Teacher’s Pet

by Wendy Smith

  “The rush is that I need you inside me. I’ve gone a whole month without you.”

  I gasp again when he slips one finger into me, followed by another.

  “Really? How much do you need me?” His thumb hovers over my clit, and I push my hips up to meet it. “That much, huh?”

  He circles my clit with his thumb. To be honest, it doesn’t matter what he does—I just want him touching me. I need him that much. I’ve missed him.

  When he gently presses on my clit, I nearly go through the roof. “Stop teasing me.”

  He laughs as I push him onto his back, and straddle his hips.

  “Top drawer of the side cabinet,” he says.

  I lean over to pick up the condom, and roll it on before lowering myself onto his cock. I moan at him filling me.

  “Happy now?” he asks.

  “You make me happy.” I lean over and kiss him, rolling my hips.

  “I’m gonna last about five seconds if you keep that up.”

  I shrug. “Personal experience tells me that if that happens, I can get you hard again pretty quickly.”

  “You have such a dirty mouth, Mia Scott.”

  “You love it, James Campbell.” I push myself back up, riding his cock like it’s the only time I’ll ever have it in me again. How did I ever think I could last until the end of next year? Sex with James is sweet and sexy and everything I ever wanted. He’s everything I ever wanted.

  My heart is full again. It always is with James. What I have with him is so different than anything I’ve ever had before.

  “Mia,” he moans as I grind hard against him. I want him to come. I don’t care if this isn’t a marathon. All I want is to give him what he gives me—complete and total satisfaction.

  “I love you,” he says.

  “I love you too,” I whisper. I press my hands to his pecs, and he grasps my arms.

  Forcing my eyes to stay open when all I want to do is close them, I meet his gaze. He does love me. I know I hurt him when I pulled away, and there’s no way I’m doing that again. This is it. We belong together. If I didn’t know it before, I know it now.

  His body tenses under me, and I know he’s close when his thrusts grow harder and slower. He lets out a long groan, pushing his hips up and holding me in place. His expression is strained, and I lean over, peppering his face with kisses.

  James laughs.

  “I can’t stay away from you,” I whisper.

  “I don’t want you to.” He rolls us to one side, and we lie there for a moment while he softens inside me. His mouth finds mine, and I’m lost in a tangle of lips and tongues, our bodies still pressed together.

  When we finally break apart, he caresses my cheek, and I close my eyes.

  “Where’s your car parked?” he asked.

  “At home. I caught a taxi.”

  He smiles.

  “There’s no parking anyway.”

  James laughs. “No.” He strokes my hair. “Are you staying over? I’ll sleep much better tonight with you here.”

  “I can stay. I’ll just leave early. And I’ll sleep better too.”

  He plants a soft kiss on my lips. “My beautiful Mia.”

  It doesn’t take long for him to fall asleep. He looks so peaceful.

  When we were together before, I spent my time terrified that someone would find out about us. While I worried, he was my calm.

  I’m in love with James Campbell.

  Maybe I’m not quite so terrified anymore.

  At the start I felt self-conscious about our age gap. I didn’t want him to see the dimples in my thighs, and that my stomach’s not as flat as it was when I was his age.

  But he loves me. And he loves the way I look.

  Every day he teaches me just how shitty my relationship with Garrett was. My ex never failed to tell me of my flaws.

  James embraces them.

  How did I ever think I could stay away?

  12

  James

  We wake before dawn and make love again before Mia dresses and leaves for work. I doze, and I’m not sure how much time passes before I hear a knock.

  It makes me smile.

  I tug on a pair of boxer shorts and head out to answer it.

  “Did you forget something?” I laugh as I pull open the door.

  It’s not Mia.

  Ashley’s been crying. Black tracks down her face, and her red-rimmed eyes tell me that. I hold up my arms when she throws herself at me, burying her face in my chest.

  “Ashley? What’s wrong?”

  She sobs, and I don’t know what else to do. I wrap my arms around her waist and hold her. Her body trembles, and I guide her to the couch to take a seat. But she won’t let go.

  “Ashley. What’s going on?”

  “I didn’t know who else to go to. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. Just tell me what’s wrong.” I pull back, unhooking her arms from around my neck. Looking at her closer, I see she’s exhausted on top of the crying. It’s not just the mascara under her eyes. She looks like she hasn’t slept for a week.

  “I made such a big mistake.” She sniffs. “I thought Alex loved me, but the whole time we’ve been together, he’s been screwing someone else.”

  I’m not sure what she wants from me. She left me for Alex, so what am I supposed to do? “Well, I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Can I stay here for a while?”

  I exhale through my mouth, unsure of what to stay. Not that long ago, I would have let her, but now I have Mia in my life and she’s the real deal. “I’m not sure—”

  “I need some help to get my things from Alex’s flat. We sold my car, so I don’t have one right now. After my mid-year exams are over, I’ll go home, so it won’t be forever.”

  I close my eyes, trying to absorb what she’s saying. Part of me wants to tell her to leave and turn my back on her, but I know I’m probably the closest friend she has in Auckland. Or rather, I used to be. I doubt she has anyone else who would do everything she’s asking.

