by E. K. Blair
“What’s up, Ms. Warner?”
“This homework assignment—I wondered if you could have a look at it for me and make sure it’s okay?” She leaned over, her blonde hair falling over her shoulder as she tilted her head, eyeing me seductively.
“Paige, this is due today. There’s not much you can do at this point if it’s not correct.”
Her face went red.
I stood up and clapped my hands together. “Okay, guys, take your seats.” My eyes swept over Wrenn in her usual spot in the back row. I gave her a wink, and she smiled.
Grabbing the handful of papers on my desk, most covered in red pen, I began to hand them out.
“Your homework assignments from last week. A few of you did really well. Some of you need to put a little more effort into your studies.” I dropped a C-graded paper on Paige’s desk. “Perhaps if you spent as much time on your homework as you did on shopping, this would be an A.” Sniggers filled the room as she scowled at me. I placed Wrenn’s paper down on her desk: A+.
“Good work,” I said to her with another wink. She blushed, tilting her head as she gazed up at me.
“Yeah, it’s not that hard to get good grades when your aunt pays the teachers’ wages,” muttered Paige. Her comment was greeted with laughter from the other students.
Wrenn stared down at her paper, refusing to bite.
“Enough, Paige,” I snapped. “One more comment like that, and you’ll fail my class. Are we clear?”
Her jaw dropped as she narrowed her eyes at me. She muttered a yes.
“Hand this week’s assignment up to the front, and open your books to page seventy-three,” I snapped, shooting another glance in Wrenn’s direction. Her head was still down.
I glanced around the room. Some students eyed me with awe, impressed by my ability to shut Paige up. Others didn’t look so impressed. Wrenn wore a tiny smile on her lips that made my heart skip.
Made my heart skip? What was I, a twelve-year-old girl?
Never mind the fact that any kind of heart-skipping behavior caused by a student was totally inappropriate. Wherever my heart—or any other parts of my body for that matter—was going with this, it needed to stop.
The bell rang and the girls began to pack up their things. While everyone else shot out of the room as quickly as possible, Wrenn seemed to be taking her time, handling each pen one by one as she placed them neatly in her backpack. By the time she stood up, the room was nearly empty, the last of the students filing out.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Paige glaring in my direction as she stomped out of the room. That girl made me shudder. One look at Paige and all I saw was trouble.
Wrenn, still smiling, approached the desk. Her green eyes were so bright with
warmth that I couldn’t help but feel good.
“Thanks for that. What you said to Paige.” She paused, sweeping her hair over her shoulder. “But don’t underestimate how much trouble that girl is. Even for you.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I think I can handle it,” I chuckled. If Paige wanted to learn how tough I could be, I was more than happy to show her. Girls like her made my skin crawl. She had no empathy or feelings for anyone but herself.
“Okay, if you say so.” She smiled at me, her finger tracing the edge of my desk. I could feel my heart begin to race, and I had no idea why. I refused to believe it was because of her.
“You shouldn’t be afraid to stand up to her, Wrenn.”
She looked up, surprised, her eyes meeting mine. Then she shrugged, as if it were no big deal.
“Standing up for myself would just create more drama. I’d rather not have to deal with that. I’ve got bigger things on my mind than Paige and her petty comments.” She smiled wistfully. “I’d rather focus my attention on the people I actually give a damn about. Does that make sense?”
“Perfect sense, actually,” I mumbled, rubbing my neck, her comments hitting a little too close to home. “So, you’re from Washington, and you like horror movies. What else is there to know about Wrenn?” I don’t know why, but I didn’t want her to leave yet. I wanted to keep this conversation going for as long as possible, without seeming like a complete creep.
She made a face, looking deep in thought.
“There’s not much to know,” she said truthfully. “I’m pretty boring, I guess. I love cars, and I hate shopping. I love things that make me think, like a good book. I’m quite opinionated, but I pride myself on seeing both sides of the argument. And I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since I was little.”
“Any particular area of law?”
