The Carol Wyatt Collection

by Carol Wyatt

  Jackie glanced over at the bar, planning her escape. She drank the rest of her wine and was just about to excuse herself when her eyes fell on a woman, who looked a lot like Cam, waiting to be served.

  But what would she be doing here?

  Jackie hadn’t seen Kayla, so she didn’t come with her. She tore her eyes away to finally excuse herself from the conversation.

  She weaved through the tables and groups of people chatting until she got to the bar. Cam had her back to her and Jackie took the opportunity to look her up and down. She looked amazing in all black.

  “Hey…”

  “Jackie?” Cam asked as she turned around. “Hi.”

  “How are you?”

  “Good thanks. You?”

  “I’m alright. Not nearly drunk enough for this,” Jackie said, lifting up her empty wine glass.

  “And what’s that?”

  “It’s Linda’s fiftieth.”

  “She’s fifty?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Wow,” Cam said, leaning back against the bar, folding her arms across her chest.

  Jackie had trouble focusing on the conversation. Cam’s mocha colored eyes were almost hypnotizing, the golden flecks sparkling under the light of the chandeliers.

  “What about you?” Jackie asked, subconsciously licking her lips. “What are you doing here?”

  “I volunteer at an LGBTQ youth group. Tonight’s our Christmas party. We’re down the hall in the next function room.”

  Jackie nodded. “That’s nice,” she said with a warm smile, holding Cam’s gaze.

  “You look amazing,” Cam said softly, her eyes daringly passing over Jackie’s emerald green dress that clung to her curves.

  Jackie loved that dress. She knew it brought out her eyes and she’d paired it with gold jewelry and black heels tonight.

  “Thank you. I um…”

  Jackie sighed softly. She knew what she wanted to say she just… She couldn’t say it. She’d made up her mind. There was no point pursuing this.

  “What?”

  “Nothing,” Jackie said quickly. “Never mind.”

  The bartender came over to them. “Here’s you ice,” he said to Cam. “Will I carry it down for you?”

  “Yes,” Cam said. “Please.” She turned back to Jackie. “I should probably get back.”

  “Of course. Enjoy your night.”

  “You too.”

  Jackie watched her leave, loving the way her silky hair swept across her shoulders in lose waves. She looked stunning.

  I might as well order a drink while I’m here and I think it needs to be something stronger than wine.

  “Can I get a whiskey on the rocks, please?”

  “Who was that?”

  “Jesus,” Jackie breathed, her hand moving to her chest. “Linda, you scared the shit out of me.”

  “I thought it looked a lot like that girl that came to one of our practices… I can’t remember her name though.”

  “Cam.”

  “Right…” Linda pushed a lock of her blond hair behind her ear. “I know that look, Jackie.”

  “There’s nothing going on,” Jackie said a little too defensively.

  “Why not? She’s gorgeous. Young… But gorgeous.”

  “She’s in one of my classes.”

  “Ah,” Linda said as she took a drink. “Wouldn’t want to repeat that mistake again…”

  “Is that how you think of our affair? That it was a mistake?”

  “No… Not at all. I don’t,” Linda said, pressing her hand into her chest. “I thought you might of.”

  Jackie sighed and paid the bartender as he passed her drink across the counter. She took a much-needed drink.

  “It probably wasn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done but I don’t regret it,” Jackie said as she turned to face Linda. “Besides, it was a lifetime ago.”

  “We were reckless… I was your lecturer and I was married. I had a lot at stake.”

  “So, you’re advising against me going there?”

  “Yes… As would any other intelligent person. You have everything to lose and she has everything to gain. What’s at stake for her? Nothing… It can’t end well.”

  “I know…”

  Chapter 21

  Cam had tried to enjoy herself when she got back to the party, but she couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that Jackie was in the next room looking absolutely drop dead gorgeous. She looked amazing in that emerald green dress.

  Jackie still wanted her. She could see it in her eyes. Cam was certain of it, but she didn’t think that changed anything. Jackie was terrified of getting caught. The way she reacted to finding out that Cam was her student said a lot about their future.

  It just wasn’t going to happen, and Cam had to get that into her head. She needed to stop daydreaming about her, thinking that there was still some chance that they would get together.

  The only good thing was that this party would be finishing up soon and the one next door would continue on into the night. Cam could wander back over there if she was feeling adventurous, but she knew that she shouldn’t.

  “Hey, Kayla,” Cam said as she walked over to stand beside her. “Did you know that Linda’s birthday party was on next door?”

  “Yeah. I’m heading over there once everyone’s gone home. I didn’t think to mention it to you. Sorry.”

  “It’s okay. Why would you? I only met her once.”

