“This can’t happen, Miss Davis,” he told her, his tone firm, using her last name to put much-needed distance between them.
She stared at him as if trying to decipher what was going on inside his head, pursing her delectable lips in thought.
“I don’t think I’m imagining the chemistry between us,” she said. “But that Miss Davis comment explains everything. Student-teacher. Forbidden. Got it.” She lifted her backpack higher on her back. “I’ll see you on Wednesday, Professor.”
She turned away and walked out of the room, his gaze on her ass as she left.
Biting back a curse, he headed back to the front to gather his things, hating how he was forced to go against every gut instinct he possessed by ignoring their attraction. He wanted to get to know her better. He was curious about how she’d come to be a mother so young, wondered what had happened to her baby’s father, if he was still in her life, and why she’d decided to go back to school now.
Basically he wanted to discover everything about her, and that included learning the curves of her body that she tried so hard to hide with her flowing clothing. His hands itched to slide beneath her colorful top and run along her bare skin. He was dying to close the space between them when they were alone and seal his lips over hers and find out if she tasted as delicious as he thought she would.
For a man who had never wanted more from a woman than a good time, who’d never gotten serious about anyone he’d dated, the desire he felt for all things about Amber shocked him.
Why the hell did it have to be the one woman he couldn’t have in any manner, shape, or form?
Chapter Three
Over the next couple of weeks, determined to conquer her economics class, Amber pulled herself together and worked hard on every assignment, quiz, test, and question posed by Professor Warden. She did her best to put the idea of dating him out of her mind and focus on her studies. Neither one was going the way she’d hoped.
She couldn’t stop thinking of him as Shane, the sexy man with whom she’d shared dinner … and the guy she wanted to kiss. She’d even gathered her courage and put herself out there with him, only to be shot down. Surprisingly, she wasn’t hurt by the rejection, because she really did believe his being her teacher was behind his unwillingness to date her. She still gave herself credit for making the overture.
Levi was the last man she’d truly been interested in sexually as well as emotionally. When she was a young woman, he’d been the love of her life. It was only as she’d grown up that she realized they hadn’t shared enough for that to be true. She hadn’t known him as well as she wished she could have if he’d been given more time in this world. She’d been young and sex had been new and exciting, but she was hardly experienced.
And the men who’d come after? The select few she’d gone to bed with before they’d discovered she came with child baggage and run for the hills? Those men hadn’t exactly let her explore her sexuality all that much. The attraction she’d felt for her past flings wasn’t the kind of instant, sizzling, all-consuming desire she felt for Shane Warden.
She had a feeling going to bed with him would be an out-of-this-world experience. She only wished she could find out if her imagination lived up to reality. She wanted that so badly she was willing to overlook the fact that she’d had a baby and her body wasn’t the thin, lithe one she’d had when she was in college the first time.
As she realized her mind had drifted back to Shane the man once more, she acknowledged she really wasn’t doing a good job of putting him in the professor box. But if she was going to accomplish her mission, earn her degree, make her son proud, and provide him with the best life she possibly could, she had no choice but to focus on her studies. She needed to at least pass her Intro to Economics class, and she was struggling. Badly.
But she had an exam tomorrow she needed to pass, so after FaceTiming with L.J., who was having a blast in the Big Apple, catching up with Carrie and Samuel, and then having her weekly check-in with each of the guys in New York, she made herself a cup of coffee and settled in to study.
* * * *
Shane sat in his family room, grading the most recent test he’d given to the class, and groaned when he came to Amber’s exam. No matter how he looked at it, she was one point short of passing. Although for most students, he’d chalk it up to a bad exam result, upload the grade, and move on, he pored over her test, trying to figure out what the issue was so he could help her, because she really was trying hard to succeed.
She was doing the work, reading the assignments, participating in class, and asking all the right questions when she had a problem. Clearly she was eager to learn and was doing everything she could … on her own. Either her study techniques were an issue or the subject matter just didn’t make sense in her brain. Not everyone excelled in every course, but if she really needed this as a prerequisite, she had to pass the class.
He noticed, too, that she’d joined a study group, which was a positive step, except that group included a student, Dan Markham, Shane had had before in a math class. Dan didn’t struggle in the class the way Amber did, but he was averaging a B- and he wasn’t happy. In Shane’s past with Dan, the boy had issues with any grade less than an A and had a tendency to blame the teacher and not accept responsibility himself. Not that Amber would know that. It wasn’t his place to say anything to her, either. Shane had hoped that Dan and the others would be able to help Amber, that they could all help each other, but that didn’t seem to be the case.
He’d have to talk to her about her grade after class today. Without a significant change, she was at risk of failing the entire course, and there was no way she could pass the final. With the right help, however, there was still hope. Although he told himself he’d go to this extreme for any of his students, in his heart, he knew he was digging deeper because this was Amber … and he felt a connection to her even if he had kept his distance.
