"It'd be worth it."
"Wait, I thought you said your mother tutored you."
"She did for awhile. By the time I was old enough to attend high school I'd learned how to put up mental shields."
"I see."
"So what do you teach?” Health class was his first thought. Oh yeah, he could easily see Lori with her come-hither eyes and voluptuous figure teaching a bunch of horny teenage boys all about the birds and the bees.
"High school accelerated English. Specifically reading and literature."
The excitement in her voice was easy enough to catch. “You obviously love what you do. I bet you're a terrific teacher. Teachers like you are rare. I hope your students appreciate you."
She shrugged. “If I've made a difference to even one student, then it's worth it."
Gideon had been so preoccupied with getting her into bed, he hadn't considered her choice of professions. Her life outside of his home hadn't seemed important. Until now. He wanted to know everything about her.
"What's the best part of teaching?"
Lori fairly lit up with enthusiasm. “Seeing them get keyed up when they learn something new is the best part of being a teacher. I knew when I was very little I'd be a teacher. There was never any doubt."
What would it be like to know exactly what you want out of life and then go for it with gusto? He'd always been unsettled. Never quite feeling complete. Sure, his art was his passion, much like teaching was for Lori, but it didn't fill him. No, there was still a part of him left wanting.
He stared—for a moment taking his mind off his work and onto the woman—and the warmth on Lori's face captivated him. A surge of pride welled up as he realized she was growing more and more comfortable around him. Gideon wanted her to let go completely. And he wanted to be the only man to witness it.
He stiffened his spine, shaking off the effect she had on him, and got back to the nearly completed sketch. The sooner he finished, the quicker he could get onto seducing the refreshingly guileless Lori Fontaine.
"I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I'm actually starting to relax even though I'm sitting here almost-nude."
"We've been intimate, sweetheart. There's no reason to feel uncomfortable."
"Aren't other women shy about posing?"
"Some. Others are more confident."
"I've never been comfortable under the spotlight."
"I understand, but I don't want you feeling awkward. Not with me. Okay?"
She nodded and he went back to the task.
"Have you been ... reading my mind?"
It was so out of left field it took a second for her words to sink in. Didn't she trust him to keep his word? “I made a promise, and I don't break my promises."
She blushed. “I shouldn't have asked."
"It's fine. I admit it's not been easy, but I want you to trust me. Besides getting inside your head right now would only distract me."
"Right, got it. So, um, is this the way you normally go about creating your beautiful sculptures? I'm desperate to learn all I can of the process that brings about such wonderful artwork."
He'd always taken pride in his work, but he'd never blushed over someone's praise. Lori's admiration felt different; it was special.
Gideon shook his head. “Actually no. Normally, a customer will commission a specific piece from me.” Gideon saw the intense interest in Lori's expression, and he smiled to himself. She was such a curious little thing. It was a desirable quality. She was so open and honest. He'd come across so many deceitful people, and it was refreshing to sit and talk with someone who merely spoke her mind.
Gideon kept sketching as he continued to explain the process. “I meet with them and discuss details. I need to know exactly what it is they desire and where the piece
would be displayed."