  “Feel free to join me thought if you want. She wouldn’t mind,” Kayla said as she waved goodbye to a sharply dressed boy.

  “You know, what? I think I will,” Cam said, hoping that she wouldn’t regret that decision.

  The DJ had just played his last song and most of the teenagers were saying goodbye and making their way out the door.

  Cam debated the decision she’d just made as she watched Kayla saying goodbye to a few more people.

  What exactly do I think is going to happen? Jackie’s not going to cross that line… I’m just going to torture myself. Maybe I shouldn’t go…

  “Alright,” Kayla said as the last couple left. “That was a great night… But now I need a drink. Are you coming?”

  They left the function room and strolled down the hall. They could hear the music coming from Linda’s party.

  “Yeah,” Cam said as she walked beside her. “I’m just going to freshen up first.”

  “Okay. See you in there.”

  Cam took a deep breath to try and calm her nerves as she pushed open the bathroom door. There were four stalls along the wall on the right-hand side, all empty.

  Cam stood in front of the mirror, her hands gripping the edge of the white marble counter top as she stared at her reflection. Her makeup held up okay even though it was after midnight. She didn’t normally wear lipstick but the burgundy shade she had on now gave her a boost of confidence and she thought it made her look a few years older.

  Cam still wasn’t sure if she should go into Linda’s party. She couldn’t really throw herself at Jackie again no matter how much she thought that those feelings were mutual.

  She had to respect Jackie’s position. She had a lot more to worry about than Cam did. Jackie made it clear that she can’t cross that line and date a student.

  There’s no point in going in there. Jackie was too tempting, and Cam knew that if they kissed again, things would escalate.

  I’ll just go in and find Kayla, tell her I’m going home.

  Cam pushed herself away from the counter and reached for the handle on the door, pulling it towards her. She needed to leave before she changed her mind again.

  Jackie nearly fell on top of her as Cam opened the door. Cam’s hands flew to Jackie’s waist, keeping her upright. Jackie’s hands were gripping her shoulders trying to keep herself from falling.

  “Cam, I’m so sorry,” Jackie said, her hands still on Cam’s shoulders.

  Cam’s hands were remained on Jackie’s waist as she stared into her gorgeous green eyes. It was as i
f time had stopped and they’d stepped into a world of their own, one where there were no consequences for their actions.

  Cam didn’t move her hands and Jackie’s slid up from Cam’s shoulders to cup her neck.

  Cam licked her lips. The desire that was reflected in Jackie’s eyes meant only one thing.

  Jackie’s eyes fluttered shut as she leaned in, her lips crashing into Cam’s as she cupped her neck. The desperation in that kiss made Cam’s knees weak. This wasn’t one sided.

  Cam pulled her closer, her hand sliding up Jackie’s back to where the v of her dress revealed her silky-smooth skin.

  Cam’s lips parted against hers and when her tongue brushed across Jackie’s, she moaned as Cam kissed her harder, knowing that at any second this moment could come to an end.

  Cam tried to savor it, to remember the way Jackie’s lips felt against hers and the way Jackie’s hands caressed her neck, moving through her thick auburn hair at the nape of her neck as their tongues danced.

  Jackie’s hands slid away from Cam as Jackie broke the kiss. Cam’s eyes searched hers, waiting for those dreaded words.

  We have to stop. That shouldn’t have happened. I have to go…

  But Jackie didn’t say anything. She gripped Cam’s hips, pushing her back a few steps until she was pressed against the edge of the counter.

  Cam’s palms were flat against the marble counter top as she lifted herself onto it, sitting with her legs spread just enough for Jackie to stand in between them.

  Cam’s hand slid up to Jackie’s cheek, her thumb caressing her soft skin as she pulled her into a searing kiss. Jackie’s lips parted against hers, her tongue eagerly seeking out Cam’s, swirling around, making Cam hungry for more.

  Jackie’s hands roamed across Cam, one returning to her neck, her thumb running across her jaw line as they kissed, while the other slipped under her teal tank top, gliding across her skin and sending a shiver through Cam’s body.

  Cam leaned forward, their kisses becoming more and more heated. She was desperate for more than just Jackie’s lips though. She wanted to grab Jackie’s hand and press it into the heat that was radiating from her sex.

  Cam wanted Jackie to push her thigh against her, to slowly grind out her pleasure but she also didn’t want their first time together to be in a hotel restroom.

  And what had gotten into Jackie? Down the hall was a room full of her peers and Jackie didn’t seem to care that at any second one of them could walk in here.

  When Jackie’s hand slid further up her ribcage to cup her breast through her bra, pinching her nipple through the lacy fabric, Cam forgot all about those things. It didn’t matter. Not now.

