by Royale, KC
Chapter 7
As we headed towards the lounge, the only thing that I kept repeating in my head was; this is not a date, this is not a date, this is not a date. The chanting was only a distraction, until I could make some sort of sense of my current predicament. Was this just a coincidence, or was it more?
Maybe this could just really be as simple, as a coincidence, us both being at the same place at the same time? Ugh, I sounded so stupid when I couldn’t think straight. So at that moment, I decided to not over-think things at all, not until I at least had a shot. The lounge was a nice size, almost the size of a medium-sized restaurant.
There was a small stage in the center of the room, near the back. There the band was playing and a nice looking African-American woman who stood in front of a mic, singing tones and melodies. The way she sang without actually using words, had me immediately entranced. She sounded so erotic, and the soft sounds of the live band flowed so lovely around her intoxicating voice.
The music overall was very enchanting, and I immediately knew that I’d enjoy myself tonight. I looked on as Thomas led me to his private booth near the front of the stage. Then and only then, did he remove his arm from around mine. He then placed his hand on the small of my back, ushering me forward as I nervously glanced up at him.
I entered the booth and scooted over, and he then sat inside the booth and moved closer to me. I glanced at him again and we both smiled at each other, as I set my purse on the table and looked around this place. It was a very nice setting, and had a romantic feel to it. It didn’t feel like a cheap looking hotel lounge at all. The ceiling had sparkling lights hanging down, and there were tables and booths surrounding a small dance floor in front of the stage, where a few couples were swaying to the music.
All the tables were filled, with people actively listening to the music. It was like a sold out concert in here, filled to capacity. They all seemed like they were almost in a trance, from the jazz they were hearing. The same kind of trance you’d witness at a poetry reading, the people were always so in-tuned with their surroundings, literally.
Just like they were tonight, in this place, with the soft jazz playing. I actually liked it here, and that was odd, because I never liked most of the clubs that my friends dragged me out to.
“I like it here, it has a very relaxing atmosphere,” I murmured, while looking over at him and suddenly realizing just how close he was, when he faced me. I’ve never been this close to him, I could actually smell his cologne. A long moment passed as we gazed at each other, with no words spoken.
“I agree. I come here when I need to do exactly that, relax and enjoy myself,” he murmured, as his eyes lowered to my lips and then back up to my eyes. “This group plays here once every month, and I try to make it each time,” he finally replied, after clearing his throat.
“I would too, if I had known about them. This music is so good, I really like it,” I smiled, ignoring the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
“Maybe later you’d join me for a dance then?”
“Hmm, maybe, but I need a drink first,” I responded. He then leaned forward and pressed a button on the side of the table, and a waiter appeared shortly after.
“Mr. Brennan, nice to have you back, sir. What can I do for you tonight?” The waiter eagerly asked. He really is a regular here.
“Is champagne alright, Jessica?” He asked me, gauging my answer. Isn’t champagne for celebrating?
“Sure, but I would love to add a shot of whiskey though,” I stated. His eyebrows rose in surprise, and I smiled at him. He then nodded to me, as he turned back to the waiter.
“A bottle of Champagne, and two shots of whiskey.”
“Yes, sir, right away.” The waiter scurried off, as Thomas turned back to me. I could see the question written all over his face, without him even asking.
“My Dad always says that whiskey calms you down, and even though champagne sounds amazing, I knew I needed a shot of the calm that only whiskey can deliver,” I offered.
“I see, well your father definitely knows what he’s talking about. But there are other ways of achieving that calm you desire, without the consumption of alcohol, Miss Moore,” he stated, and winked at me. I knew now that he was indeed with me, yet again.
“So, how have you been, Professor?” I asked him as I tried to ignore the warmth I was beginning to feel between my legs.
“You aren’t going to stop calling me professor, are you?” He chuckled.
“I like it, actually. In and out of the classroom,” I’d stated, before I could catch myself. What the hell.
