Cammie Healy (Mitchell/ Healy #8)

by Jennifer Foor

  I’d no sooner sat down at his desk and began rummaging through his belongings when I spotted the picture on his desk. The woman, a blonde looking to be in her forties, was sitting in a chair. Professor Willis was behind her, and on either side of them were two kids looking to be my age or maybe a bit younger. They seemed happy, like the kind of family you see on the stock photos when you buy a new picture frame. I wondered if they had secrets, or if they were genuinely kind people.

  Coming from an extremely close-knit family, I often looked for the good in people, valuing when they flaunted their closeness with their kin. Call me a romantic, but I wanted to think happiness could be found by looking deep into a person’s soul, where memories of happy times were all that could be reached.

  After examining the photograph for far too long, I flipped through his student book, finding my name easily since they were arranged alphabetically. For some reason, my name had been highlighted. Before I could look further, I heard the door creaking open. Professor Willis stood with his hands in his pockets, jingling some change around.

  I stood up, knowing I’d been caught red-handed. There wasn’t a chance in hell I could talk my way out of this situation. With guilt written all over my face, I closed my eyes and waited for him to scorn me or retract his decision to give me a second chance.

  “Miss Healy, was there something you were looking for?”

  I bit down on my lip preparing to reveal the truth. It almost hurt to speak. “I was snooping. I know it was inappropriate.” I started to walk over and gather my things, only to have him come up behind me and take my bag.

  “Next time you’d like to know something about me, just ask.” He was almost saying it like it amused him.

  I sunk back down on the sofa and covered my face with my hands. “I’m sorry. I feel like such an idiot.”

  I felt the cushion moving next to me and knew he was there. The scent of his cologne caught my attention. I recognized it as the way his classroom always smelled. He’d showered, and I couldn’t deny how pleasing the aromatic fragrance was to take in. “I would have done the same thing.”

  I finally gathered enough courage to peer in his direction. His dark eyes were staring right into mine. I wouldn’t call it uncomfortable. I certainly didn’t feel threatened, but something about this moment stood out. Maybe I should have read more into it. At the time I saw it as a peace offering. He was trying to reassure me we were still on good terms and nothing had changed. When his hand came over and patted the back of mine I didn’t pull away. “I meant what I said. If you want to know something, just ask.”

  I waited for him to stand before letting a question escape my lips. “My name. It’s highlighted. How come?”

  He sighed, replacing his smile with an inquisitive grimace. “Because you are special. I looked forward to having you in my class.”

  With that being announced, I turned my attention back to my books instead of letting him see how his words had gotten to me. Once again, I didn’t feel uncomfortable, just overwhelmed with flattery. I’d worked my ass off for the grades and accomplishments I’d managed. For him to acknowledge them was gratifying.

  “I’m sorry again. I’m embarrassed. I was taught to be respectful. If I were home with my family I’d be reprimanded for my actions.”

  “Your parents sound like they know how to raise a child right. Nowadays, kids are left unattended. They get into trouble because they aren’t taught to mind their manners.”

  “Well, I’m no longer a child, but I think my parents would appreciate what you’re saying. They’re old school. If we were bad we got a belt across our butts. Trust me, a farmer’s belt isn’t thin. It made us want to be good, at least me for that matter. My brother and one of my sisters caused enough mischief.”

  He smirked and shook his head. “Of course there would be more of you.”

  “Is that supposed to mean something?”

  “No.” He changed the subject. “I forgot my book and stopped by to gather it. Like I said before, stay as long as you like.” I watched as he headed to the desk, locking the top drawer with a key, before snatching up his student book and sticking it under his arm.

  When he left the second time I promised to stay away and avoid his belongings at all costs.

  Several hours later I’d made myself comfortable on the couch, extending my legs the length of the furniture while holding the book above my head. I could feel myself dozing off, and against my better judgment, decided to let it happen.

  That’s when I heard the door opening. It was obvious nightfall was upon us. The room was almost pitch black with the exception of the exit sign lit up above the door. Since I’d made a fool out of myself earlier, I decided to save face and pretend I was sound asleep, instead of having to hold a conversation with Professor Willis again so soon.

  His footsteps got closer to my body, and then there was only silence. Just before I opened them to see what the hell was going on, I felt his hand brushing some hair away from my face. He was close, and I’d become scatterbrained as to what to do. Should I scream? Jump up and kick him where the sun didn’t shine? Or did I keep pretending I was resting comfortably, because his gentle hands still seemed so kind.

  His whisper was air-filled and low-pitched. “You’re just as beautiful when you sleep. You make me want bad things. If only I could fuck you.”

  My eyes flew open. My sexy teacher, the one who I’d thought was being overgenerous had just revealed the real reason he was helping me. When he noticed I’d heard his confession he stepped back, running his hands through his dark hair. “I thought…”

  I cut him off. “You’re married.” I began packing my books in my bag. “I’m not the kind of girl who accepts offers from…”

  “I would never…”

  I stopped him again, this time putting my palm up. “Don’t even say it. You’ve flattered me enough for one day. I think it’s best if I go now.” I took off the lanyard and placed it in his hand. “I won’t be needing this, Professor Willis. Thank you for the offer, but I think it’s best if I find somewhere else to study.”

