Cammie Healy - Jennifer Foor Page 0,8

answering my question with another?”

He leaned forward, breaking the distance between us. “Let’s be honest here. I see the way you look at me. I went out on a limb the first night I brought you to this office. It’s not something I’m used to doing. I steer clear of personal relationships with my students. You were an exception. What I said to you was a test. I needed to know how you’d react, and if you’d still want to be alone with me. I can’t figure you out. What is it about you that draws me in? Why do I feel weak when you’re near me?”

“I’d hardly consider that a test. You said I misunderstood, and as far as your problems, well they aren’t my concern. You are insane if you think I’d have a relationship with my teacher. I really need to get out of here.” My palms were sweaty, my knees shaking so bad I feared falling on the floor beneath me. This situation had gotten out of control quick. My teacher was coming onto me, and it was taking all of my willpower to reject his offers.

His eyebrow cocked. “You didn’t misunderstand anything. Ever since I saw you walk into my classroom I knew you were the sexiest woman I’d ever laid eyes on. I knew a man like me was out of your league. I’m married. My reputation proceeds me. As much as I would have liked to get to know more about you, it wasn’t appropriate. Then you failed the exam. Your cry for help led you here. I tried playing the nice guy, but being around you makes me want to break the rules. So my only question is, am I the first?”

I blushed and looked away, refusing to give him credit for reading me so well. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. There’s nothing between us.”

“Only one other woman has ever looked at me the way you have, and the other has my last name. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m being as discreet as possible.”

I gathered my things much like the first time I’d been in this situation. “Look, I don’t know who you think you are, but you don’t know me. I don’t get involved with married men, especially my teachers, so if you’ll excuse me, I think we’re done here.”

I made it halfway to the door before I heard that deep voice addressing the elephant in the room. “I wouldn’t have brought you here if I didn’t feel the same way, Cammie. If you decide to stay I’ll keep my hands to myself. I’m not a pervert. There’s a lot about me you don’t know. Stay and let me prove it to you.”

“Maybe I don’t want to know. I don’t like complicated. I really don’t want drama in my life. I’m here for one reason and that’s my education.”

“I’ll be honest, I’m willing to give you an A if you continue helping me out. I’m not asking for anything more. I’d just like to know what makes you tick. Agree to it and my course won’t be a concern. You can focus on the others and get back on track with little effort. I want to be friends. Give me that and I won’t press for more.”

His offer was appealing. I needed help, but was I willing to spend time with the devil to make it happen?

My stomach was in knots. There was only one thing for me to do, and I didn’t look back. I ran as fast as I could across campus, distancing myself from my insanely handsome professor. As time passed I figured he’d gotten the hint.

By the next morning I was content with my decision. I’d have to work harder, but at least I’d be able to look myself in the mirror without regret.

Then I got the grade from another exam and all my hopes and dreams were getting further away. I was losing my grip on reality, failing at things I should have been able to accomplish with my eyes closed. Worst of all I couldn’t stop thinking about my professor. Whether I was awake, or sound asleep, he was on my mind, haunting my dreams, and breaking my focus on what was important.

Something was happening to me and I needed to get it figured out fast.

The next week I was unfortunately asked to stay after class. I watched as my classmates exited the room, leaving the two of us alone. I remained