“As you wish. To answer your question, I am doing well. I’m glad that the school year is over, and my academic vacation has officially started,” he replied.
“Wow, that’s great. So, are you traveling some, or are you staying close by?” I didn’t know why I asked him that, but I really wanted him to answer my question. No matter how invasive it was.
“A little of both, but that may change in the foreseeable future.” He smirked at me. I found myself taking a deep breath, to calm my nerves and unfiltered mouth.
“I wish I could have had more of a break, to at least travel a little, before I start my new job. Unfortunately I didn’t get much free time, but that’s partially my doing. So for me, I went straight from college, to working full-time. I start on Monday, and I’m so excited,” I beamed.
“That’s great, Jess, I am very proud of you.” He stated.
“Thank you so much, for everything, Professor.”
“My pleasure. So, if you could travel, where would you go?” He asked. The waiter then approached us with our drinks. He began to set down the bucket holding the bottle of Champagne, and the two shots of whiskey. Meanwhile, I was thinking of my answer to his question. Where would I want to travel?
“Jessica?” He called my name, and I looked over to see him staring at me.
“Oh, sorry, I was still thinking of where I wanted to travel. There are so many places, I can’t narrow it down to just one,” I murmured.
“I understand. I was going to ask if you’ve eaten dinner.”
“Um, well, not exactly.”
“Okay, neither have I. So, we’ll eat then, okay?”
“Yes, I can eat.” Once the waiter returned with a menu, he then started to order a few dishes for us. It took me by surprise that two of the dishes he ordered, were my favorites. How was it that we had the same taste in food, when he seemed so worldly?
I always thought he probably ate raw fish and alligator, or something else exotic. But he actually liked chicken parmesan, and steak and potatoes, and so did I. He’d put in the order for those entrées, and then the waiter had left.
“That was amazing,” I murmured, while shaking my head at him.
“What was?” He asked.
“You chose two of my favorite meals without even asking me.”
“Well, maybe it’s my lucky day,” he stated, as he winked at me.
“Maybe it is,” I giggled, as I reached for the two shots, handing him his. I held mine up, thinking of what to say. “Hmm… what shall we toast to, Professor?”
“How about we toast to a great future?” He offered.
“Okay, to a great future,” I repeated, and we clinked our shot glasses, as we both threw back the liquid fire. I then blew out a long breath afterwards, as it was surely needed.
“You okay?” He asked. Obviously the whiskey did nothing to his throat, since he was so calm as if he’d drank water.
“Yes, I am fine. I would like a glass of champagne now.”
“I never took you for much of a drinker, Miss Moore.” He chuckled, as he reached for the champagne bottle in the ice bucket, and started to fill both our glasses.
“I’m not. I mostly prefer a glass or two of wine periodically, but sometimes, a gal needs a shot of whiskey,” I teased. He chuckled at my playful demeanor as he handed me my glass, and I smiled at him sweetly.
“I’m guessing this is one
of those times?” He arched a brow.
“Well, aren’t you clever? You don’t know too much about me, professor, so let’s not presume. I don’t presume to know you, but if I’m permitted, I can learn,” I admitted boldly, the liquor was already making me braver than I really was.
“Okay, I get it, but I can learn as well. Keep in mind that I am fully aware, of your learning capabilities, Miss Moore.”
“Oh, well you’d do well to keep in mind that, I am also fully aware of your teaching capabilities, Professor Brennan.”
“You’re very intelligent as well as entertaining, Miss Moore. In and out of the classroom,” he stated, and clinked my glass. We both then drank some of our champagne, while our eyes stayed locked on each other’s.
As much as I was trying to stay in control of things and not over-think this non-date with him, I felt as if I was completely out of my league. But I couldn’t deny that I was having a great time, just being with him, in this way. So, I sat back and got comfortable, as I let the sweet sounds of jazz take me away, and away I was taken, with my professor right next to me.
Chapter 8
“Jessica?” He murmured, and I turned from looking at the stage, to look over at him.
