Voyeur

Thanks for picking me up from the sex club I work at and taking me home. Also, for masturbating with me and holding my hand as we fell asleep. P.S. here’s my number because I’d love to do it again. See you in class this week.

That would go over great.

Accepting the next few days without communication, I decided to do my research and form a plan. The next time I was with Callum, I wanted to be more prepared and maybe try for something much more than just watching.

Tuesday morning, I walked across campus with confidence. I’d come prepared, in a baggy sweater that hung off my shoulder and a lace bralette underneath. It was skimpy and bright red to match my bold lipstick and nail polish. I’d left my hair down and slightly curled, taking time to appear ultra-feminine.

I just hoped Callum thought so too.

I could tell my plan worked when I watched him do a double take as I walked in class. He stood in his normal spot leaning against the desk, greeting students with a quick glance. But when I waltzed though the door, he’d said hello to me and began to move on to the next person when he’d turned back to watch my progress across the classroom.

“Dayum, girl,” Olivia said when I sat. “You got a date later today, because you look hot as fuck.”

“Just needed a little confidence boost,” I said, shrugging as I pulled out my notebooks.

“Well, I think you’re boosting all the guys, if you know what I mean,” she said, her eyebrows waggling. “Hell, even Dr. Pierce had to pick his jaw off the ground.”

“Oh, he did not.” I didn’t want Olivia noticing Callum staring at me. I didn’t want that kind of scrutiny on me or him. “You’re hilarious, Liv.”

She pretend-flipped her hair and then focused her attention up front as class began.

I was pretty sure it was just me since everyone else seemed to be focused on the lecture, but the tension seemed higher than usual. Each time his eyes landed on me felt like he was shouting to everyone who would listen that we’d come in front of each other. The seconds he stared felt like minutes, and I was sure by the end of class my heart was going to explode in excitement. Somehow, I made it through the entire hour without combusting.

Olivia waited for me, removing any chance I had to try and talk to Callum. I’d hoped to at least exchange numbers, but I couldn’t do that with her by my side. Frustrated, but accepting having to wait another day, I packed my things and stood to go.

“Miss Derringer.”

His smooth voice stroked across my skin, and I had to fight the heat rising from my chest, trying to seep into my cheeks. Cool, calm, and collected. I needed to remain cool, calm, and collected.

“Yes, Dr. Pierce.”

“Can you please come by my office later to discuss your appointment time?” When he didn’t look up from packing away his stuff, my lungs deflated under the pressure of what it could mean for him to avoid looking at me. Had I read it all wrong? Was he going to have me come up to his office and tell me what a mistake all of it was? Was he mad I’d come to class like this? Were we right back to where it all began with the back and forth? Him running hot and then cold?

All of it rushed through my head and created a dull buzz in my ear.

“Sure. I should be able to stop by this afternoon.” My words sounded hollow, lacking any excitement that I’d had earlier. I almost wanted to cry as I turned to head out the door. When I looked back one more time over my shoulder, he was watching me.

And he gave me a wink.

No, he wasn’t regretting anything. He was just better at hiding his emotions and needs than I was.

I wanted to give a sexy smirk back, but I was too giddy that he wasn’t going to brush me off. Rolling my lips between my teeth, I fought my smile, trying to hide my excitement from Olivia. The last thing I needed was for anyone to know what was going on between me and Dr. Pierce.

My time in the biology department dragged, the minute hand taking twice as long to make its rounds around the clock. But soon, it was lunch and I had to fight from running through the halls to get to his office. I made myself walk at a normal pace when I reached the hallway and forced a neutral smile for Donna when I walked in, but she wasn’t there. No one was.

Except Dr. Pierce.

I snuck into his office and shut the door, locking it, ready to set my plan in place. I knew what I’d wanted to do, but I hadn’t known how it would be executed. Being able to sneak into his office undetected was perfect.