He’d stand at the front of the room, trying to concentrate on the subject matter, which he knew inside and out, or on the other kids in the room, but his gaze always came to rest on Amber. Yes, she was older than the others, but she was persistent and he admired her diligence. She’d sit and type in her notes, occasionally resorting to a notepad and pen, always paying attention.
He knew when she was frustrated by the cute crinkle of her nose and realized when she’d caught on to a concept by the bright light in those striking blue eyes. While taking exams, she twirled her hair around her finger, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth while trying to figure out the answer. And when she was antsy, she crossed and uncrossed her legs, nice long legs he admired, even when covered by jeans or leggings.
He had it bad for her, and it wasn’t easy to focus on what mattered most. All his students. His job. Tenure.
Fuck.
He didn’t sleep well that night and arrived at class just in time to start the lecture. He waited until the last five minutes to hand back the exams, not meeting Amber’s gaze as he slid the paper onto her desk.
After striding back to the front of the room, he turned to look across it. “You can reach me in my office if you have any questions,” he said, then reminded them of his office hours. “That’s it for today.” He paused, then said, “Miss Davis, would you stay after for a moment?”
Everyone scrambled to grab their things and leave the room. Only then did he allow himself to look at Amber and catch the sheen of frustrated tears in her eyes thanks to that test result.
* * * *
Great. So not only did she have another failing grade but now she had to face Shane in her humiliation, Amber thought. She swallowed past the lump in her throat, wondering not for the first time since starting this class if she’d made a mistake in coming back to school. Maybe she was too old. Maybe the subject matter was just too much for her. If she couldn’t handle it now, when she had no other responsibilities at home, what was she going to do when L.J. came home and demanded most of her time?
She had no one t
o talk to, either. The Bennetts, her mom, the guys were all cheering her on and believed in her. Even L.J. had told her this morning how proud he was of her. She smiled at the thought of her little man. She missed him so much, but he was having the summer of his life, and she knew she’d made the right decision starting school alone and letting him spend time with his family.
She’d told Layla she was struggling in economics, but her friend’s joking answer had been to ask her hot professor for extra help, and that just wasn’t happening. Shane had made it clear he was off-limits to her. But now he wanted to talk, probably to suggest she drop the course, even now, so late in the semester. The room had emptied out, and she heard the sound of footsteps coming up the aisle.
Looking up, she glanced into his concerned gaze. She still had a hard time thinking of him as Professor Warden.
He strode over to her and settled into the closest chair, shocking her when he placed his hand over hers. “Hey.”
Sparks flew at the simple touch, her entire body alighting with sudden life and need. She didn’t have to wonder if he felt the energy between them, too. He ripped his hand away from her so fast her head spun, and he was right to do so. She couldn’t allow herself to focus on sexual tension when she had this failing grade glaring at her from her desk. But the scent of his cologne surrounded her, mocking her attempt to keep things purely innocent and professional.
“Amber?” he asked, his voice gruff with what she thought was the same desire pulsing inside of her. “What can I do to help?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know. I’m doing everything I can but nothing is enough.”
“How are your other classes going?”
She blinked back her earlier tears. “Fine. Good, actually.” The realization helped center her. “It’s just this one that’s giving me fits.”
Understanding lit his expression. “So it’s not school that’s hard for you, it’s economics.”
She grimaced. “Right. And I wanted to minor in business, so I need this intro class for any course that comes after it.”
“What about a tutor? Maybe some one-on-one instruction will help,” he said.
“Are you offering?” The words were out before she could censor them.
A heightened flush hit his cheeks, and even that hint of color was sexy. She could imagine the same ruddy hue on his cheeks when they were in the middle of a hot make-out session or when he was deep inside her while in her big, lonely bed.
He opened his mouth to reply and she spoke first. “I was kidding,” she said before he could reprimand her again. “Can you recommend someone to tutor me?”
He nodded. “Let me ask around, see who’s available in the summer, and I’ll get you a couple of names.”
Gratitude rushed through her. “Thank you. I don’t want to quit, but I know I can’t do this on my own.” And though he couldn’t offer his own help, he’d come up with a solution she hadn’t thought of herself. “I appreciate the suggestion.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you like it. Now let’s hope it works.”
They rose at the same time, and she took a step back, unsteady on her feet. He reached out a hand to steady her, pulling her forward, and suddenly she was in his arms, her head tilted backward, his mouth millimeters from hers.
“Dammit,” he muttered gruffly, and as if unable to hold back from kissing her any longer, he closed the distance and sealed his lips over hers.
She’d dreamed of this moment many times in the last few weeks, but reality superseded fantasy. He wrapped her in his body heat as his tongue swept into her waiting mouth. She moaned and leaned into him, her long-dormant senses coming alive with the sensations he awoke inside her.
Their tongues touched, tangled, and delved deep. Gripping his shoulders in her hands, she lifted herself onto her toes so she could get closer. He tasted like the mints she’d seen him pop during class, a fresh hint along with his unique masculine flavor, and she couldn’t get enough.
