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Claudia took my hand as I helped her out of the car. She wasn’t used to wearing heels, that much I could tell, but the red dress she had on looked like she was born to flaunt it. It dipped down low between her full, rounded breasts. Hugged every curve of her incredible body. But my favorite past was the slit up the side — and getting a glimpse of those amazing legs — every time she took a full step.

“Thanks,” she beamed, and I grinned back. She’d spent time on her hair and makeup too; so much that she looked utterly flawless. Not that she didn’t look great without all that, but I was used to seeing her in torn jeans or a paint-splattered sweatshirt — the stuff she wore when working around the house.

I’d never really seen her like this.

Dinner had been excellent, filled with talking and flirting and fun. We’d had the quiet corner of a cozy restaurant, and had made it back on campus just as the exhibit was in full swing.

“Do we have to check in or anything?” she asked, wobbling a little on the way to the door. The Dowling Mansion was one of the oldest and most historic structures on the University grounds. In heels, the cobbled walkway was treacherous.

“Not that I know of.”

It was my first art exhibit. I really had no idea what to expect. If one of the other art teachers hadn’t talked me into putting something up, I wouldn’t even be here in the first place. Somehow though, having Claudia with me took away the nervousness.

I looked back at my date in her tight red dress. She really was gorgeous. It made me feel lucky.

And tonight? She’s all yours, the little voice in my head reminded me.

I could hardly wait.

“Ever been here before?” I asked.

“Not at night,” Claudia replied, looking up at the entrance. “Wow, just look at it, it’s beautiful!”

Covered in ivy and sprawling with outdoor gardens, the front of the old mansion held a special beauty right now, especially beneath the cold moonlight. We reached the door with Claudia practically leaning on my shoulder.

“You could’ve worn flats you know,” I teased.

“With this dress? Screw that.”

Once inside, the mansion was warm and well lit. Someone smiled at us and took Claudia’s coat. Someone else handed us two flutes of champagne with a tiny sliver of strawberry bubbling up from the bottom.

“This is wonderful,” Claudia said, pressing herself against me. “Thanks for bringing me.”

“Uhh… you might not be thanking me once you see my work,” I chuckled.

“Yeah right.”

“No, I’m serious,” I told her. “In fact, let’s hang out here and get another two glasses of champagne before—”

“Come on,” she said, pulling me playfully into the next room. “You’re not getting out this that easy.”

The art exhibit was actually pretty amazing. Several local artists had work on display, some of them even semi-famous. Important-looking people milled around in important-looking suits, talking and laughing and forming their own little cliques.

Room by room we went, taking our time, looking at paintings and photographs and even a few sculptures. Some were even for sale. The prices were outrageous, though.

“So where’s your stuff?” Claudia asked.

“Student exhibits are in the back half of the house.”

We continued down a paneled hall, through some sort of beautiful Conservatory. Another tray of champagne was there, resting atop a grand piano. Claudia swapped out her empty glass for a full one, then reached out to take mine.

“You’re not going to eat your strawberry?”

“Nah.”

She tilted my glass back and let the strawberry drop into her open mouth. Looking back at me, lips slightly parted, she showed it to me on the flat of her ton

gue.