  He took my arm as I spun to head out the door. “Miss Healy, please. I’ve never come onto a student before. What I said was inappropriate, but I wasn’t implying I wanted to act on it. Surely you can appreciate that there are other beautiful people in the world. I was just offering my opinion. I know I haven’t been the only man to say it.”

  His eyes were worried with fear. They were blue, and even in the dark room I could see them peering into my soul, or at least trying to. Being close enough to the door, I flipped on the light switch, watching his pupils retract. We were a couple feet apart, and I couldn’t deny how attractive he was, even if he was many years my senior. This situation hadn’t been premeditated, not for me. I hadn’t seen it coming. I don’t know if I wanted to. “You’re a married man,” I repeated.

  “I think you’re putting too much into what I said. I have no interest in getting involved with one of my students. Simply assuming something like that could be catastrophic for my career. There’s nothing wrong with being attracted to someone. Don’t assume.”

  Was I? Was his comment only a sweet gesture from a man who enjoyed beautiful things? He’d mentioned fucking me. That’s not exactly romantic. If it were the case, how was I supposed to respond? Did I thank him for comparing me to other beautiful people in the world? Was it enough to get this bent out of shape about?

  “I need to leave. I’m clearly not awake enough to handle this properly.”

  He followed behind me, taking my arm and putting the lanyard back in my hand. “The office is yours whenever you need it. I apologize for making you uncomfortable. It wasn’t my intention and I suppose it could be construed as inappropriate.”

  “I accept your apology. It caught me off guard.” I was still shaking, grasping at everything that had transpired in the few moments he’d been back in the room.

  Then our eyes locked again, and the connection was undeniable. Our
mutual attraction left me vulnerable. I had to get away from this man, because like it or not, I could see myself wanting him, and that couldn’t happen.

  Chapter 3

  Three days. That’s how long I steered clear of Professor Willis. His words kept repeating in my mind. ‘If only I could fuck you.’ It gave me chills each time I thought about it.

  Facing him was going to be difficult, so I waited until it was necessary to be in his presence. It was the next time I had his class. The moment I stepped inside, a good ten minutes early, and saw him standing up front I knew there was no turning back. He’d already locked his gaze on me. I was a goner. With one hand I watched his finger motion for me to join him. Thinking I was safe with peers coming into the room, I slowly made my way to where he stood.

  “Miss Healy. I was wondering if I’d be seeing you today.” Was he? Had he been rethinking his comment and regretting it was ever made?

  “I wouldn’t miss a class because of a misunderstanding. I think I’ve made it quite clear how much my studies mean to me.”

  “That’s true. I wanted to make sure we were on good terms since I’ll be needing your assistance after class today. Can you meet me in my office around six? I’ll order us a pizza while we work.”

  He expected me to be alone with him. Those words echoed in my head. He’d thought I was asleep and confessed his desire to bed me. I didn’t know how to grasp it. Was it normal for a man to be so blunt? I’d never been spoken to in that manner.

  Even though I was worried, I had a feeling he wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Besides, I could always leave if I felt uncomfortable. This was my teacher. He said it himself. He had no intentions of touching me. “Okay.”

  “Good. Make sure you’re on time. I have a lot of material to get through.”

  When I took my seat I felt as if the other night had been a mistake. I’d read way too much into his statement and took it personal, when it was only meant to be a compliment I wasn’t even supposed to overhear. Feeling like a fool, I focused on the lesson and went about the rest of my afternoon as if it never occurred.

  When six in the evening came around I entered the faculty building and found his light already on in his office. I knocked twice before letting myself in. “Hi.”

  “You’re just in time to get to work. Pull up a chair, Miss Healy.”

  I took a chair from the opposite side of the desk and scooted closer so we were facing each other. “Do I need a notepad to write down instructions?”

  “No. You’ll be logging in grades, while I go through each remaining exam. I’m a little behind this week and can use the extra hand.”

  We sat across from one another, every once in a while having small meaningless conversations to pass the time. He spoke about his son, Craig and daughter, Renee. The boy was a senior in high school, while his daughter was in her second year of college. When he spoke of them I felt as if he saw me as a child; someone he was old enough to raise. I tried not to notice his extra long gazes, or the fact that I could talk about the most boring thing and he’d want to know more.

  When the stack of papers was finished I assumed we’d call it a night. He leaned back in his chair and stretched. “I’m starving. I suppose only one question remains.”

  “What’s that?” I had no idea what he was talking about.

  “What do you like on your pizza?” I was thankful it wasn’t about sex. For some reason I couldn’t shake the feeling he had ulterior motives for asking me to help him.

  Maybe if I would have said little tiny fish, or the smelliest cheese known to man I could have avoided what fate had in store for me. Instead I answered honestly, sealing that fate and throwing away the key. “Extra meat. I’m a carnivore.”

