The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

Was I just scared shitless by a model? I’m sure I look like a fool gawking at him, but I can’t help it. The man looks as good as his voice sounds. His chiseled features are near perfect… okay, who am I kidding? They’re perfect. He has deep set eyes?it’s a little dark, but I can tell they’re blue? high cheekbones, a square jaw, boasting sexy stubble. My gaze travels lower to take in his toned chest and arms. His defined abs tempt me to reach out and touch. And I’m not even that kind of girl. I don’t lust at first sight.

The stranger’s eyes drop to my breasts in my tiny red bikini top. His cheeks flush ever so lightly. “Uh… maybe you should take care of that part.”

“Uh huh.” Still gawking, I accept the napkin and dab at my wet boobs. He’s still watching, seemingly fascinated, so heat creeps into my cheeks until they’re on fire.

I should have let them air dry.

As if realizing he’s staring at my hands moving over my chest, he clears his throat and quickly averts his gaze. Rubbing the back of his neck, he says, “Sorry again. Can I get you another drink?”

I peer at my almost empty glass. “No, it’s okay. I mean, I don’t want you to have to go all the way back inside. It’s a madhouse in there.”

The stranger’s lips curve into a grin, showing white teeth. I almost scoff at how good-looking he is. “Who said anything about going back inside? I was having my own private party out here.” He points to a thatch hut with two beach chairs and a table lined with liquor bottles.

“So, can I get you another drink?” he asks again.

He has a private cabana with a personal bartender standing behind the counter, standing there with his arms folded across his stomach. Just who is this man that nearly dried by boobs with his napkin? “Sure, why not?” It’s the only way I’m going to find out more about him.

Plus, what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico. Right?

I gulp and follow the stranger. My heart is pounding a little harder and faster than normal, but that’s on account of the ridiculously handsome man in proximity. My palms are a sweaty and my stomach flutters. I’ve never felt anything like it before, not even with my first crush in the fifth grade. Trevor Martin never made my heart skip its beat like the god-like man in front of me.

His shoulders bunch showing the thick ropes of muscle. There is a slight tinge of red across the top of his back from being out in the sun all day. The swim trunks hang low on his hips, showing his tan line and deep V that has my mouth watering for a taste.

I almost want to say, “Damn, the drink. Just lay down and let me do body shots off you.” But I guess that will be too forward for a virgin like me.

I stop at the hut and gaze at the bottles. Wow. Someone sure came on vacation to spend big. “I’d hate to impose on your private party… stranger who scared the crap out of me.”

His roar of laughter makes me suck in a sharp breath. Goodness, he even laughs sexy. “You’re not imposing. It’s just me and Lou here. Lou, strange woman on the beach. Strange woman, Lou,” he introduces me to man behind t

he bar.

“Nice to meet you strange woman,” Lou grins.

“You too, Lou.” I wave at him.

The sexy man who has me rethinking the ‘virgin’ thing extends a hand. “I’m Bryce.”

Swallowing, I place my hand in his. The callouses on his hands surprise me as he grips on to me tightly. They leave a slight scratch, but something else too, something warm and bright. My name is on the tip of my tongue, but for some reason it can’t come out. This man probably lives worlds away from Wyoming, but my shame about my name surfaces full force.

“J-Jessica.” I’m cursed with a ready ability to blush, and I have to will myself not to turn red after my lie.

“Where are you from, Jessica?” he finally lets go of my hand, and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

Where do I want to be from? If I’m going to lie about my name, I might as well lie about where I live too. Keep the lies rolling. I hear Las Vegas is nice, and I’d love to go there someday.

“Vegas.”

Bryce’s brows lift. “From one vacation spot to another. Must be nice.”

I shrug, feeling awful. Why should I feel bad, though? After tonight, I’ll never see Bryce again. The thought makes me relax. I don’t have to be Abigale Knight from Oak Valley. I can be whoever I want. “It is. Can’t beat the lovely beaches here though.”

“True. Come on, have a seat. Have whatever you like.” He waves to the assortment of liquors and Lou grabs the shaker to start mixing the drink.

“Just a gin and tonic with extra lime, please. If you have it,” I say to Lou.

“Coming right up,” he replies.

Grabbing a beach chair, I slip into the role of Jessica from Vegas. She’s bold and sophisticated, and she comes from a nice family. She knows how to flirt with handsome strangers. The total opposite of me. “A one-man party on the beach at night,” I note, then backtrack. “I’m sorry, two-man party. Who are you trying to get away from, Bryce?”