“Criminal law. Prosecution,” she answered immediately. She glanced down at her phone. “And I’m late for class,” she added sheepishly.
“I’ll write you a hall-pass so you don’t get into to trouble.” I grinned, grabbing my pad. I scribbled out the note and handed it to her. Our fingers brushed against one another, her touch leaving me numb. She smiled at me, tiled her head down, and then walked out of the room.
Sinking back into my chair, I tried to process what had just happened. What was I doing? Creating little fantasies in my head over a student was just plain wrong. But there was something about her, something different. Something special that made me want—no, need—to know more.
Chapter Eight
Wrenn
I found myself looking forward to History classes much more than I should have. After two weeks of Dalton being in my life, any chance I got to see him was something I looked forward to.
A schoolgirl crush? Maybe. I wasn’t sure.
In class he always treated me the same as everyone else, but unlike some of my other teachers, he didn’t sit back and ignore Paige’s snarky comments. There was no special treatment toward me—perhaps I imagined a glance here and a smile there, but nothing concrete. Out of class, he treated me like an equal.
It was something that would never go anywhere, but it gave me comfort to think about him as being something more than just my teacher. I didn’t for a second dream that my crush would be reciprocated. I wasn’t stupid. He had been nothing but above board when he was with me, in and out of class.
Still, I couldn’t stop myself from fantasizing about him when I lay in bed at night, or imagining what it would be like to kiss him. As each day progressed, I found myself thinking about him more and more.
***
I practically skipped to class on Thursday, which earned me an odd look from Kass. She never saw me this happy about school, so I didn’t blame her skepticism.
“What the hell is with you?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.
Shit. I needed to settle down. Nobody was this excited about History. “Nothing. Just feeling good today. Being almost the weekend, and all.”
She seemed to accept that and proceeded to ramble on about her plans for the weekend.
“Wrenn?”
“Huh?” I said, embarrassed that she had caught me lost in thought.
“I said you should come with us. Up the coast.”
This weekend? Hanging around the school gave me the chance to possibly see Dalton. I wasn’t about to give that up. Besides, a weekend away with those two, watching them make out? I think I’ll pass.
“I promised I’d help my aunt with something,” I fibbed, biting my lip. The chances of running into him were small, but I’d still take it. Besides, I knew Kass and Trina enjoyed their alone time.
Kass nodded. “Too bad. If you get out of it, let me know. It’ll be fun.”
We walked into the room, taking our usual seats in the back. Dalton was there already. Paige and her sidekick, Deena, stood next to him, giggling and flicking their hair. I almost chuckled at how uncomfortable he looked. Obviously his handling of her behavior on Monday hadn’t dampened her interest in him. His eyes caught mine and narrowed slightly as I giggled. It was those little connections we had, like just then, that made me wonder...
“What’s funny?” Kass asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“Paige and Deena. Look at how awkward Mr. Reid looks.”
Kass glanced over at them and began to snigger loudly. Paige glared back at us, her expression one of pure hatred.
“Okay guys, settle down.” Mr. Reid waited as the last few students scuffled into class and sat down. He held up some papers. “I have your assignments to give back. Some are excellent, and some of you need to focus more.” He began to work his way around the room, handing back papers. He winked as he reached me, dropping my A+ paper down on my desk.
“Good job, again,” he muttered softly. I couldn’t help it, I was grinning like an idiot. Paige rolled her eyes, but didn’t say anything. I didn’t even care.
Even she couldn’t ruin how good I felt right now.
***
“You wanna come to mine?” Kass bit down on her apple as we walked outside. It was overcast and cold, a typical day for this time of year. All I wanted to do was curl up in front of the fire with a book, or maybe a movie.
“Nah, I might have an early night. I’m exhausted.” I yawned and stretched out my arms.
Kass rolled her eyes. “You’re weak,” she said with a grin as she walked toward the parking lot. “But okay. See you tomorrow!”
