The Professor

by Kelli Callahan

  “I know. You don’t have to explain―”

  “Please, let me.” Now that the conversation has started, it’s easier to get out. “Jake has been around since I was a kid. He and my father have always been tight. He’s kind of like my uncle so the thought of he and I being anything but family is just... disturbing. He behaved the way he did in his twisted effort to protect me from you.”

  “Why would you need protection from me?”

  Lashes lowering, I study him through them. “He’s convinced you’re only after...sex.”

  “You know that’s not true.”

  “I know and I told him.”

  Relief is apparent in his expression. “Good. So, he’s in on the secret, then?”

  “He won’t tell anyone. I’m sure of it.”

  “Honestly, I don’t care if he does.”

  My eyes fly back to his face. “You should care, Bryce. Your job at the university has to be protected.”

  A small smile lifts his lips. “I’m touched by your concern for me. I don’t get that a lot.”

  Ducking my head, I hope nothing on my face gives away how much I actually care about him. He’s the first man to ever make me feel so... special. “I apologize for Jake’s behavior. He was kind of an asshole about the whole thing.”

  “That doesn’t excuse me for my behavior.”

  “I get it Bryce. If you couldn’t introduce me as at least your friend to anyone, I’d feel that way too. I panicked.”

  Rubbing his chin he nods. “Still, I could have handled the situation better.” He lets out a laugh but it’s hard to detect any humor. “I was just...jealous as fuck.”

  Shocked that he’d admit it, I gape at him.

  “It was a new feeling for me.” He crosses his arms and clears his throat. “I’ve never wanted to punch a stranger over a woman before. The possessiveness and jealousy I felt rattled me. I mean, I’ve known you all of one month…”

  But it feels like we’ve known each other much longer.

  “I’ve never felt so much for someone so quickly. Ever,” he finishes.

  That warms me but I’m still pissed about him and that other woman. “Then how come you’ve moved on so quickly?”

  “What?” He blinks. “Do you mean what you saw in the parking lot? Good God, Abby that was... a misunderstanding.”

  I glare. “I know what I saw.”

  “What you saw was a woman angling for a date. I can’t stop others from being interested. She crossed the line with the touching but I didn’t want to be rude. I turned her down.”

  “You sure are popular with the ladies.” I can’t blame the female population for having the hots for him, though. It isn’t his fault he’s insanely gorgeous.

  His lips twitch and my glare intensifies. Stoking the stubble lining his jaw, he says, a little too smugly, “I like that you’re a little jealous.”

  I’m a lot jealous. “Don’t sound so smug.” His deep chuckle tickles me between my legs. I have to cross them under the counter.

  “Alright, I’m sorry and you’re sorry,” he declares. “Can we move on from this?”

  “You ignored my calls,” I accuse with a scowl.

  “I was angry. I’m sorry about that too.”

  With a haughty air, I sniff. “I too apologize for ignoring your calls after you ignored mine.”

  His lips stretch into a broad smile. “From here on out we discuss things like grown adults. Deal?”

  I lift a brow at eye his extended hand with amusement. “We’re going to shake on it?”

  “Would you prefer we kiss on it? Because we can.”

  I wouldn’t mind that. Swallowing, I place my hand in his, trying to ignore the heat in his eyes as we make the connection. I definitely can’t ignore the heat in the atmosphere. It seems to appear every time we touch. Pulling my hand from his, I pick up my mug to hide my expression.

  “Do you want to talk about what else happened today?”

  “Nothing else happened,” I grumble too quickly.

  His brow quirks. “I told you, you can talk to me, Abby.”

  Shoving my mug aside because what’s left of the hot chocolate is lukewarm, I give him an annoyed look. “It does matter what else happened.”

  “I think it does. You were sitting in a parking lot crying.”

  “If you tell anyone you saw me crying, I’ll…” I’ll what? Bryce waits for me to finish, amusement evident on his face. “Just forget you saw me in that state, okay?”

  “I can’t just forget.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I care. A lot.”

