Getting Schooled (Craving #9) Read online

  Thankfully, she fell into her routine, bringing a semblance of normalcy back to the day. She reestablished a measure of control as she met with department faculty and attended meetings. The professor closed the window curtains and door to her office for privacy and created lessons for upcoming classes. Engrossed in planning, she failed to notice how much time passed.

  Her body hitched in the chair when she heard the knock.

  He opened the door without waiting for a reply. Jayson stood tall, the bright hallway highlighting his six-foot, muscular frame that encroached upon every inch of the entry.

  “Hi Professor.” A smile curved on his lips. “This a good time?”

  “Absolutely. Come in. Please close the door behind you.” She wasn’t sure why she asked him to do that.

  The door closed with a definitive click as he took the chair next to her. Rebecca could smell his icy cologne. His bright blue eyes met her brown ones, and their knees touched.

  “How’s your day going?” he asked. He seemed in no rush to talk about the assignment.

  “Fine. Tweaking a lesson for class next week. You?” It all seemed so normal, yet her heart was palpitating out of control.

  “Good. I’m a carpenter by trade and have a lot of jobs lined up to keep me busy over the next few months. Sometimes that makes school a little challenging, but being my own boss with a crew of men under me allows for the flexibility to attend classes when I want to.”

  The pressure of his knee pressing against hers caused a blush to bloom on her chest and neck. “What are you studying?”

  “You’d think business, but that’s going fine in my life, so I’m studying literature.” He paused to pull a speck of lint from her jacket. “Always loved books but hated school. My feelings have started to change, especially with you as my professor.”

  “Thank you.” She was again at a loss for words. The heat from his leg against hers left her less than articulate. She took a few calming breaths and regained focus. “What’s the problem with your essay?”

  “In reality, there’s no problem. I came to talk to you.”

  “Talk?” She tilted her head in confusion.

  “Well that, and maybe more.” A finger caressed her naked knee.

  “Excuse me?” Jittery, Rebecca forced herself to stay in her seat. She controlled what happened in the confines of her office. And this wasn’t a new situation. Many students of both sexes flirted with her. She never allowed it to go farther.

  His fingers gently tickled her lower thigh, pushing her skirt up an inch. “I can’t get you off my mind these past few weeks.” His questioning eyes met hers and then crinkled, displaying laugh lines. “I was wondering if you felt the same.”

  His fingers inched higher.

  Rebecca placed her hand over his. “I don’t get involved with students.”

  “I can drop the class.” His grin caused the laugh lines around his eyes to deepen.

  “Don’t do that.” Her hand went to his arm. She wanted to dissuade him, but the feel of lean muscles under his thin thermal shirt had her thoughts careening in an entirely different direction.

  “I wouldn’t have any choice,” he said. “Call me crazy, but there’s something about you in the classroom that makes me want to know more. I love your mind and quick wit, but your body is pretty impressive too.”

  She ignored the flirtation. “You have to finish the class. We’re halfway through the semester. It would be such a waste of time and money if you drop.”

  “Say you’ll see me again, and I’ll stay in the class. It can be on your terms. At least for the first date.” His lips quirked into another soft smile.

  “I need to think about this.” Rebecca couldn’t believe those words exited her mouth, but that smile. She angled her head down, staring at the papers on her desk so as not to have to meet his intense gaze. A cascade of black hair shielded her face from his. She needed time to consider the situation from all sides.

  “I’ll be back in your office at ten,” he said.

  “Tonight?” Startled by the response, she perked her head up.

  “Yes, tonight. Will everyone be gone by then?”

  She nodded but fumbled for words as she thought the situation through. “Most people. They close the campus at eleven.”

  His eyes flashed, and his smile turned wicked. “Great. See you then.”

  Chapter 2

  She couldn’t believe she returned to her office to wait for a man she knew so little about and someone who was likely ten years younger. Worse, he was her student. Rebecca had spent the evening debating with herself, but the possibility of ignoring Jayson and staying home had quickly been pushed aside. They could meet, yes, but that didn’t mean anything other than a serious discussion about their situation would occur.