  The smile on his face said it all. We’d gone from business to casual that quick, and for reasons that evade me, I wanted to know more about the side of him other students weren’t privy to. What drew me to him was still unknown, but clearly I was determined to get inside of his suave head no matter the cost.

  Chapter 4

  A six-pack of beer, and one large pie was all it took for intrigue to become something I couldn’t control. We’d been chatting about life, him talking about when he was my age, me going on and on about my huge extended family which span throughout two states. I told him about high school, my achievements, and finally my aspirations. He listened to me. Really listened. No one I knew ever wanted to hear about medical school, or the hard work I’d done to make it there. I’d always been the boring girl, but not to this man. He was interested in me, all of me. Every. Single. Part.

  One minute he was passing a slice of pizza, and the next our fingers were brushing, little signs of my physical attraction to him being revealed by the second.

  I swore I didn’t want this. I couldn’t. It wasn’t right.

  Like jolts of electricity, I was taken back by my inability to rationalize how wrong it would be to play these kind of dangerous games. I wasn’t a fool. At any time I could have gotten up and walked away. He never held a gun to my head or promised me the world, at least not at first.

  His smile was inviting, and when I said something witty he’d bite his lip with those bright white teeth. His words were well thought. He knew just what to say to keep me interested. “Tell me, where does your boyfriend think you are right now?”

  I giggled, almost choking on my last bite. “There is no boyfriend. I don’t have time for that kind of nonsense in my life. If you haven’t noticed, I’ve got too much going on as it is.”

  He smiled, but kept his gaze focused on me. He was trying to read me, and I didn’t like what it could result in. “I’d hardly think a woman as beautiful as you would turn away the affections of a proper suitor.”

  “Well that just shows what little you know about me, Professor Willis.”

  “I suppose you’re right. It’s unfortunate, if you ask me. Nothing is more important than having someone to share your life with. This time of yours should be the important ones.”

  “It’s my choice. Besides, I haven’t met someone worth my time yet.”

  My comment rendered him speechless for a few moments. Finally, when it was clear we were done eating, he stood to clean up the box. “From now on I want you to call me James. Professor Willis seems too formal. If we’re going to be working together I’d rather us be on a first name basis.”

  “Then I suppose you should call me Cammie, since it’s obviously my name,” I stumbled.

  He clapped his hands together and rubbed them. “Now that we’ve cleared that up, is there anything else you’d like to ask me? You’ve told me about yourself, but asked nothing of me.”

  I shook my head. Asking personal details was something that would come with time. I didn’t want to seem like I was prying, especially after he’d already hinted about so much. “I don’t know. Are you always this nice to your students? Am I the first one you’ve helped this way?” I wanted to ask about hitting on me, but figured it wasn’t the right situation.

  The look on his face was priceless. I could tell it wasn’t the question he was hoping I’d asked. Then he decided to throw himself out there to see if I’d take the bait. “Tell me, Cammie, am I the first teacher you’ve been attracted to or have there been others?”

  He was cocky. This man knew he had suave.

  His question was blatant, uncalled for, out of line, but also right on the mark. I sat there flabbergasted, wondering how the hell I was supposed to respond. “I beg your pardon? Are you answering my question with another?”

  He leaned forward, breaking the distance between us. “Let’s be honest here. I see the way you look at me. I went out on a limb the first night I brought you to this office. It’s not something I’m used to doing. I steer clear of personal relationships with my students. You were an exception. What I said to you was a test. I needed to know how you’d react, and if you’d still want to be alone with me. I can’t figure you out. What is it about you that draws me in? Why do I feel weak when y
ou’re near me?”

  “I’d hardly consider that a test. You said I misunderstood, and as far as your problems, well they aren’t my concern. You are insane if you think I’d have a relationship with my teacher. I really need to get out of here.” My palms were sweaty, my knees shaking so bad I feared falling on the floor beneath me. This situation had gotten out of control quick. My teacher was coming onto me, and it was taking all of my willpower to reject his offers.

  His eyebrow cocked. “You didn’t misunderstand anything. Ever since I saw you walk into my classroom I knew you were the sexiest woman I’d ever laid eyes on. I knew a man like me was out of your league. I’m married. My reputation proceeds me. As much as I would have liked to get to know more about you, it wasn’t appropriate. Then you failed the exam. Your cry for help led you here. I tried playing the nice guy, but being around you makes me want to break the rules. So my only question is, am I the first?”

  I blushed and looked away, refusing to give him credit for reading me so well. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. There’s nothing between us.”

  “Only one other woman has ever looked at me the way you have, and the other has my last name. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m being as discreet as possible.”

  I gathered my things much like the first time I’d been in this situation. “Look, I don’t know who you think you are, but you don’t know me. I don’t get involved with married men, especially my teachers, so if you’ll excuse me, I think we’re done here.”

  I made it halfway to the door before I heard that deep voice addressing the elephant in the room. “I wouldn’t have brought you here if I didn’t feel the same way, Cammie. If you decide to stay I’ll keep my hands to myself. I’m not a pervert. There’s a lot about me you don’t know. Stay and let me prove it to you.”