  Defenses slipping, I sigh. I don’t start talking immediately. Instead, I gaze outside. I hear Bryce’s footsteps then feel the heat of his body close to mine. “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.”

  Turning, I’m surprised to find him leaning so close. Our faces are only centimeters apart. “No, I want to tell you. I was gathering my thoughts.” Trying to formulate my words in a way that won’t make me seem like a big cry baby. “It was just... everything.”

  He remains silent.

  “I was miserable about my car not starting because it added to the list of things that were already wrong. My dad, the way things have been since we lost Mom, living in this town, you being mad at me, then seeing you so cozy with someone else. I don’t deal with things the way I should. I have a habit of keeping things locked away until it boils over. That’s what happened tonight. I was keeping too much inside. And you don’t have to tell me, I know that’s not healthy.”

  Bryce watches me intently. I wonder what he’s thinking. “What I was going to say is, you don’t have to go through things alone. I’m here.”

  He always says something to make me melt. “I’m not one to burden anyone with sob stories either. I don’t want nor like pity.”

  “I don’t see you as someone to be pitied. I’d just like to be there for you, if you’d let me.”

  Pulling in a deep breath, I have a sudden urge to share things I wouldn’t normally share. He’s easy to talk to. “Jake showed up after disappearing for months. He offered us money and told me I could cut my hours at the diner and focus on school.”

  “Is that a bad thing? You do have a lot on your plate.”

  “He’s in business with my dad.”

  Realization dawns on his face. “Oh.”

  Embarrassed, I look away. “I shouldn’t even be telling you this.” I never share such sensitive information with anyone.

  He takes my chin between his fingers and forces me to face him. “You can tell me. I’d never judge.”

  Worrying my lip with my teeth, I gaze into his eyes, searching for the truth. I know I don’t have to. He’s been the least judgmental about my family so far. “I told him I didn’t want their money, but he gave it to me anyway. I was adamant about not touching it but now that my car needs to go to the garage, I might have to use it. I feel like a hypocrite.”

  Bryce taps outs a rapid rhythm on the counter. “I’ll pay for the car. Problem solved.”

  “Don’t you dare offer to pay for anything for me.” I scowl. “I don’t want your money.”

  “I didn’t mean anything by it. I just thought I’d offer another solution.”

  “We’ve been on one date―”

  “Technically two.”

  “Whatever. Don’t offer me money,” I hiss. My pride has been altogether ruffled.

  “It’s okay to accept help sometimes.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” I murmur. Jake told me the same thing. “I’ll figure my own way out, thanks.”

  He accepts my response with a sigh. “Okay.”

  Resting my chin on my palm, I gaze at him with a smile. “What?” he asks.

  “It was kind of you to offer. You’re a nice guy.”

  One corner of his mouth twitches but he keeps a straight face. “I try to be. I should be rewarded with a kiss.”

  “Always angling for a kiss.” I grin. His devilish smile is just too much. I lean clos
er without giving him what he wants just to tease him. I like the way I am with Bryce. Playful, relaxed, flirtatious. I’m never those things with anyone else.

  He visibly swallows, eyes fixed on my mouth. “You must be tired. You should get some sleep. You have classes in the morning, right? And you have to get your car to the garage…”

  I snicker and he asks, “Okay, what’s so funny?”

  “You trying your damnedest to be a gentleman is adorable.”

  He scoffs and gives a mock scowl. “Adorable? A man never wants to be described as adorable.”

  “Okay, then. It’s sweet how you have me right here in your house, wearing a robe with absolutely nothing underneath…” I wait for that part to sink in.

  Bryce gulps and pink highlights his cheekbones.

  “And you’re trying hard to be chivalrous. You haven’t even tried to kiss me once. You’re sweet.”

  His nostrils flare a little and his breath comes out as a low hiss. “Nothing sweet about it. It’s sheer torture.”

  Leaning in, mouth hovering close to his, I whisper. “We can put an end to your suffering.”

  “Abby, you don’t know what you’re saying. You’ve had an emotional day.”

