husband to place a kiss on his cheek.

“Sidney, this is my friend Sutton whom I’ve been trying to coerce into coming out with us for ages. Sutton, this is Sidney, the Human Behavior Professor whose brain you’ve wanted to pick.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Sutton,” Sidney said. They exchanged a hand-shake, and she admired the long, elegant fingers that wrapped around her own. As a nurse she was a firm believer in the power of touch, so hands were one of the first things she noticed about a man.

“Likewise.”

“You have an interest in the study of human behavior?” Sidney asked. He took the empty seat beside her at the table.

“Oh, I’m always interested in figuring out why people do what they do,” she said. She turned her body to face him. “Even if they rarely seem to stop and examine that for themselves.”

“I dare say, if everyone had such a vested interest in their actions, the world would be a better place,” Sidney said. His tone was dry as sarcasm spilled from every pore.

She chuckled, impressed by his wit.

“Is that an English accent you have?” she asked.

“Close, my family is from Wales, so we’re neighbors.”

“How did you end up in America?”

“Some days I ask myself the same thing. I did an exchange program at the University of Texas, and fell in love with Austin. From that point on I knew when I went for my PhD it would be here.”

“Do you ever miss Wales?”

“Often, but I get back once or twice a year, so it’s not too bad.”

“I’ve always wanted to travel to Europe, but school and then the start of my career have kept me so Busy I couldn’t even think the word vacation.”

“Then maybe you’re due for a trip.”

“Sidney, you just met the girl. Are you’re really trying to whisk her away for a vacation overseas?” Leigh asked. Sidney rolled his eyes and snorted.

“That’s what happens when you eavesdrop, Leigh, my dear, you only get half the story and even then it’s skewed.”

His tone was short, but infused with a subtle humor that made them all laugh. Why had Sutton never come out with them before? The other girls she could take or leave. Their conversations about fashion, men, and dancing had bored her. Yet this small group of intelligent and charming people was one she wouldn’t mind being a part of a couple of times a week.

Sutton studied Sidney from under her lashes as the night wore on. She admired the fluent motions of his hand, the velvet smoothness of his voice, and the quickness of his mind. It was embarrassing to admit, but she had developed a crush. It was all too easy to imagine the havoc those lean hands could work on her body. Sutton crossed her legs in an attempt to stave off the arousal building between her legs. She cleared her throat and grabbed her water, hoping she looked a lot calmer than she felt. The man hadn’t even shown an interest in her, and she was ready to turn into female goo.

“I think one last round of drinks is needed,” James said a while later.

They all voiced their agreement, and Sutton was surprised when Sidney turned to her.

“What would you like?” he asked.

“A rum and cola please.” He nodded, and she watched, impressed by his manners, when he waved the waiter over after she was finished with James, and ordered drinks for the both of them.

“A lady should never have to order her own drinks.” He gave her a wink, and she fought the urge to allow her jaw to drop. Was he flirting with her, or just being a gentleman?

“Careful, Professor Rothman, if you keep saying all the right things I may just have to keep you.” She’d chosen her words carefully. The playful words could go either way, and she studied his face as she tested the waters.

“What would a beautiful, young woman like yourself want with me?”

“Plenty. I like older men.” The arch of his eyebrows told her she’d stunned him as well as herself. It wasn’t in her nature to be so bold, but she had promised herself to live a little tonight. He was the first man she’ d been attracted to in ages, and she’d kick herself later if she didn’t at least show him she was interested.

“Well, that’s an important piece of information to have.” He smiled. “How much older?”