I spent the evening stretched out on the sofa watching Dawn of the Dead. He was right: it was a damn good movie, and scary as hell. My stomach somersaulted when I thought about him. He’d gone out of his way to lend me this movie. Did he mean anything by it? Or was he just being nice? I was trying so hard not to read into every little interaction because I just knew I was setting myself up to be hurt. I was his student. He was my teacher. That was the only thing I knew for sure.
Chapter Nine
Wrenn
Wow, I was exciting.
Saturday night and I was at home, studying. My aunt and uncle saw more action than I did. They had gone out for the afternoon—and evening—to a wedding.
Kass had asked me again to go with her and Trina, but I honestly just felt like staying home. I liked having the house to myself, and studying meant my mind was kept occupied. When my mind was occupied, I didn’t dwell on the past. It was that simple.
Hearing the doorbell, I ran downstairs to answer it. I swung the door open and gaped in surprise. Dalton stood there, looking devilishly sexy in a pair of jeans and a Jacket. He flashed me that gorgeous crooked smile. He looked pleased to see me.
“Wrenn, hey. Is Layna home?” He held up a small package wrapped neatly with a bright pink ribbon. “A present from my mom,” he explained with a sheepish grin. I giggled. That was so cute.
I stood aside and let him in. Shutting the door, I motioned for him to go through to the kitchen.
“She and Dan are at a wedding. Can I get you a drink?” I asked.
He hesitated, and then nodded. “A soda would be nice, thanks.” He placed the present down on the counter, watching me as I poured two glasses of soda. Could he see how much my hands were shaking?
I handed him one of the glasses and smiled, taking a sip as I walked over to the table. He followed, sliding into the chair opposite me.
Is this really happening?
Dalton, alone with me in my house, inches away from me. I could stretch my leg out right now and it would accidentally brush past his. Not that I would. My heart was racing, and I was shaking like crazy. Could he see how nervous he made me? Fuck, I hoped not. I wanted to exude calm and cool, not a hot mess.
“I thought the entire student population would be out tonight, being a Saturday night,” he said lightly, his eyes on mine.
I shrugged and fiddled with the rim of my glass, the tip of my finger going round and round. I glanced up and caught him staring. He looked flustered when his eyes met mine.
“What can I say? I’m boring,” I said with a smile. “I was accepted into prelaw at Boston University, but it’s a provisional acceptance dependent on my grades. Any spare time I have goes into that.”
“And scary movies,” he added, his eyes twinkling.
I laughed. “Yes. Speaking of which...” I stood up, my drink in hand, waving for him to follow me.
He raised an eyebrow and looked at me suspiciously.
“I’m taking you into the living room. I’m not planning on assaulting you,” I joked.
His face flushed, which only made me giggle harder.
Worst attempt at humor ever. Someone needs to stop me. Intervention please.
In the living room, I set down my drink and reached for the stack of DVDs on the coffee table.
“This is yours,” I said, handing him back Dawn of the Dead.
“Did you enjoy it?” he asked.
“Loved it,” I admitted. I handed him the rest of the DVDs. “And these all came yesterday, express mail.” I’d gone more than a little crazy ordering up on Amazon.
“Holy shit, nice choice,” he said, holding up my copy of Rosemary’s Baby.
“I’ve never seen it,” I said with a smile.
He gasped, shaking his head in mock horror. “And you call yourself a horror buff? Fuck homework. You need to watch this now. Right now,” he declared. “Even if it means you don’t get into college, it’ll be worth it. It’s imperative you see this movie.”
“Why don’t you stay? Layna and Dan will be a while, still, and if it’s as scary as you say it is, there is no way in hell I’m watching it alone.” Ha, bullshit. I lived for horror movies, but I wasn’t letting him leave without a fight.
He hesitated for half a second, and then shrugged. “Okay, what the hell. Let’s do this.”
I tried to contain my excitement. He said yes? I had so not expected him to say yes! My excitement turned to horror as it sank in. Holy shit, how can I sit next to him for two freaking hours and sixteen minutes?
