It was a quiet day.
She tapped her fingers on the counter, watching the time pass, trying not to get distracted by her fantasies. It was so easy to do.
Caleb didn’t help her imagination. He set it on fire, and it was harder than ever to just ignore the need pulsing through her all the time.
Glancing out the window, she spotted the teacher, Andy Evergreen, rushing up to the entrance.
She entered the library and Lilly saw why Rome liked her.
Andy was beautiful. It was the girl-next-door kind of beautiful. Brown hair, brown eyes, full-figured. She also wore glasses that often fell down her nose.
“Hello, Lilly,” Andy said with a smile.
“Hello, Miss Evergreen.”
“Please, call me Andy. I’m not your teacher anymore. I’m looking for some research on a paper I’m writing. Could you tell me where I can find the occult section?”
“The occult, sure. I can do that. Are you planning on putting a spell on anyone?”
“No, of course not. It’s more a fascination to me, really. I’m forever a student, and I like to always be one step ahead of my students.”
Lilly left the main desk and took Andy to the occult section.
She stepped back and watched the other woman as she ran her fingers across the spine of the books, smiling when she caught sight of what she looked for.
“Andy, can you date a student?” Lilly asked.
“Absolutely not. It’s completely unethical.”
“What about a past student? I don’t know, say there’s been like a ten-year gap between student and teacher?”
“I’m sure that is fine. Plenty of distance and growth. I don’t see why it would be a problem. I believe I know of a couple in another town who are together.”
Lilly licked her lips. “It’s none of my business, but you know Rome Hard?”
“Yes, he does my accounts for me.”
“He does?”
“Yes. He’s turned into an amazing man.”
This is really none of my business.
“Well, he wants to ask you out on a date, and he thinks it’s inappropriate and you would say no, and I need to breathe.” She took a deep breath.
“He does?”
“Don’t you get even a hint that he likes you?”
“Er, no, I can’t say. Are you sure?”
“Yes, very sure. He likes you. Thinks about you all the time.” She hoped Rome wouldn’t hate her after this.
“I’m older than him.”
“I know.” Lilly smiled. “And he wants to be with you.”
Andy opened and closed her mouth.
“I’m going to leave you to research.”
Guilt flooded Lilly as she left her old teacher to deal with that piece of information. Either Andy reacted and did something, or she ignored it. Either way, she hoped her good intentions would be seen.
****
A couple of weeks later
Lilly pressed against his side. Caleb cupped her cheek as he explored her mouth. From the moment he’d kissed her, he hadn’t been able to stop. Trailing his lips down her neck, he flicked his tongue across her pulse, then moved back up, taking possession of her lips.
“Caleb, please.” She broke the kiss.
“What’s the matter?”
“Do you … I mean, do you find me attractive?”
“You know I do.” He frowned, not sure what she was getting at.
“We’ve been dating for a few months, and you’ve been the perfect gentleman, which I love. I really do. But—” She stopped and shook her head. “Forget it.”
“Lilly,” he said, capturing her hands. “What’s the matter?”
She stared into his eyes, and he smiled at her.
“You won’t touch me. We kiss and we even fall asleep together. Not in a bed. I … I get that you want to move slowly. Aren’t you used to more?” She covered her face and groaned. “Ignore me.”
After pulling her hands away from her face, he cupped her cheek. “Lilly, I don’t want to rush you.”
“You’re not rushing. Every time you touch me, I feel like I’m going to explode. I love your hands on me. I love everything that you do. I never want you to stop, but…”
“But?”
“I want more, and I feel so selfish saying that to you.”
“More?”
“Yes.” She covered his hand with hers and slid it down from her cheek to grasp her breast. “I want more.” She let out a gasp. “So much more. If you don’t want me, please tell me.”
She let go of his hand, but he didn’t move.
“Lilly, I’ve always been honest. I haven’t lied to you or tried to pretend I’m someone different.”
“I get that.”
“You’re a virgin. You’re going to experience your first time, and I want to be part of that.”
“I want that too.”
“I’m … afraid, Lilly.”
“What?”
“The only other virgin I knew was myself. I’ve never had experience with a woman’s first time before. They can be quite painful, and I can’t bear to hurt you. When I’m with you, all I want to do is give you pleasure, to watch you come, to see your joy at what I’m doing to your body, no one else. You’re all I can think about. The only woman I ever want.” He still hadn’t moved his hand.