  Nerves careened, turning her skin hot. She slid off the suit jacket she wore and paced the small but meticulous office in her camisole top. Rebecca usually kept tight control over all aspects of her life including her emotions. She was thrown out of sorts by this encounter, but intellectual and sexual curiosity drove her to figure out what was going on.

  Jayson strolled in through the open office door a little after ten, smoothing his hair off his brow. “Raining out there.”

  She noticed his shirt and the front of his jeans were wet. “I didn’t realize.”

  “No worries. I’m sure I can find a way to get dry.” He walked in, closed the door behind him, and locked it.

  “Did you just lock the door?”

  “I don’t want to be interrupted.” He walked to her.

  “Listen.” Her full lips formed a pout. “I don’t know what you think is going to happen, but you can’t…”

  “All I know is that I’ve been watching you for the last six weeks of class, and I can’t stop thinking about you and those damn lips.” He pulled her into him. His wet shirt soaked her camisole top.

  With her hands braced against his formidable chest, she pushed back. She tilted her chin up so she could look in his eyes. “I can’t fraternize with the students.”

  “Is that what this is?” His lips twitched into a seductive smile.

  “Yes.” She wore a frown and hoped it made her appear authoritarian.

  “Why not?” He touched a glossy lock of her hair and twirled it between his fingers.

  “I’d lose my job.” She tried to convey the seriousness of the offense.

  “It’d be worth it.” His smile grew as he pulled her closer.

  She scoffed at him. The ego he had. “I don’t think so.”

  “Let me prove it to you. We have another six or so weeks of class. Let me take you out for drinks tonight. We won’t do anything but kiss goodnight. Who knows? You might hate that and send me to the back of the classroom. But if you don’t, you’ll have to go out to dinner with me.”

  She hesitated. “I don’t know.”

  “Drinks and dinner and a goodnight kiss. We could be old friends catching up with one another it’s so innocent.”

  “I guess.” Her unease echoed in the words.

  “Great. Let’s not talk anymore.”

  Now tight against him, Rebecca felt the hard planes of his body, which radiated a heat like she had never known. When his soft lips met hers, she melted. His hands worked her curves, teasing her bare arms, her back, and cupping her ass. He absorbed her passionate groans in his mouth, refusing to let her escape. He kissed her until her lips felt chapped.

  When he finally released her, it took a moment for the world to anchor itself.

  He smiled wickedly. “I thought I’d get the goodnight kiss done first. That way we’d both know if the drink was worth it. Do you need your jacket?”

  She nodded. She’d always been the initiator with her ex-husband, and he’d always followed her lead. Jayson was the opposite. He made the world spin with little hope of stopping the furious but exciting rotations. He made her warm and wet, but intellect informed her serious trouble lay ahead if she let this, whatever it was, continu
e.

  He grabbed her hand as he unlocked the door and pulled her out. They settled on a bar a few blocks away, and Rebecca followed Jayson’s green truck as he led the way through dimly lit fog and rain-stained streets.

  Noise and chaos met them upon entering the establishment smelling of beer and college hormones. She worried about the students who hung out in clumps, but when Jayson put a warm arm around her, his hand on her back as a gentle guide, all else was forgotten. They found a booth in a dark corner away from the crowds. They abstained from speaking on more than pleasantries until the waitress placed a Guinness and a glass of merlot in front of them.

  “Are you Irish?” she asked, pointing at his drink.

  “Yes. My mom was born there, and we visit family every summer. One day, I’d love to leave the States and live there. I could be a country carpenter who reads lots of literature and someday pens a bestseller.”

  “Where was your mom born?” she asked.

  “Carrick-on-Suir. It’s not a tourist destination, but there’s a castle close. I’ve saved enough to hopefully buy a house in the town soon. What about you?”