  “Doesn’t mean I’m not sure about what I want.”

  Ours gazes clash and his jaw clenches. “You can’t tease me like this and expect me not to want more. I’m just a man.” He sighs.

  He wants more than what happened on my couch. “I want more too. I’m certain I want you to be my first.” I gaze at him, watching the emotions flicker across his face. I’m sure because I can easily fall in love with Bryce. Maybe I’m a little in love with him already...or more than a little.

  I’m almost positive he’s thinking about making my first time special. That’s why he’s fighting the mental battle that’s playing out on his face.

  “I don’t need roses and candles. Just you.” I make sure my voice is steady with certainty.

  Eyes darkened with desire practically caress every angle of my face. Without another word, he gives me what I want. His kiss is more urgent and domineering than the gentle, languid ones he usually gives me. I love it. I love all of his kisses. I could kiss Bryce all night, but my body is demanding more. My skin is practically on fire, making the soft material of the luxurious robe uncomfortable. I’ve never been aroused to this extent before. I’m going to sleep with Bryce. Anticipation curls in my gut.

  He pulls away. His breathing is as unsteady as mine is. “Let’s get to the bedroom before I lose my head and take you right here on the counter.”

  “I won’t mind.”

  Bryce rests his forehead against mine and he groans almost as if he’s in pain. “You’re temptation on legs,” he says. “Next time. Right now, I want to make slow passionate love to you in my bed.”

  The possessiveness in his tone makes me shiver. I like it. A startled gasp escapes me when hoists me off the chair and marches out of the kitchen. I giggle, reveling in being carried. Bryce’s bedroom is huge with only the necessities. There’s a king-sized bed in the center of the room, which he aims for. Depositing me on it, he pulls his shirt over his head before joining me.

  I eagerly open my legs allowing him to settle between them. His mouth finds mine again as I explore his torso with eager fingertips. His cock is straining against his sweatpants and pressing into my center. The friction against my bare flesh excites me further. Reaching for the waistband of his pants, I tug.

  “I can’t wait. Now, Bryce.”

  He snags my wrist, stopping my wayward hand and whispers against my mouth. “I’m doing this properly. I’m going to make you come again, and again.”

  Oh my God. My vaginal muscles clench with anticipation. I might just go up in flames before he even touches me. He makes eye contact and holds my gaze as he eases back to open my robe. I gulp, modesty overriding my lust. I’m going to be fully naked for his viewing. Will I compare to the other bombshells he’s been with? The robe comes off, leaving me lying there, vulnerable and nervous.

  Bryce takes his time, exploring with his eyes. They’re so intense I can virtually feel them caressing my skin. My breathing escalates as I wait for his next move. I watch wide eyed as he slides lower, his mouth moving from my chest to trail kissed down my stomach until he’s on the floor on his knee. I gasp when he grasps my calves and pulls me to him. Realizing his intent, I panic. I try to bring my legs together, but his shoulders are in the way.

  “Wait, you don’t have to do that.”

  He glances up with a frown. “I want to. I’ve fantasized about licking every inch of you for weeks.”

  “You have?” My face is practically on fire.

  “Many times, Abby. Trust me.”

  Taking a deep breath, I allow my muscles to relax. My heart is still pounding, so hard, I fear it might gallop out of my chest though. I gulp as his head, lowers, his eyes still on my face. I can’t look away as he gives my sensitive bud a swipe with his tongue. I almost catapult to the ceiling. His arms clamp around my thighs holding me in place as I’m launched into a world of pleasure I didn’t know existed.

  My body is already quivering so hard I can no longer hold myself up. Falling back, I lift my hips, begging for more. He kisses my lower lips as thoroughly as he does my mouth. His magical tongue slides between my folds, and I let out a cry. I’ve never felt anything like it. I’m officially addicted to Bryce’s mouth. He returns his attention to my clit and sends me over the edge with a little more teasing. I feel like I’m shattering into a million pieces and it feels amazing. His name rolls off my tongues in a series of gasps and moans.

