The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

“Those women must be stupid,” I hear myself say and gasp. There I go thinking out loud again. I eye the empty bottle of wine with accusation. A little alcohol and apparently my mouth takes on a life of its own.

Bryce is wearing a small, satisfied smile. His eyes boring into mine. “You don’t care about what I have.”

“You say that with such certainty, and you don’t know me.”

“I know,” he says and inches closer. “You pretty much insulted me about my privilege the morning you ran from me after class. You scoffed at it.”

Hot faced I force myself not to look away. “Sorry about that. I was...in a mood.”

He chuckles. “You don’t have to wonder what’s wrong with me. If you ask, I’ll tell you.”

I tilt my head to one side and frown. My heart drops. Oh no, is he married or something? “What’s wrong with you?”

“This is our first date and ever since we got here all I’ve been thinking about is spreading you across this table and having you for dinner. Not very gentlemanly.”

Sweet baby Jesus.

I’m gaping stupidly at Bryce but how am I supposed to respond to that? He still holds me captive under his smoldering stare. There’s no trace of humor on his expression. The man is very serious, and I need a change of underwear. Just his admission has fluid seeping between my thighs.

Gulping and finally finding my tongue, I whisper— I haven’t completely regained my voice yet? “If that’s all that’s wrong with you, I can work with that.”

One corner of his mouth lifts into a grin, and he leans even closer. “I’m relieved to hear that.”

His mouth hovers centimeters above mine and is tempting me beyond belief. My breathing is getting unsteady, and I’m getting drunk off of his scent. Whatever cologne he’s wearing is like an aphrodisiac. His eyes drop to my mouth. He’s about to kiss me. I’m craving it. My eyes flutter closed, and I let out a low moan.

To my chagrin, Greta arrives with dessert and Bryce pulls away.

I’ve been hot and bothered since that almost-kiss at dinner. The way my body came to life just at the thought of him kissing me was incredible. What would have happened if

he’d actually touched me? I could get into serious trouble with Bryce. By that, I mean, I can already tell he has the power to break my heart. And I’m going to give him even more power. I want to see him again.

“You’ve been quiet.”

I turn to peer at him in the dark car. We’re back in Oak valley, sitting in his car in the vacant lot. He’d asked if I wanted to stay in Cheyenne and head back in the morning since it was late. It was tempting but I opted to go home.

I wasn’t worried about Bryce trying anything. He’d offered me a private room on another floor. Plus, he is the most chivalrous man I’ve ever met. I was worried about what I’d do. I burned to do more than kiss him. And I want to take things slow.

“Just thinking about dinner.”

“Was it bad...good?”

“It was great. I enjoyed my time with you, Bryce.”

His audible exhale makes me smile.

“Same here. I’m hoping we can go for date number two soon.”

“I’d like that.” There’s no point in fighting my attraction anymore. Clearing my throat, I gaze at him. I can only make out the outline of his features with the light illuminating from a nearby streetlight. “Um...as you know, my schedule is crazy with school and work.”

“That’s okay. Like I said before, we can work around that. You know I have no problem waiting.”

“I know but I was thinking we don’t have to wait that long for date number two.”

He leans closer, and I can see the interest lighting up his eyes. “Really?”

I shift uneasily in my seat. I’ve never asked a guy out before. Technically, I’m not asking him out. I want to invite him to my place. It’s crazy. After trying to push him away out of fear of him discovering who I am, I’m inviting him to my home after one date. This one night with him has just been so enjoyable. I want more of his company. If we wait until I have time again, I won’t see him for another week or two except for in class.

“I’m free tomorrow too.”