  Cam moaned into Jackie’s mouth as she moved to her other breast. She was drenched. Every time Jackie had kissed her, she’d become so easily aroused and tonight was no different.

  Cam wanted nothing more than to reach up to the nape of Jackie’s neck and unzip her dress, slowly sliding the zipper down, pushing the green fabric off her shoulders and down her back until she could step out of the dress.

  She wanted to run her hands across Jackie’s bare skin, to feel her shiver under her touch.

  Cam’s hand moved to the back of Jackie’s head as they continued to kiss, her fingers weaving through Jackie’s silky black hair, their lips fitting together so easily.

  Jackie broke their kiss with a deep breath, running a hand through her hair as she met Cam’s eyes. They were both out of breath.

  “This is crazy,” Jackie said with a smile, her cheeks flushed.

  “It is.”

  “I’ve never wanted anyone like this…”

  “I don’t want to pressure you into this,” Cam said, seeing Jackie’s face change as she realized what she was suggesting, what it would mean if they actually did this. She got off the counter top to stand in front of her. “I know what’s at stake for you…”

  “You’re not. This is me… Come back to mine,” Jackie said, holding her gaze. “I’m only ten minutes away.”

  “We probably shouldn’t be seen leaving together.”

  “Right… I’ll text you my address. I’ll just say my goodbyes and then I’ll be on my way.”

  “I better find Kayla too, and tell her I’m leaving.”

  “I’ll see you at my place, okay?”

  Jackie leaned in for a quick kiss that nearly became heated again when Cam’s tongue grazed across Jackie’s.

  Cam pulled away, her lips moving into a smile. “I’ll see you there.”

  Jackie returned her smile. “Don’t be long,” she said before she turned to leave.

  Cam stayed where she was, leaning against the counter top, almost frozen in place.

  Did that just happen?

  It was something that she couldn’t have even dreamt up. She’d just been trying to convince herself that nothing was going to happen with Jackie again and then she practically jumped on top of her.

  Her phone buzzed a few seconds later with Jackie’s address and Cam ran a hand through her hair as she checked her reflection. She reapplied her lipstick and then left the restroom to go find Kayla.

  Chapter 22

  Jackie climbed the wooden steps leading up to her porch and unlocked her front door, shrugging off her coat and scarf as she closed it behind her. She’d gotten home before Cam.

  Jackie went over to the fireplace and threw a match onto the fire, glad that she’d thought to set it up this morning.

  At least she didn’t have to worry about her house being clean. It always was. Jackie kicked off her heels and carried them down to her bedroom.

  She flicked the light switch as she padded across the wooden floors of her bedroom, leaving her heels in her walk-in closet, and heading into her bathroom.

  Despite it being almost one in the morning, her makeup still looked good. She reapplied her lipstick, trying not to smile when she thought about why she needed to.

  Cam would be here any minute. Jackie had tried to leave the party for more than ten minutes, but she’d been held up. She felt like everyone in the room had come over to her to say ‘Goodnight.’

  Am I really doing this?

  Jackie stared at her reflection as she tossed her lipstick back in her bag and left it on the counter. She was tipsy but not drunk. If this happened, she was in control. She would know what she was doing.

  She was thirty-five years old and debating sleeping with her twenty-one-year-old student. That was what it would look like in the newspapers. That would be the headline if they got caught.

  Jackie went through her the school’s registration log to find Cam’s info when she realized she was Cameron Lucas and one of her students. She had to know how old she was. Maybe it was only a ten-year age gap? But no… It was fourteen.

  Would I really get into trouble if we got caught though? Max Fields doesn’t seem too concerned… But she’s still my student and that has to be a conflict of interest even if we are both adults.

  It wasn’t that simple though. They’d met before she was Cam’s professor. She’d gone weeks without realizing that Cam was one of the two-hundred and fifty-six students in her behavioral psychology class.

  Cam was also unlike any twenty-one-year-old that she’d ever met. She was more mature than some of her friends that were her age and the chemistry was undeniable.

  The doorbell rang, and Jackie took a deep breath. This was it. If she didn’t want this to happen, she had to decide now before she saw Cam and she wouldn’t be able to think straight.

  She padded across the wooden floors in her bare feet.

  Was this how Linda felt? Had she debated the situation to death or had she just jumped into it without worrying about the consequences?

  At least I’m single and not married like she was. If Linda got away with it, why can’t I?

  Chapter 23

  Cam paid the taxi driver and got out in front of a massive house. She doubled checked the address that Jackie had texted her and glanced over at the number on the mailbox. />
  Yes… This is her place. Wow…

  Last week’s snowfall still covered the ground and she wrapped her scarf a little tighter around her neck as she walked up the driveway, careful not to slip on the slick surface.