The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

I’ve barely come to stop in front of a quaint one-story house when Abby hops out with a quick, “thanks.”

I sigh and get out. “Constantly running after you will keep me in great shape.”

She stops, audibly sighs and slowly turns around. “I’m sorry. Thank you for the lift. You should get going. It’s a long way back to your side of town and it’s?”

Without putting much thought into it, I kiss her. She didn’t realize I’d closed in on her because she was too busy rambling, trying to get rid of me. I must have lost my mind. She’s been throwing up blocks all day and here I am kissing her without permission. At any second, I might get a slap to the face or a knee to my balls. But none of that comes, so I step a little closer. Surprisingly, she kisses me back.

Her mouth moves readily to the rhythm of mine. It’s amazing how quickly I lose myself in her, forgetting that we’re standing on a sidewalk. I cup her cheeks and delve deeper until she sighs softly. Reluctantly, I pull away. We’re still close, so her warm breath fans my face. Nothing has changed. That fire I experienced kissing her in Mexico is still there. I think it’s blazing even hotter now. Her lashes flutter and lift, revealing light blue eyes clouded with desire.

“I’m your student.” The words come out as a rush of air.

“Does that mean you’re not dropping my class after all?”

She pulls away and her features shadow with worry. That was a bad joke. What we’re doing is against the rules. But I can’t bring myself to just walk away. I’ve only gotten quick tastes and I’m already addicted to her.

“You should get going.”

“I will when you agree to have dinner with me.”

“I can’t date you, Bryce.”

I huff. “Look, I know that we shouldn’t...it isn’t the best idea.”

She takes a retreating step. “No shit.”

“But you can’t walk away any more than I can.”

I wait for her to deny it. She folds her arms, her stance shouting defiance, but she can’t look me in the eyes nor can she refute. Just as I thought. Undeniable chemistry, that’s what’s happening here.

“One dinner,” I suggest, “we’ll see where things go from there.”

“I don’t know…”

“We’ll go far from Oak Valley. I know that’s what you’re worried about.”

Teeth worrying her lips, she glances around the block, then back at her house. “I’m really busy.”

“But you have to eat. Give me your phone number, we can work around your schedule.”

Her foot taps out a rapid rhythm on the concrete, but she holds out her hand. Resisting the urge to fist pump the air, I fish my phone out of my pocket and hand it to her.

She hands it back and grumbles, “Let’s hope you don’t live to regret this.”

“Has anyone ever told you, you’re wound way too tight for a nineteen-year-old?”

She glowers. “No.”

“Relax, Abby. It’s just dinner.” I nod to the house. “I’ll wait until you go in and lock up.”

Her expression lights with amusement. “I can take care of myself.”

I lift a brow. “Good to know. Still, I’ll wait until you go in.”

She rolls her eyes. “Goodnight.”

“That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me all day,” I tease.

Her lips twist into a wry smile. “You still prefer Jessica from Vegas?”