  “What about me?” She tilted her head.

  “What do you want to do with the rest of your life?”

  She sat back, giving herself some space. “I’m not sure anymore. I had a plan, but my divorce six months ago has left me undecided about what I want to do now or where I want to go.”

  “What happened?” His eyes reflected genuine curiosity.

  “Academia happened. It’s my number one passion. My husband came in second, and that slowly caused our marriage to drown in benevolent neglect.”

  “Benevolent neglect?” He quirked a questioning eyebrow.

  “We don’t dislike each other. We didn’t end it screaming and yelling. Hell, intellectually I even understand the divorce was in part my fault, but I couldn’t get over how my passion for teaching and learning gave him the right to sleep with every available graduate student.”

  “Ouch.” His eyes reflected his concern. “What now?”

  “Teach and become department chair. I can do that anywhere, and I might start looking for a new position soon to get away from my history here. Teaching and research are my passions, and I’ll continue them no matter where I end up. I never wanted the big wedding, white picket fence, or house full of kids. I love the academia.” She shrugged away years of criticism. “Most people don’t get my desire for it.”

  “I get it, but you must want more. I never thought I’d want to go back to school, but there are times in a person’s life, like a divorce, where perceptions shift.”

  She shrugged. “I publish for work, but someday, when I have more time, I’d like to write a book that’s intimate and real. Someday when I’m not so busy.”

  “What about love?” That curious looked entered his eyes again, turning them almost navy in the darkness.

  “What about it?” She shrugged off the question. Divorce had left her jaded.

  “Have you found it?” He put his elbows on the table, leaning in to hear her.

  “Would I be here with you?” She wanted to push him back, regain her space.

  “Are you looking?” His brows drew together.

  “I’m an academic, not a romantic, even if I do teach literature and writing. Love and marriage are constructs society initiates to trap women with a dream of domestic bliss.”

  “You’ve never been in love?”

  “I was married, and I thought I loved him.” She paused for a moment to reminisce about her past relationship. Then she shook her head, clearing away the years of frustration. “Like many marriages, it ended up being more convenient than romantic or passionate.” She sat as far back in the booth as possible but couldn’t avoid his perceptive gaze.

  “That’s sad.” He took a sip of his stout. “Maybe I can add a little passion to your life.”

  “I’m good, thanks.”

  “I love a challenge.” He reached out a hand to capture hers as she reached for her wine. “Let me prove it to you.”

  She evaded his grasp. “I don’t sleep with students.” After taking a large sip, she thumped her wine glass against the table, adamant.

  “Here’s the deal. We won’t actually sleep together until the class is over, but everything else is fair game.”

  “Why would I do this?”

  “Because I intrigue you and you appreciated the kiss we shared. Admit it. There’s something going on between us.”

  She did like the kiss. She should say no, but she nodded instead. She wanted, no needed, something new and interesting in her life after the divorce. And he had said they wouldn’t sleep together. She’d be able to keep her control and have a fling with a gorgeous boy toy.

  What was there to lose? Her job, if coworkers at the university found out. Her career, if she was blacklisted. Was it worth the risk? “Okay,” she said.

  “One more condition.” His hand captured hers. “This might be hard for you.”

  She scoffed at him, but her nerves jingled like a bell. “You’re the only one who’s going to complain about being hard and unfulfilled. I think I can handle you.”

  “You have to do everything I say when it comes to things of a sexual nature, even if you find it uncomfortable.”

  Her chocolate eyes grew owl-like and then narrowed in disbelief. She glared but remained silent, assuming her look told him exactly what she thought of the idea.

  He chuckled at her expression. “Don’t worry. I’m not into anything too kinky.” His wink said otherwise. “But I can see you need someone to take control. This is one aspect of your life I could make intensely pleasurable. You’re a challenge I can’t wait to take on.”

  “No, thank you.”

