Always You(19)

I giggled. “Come on, it can’t be that bad. A couple of hundred girls, all thinking you’re a god? That’s got to boost the ego.”

“A couple of hundred girls all under the age of eighteen,” he corrected dryly.

“I’m not,” I said lightly, surprised by what was coming out of my mouth.

“Yeah, well you’re the exception,” he said.

The exception. I liked being the exception. I met his gaze, his eyes burning into mine. My face began to heat. How could I not read into things when he was staring at me like that? I felt naked under his gaze.

Had I imagined the change in his behavior since he found out I was eighteen? Did that make a difference as to how off-limits I was?

“You know, given the right circumstances, we could have almost crossed paths in college,” I began, my tone light. “I mean, if I was in college this year, and you had continued with your studies, like a PhD or something.”

He nodded, those deep blue eyes boring into mine. “Do you have a point?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Would you have batted an eyelid at going out with a freshman? Probably not. I guess I’m just saying under different circumstances . . . ” I let my voice trail off, hoping it sounded deliberate. In truth, words had deserted me.

Had I just propositioned my teacher? Yes, yes I had.

To my relief, he laughed. “You said you’re going to study law, right?”

I nodded.

“That’s good. You certainly give compelling arguments.” He waved down the waitress and smiled at me. “I think we should get you back home before you get me in trouble.”

***

He dropped me back at my car just before ten thirty. I was shocked at how late it was. We had been talking for hours. I felt so relaxed around him, yet at the same time nobody had ever had me feeling so damn wound up.

“So, you still want to see this movie tomorrow?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Are you asking me out?” I asked, my tone sweet.

“No. I’m merely trying to broaden the cinematic knowledge of one of my students.” His expression became serious. “Asking out one of my students would be incredibly unprofessional on my part, and unethical. I wouldn’t take advantage of you like that.”

“What if I wanted to be taken advantage of?” I moved toward him, very slowly, gauging his reaction. He held his breath as I edged closer, until our lips were almost touching. I paused, looking into his eyes, so desperately wanting to feel his lips against mine but not wanting to step over that boundary without him wanting it equally.

He tilted his head so his lips brushed over mine, the sensation making me dizzy. His hand wandered up to my face, his fingers gently running along my hairline. Then suddenly my lips were crushed up against his with a passion even I wasn’t expecting.

As quickly as it began, he was away from me, his eyes a mixture of lust, regret, and confusion. I was a hot mess. My heart was beating out of control, I felt hot and cold and lightheaded. Thank God I was sitting down, or I was sure I’d have ended up fainting.

“I’m sorry, Wrenn. I shouldn’t have done that,” he said quietly.

“You didn’t do anything I didn’t want,” I replied.

He sat, his hands clenched tightly on the steering wheel, not speaking.

“Will I see you tomorrow?” I asked.

He glanced at me, confused.

“The movie,” I reminded him.

He exhaled loudly. “Do you think that’s a good idea?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Maybe not, but I think we need to talk about this . . . ” My voice trailed off as he nodded.

“I’ll call you.” His voice had softened, as had his expression. His eyes were no longer hard.

I nodded and got out of the car, closing the door. He drove off, and I stood there on the curb, staring until I could no longer see his taillights. Once he was gone, I stepped into my car.

I sat there, trying to digest what had just happened. Kissing him had evoked everything in me. It felt like a hurricane of feelings and emotions had ripped through my body, leaving me a muddled mess inside.

I reached into my purse and pulled out my phone. It had been on silent since I’d arrived at the theater. There were six missed calls from Kassia, and countless texts, all conveying the same message; call me.

I dialed her number. She answered on the first ring.

“Where the hell have you been?” she shrieked loudly.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, alarmed at her tone.

“What’s wrong? Fuck, Wrenn. If you’re going to tell your aunt you’re going out with me, at least clue me in on it.” She sounded frustrated and annoyed.

Shit.

I hadn’t even considered the fact that Layna was friends with Kass’s parents.

“Shit, it didn’t even occur to me,” I groaned, slapping my forehead.

“It’s okay. This time. I covered for you. I’m sitting in a diner just out of town, freezing my ass off for you. You so owe me,” she grumbled. “Get your ass over here now.”

***

I slid into the booth opposite Kass, handing her my spare jacket. She took it gratefully and slipped it on.

“You so owe me a dessert,” she grumbled, still pissed.