  I’ll have to explain it to Mia. Maybe I can stay with her while Ashley stays here. If we slot back into our previous routine, I’ll be spending the weekends with her anyway. There’s got to be some way to help Ashley even though she’s not my problem. And at least it’s only for a short time. “Hang on a minute. You’re dropping out?”

  Ashley shrugs. “I’ve done half my honours year. Maybe I’ll come back and finish it later. I just don’t have the heart right now.”

  I sigh. “Tell you what. We’ll go and get your stuff, and you can stay here until exams are over. Then I’ll take you home to Copper Creek. How does that sound?”

  “Thank you.” She sniffs again.

  “I should go and see Mum anyway. She’s not getting any better.”

  Her face falls. “I’m so sorry, James.”

  I shrug. “I think the treatment she got before gave her more time with us. I’m not sure she’ll be around much longer. I haven’t been home for ages, and exams will be over soon.”

  Ashley nods.

  “You can take the bed. I’ll take the couch if I’m here.”

  “Are you seeing someone?” Her mouth falls open. “Oh God, I didn’t even ask.”

  “It’s complicated. But yeah, there is someone. I’ll talk to her and explain about you and maybe I can stay a few nights with her.”

  “I’m so sorry, James. I don’t want to put you out. I just didn’t know where else to turn.”

  I nod, sighing when she wraps her arms around my waist and pulls herself in.

  “I knew I’d be safe here. I’m sorry for what I did to you. Now I know how much it hurts.”

  “Yeah, it really did.”

  She lets out a sigh. “I just want to go home now.”

  “How many exams have you got left?”

  She leans back. “Two. You?”

  “One. We’ll go home once we’re both all done.”

  Ashley nods again. “Thank you. You’re such a good guy
. I appreciate it.”

  “It’s no problem.”

  Or is it?

  “She’s what?” Mia stares at me. I didn’t want to tell her at uni, but it was something I needed to say face to face. I popped into her office to let her know about Ashley. The last thing I need is for anyone to gossip and for it to get back to her without me telling her.

  “She’s going to stay with me for a couple of weeks, and then I’ll take her home to Copper Creek. We’re going to pick up her stuff from his flat tonight and get her out of there.”

  Mia’s pacing. I’ve never seen her so worked up. “And she needed your help. No one else’s.”

  “I’m the person she trusts more than anyone.” I cross the room to meet her and grasp her arms. “You don’t have to worry about her, Mia. I love you.”

  She nods. “I know. It’s just that you wouldn’t be happy if I let Garrett move in under the same circumstances.”

  “I’d fucking kill him.”

  Mia laughs. “There you go.”

  “So, I’m proposing that for the next couple of weeks, I stay with you.”

  Her eyes widen. “Really?”

  “I’ll leave my car in the park at the apartment, and catch the bus.”

  “Are you going to tell Ashley about us?”

  I shake my head. “I’ve told her I’m seeing someone, but she doesn’t need to know the details. It’s just for two weeks, and then I’ll take her home and visit Mum for a bit.”

  “How is she doing?”

  “It’s all downhill from here.” My heart hurts over that. Mum doesn’t deserve what’s happening to her, and I haven’t been home in forever with the various dramas in my life. My focus has been on uni and Mia—not much else.

  “I’m sorry. I wish I could do something to help.”

  I slip my arms around her waist. “You are helping. You’re here for me, and I love you for it. That’s all that matters.”

  “I like the thought of you being with me for a couple of weeks. We’ll just have to be wary of Garrett.”

  “Maybe we can think of it as a test run for the future.”

  She smiles. “I like that idea.”

  “I promise I’ll cook dinner and clean up after myself.”

  “Damn right you will.”

  I gape at her. “Such tough talk.”

  “Wait until you’re living with me.” She laughs, but I know she’s a million miles away from where she was in her former relationship. I’m privileged to be watching the evolution of Mia Scott. She’s becoming more comfortable in her own skin.

  “I’m just looking forward to spending more quality time with you. Between work and uni, it never feels like we have enough. We know we’re sexually compatible, but I think we could strengthen all the other parts of our relationship.”

  Mia nods. “I feel the same way.”

  “We already have a lot of interests in common as far as study goes. Let’s see what else we can find.” I peck her on the lips. “See you tonight at home?”

  She grins. “Sounds good. I love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  13

  James

  Ashley’s things fill my car.

  I guess I don’t have much more than she does, but it’s kind of sad that four years of someone’s life fits into such a small space.

  But I help her load it all in, and then unload it into my place.

  “Where are you staying if I need anything?” she asks.

  “Just send me a text.”

  She scowls. “You’re not going to tell me anything, are you?”

  I chuckle. “No. You’re not entitled to know.”

  Ashley shrugs. “Fair enough. I do appreciate you letting me stay here.”

  “I’m not about to make you sleep on the street.”

  She grasps my arm. “Thank you, James. You’re such a good person. I’m sorry I hurt you.”

  I’m not sure how to respond. Do I thank her for saying it? Or do I ignore it?