“Hmmm?”
“So, back to the previous question, where would you like to travel?” He asked, as he looked at me intensely.
“Oh, I don’t know, Thomas. I would love to visit Italy one day, and maybe Australia and St. Croix,” I replied absentmindedly and he smiled.
“Those are very good choices, and I think you’ll get to visit them all one day. Sooner than you think.” He replied, while taking another sip of his champagne.
“Oh yeah, how? I don’t have the resources for that kind of traveling, not to mention the time or companionship. I wouldn’t want to go alone and all my friends are leaving, and I won’t have anyone here with me after tomorrow,” I sighed, and looked back at the stage.
“You’ll have me. You’ll always have me,” he muttered. Unsure if I’d heard him right, I turned to look at him, as my eyes widened. I was dumbfounded, at the words that came out of his mouth. Not at the validity of his words, but the instant response of that kind of a statement. It had actually made me breathless, as I gasped. In some strange way, I felt as if this was more than just a casual dinner between acquaintances.
Just being with him, in this way, seemed like it was… more. I felt like I was entering the outer realms of our very limited relationship. It almost felt like an initiation to the other side that has now been approved and activated. The fraternizing issues were no longer a factor, because I was out of school now. So the truth is, there was no limits standing between us now. But would I allow anything to happen between us? Did he want something to happen? I didn’t want to think about it, so I took a deep breath and decided to just… see what happens.
“You okay, Jess?” He asked, concern etched on his face.
“Oh, Professor, let’s dance,” I blurted out. The alcohol had loosened my tongue and I wanted to just do what I felt like doing, which at the moment was to dance.
“Okay,” he muttered, and helped me out of the booth. As we made our way to the dance floor, I found myself rambling about my night. I’d told him about that insane party, and my last minute plans to stay in town tonight. I was trying to do something I normally wouldn’t do with men, and that was to live in the moment.
As soon we reached the dance floor, I turned towards him, and immediately stopped talking. I stood there, thinking that maybe this wasn’t a good idea after all. But before my nerves could get the best of me, he roped his arm around my waist, pulling me to him. My breath hitched as my mouth parted, and he smirked at me.
“It’s alright, Jess, to come closer. I’ve got you,” he uttered, as he stepped closer to me. I placed my hand on his shoulder as he grabbed my other hand. Oh god. We just stood there, motionless, while breathing each other in.
We were now face-to-face, closer than we’ve ever been, while our bodies almost touched. There was maybe half an inch between us, and it was too much for me to handle. I felt like his touch and his scent were making me even tipsier, than I already was. I could get drunk off of him.
He continued to stare at me, with a thirst in his eyes so intense, it was making me tremble. We began to sway to the music as we gazed at each other, and I wondered what he was thinking. For two songs our bodies swayed to the soft jazz, in the semi-darkened room. There we were, growing closer and more comfortable with one another. By the second song, my head ended up on his chest, and his nose buried in my hair.
By the time the third song started, my arms were wrapped around his neck, as I ran my fingers through his hair. I wanted him, and I wanted him badly and I wasn’t alone. He was in the zone himself, as both his hands gripped my waist, pulling me closer to him, as if I was his prey. I would see his eyes lower periodically, to my lips and then he’d pulled me even closer to his hard body. I’ve always had an overwhelming desire for him, but I always put all my energy into fighting it. But now, I don’t think I had any more fight left in me.
I didn’t know if I could resist this man, if he actually wanted more with me. I couldn’t believe that my body was reacting to him, in such an overpowering way. I guess I could lie to myself all I wanted too, but the body never lies. He was hard-pressed against my stomach, and I was soaking wet.
After we danced to the third song, we then left the lounge, and headed toward the elevators. I think both of us were tipsy and insanely aroused, but I was no longer fighting it. I wanted him to fuck me, tonight. We rode up to the seventh floor in silence, but the dirty thoughts that passed between us, were very obvious. I still wasn’t sure what could be done about it, he was so out of my league. But I was willing to find out, I think.
