Nowadays, kids are left unattended. They get into trouble because they aren’t taught to mind their manners.”
“Well, I’m no longer a child, but I think my parents would appreciate what you’re saying. They’re old school. If we were bad we got a belt across our butts. Trust me, a farmer’s belt isn’t thin. It made us want to be good, at least me for that matter. My brother and one of my sisters caused enough mischief.”
He smirked and shook his head. “Of course there would be more of you.”
“Is that supposed to mean something?”
“No.” He changed the subject. “I forgot my book and stopped by to gather it. Like I said before, stay as long as you like.” I watched as he headed to the desk, locking the top drawer with a key, before snatching up his student book and sticking it under his arm.
When he left the second time I promised to stay away and avoid his belongings at all costs.
Several hours later I’d made myself comfortable on the couch, extending my legs the length of the furniture while holding the book above my head. I could feel myself dozing off, and against my better judgment, decided to let it happen.
That’s when I heard the door opening. It was obvious nightfall was upon us. The room was almost pitch black with the exception of the exit sign lit up above the door. Since I’d made a fool out of myself earlier, I decided to save face and pretend I was sound asleep, instead of having to hold a conversation with Professor Willis again so soon.
His footsteps got closer to my body, and then there was only silence. Just before I opened them to see what the hell was going on, I felt his hand brushing some hair away from my face. He was close, and I’d become scatterbrained as to what to do. Should I scream? Jump up and kick him where the sun didn’t shine? Or did I keep pretending I was resting comfortably, because his gentle hands still seemed so kind.
His whisper was air-filled and low-pitched. “You’re just as beautiful when you sleep. You make me want bad things. If only I could fuck you.”
My eyes flew open. My sexy teacher, the one who I’d thought was being overgenerous had just revealed the real reason he was helping me. When he noticed I’d heard his confession he stepped back, running his hands through his dark hair. “I thought…”
I cut him off. “You’re married.” I began packing my books in my bag. “I’m not the kind of girl who accepts offers from…”
“I would never…”
I stopped him again, this time putting my palm up. “Don’t even say it. You’ve flattered me enough for one day. I think it’s best if I go now.” I took off the lanyard and placed it in his hand. “I won’t be needing this, Professor Willis. Thank you for the offer, but I think it’s best if I find somewhere else to study.”
He took my arm as I spun to head out the door. “Miss Healy, please. I’ve never come onto a student before. What I said was inappropriate, but I wasn’t implying I wanted to act on it. Surely you can appreciate that there are other beautiful people in the world. I was just offering my opinion. I know I haven’t been the only man to say it.”
His eyes were worried with fear. They were blue, and even in the dark room I could see them peering into my soul, or at least trying to. Being close enough to the door, I flipped on the light switch, watching his pupils retract. We were a couple feet apart, and I couldn’t deny how attractive he was, even if he was many years my senior. This situation hadn’t been premeditated, not for me. I hadn’t seen it coming. I don’t know if I wanted to. “You’re a married man,” I repeated.
“I think you’re putting too much into what I said. I have no interest in getting involved with one of my students. Simply assuming something like that could be catastrophic for my career. There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to someone. Don’t assume.”
Was I? Was his comment only a sweet gesture from a man who enjoyed beautiful things? He’d mentioned fucking me. That’s not exactly romantic. If it were the case, how was I supposed to respond? Did I thank him for comparing me to other beautiful people in the world? Was it enough to