She wanted more, more of his taste, more of his scent, more of him. He wrapped an arm around her waist, hauling her against him, her hips grinding against his, her sex coming into direct contact with the hardness of his erection. He was big and thick and her body softened, desire pulsing through her. She’d known she wanted him. She hadn’t known how much until now.
A loud creaking noise sounded, followed by the slam of the lecture hall doors.
She glanced around but nobody had entered the room.
“Shit.” He pushed her away as if she were toxic and stepped back into the aisle. “Shit,” he repeated, running a hand through his hair. “This shouldn’t have happened.”
“But it did.” And she couldn’t say she regretted it.
“It can’t happen.” Panic laced his voice. “Never again.”
She narrowed her gaze, knowing she hadn’t mistaken the desire between them or the fact that it had been mutual. “Why not?”
“For so many reasons, but the main one is that I’m your professor.”
“Is it against school rules for a student to get involved with a teacher?” she asked.
His brow wrinkled adorably. “Not in writing. Although many schools do have things spelled out, not all do. However, I cannot allow for any hint of impropriety to taint my professional reputation. Been there, done that,” he muttered under his breath but loud enough for her to hear.
“Can you explain?” She wanted to know everything about him, and if he’d dealt with any kind of scandal, that would help her understand his reticence to get involved with her now.
He groaned. “At my last university, a student claimed we had an affair. In reality, she was pissed I’d turned down her advances and decided to get back at me. Damn near ruined my career.” He paced up and down the aisle as he spoke. “I realize we’re the same age; however, there are so many issues with what’s happening between us I couldn’t begin to name them all. But I can’t afford anyone to think I’m giving you special treatment, using my position of authority to push you into a sexual relationship… Dammit!” The pacing continued.
“So you admit there’s something between us?” she asked hopefully.
He spun to face her, a scowl etching his features. “That’s what you took from my concerns?”
A hint of a smile lifted her lips. She couldn’t help it. She was excited he felt something for her. “No,” she said softly. “I understand it all, and for that reason, I’ll stay away … until class ends.” Then she wanted to get to know him.
He already knew she had a son and wasn’t running away because of L.J. Which meant he was a good guy, something she’d already figured out. So she wanted to see if they could form some kind of relationship, as hard as it would be to find time to see one another once her son came home.
He raised an eyebrow, obviously surprised by her easy acquiescence. “What’s the catch?”
She laughed. “The catch is I want to get to know you in another way.”
“What’s that?”
“The old-fashioned way. You can talk to me at night on the phone. You can text me. I want to see if we have things in common besides“—she gestured between their lips—“that.”
Somehow she’d left him speechless.
“Please let me know about a tutor as soon as possible,” she said, her tone somber.
“I will.”
“And Professor Warden? You have my number.”
Chapter Four
Despite the opening Amber had given him, Shane kept his distance. He’d been burned too badly once before by a nonexistent relationship with a student to indulge in any sort of real one. No matter how drawn he was to the bubbly blonde.
And in the last few weeks, he’d seen a more radiant side to Amber’s personality as she grew more comfortable both in his class and with the material. He knew from Professor Anne Slater, who was tutoring Amber, that she was grasping the material thanks to the individual attention dedicated to the subject. She also had made some friends in class, her study group, whi
ch showed him the lighter side she kept hidden beneath the busy mom or harried student. He often saw her laughing, revealing a more carefree side he wished he could get to know better.
Every time he caught a glance of her smile, his dick reacted. Remember that kiss? it seemed to ask him. Don’t you want a repeat?
He frowned and refocused on the papers in front of him, but the information blurred, and when his cell rang, he was grateful for the reprieve.
“Hello?” he asked without really looking at the number.
“Shane? It’s Margo. Your step— I mean it’s Zachary’s wife.” She’d clearly been about to say stepmother, a term he’d never been open to or welcomed.
Still, she’d tried. She’d never been the stereotypical bitch he’d expected, just the second wife his father had left his family for. It’d been hard to welcome her, especially when his own father hadn’t bothered much with him and yet had been such a stubborn ass when it came to how Shane chose to live his life.
“Hello, Margo. How can I help you?” he asked, his standard answer for her rare phone calls. And they were rare.
“It’s your father. He … he had a heart attack,” she said, her voice cracking.
Despite their fractured relationship, panic ran through Shane’s veins. “Is he … is he okay?”
“He is. The doctors are optimistic, though they want to run a few tests.”
Relief flowed through him. After all, the man was an ass but he was the only father Shane had.
“But he’s asking for you,” Margo said. “Can you come visit? Tomorrow would be best because they are running tests today.”
Shane ran a hand over his eyes and groaned. “I’ll be there.” He didn’t have class in the morning and they were only located an hour away. But why in the hell did his father want to see him?
And how did he feel about it? His father had either left him to his own devices or stepped in when he didn’t approve of Shane’s choices. He’d never once asked to see him for no apparent reason. True, a brush with mortality could spark a man’s deepest fears, but Shane didn’t see his father reaching that deep into his soul, and apologies weren’t in his vocabulary.
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