“Saved you a seat,” he says in his deep voice, indicating two empty chairs next to him. But he shows no inclination of sitting down. I can’t do anything but blink up at him, my lips parting wordlessly. This attraction is crazy and my heart thumps painfully in my chest.
“Unless,” Jordan continues, “you’d rather stand?” He’s grinning now, and I realize I must look like a dunce, gaping at his male form like a little girl in a candy store.
“Thank you,” I say hastily, sitting down and feeling like an idiot. Jimmy has just scored a point and we automatically clap along with the rest of the cheering crowd.
“How long have you and Jimmy been dating?” Mr. Marks asks casually, leaning in close so I can hear. Feeling his breath on my skin gives me chills. I wish I could feel it again in a more private setting, and then immediately feel guilty – he’s asking me about his son, Jimmy, who is my boyfriend. Guiltily, I try to steer my thoughts away from my attraction for Mr. Marks.
“Um, a couple of months now?” I answer in the most conversational tone I can muster. “He’s a great guy,” I add.
“He sure is,” nods Mr. Marks. “He loves it at Hudson and says that he’s going to triple major in kinesiology, physical sciences, and botany to boot. Go figure,” the man cracks. “My son’s a go-getter.”
Hmm, well clearly Mr. Marks doesn’t know that Jimmy’s deeply immersed in his Gender and Sexuality class. But the alpha male continues, throwing me a casual glance. “So what’s your major, Katie? Have you decided yet?”
“Interior design,” I reply, which makes him smile for some reason. It’s an incredible smile that makes my belly do backflips, and an involuntary return smile shines out at him.
“What is it?” I ask curiously.
“Nothing,” he says, shaking his head, his eyes back on the game. “That was Jimmy’s mom’s major too.”
“Really? I didn’t know that,” I respond. “Jimmy doesn’t talk about his family much, actually. I mean, I know who you are, of course,” I add quickly. He looks at me, amused, waiting for me to go on. “I know you’re a major donor to Hudson University and we even have a building named after you.”
“Ever been in it?” he asks.
“Yeah, once or twice.”
“I chose the architect myself,” Jordan says, smiling at me to see my reaction. Is he looking for my approval? I must have misread it. But that can’t be because I’m an eighteen-year old nobody, while he’s a powerful and wealthy donor. There’s no way he was seeking my approval.
“I don’t have any classes in the Marks Building,” I say hesitantly. “But I’ll go check it out sometime.” This seems to please him.
“Would you like to see it now?” he asks, his voice suddenly husky. He keeps his eyes on my face, watching my reaction. I’m a little taken aback but can’t hide a smile. “As a design major, you may appreciate it,” he adds.
“You mean, now? What – what about Jimmy?” I stammer, but more because I feel like I should, not so much because I actually care. Again, I’m wracked with guilt. But that doesn’t seem to be Mr. Marks’s problem.
“Why not?” he shrugs. “The whole university is watching, and my son has all the support he needs, right?” Looking around the bleachers, I honestly can’t argue. Not a single seat is empty, and everyone is on their feet, hooting and hollering. We definitely won’t be missed. Plus, the opportunity to spend some alone time with Mr. Marks is absolutely irresistible.
Maybe getting to know him a little better will help me figure all this out. But the raw truth is that he seems more into me than any guy has ever been, including my own boyfriend. And I’m feeling more attracted to him than anyone I’ve ever met, including my own boyfriend. I can’t resist the temptation of seeing where this may go, and where it could go. If Mr. Marks was bold enough to finger me under the table last night, who knows what else he’s capable of? It’s dirty and wrong, but I just can’t help it. I have to know what else he’s capable of. And guiltily … I hope it’s more of the same.
Chapter 5
KATIE
Mr. Marks holds open the huge glass door for me, but there’s just a small sliver of space, and our bodies almost touch as I slip inside. He enters behind me. The Marks Building is as silent as a grave.
“Wow, literally everyone is at the lacrosse game today,” I joke, my voice echoing through the cathedral-like space as we walk through the entrance hall.
“Just as well,” he says in his deep, gentle voice as he grins at me. “I can give you a private tour.” Oh shit, I hope I can resist the temptation to flirt with him. But I already know it’s a lost cause. I look around me, trying to focus on the beauty of the building.