“If you put it on, I’ll order a pizza,” he said, decisively. “Any particular kind?” he asked.
I shook my head.
He fished out his phone and called the delivery place while I fiddled with the DVD player, my stomach feeling like it was home to a rave full of moths on acid.
Why moths? Because they aren’t as graceful as butterflies.
I sat down in one of the leather recliners, tucking my feet up under me. I studied him while he was on the phone and unaware of my attention. His dark hair was messy, but it worked perfectly with his jeans and faded shirt. He wore a black jacket, which looked like leather. I resisted the urge to reach out and touch it.
Everything about him I wanted to touch: his hair, I wanted to run my hands through; the stubble on his jaw, I wanted to feel on my fingertips, his lips, I wanted to feel pressed against mine, his tongue invading my mouth. Oh God, he was making me wet . . .
“Ten minutes,” he said, jolting me out of my daydream. Ten minutes, what? Oh, the pizza...
“Okay. Well, we can start the movie now, anyway.”
He settled down in the armchair next to me. God, I can smell his aftershave. That citrus, woody tone mixed with the sweet scent of his sweat. Was it wrong that I just wanted to lean over and sniff him? I giggled, the mental image too funny to resist. He glanced at me, brow creased, and shook his head.
He probably thinks I’m a freak.
I had this strange habit of spontaneously laughing when I was nervous, and nothing made me more nervous than having him as close to me as he was right then. I was sure I was coming across as an immature teenager.
What was I doing, asking him to stay and watch a movie with me? And why had he agreed? Isn’t Rule One of teaching not to associate with your students outside of class? The fact that he was in my living room, his hand inches from mine, made me nervous. Moments ago this had all been a silly crush in my head, but the possibility of this actually going somewhere scared the hell out of me.
In my fantasies, I’d imagined myself taking the lead and seducing him. He’d be unable to resist my charms.
In reality? Fuck, no. There was no way I could ever make a move.
No fucking way. I felt nervous changing positions in my seat, for God’s s
ake. I’d never have the guts to try something . . . would I?
The doorbell rang and I jumped. Dalton chuckled as I pressed Pause.
“You can’t even handle the doorbell. How the hell are you going to handle the scary parts?” he teased, standing up.
I glowered at him as he left the room. A few minutes later he came back in, pizza box in hand, with two cans of soda. I pushed aside the books scattered on the coffee table as he set down the box.
“Here,” he said, tossing me one of the cans.
I caught it. “Thanks,” I said, sitting it on the table next to my half-full glass of Coke.
He opened the lid and presented the box to me. I picked the slice with the most pepperoni.
“I was going to go that one,” he said, narrowing his eyes at me playfully.
“Too bad. You shouldn’t have offered it to me first, then.” I shrugged, shoving it in my mouth.
“Really? I guess that’s what I get for trying to be a gentleman,” he said, his lips breaking into a grin.
I rolled my eyes at him and took another big bite, trying to ignore that beautiful dimple on his cheek that I just wanted to reach out and touch. “Get over it,” I joked, covering my mouth with my hand.
He laughed and reached for a slice. I unpaused the movie and he got right back into it, as though there’d been no interruption.
I paid more attention to him than I did the screen. I figured I could watch the movie again later. Watching him later would be a little more difficult—and creepy.
His eyes were glued to the screen as he shoved pizza into his mouth. I focused again on the fuzzy regrowth around his jaw line. Did he do that purposely, or could he just not be bothered to shave? I think that would be the thing that would annoy me most about being a man—having to shave every freaking day. It was an effort for me to wax once a month.
Downstairs, I had a basic bikini line wax and kept myself nicely trimmed. For the love of God, I couldn’t understand why girls went completely bare. There was no way in hell I’d ever be doing that. I was a wuss when it came to pain.
I cringed. Was I seriously sitting here next to my teacher, thinking about Brazilians and pubic hair? What the hell is wrong with me? God, now I was thinking about what he’d like. I bet all the chicks he had been with were smooth and bare down there . . .