I was already feeling the emptiness that was now consuming me, since we’d left the dance floor. A few minutes ago he’d released me on the dance floor and grabbed my hand, and I felt my world slowly crashing, just from the detachment of his body. I wanted more, and he wanted more too. I could feel it when we danced, he was pressed so close to me, that I could feel his erection on my stomach.
He reached over to hold my hand, and I let him, and he exhaled a breath. The elevator pinged as we reached the seventh floor, where we both had rooms for the night. We walked out of the elevator, and he’d made a left, while still holding my hand. I quickly realized that I hadn’t looked at the sign near the elevator, to see if they were walking on the right side of the hall. As we walked down the hall, I looked around at the numbers, and saw that they were going up and not down. A moment later I realized why, as we came to a complete stop. We now stood hand in hand in front of a room, his room… room seven thirty six.
“Jess?” He murmured, as I desperately tried not to over-think things, but that seemed impossible. I was the hornist I’d ever been in my life, but it was still a battle of wills. Could I do this? Would I do this? Should I do this?
“Yes?” I replied, breathing deeply, trying to fight the desire clawing at my soul.
“You okay?” He asked. I knew why he was asking me if I was okay. He needed to know it if I was too intoxicated, from the few drinks I’d had. Yes, I was a little tipsy, but the food we ate had assisted in keeping me leveled. I was only drunk with hunger, hunger for him.
“Yes, I’m okay… more than okay,” I responded, as I reached into my purse, looking for the key to my room. I knew that I didn’t need it, but I needed to distract myself for a moment. Because we were standing in front of his room, and I wasn’t sure what I should do at this point. As I pulled out my room key from my purse, he quickly snatched it from my hand. As he moved closer to me, backing me up against his door.
“Ugh, professor—” I started to say, but my words left me as he stepped even closer to me, completely invading my personal space. I looked up into his eyes, and they were so intense. I was used to his intensity, but not this kind of intensity. This intensity was new, intoxicating, and arousing even. I wanted h
im, but I never imagined that he wanted me too.
“Jessica, I want to… I need you,” he muttered, close to my mouth, as I tried to remember to breath. In… Out….. Breathe In….. Breathe Out, Jessica.
Even though I didn’t have much experience with men, I could tell that he wanted to kiss me, as his eyes had lowered to my lips again. I slowly raised my hands toward him, and ran them up his chest, as he exhaled. I could feel his warm breath on my lips, as he leaned closer to me. I tried to mentally prepare myself for this kiss; a kiss I had always wanted, but never ever thought I would get. But it didn’t happen. The kiss didn’t happen.
What did happen made my eyes widen in shock and in fear, when I suddenly heard a loud “BEEP” and then a click. As the door to his room was being pushed opened, by his hand. OMG. Was this really happening to me right now? I turned and looked behind me, and into his room. Before I turned back to him, eyes wide and flushed. He smirked and took my hand, and walked inside his room.
Once he was inside, he turned and looked at me, and then down at my heels. I was still standing in the hall, right over the threshold. I had a choice to make. I could either cross the threshold, or run to my room like a scared little girl. Even though I was nervous as hell, I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, happening right here and now. I had never been with another man since my first, Michael. So I was a bit hesitant, on my next lover being my professor. But he wasn’t my teacher anymore and I now lived twenty miles away from here.
So why not him? I swallowed and took a step forward, entering his room, with the door slamming behind me.
Chapter 9
Jessica had no clue that her car had not only been bugged, but it also had a tracking device planted inside. For the last several months, he ensured that he always knew her whereabouts and also her destinations. He had the tracker placed on her car for her protection at first, since there had been a few reported incidents around campus. But he quickly realized that he wanted to know more about her, than just where she was located. He wanted to be able to hear her voice, and hear her talk about something other than academia. He needed more, and was determined to enhance his surveillance on her, and planted the bug.