  Shrugging it off, I hand her the spare key from the side table by the door. “Here. Let me know if you need anything.”

  She nods. “Okay. Thanks again. I can’t wait to go home.”

  “I bet. Are you okay? Do you need anything before I go?” I point toward the kitchen. “There’s a bit of food in the fridge, and tea and coffee.”

  Ashley smiles. “I know where it all is. I did used to live here.”

  “I know, it’s just … I want to make sure you’re okay. Until I can deliver you home, I feel kinda responsible for you.”

  “That’s really sweet, and I appreciate it. But I’m thinking I might just order some Uber Eats and fall asleep on the couch watching television.”

  I laugh. “Some things never change then. I should get going and leave you to it.”

  She slips her arms around my waist and snuggles in. It doesn’t feel familiar at all; it just feels weird, and all I want is to get to Mia. “Thanks, James. I hope this means that we can be friends.”

  “Of course we can.”

  Ashley lets go of me. “I’ll talk to you during the week.”

  I nod. “You bet. And call me any time if you need anything.”

  Walking away feels freeing, and I smile all the way to the elevator. I’ve got a backpack with some clothes in it, and that’s all I’m taking to Mia’s. I’ll leave the car parked in the building and catch the bus. If Garrett turns up, then there’s less chance we’ll be caught that way.

  I can’t wait to see her.

  I take a deep breath as I step inside Mia’s kitchen. She’s been cooking, and with two hours to go until I start work, I get to have dinner with my lady before my night shift.

  “You’re just in time.” She walks in from the living room and wraps her arms around my waist. This is what feels right now. She plants a tender kiss on my lips.

  “Something smells good. I can smell you’ve been cooking too.” I laugh.

  “I thought I’d make an effort for our first night. I made some chicken cordon bleu, mashed potato, and some fresh vegetables.” Her eyes search mine as if she’s looking for approval.

  “Sounds amazing.”

  “Are you sure? I can make something else if …”

  I grasp her arms. “Completely sure. Anything you’ve made will be amazing, I’m sure. Where’s the doubt coming from?”

  She shrugs. “I know you’ll be coming and going with work, but this is kind of a trial run for living together.”

  “And you can’t be yourself if you’re forever seeking my approval. Babe, I’m not Garrett. Stop doubting yourself around me.”

  She laughs when I lean in and press a kiss to her neck. “I should know that by now, shouldn’t I?”

  “Yes, you should. You don’t doubt yourself at work. And you don’t need to do it at home anymore. I’ll never be that guy who picks holes for the sake of it. And I’m pretty sure that’s what he’s like.”

  She nods. “You’re right.”

  “I’ve got two hours, so let’s eat and then make out on the couch before I go.”

  From the kiss I get in return, and her laughter, I know she agrees.

  14

  James

  The first week is easy.

  We settle into a routine that is one of us cooking dinner, me going to work, and then me crawling into bed with Mia a little after four when I finish. That’s when I miss my car, but there’s usually an Uber around to get me back to her.

  By Friday, I’m more than ready for a break. I just have study to do before the last of my exams, and I’ll make Mia dinner tonight.

  Mia’s warm body against mine, her soft kisses on my cheek before she leaves for work.

  It’s a little after eleven when a crash in the kitchen jolts me awake.

  Someone’s in the house.

  Mia’s usually home around one on a Friday. She’ll be in a lecture right now.

  I grit my teeth. There’s only one other person it could be, unless there’s a burglar.

&n
bsp; I climb out of bed, and peek out of the bedroom door.

  No one’s in the hallway.

  A familiar voice comes from the kitchen.

  “Damn it. Where did she put those plates?”

  Garrett.

  I know better than to confront him. But Mia has to know he’s here.

  Tiptoeing back to the bedroom, I close the door as quietly as I can. My phone’s on the bedside cabinet, and I quickly type out a message.

  Me: Garrett’s in the house

  It only takes a few moments.

  Mia: What? I’ll come home

  Me: Want me to get dressed and sneak out?

  Mia: I won’t be far away. I’ll excuse myself and be there soon.

  I could always climb out the window, but I’ll only do that if I have to. The last thing I want is him to spot me doing a runner.

  The longer I wait, the angrier I get. How dare he do this to her? And how many times has he been in her house when she’s not here?

  The distinctive sound of Mia’s Subaru comes from outside. I place my hand on the handle of the door in case she needs any help. It sucks. I should be out there with her, but I know Garrett will try his best to destroy everything she’s worked for if he finds out about me.

  A door slams.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” she asks.

  “I bought lunch. Thought you might like some.”

  I close my eyes.

  “Well, I don’t, and you’re not supposed to be here. You know that.”

  “It’s still my house, Mia.”

  “That I live in by our agreement. You don’t get to come in whenever you feel like it.”

  He snorts.

  “Leave, Garrett. Before I call my lawyer.”

  I swallow hard. I’ve not been privy to a conversation between them before, and I’m so proud of her for standing up to him. I hope my presence helps give her strength.

  “You don’t have to do that. Next time, I won’t try do something nice for you.”

  “I don’t want anything nice from you. I don’t want anything from you.”