The Professor - Kelli Callahan Page 0,3
of the best beaches is on the Linapacan Island in the Philippines.”
“I wonder how true that is.”
“Oh, it’s true.” He gives me a small smile that sends butterfly wings into a frenzy in my stomach. “I had to go there to prove it.”
“The Philippines, huh?” This is my first time traveling outside of my small town. “Sounds like you travel a lot.”
He shrugs. “I get around.”
I’m not paying attention to much else but him. By the time I realize I’ve waded out a little too deep until it’s too late and I start to panic. The water is only at my neck, but it’s enough to freak me out. I don’t like to be in the dark waters because I don’t like not being able to see my feet. Something could come up and swallow me whole and I won’t have a chance of fighting the monster because I wouldn’t see it coming.
“Oh God, too deep, too deep.” I begin to flail about, trying to turn back around.
Bryce’s arm circles my waist, and he chuckles. “You do know your feet are still on the ocean floor, right?”
“Doesn’t matter. I have this fear of drowning. I stick to three feet of water in pools. I didn’t come here on my dream Christmas vacation to die.”
“Relax, I’ve got you. We can even go a little further.”
I scowl. Easy for him to say. He’s way taller. “Are you nuts? I don’t―”
I gasp when he moves further, my arms circling his neck. My feet aren’t touching the floor anymore, but I’m securely held above the water by big, warm hands on my hips. “Oh, look at that, I’m still alive,” I say with a nervous giggle.
His eyes gleam with laughter. “Look at that.”
“You want to laugh at me, don’t you?”
“Actually, I’d like to kiss you more.”
My mouth clamps shut. This is what I’ve been waiting for. Yet, I’m struck dumb when he finally makes a move.
His smile fades a little. “Am I being too forward?”
I shake my head vigorously. “No. I’d like for you to kiss me too.”
Just like that, I get what I’ve been waiting for. A kiss on the beach from a handsome stranger. His mouth hovers close to mine for a few seconds, and anticipation crackles in the surrounding air. When his lips touch mine, my eyes flutter closed. I savor every sensation, the heat and weight of his lips on mine, the heat budding in my core and blossoming to the rest of my body. A hunger for more is coursing through my system. All of that from a kiss?
Bryce’s kiss is slow, sensual, commanding. I knew he’d be a great kisser. I’m on fire, ready to combust when his tongue teases my lips open. Maybe it’s the sound of my moan that breaks the spell we seem to be under because he pulls away at the sound of it.
Breathless, I stare at him in amazement. I’ve never known the true meaning of the phrase sexual chemistry until now. Bryce seems to be just as rattled as I am. He visibly swallows. His brows are dipped into a slight frown. I don’t think he was expecting our kiss to be so intense either.
“I think you should get back to the party.” His voice is low and strained.
Blinking rapidly, I nod. “I think I should too.”
If I stay with Bryce and kiss him again, I’ll end up losing my virginity on the beach in Cancun.
And as wonderful as it sounds, I don’t want the rest of my vacation wanting more from a stranger while knowing I can’t get it. That’s torture.
He gave me the perfect gift.
The ability to be someone else and it was fun while it lasted.
And that kiss? It will last me a hundred Christmases.
Chapter One
Abby
Head down, I march through the parking lot toward the school’s front door. I pull my beanie low over my brow. It’s a knitted, drab brown thing with too many spaces in it. It’s the ugliest headwear one will probably ever look at, but I love it. My sister made it two years ago when she volunteered at the nursing home. One of the residents taught her how to knit. She sucks at it… evidenced by the beanie I’m wearing. Yet, it’s my most special accessory. I wear it for luck.
I need luck today. Well, more comfort than luck really. I’m back at school for my second semester. Although I busted my ass in high school and got a full academic scholarship to St.