  “I knew you’d be delicious.”

  I lift my head to gawk as he laps up my juices. The sight almost makes me erupt again. I haven’t quite recovered yet and my tongue is still tied. When he asks, “Did you enjoy it?” I can only nod.

  Wearing a sly smirk, he kisses the inside of one thigh. “I can devour you all night, sweet Abby.”

  His words make me quiver and moan. Finally finding my tongue, I whisper, “I didn’t know it could be so good.”

  Eyes jumping to my face, he asks, “So, I’ll be your first for everything?”

  Swallowing, I nod. Male satisfaction dances across his face, and I almost roll my eyes. If it were anyone else, I probably wouldn’t have appreciated the territorial air. But with Bryce, I don’t mind being his. He stands up to take his pants off and I gulp down my rising anxiety. My eyes are glued to his rigid, swollen cock. I almost snort. Of course, he’d be perfect in every way. His body is like a work of art―that of an athlete instead of an economics professor.

  “Are you okay? We can stop if you want.” His voice is strained as if the words were hard to get out.

  “I don’t want to stop.”

  His shoulders relax with his sigh. Fire consumes my face when he walks to his nightstand to take out a foil packet. I hadn’t even thought of protection. I’m entranced by his every movement as he sheathes himself.

  He pulls me to him and practically purrs, “Are you ready for me, Abby?”

  I am ready...and nervous. He must sense my anxiety because he gently brushes my cheek with a finger. “We’ll go slow.”

  So this is it. I’m finally losing my v-card. There’s no one else I’d rather have my first experience with. His fingers slide between my thighs, teasing my opening before diving in. My fingers dig into his biceps at the delicious invasion, as I moan. I thought we’d get right to it but he’s using his skilled fingers, once again taking me to incredible heights. He strokes a spot inside of me that sends jolts of electricity through my core. In no time my toes curl and tingle and fire spreads through me.

  “Bryce. How are you so good at this?” I pant and quiver.

  His answer is a smirk. I guess I don’t really want to know. I’m pretty sure it involves other women.

  “Now, you’re really ready for me,” he notes, gazing at his fingers, slick with my juices before sucking them into his mouth and licking them clea
n.

  I’ve barely recovered from two intense orgasms when he positions himself between my thighs. Slowly, he pushes his cock into me. His invasion is uncomfortable at first, and I hold on to him tightly. The beads of sweat on his forehead show his incredible effort to control himself. I fall in love with him a little more for that.

  Stroking his jaw, I tell him, “I’m okay now, you don’t have to hold back anymore.”

  His gaze holds me captive. “Are you sure?”

  In response, I lift my hips and wrap my legs higher around his waist taking him deeper. He groans. “So this is what heaven feels like.”

  My giggle turns into a moan when he begins to move. The discomfort turns into unspeakable pleasure and soon I’m rising to meet his thrusts. He kisses me, swallowing my cries and gasps. My palms caress his back, feeling his muscles bunch with each movement. My body feels hypersensitive and every sensation is almost overwhelming, even the friction of his skin against mine.

  My scream as I shatter around him yet again is muffled between his neck and shoulders. It’s more intense than the first and second. I can’t stop shuddering. The best experience, however, is feeling his powerful frame quake from his release. Knowing that my body has brought him pleasure. We hold on to each other, still connected, both shaking and breathless.

  “I’m addicted to you, Abby,” he says.

  I smile, loving that he never holds back what he’s feeling. I, on the other hand, am too overwhelmed to even speak. I can’t express myself as freely as he can. So, I hold on to him tighter. He moves to lift himself, and I protest.

  “Don’t go.”

  “I’m twice your size. I must be crushing you.”

  “I don’t care.” Too many emotions have swamped me, and I just want to hold on to him. I hope he doesn’t think I’m the clingy type.

  The vibration of his chuckle feels good against my breasts. He rolls us over so that I’m on top. “Better?”

  I nod, my face still buried in the crook of his neck.

  “Abby, are you okay?”