  “You can’t even hand over the most minimum amount of control to another person, can you? If you hate it, all you have to do is stop seeing me.”

  She thought about what he had said for a minute. They agreed to no sex. She didn’t have to go on another date with him if she didn’t want to. Why not try? It could be fun. “Fine, I’ll give it a go. At least for tonight.”

  His smile turned devilish. “Great. Take off your panties.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me. Off with the panties.” His smiled like the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland.

  “But we’re in public.” She pulled her hand away.

  “Exactly.” He sat back, relaxed. “Do you always dispute people this much?”

  She thought for a moment and then let out a laugh. “Yes.”

  “Well, not tonight. Are you up for it, or would you like me to leave?” His look posed a challenge.

  She thought of the kiss they shared. “Don’t leave.”

  She wiggled awkwardly in the seat and then reached down, putting a hand between her legs and hitching up her skirt. She moved her hand to her thigh and grabbed the side of her panties, pulling them lower while lifting herself off the seat. It took a couple tries, but she was able to scoot her panties down. They fell to the floor, a puddle next to her black heels. She looked around to see if anyone had noticed. The only eyes on her were Jayson. She reached down, picked the panties off the floor, and handed them to him.

  He balled them up in his palm and put them in his jean pockets.

  “Good job, Professor.”

  The rest of their time together progressed normally enough. She had two more glasses of wine, something she never did on a school night. They talked about his job as a carpenter, his love of the old houses he remodeled, and of biographies he read that showed individuals could influence the world. Most of all, he talked about his goal to read all the classics and someday write.

  She shared her passion for literature and her favorite authors. He didn’t even blink when she added Shakespeare to that list. All the time, Rebecca couldn’t forget the feeling of being naked under her skirt. She tingled with desire. It made her want Jayson all the more.

  It was late when they left hand in hand. The cro
wd had thinned to a few regulars who remained at the bar.

  He walked her to her car, handed her her panties, and gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek.

  “See you in class on Thursday, Professor.” He turned and walked away, leaving Rebecca feeling things she hadn’t since her wild college days. She wanted this man, and she wanted him now.

  Chapter 3

  Thursday’s arrival felt like waiting for Christmas. Her usual work couldn’t push away the memories of her night out with Jayson. Every time she thought of the kiss and then slipping her panties off at the bar, Rebecca became hot with wanting.

  She wore a lacy, light purple thong and matching bra. An aquamarine silk shirt and short black skirt finished the outfit. She arrived at work forty-five minutes earlier than normal, hoping he might stop in for a visit.

  When he didn’t, she realized she must garner control. This was only a fling. Rebecca had to retain the upper hand.

  Luke, her graduate assistant, stopped in. “Good afternoon, Dr. Locklear.”

  “Hi, Luke. And remember, it’s Rebecca.”

  He blushed and nodded. “I finished grading the written responses from last week. Anything you need me to do today?”

  She looked around. “Not really. Why don’t you start preparing a lecture to introduce existentialism next week?”

  His eyes danced with joy. “Thank you, Dr. Locklear.”

  “Really?” Her lips pursed with pretend displeasure.

  “Thank you, Rebecca.” He flew out of the room, leaving her with a pile of responses and grades to record.

  She noticed Jayson as she walked down the steps upon entering the classroom. They nodded at each other, but otherwise it was as if nothing had happened between them. Rebecca made sure she was “on” for the entire class, wanting to dazzle him with her wit and knowledge in the hope he wouldn’t think too hard about the age difference. Jealousy stirred when a petite girl with elfin features and a high ponytail asked to borrow a pen from Jayson, and Rebecca couldn’t believe the volatile emotions cruising through her.

  At the end of the lecture, she spoke to students who waited for her, making appointments and clarifying points from her lecture. Jayson remained in his seat. Luke stared at the textbook but sent Jayson a quizzical glance every few minutes. Finally, she sent Luke away with the last student, curious to hear what Jayson had to say. Would he break it off? Would he want another date?